“Mr. White,” the young doctor said, holding a card in his hand. “I am sorry to inform you, but it’s almost certain you will have Alzheimer's disease based on all the tests we have run and your family history.”

Arthur's heart sank into his stomach, and he felt a wave of despair and nausea wash over him. This was the moment he had dreaded for years, ever since he saw his grandmother and then his mother taken by this ugly disease.

Before he could gather his thoughts, the doctor continued. “Good news is, we discovered this early. We can monitor your health, we can monitor if the symptoms show up, and who knows once they do, maybe we will have discovered the cure or a better treatment by then.”

Arthur couldn't believe it. Alzheimer's disease had haunted his family for generations, and now it was coming for him. “How long do you think before the symptoms show up? And how long do I have after they do?” he asked, his voice betraying a sense of defeat.

“It’s hard to say, but you should be fine for an extended period of time,” the doctor said. “We will schedule yearly appointments to monitor the progression and your health, and we will do everything in our power to help you, Mr. White.”

Arthur nodded, feeling numb, and got up from his chair without even saying goodbye. His driver was waiting for him at the exit. “Take me straight home,” Arthur said.

“Yes, sir,” his driver said, and they were on their way.

Once home, Arthur sat in his room, lost in thought. In his life, he had amassed insane wealth and provided for his extended family. They could live for centuries more on the wealth he had at hand at this moment. But he feared his own mortality, feeling like there was a curse on his family. His father died when he was just a kid, his mother and grandmother died of Alzheimer's in their early sixties, and he had lost a sister in a freak accident when they were teenagers.

All of that prompted him to invest large amounts of money in various medical research fields and take several check-ups each year. He was not willing to admit to himself or his wife, but that was also a reason they had no children even though they had been married for five years and together for almost ten. He hid behind the curtain of work and other obligations, but his wife knew the true reason.

Lana entered the room as soon as she came home. One look at his face was enough for her to know what was going on, and without saying a word, she opened the antique wooden showcase and took out his favorite cognac. She took two glasses and poured them each almost half the glass. “Thank you, my love,” Arthur said and kissed her hand.

She nodded and set in the chair next to him. They sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, and Lana let him take his time before he spoke.

“What now?” he asked, his voice full of pain and uncertainty.

“Nothing changes, my love,” she said softly. “We continue to live our life to the fullest. You can't outsmart life, my love, don't go down this road. We have each other and will live as long as God gives us time.” She took his hand and held it with both of hers. “Remember what you always say, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade'.”

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Arthur managed a small smile, grateful for her comforting presence. But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling of despair and hopelessness that had taken hold of him.

As Lana touched her cross, Arthur's mind drifted to a scene that had popped into his head, a scene of meeting a man, a lunatic he thought, years ago when he visited one of the research facilities in Europe. That man spoke of Gods, Angels, Demons, and immortality, he even mentioned his dead Grandmother and the stories she told him of Angels coming down to earth when he was just a kid.

The man was frantic when they met and Arthur’s security quickly took him away, but before they did that he handed him a folder with his research and the evidence he claimed he had. Arthur remembered having his team check the men up and the background coming clean, he was a history professor from Romania with no prior criminal charges, no known mental health problems, and nothing to point out that the man was insane.

At the time his curiosity peaked and he quickly went over the files but left it aside for more important and impeding work. Arthur waited for his wife to go to bed, kissing her goodnight, and once she was well he opened a drawer containing the folder and started reading thoroughly.

*******

Present Day, Ava’s Ranch

Marcus watched in disbelief as his former employer stood on the podium addressing the public with radiating confidence and a smug smile on his face.

“Ladies and Gentleman,” Mr. White started the press conference. “Our world has been turned upside down fifteen years ago, and we blindly followed the instructions of the creatures we think are the Angels from our religion.” He made a short pause, looking straight at the camera. Marcus felt like the look was meant for him, but in reality, it was a look meant to make Mr. White look more sympathetic toward the crowd he was addressing.

“My team had been working tirelessly since that day to uncover the truth, and a few weeks back, we finally did,” he continued. “I know what I say next might sound insane, but trust me, it’s the truth, and I will provide evidence for everyone to see.” He paused to build tension before he continued. “We have translated the symbols that we all have on our foreheads, and they mean,” he made another pause and slowly bowed his head before continuing. “Do not harvest, not fit for consumption.”

The murmurs and shuffling of the reporters could be heard over the TV as Marcus and the team watched in disbelief.

“What is he aiming at?” Warren asked, breaking the tension in the room.

“I have no idea,” Marcus replied, and Mr. White continued his press conference.

“Calm down, everyone, please calm down. There is more,” Arthur said, waiting for the commotion to die down before continuing. “These creatures we call Angels are not who we thought they were. I know, I myself feel betrayed. We still don’t know what happened to our loved ones that were taken after the rapture, but we can only assume the worst, unfortunately.” The commotion started again, and Mr. White put his hand up to silence the crowd.

“But, we might have found a solution.” He continued. “As we researched the meaning of the symbol, we stumbled upon clues that they have imprisoned a figure and his brothers and sisters in order to hide the truth from humanity. That figure’s name is Samael,” Arthur said and the commotion became louder. “I know, I know, that was my original reaction as well,” He said with a sympathetic look. “But Samael is not the Devil, that’s the story those creatures gave us in order to hide their true nature. Let me introduce you to our possible savior,” Arthur said and opened both of his arms.

From behind him, through the wall, a smoky substance came out and stood next to him, forming into a humanoid figure towering over Arthur. Marcus was sure he could hear screams coming from the people present at the press conference as Arthur tried to calm people down.

Moments later thunderous voice enforced the silence on everyone present. “Greetings, Humans,” Samael said. “I think it’s time you know the truth.”