Aura took a pair of scissors and cut a few strands from each of the angel priests. Mahlyssa went to work; speaking incantations that were unfamiliar to Aura and the twins. After a few minutes, she turned to Aura. “I’m finished. Let’s see if this works. I think you’ll be pleased withthe results.”
Aura held the strand of hair from the brothers next to the forgery. The bow started glowing; the same way the real bow did when Aura’s hair touched it.
Aura smiled. “I have no doubt it will fool Jeziel. It looks exactly the same. We are indebted to you, Mahlyssa.” “I am in your debt child. You have given me a life, I never thought I deserved.”
“This will definitely make things interesting in the next days,” she laughed.
“Be careful. If Jeziel knows about this, she may tell her brother Mortriel.” “Mortriel won’t be back yet. I have a feeling Lucifer will allow Jeziel to enjoy her fifteen minutes of fame. Pity she doesn’t know that may be all she will have after they take the forgery.”
Aura returned to her bedroom, and replaced the bow in the hidden compartment in her closet. She would use Gideon’s shield to ensure that no one came near it. She returned to the kitchen with Mahlyssa and the priests. After breakfast Dareus and Aureus said their goodbyes, promising to meet everyone at the wedding.
Everyone arrived at the church before noon and as expected, the wedding was spectacular. Rita and Jessica were glowing. There gowns were almost identical, except that Rita had green accents and Jessica’s were blue. The dresses were made of Chantilly lace and the cut was simple, yet flattering. The rest of the wedding party wore coordinating colors.
Aidan wasn’t missed. Aura knew that he was with the Elite Guard. She also knew that Rita and Jessica wouldn’t be getting much of a honeymoon. But they had agreed to wait until Natalie and Jeziel were dealt with.
Papa sat next to Iris, and he couldn’t help beaming with pride. Both of the girls were his goddaughter’s too. Papa shared a close relationship with all of his godchildren. Though he seemed closest to Aura, she knew he loved them all the same. That’s what made Papa so special. Aura hoped in time he and Iris might marry. “There was always hope,” she whispered to herself.
Will was nervous in the company of the Archangels. Rita had to remind him that they were family. He relaxed after Uriel told him that Heaven was pleased with the unions.
Joshua couldn’t have cared less about the High Council being present. He wasn’t uneasy around any of them. It was hard to believe that he was Richard’s brother. They were nothing alike.
The reception was as impressive as the ceremony. Papa spared no expense in making sure it was a day to remember.
“We spent a lot of your money today, Papa,” Bren said. “Yeah, but we didn’t spend all of it,” Tracy insisted. “We have to save some for when me and Bren get married.”
Everyone laughed, but the girls were dead serious. Aura realized then that Alannah would never experience her own wedding. Not that she minded. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to remain a child forever. She doubted many children had been through the same trials as her, but Alannah never complained.
Aura asked her about it once. “I don’t mind Mommy. I get to grow up with all the little ones. Every time we bring a new baby to the family, I get to be the big sister.”
Aura knew her relationships with each one of them would strengthen over the years. Alannah would remain close to Bren and Tracy, and eventually would look upon them as mothers.
By two o’clock the reception was in full swing . Will tried to teach Arian his newest dance moves. “When did you learn how to dance?” his brother asked. Will never said a word, but he did wink at Eve.
Aura found Dareus and Aureus were good dancers too. Between the two of them, they kept her busy. Gabriel danced with Bren and Tracy as promised. Even Bodhi was spinning Ariel around the floor. They were having such a great time, that no one asked about Dahnael. No one mentioned him, or Jeziel.
The biggest surprise of the day came around three o’c lock, when someone else walked into the reception. Looking elegant in a black tux and white linen shirt - was Aidan.
Alannah was the first to run to her father. “DADDY,” she screamed. Aidan stooped to pick her up and then spun her around. Aidan couldn’t take his eyes off of Aura. She had never looked more beautiful to him.
A tear slid down her cheek, and Aura knew that this was the man that she remembered. His lavender-grey eyes had such kindness in them. Aidan put Alannah down and walked over to his wife. He gently wiped way her tears. Neither of them spoke. Their eyes said everything. Aidan held out his hand, and the band played a beautiful ballad. Aura thought she was in Heaven. For the first time, she felt like Avriel.
Everyone else started clearing the dance floor, until it was just the two of them. Aura felt like she was floating on a cloud. Something happened while they were dancing; a bright light enveloped them.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the hall. When the song ended, Aidan placed a gentle kiss onAura’s lips. Bren and Tracy started to whistle and catcall, but Aura didn’t mind; Aidan was home.
“I can’t stay,” Aidan said. “I have to return with my father. But I swear that I’ll be back. Soon, we’ll all be together, and nothing will ever separate usagain.”
He walked over to Dareus and Aureus. “You have no idea how much I appreciate what you’re doing,” he said humbly. They both reached to shake his hand.
Alannah sat on her father’s lap, and they shared an ice cream sundae. Mia handed him several pieces of chocolate. “It good you,” she insisted.
Aura danced again and again with Aidan. She didn’t want the day to end, but by six o’clock, the Archangels announced that they were leaving. The brides and grooms had said goodbye an hour earlier. They would have at least one night together before the storm hit.
Aidan told Alannah to be strong. Even Alorrah was happy to see her parents together again. “I’ll be home soon,” she promised Alannah. “I know,” Aura said, and for once she truly believed it.
Everyone came to say goodbye to Aidan. They were sure they would see him again. Aura had tears in her eyes when he kissed her one last time. This was a day she would always remember. Now, she knew what it felt like to be loved. She hugged Michael as he was leaving.“Thank you. It means more than you know.”
Michael kissed her on the forehead. He didn’t say a word, he just smiled. Before they left the reception, Aura told them that Dahnael would be returning in the morning. She also told them to expect Jeziel. “I know you want to bring her before the Council, but she will atone for her sins within the next forty eight hours,” Aura promised. “Everything is in place. We need to be patient just a little longer.”
The Guild wasn’t happy about it, but they had learned to trust Aura, so they didn’t argue when she told them her plans. Most of them decided to spend the night in the hotel rooms that Papa had booked. Eve made sure they all had clothes to change into. Papa and Iris dropped Dareus and Aureus at the farm before they went back to the house. Gideon’s shield would protect Aura’s home, and they wanted to be there in case Jeziel or Dahnael showed up.
Papa knew that Iris was still married to Bael, and he would never violate the laws of matrimony, but Aura had told him to hold out hope, and that’s exactly what he was going to do.
Chapter 30
Meredith returned to the island with an assortment of French pastries. When she arrived at their cottage, Charisse answered the door.
“I know that we planned on dinner later, but I completely forgot about a wedding I’m supposed to attend. Please give these to your daughter.” She handed the white box to her friend, and turned to leave.
“Perhaps if it’s not too late when you return, you can stop for a glass of wine?” “I’m sure it will be late when I get back. You never know how long these things are going to last.” She walked towards the beach, but stopped for a moment. “Perhaps we can have breakfast together in the morning?”
“Desire
e will love that. Have a good time at the wedding. We’ll see you for breakfast.” “If you only knew,” Meredith mumbled. She couldn’t get over how relaxed her friend was. Charisse couldn’t know that Phillipe and his family were dead; she would have been more afraid. She damned Samhael for putting her in this position, but she couldn’t refuse him now; he would kill her.
Meredith pulled off her shoes and walked in the wet sand. As she looked at the water splashing on the shore, she remembered playing with her young children years ago. She was happy then. Henry gave her everything that she wanted, or needed. What would become of her now? She walked into the cottage and locked the door. With her shoes still in her hand, she used a portal to take her to the other cottage where Jeziel was waiting. Hopefully, there would be wine at the reception, and she could calm her nerves.
Samhael and Natalie were already gone when she arrived, but so was Jeziel. She wondered if he had changed his mind, and allowed her to assist Natalie with the wedding preparations. When she heard the screen door slam, she jumped back.
“Why are you so nervous?” Jeziel asked.
“I was lost in thought. I expected you would be with Natalie helping her get ready.” Jeziel threw her sandals across the room. “Samhael didn’t change his mind. I decided to take a walk on the beach.” Jeziel looked at the clock. “I suppose we should get dressed. Samhael will be sending for us soon. We don’t want to keep him waiting.”
“Would you like me to help with your hair?” Meredith asked. “That would be appreciated,” Jeziel said.
They each went to their bedrooms where they showered and dressed. Samhael had their dresses delivered earlier. They were both made of red chiffon, with a taffeta underskirt. The a-lined frocks were sleeveless, with a sweetheart neckline; they fit perfectly. Jeweled sandals were found in boxes next to the dresses. Samhael wasn’t cheap; the stones were probably real rubies.
When she finished dressing, Jeziel went to the other room, so Meredith could help with her hair. “Do you want it up or down?” “I think I’ll wear it up today. Similar to yours, but let the cascade fall down my neck,” Jeziel said.
“I used to wear my hair the same way when I was your age.” Jeziel wasn’t used to having someone take care of her. She had been on her own for so long, she forgot what it was like. She missed her mother. Paul would soon pay for killing her.
When Meredith finished, Jeziel hugged her. As the girls walked out of the room, Samhael arrived. He was dressed in a black suit with a red linen shirt and black tie. “Don’t you both look stunning?”
“I have gifts for each of you.” He reached in his jacket and pulled out Meredith’s tiara. “I thought you might enjoy wearing this today.”
“That’s considerate of you,” she said. Jeziel took the circlet and placed it on Meredith’s head.
Samhael brought a box from his jacket and handed it to Jeziel. “This gift comes from your father.”
Jeziel looked at the ornament. It was pretty, but she was expecting something else. “My father has given me a comb?” “That comb belonged to your mother. Lucifer thought you would appreciate wearing it today.”
As Jeziel stared at the gift, Meredith took it from her, and placed it in her hair just above her right ear.
“You should be pleased. This is your father’s reward for your loyalty,” Samhael said.
“This means a great deal. I will honor my mother by wearing it always.”
“Shall we go? I don’t want Natalie to think I abandoned her.” Samhael took their hands and the three of them left the house. It would be the last time Meredith would be there. When Samhael returned to Purgatory with Jeziel and Meredith, he was ready to take his vows. The entire population was there, including Mortriel and Richard.
Jeziel was surprised, but Meredith almost fainted when she saw her son. “How is it possible that you’re alive?” she cried. Mortriel laughed as M eredith ran to Richard. “Rita was foolish not to kill me with the sword of Gabriel. Unfortunately for her, Lucifer resurrected me quite easily,” he said.
Mortriel walked over to her. “I’m sure we haven’t been introduced. I am Mortriel, Lucifer’s son.” Meredith was stunned. She never expected Lucifer’s son to be so handsome. He had silvery blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. He kissed Meredith’s hand, and escorted her to one of the chairs. He was friendly enough, but his hands were ice cold. Richard escorted Jeziel to a seat next to his mother. He would speak to Meredith about Desiree after the ceremony.
Most of the females were dressed in red. Like Samhael, the men wore black suits and ties, with red linen shirts. The entire venue was decorated with red and black roses. This was different than any wedding Meredith had ever seen.
Someone named Bael, another of Lucifer’s faction, served as the best man. Another of the fallen she didn’t recognize performed the ceremony.
Everyone stood as Natalie walked down the red carpet, and took her place next to Samhael. Mortriel leaned closer to Meredith. “You may want to step back,” he whispered in her ear.
Meredith did as she was told. As she looked around, she saw that each of them had extended their wings. They were as black as midnight. She couldn’t help noticing the immense size of Mortriel’s wings; they were massive and frightening.
As the ceremony concluded, Natalie and Samhael exchanged their blood, and extended their own wings. Meredith was shocked to see that Natalie’s wings were as black as her husband’s. She never witnessed anything like it. Richard’s wings were as large as the others. It was almost daunting to watch. Even Jeziels wings seemed enhanced.
Meredith didn’t dare call for her ow n wings. Even though she had strayed from the path of Heaven, she suspected there was still some light in her. She also noticed there were others who didn’t extend their wings. Verah was one of them. Was it possible they were afraid too?
What happened next, made Meredith shiver with fear. A young girl was brought to the center of the square by two of the fallen angels. She couldn’t have been any older than thirteen. A crowd gathered around her.
Meredith would never forget the terror in the child’s ey es, as she struggled to get free. Samhael and Natalie stepped in front of her, and raised their hands together, calling for hellfire. Meredith watched in horror, as the flames engulfed the teenager. Her screams were almost deafening. The crowd chanted and cheered as the girl burned. Soon, the screaming stopped, and all that remained was a pile of white ashes.
Meredith reached for a glass of wine and gulped it down. She wanted to pray for the soul of the young girl, but didn’t dare; not with Lucifer’s children there. She asked Oliver for the restroom. He directed her to a vacant house behind the square.
As soon as she got inside the room, Meredith looked around to make sure she was alone. She walked into the bathroom and vomited. Then, she stumbled to the sink and splashed water on her face. “It won’t do for them to see you like this,” she whispered. She composed herself and returned to the square to find Samhael and Natalie still dancing.
When the dance ended, the crowd applauded, and Natalie ran to her father. “I wasn’t sure you would be here.” “I wouldn’t miss my only daughter’s wedding.” He shook Samhael’s hand and hugged Natalie. “Soon you will have a little brother.”
She smiled. “I am looking forward to it.” Samhael introduced Natalie to all of his friends, and the party began. Music filled the air, and the food and drink were plentiful. The square was transformed into a dance hall that had no ceiling. Long tables covered with black cloths were arranged around the perimeter.
Oliver had prepared most of the food, which was divine. A fountain in the center spilled champagne from the head of a demon with dark skin, red eyes and horns growing out of its head. While everyone else enjoyed the best of Oliver’s culinary talent, Meredith continued to drink. It was the only way that she could stand to be in their company.
After a few minutes, the wine kicked in and her nerves calmed. Mortriel entertained Meredith on the dance floor, while Richard dan
ced with Jeziel. Despite the terrifying ceremony, the reception seemed more normal then.
While Natalie changed, Samhael and Richard approached Meredith. “Verah will be accompanying you to the island. She is well trained and will assist with the birth of Richard’s son.”
Meredith stared at her eldest son. “Where will you be? Aren’t you coming with me?” “Unfortunately, I have other business that requires my attention. You’ll notify Samhael when my son is born, and the child will be brought here.”
“What if the child is born while Samhael’s on his honeymoon?” “I have no doubt he will interrupt his trip for a descendant of Lucifer. I trust you’ll remember your promise, Mother.” Meredith could feel the trembling in her voice. She swallowed hard and said, “I’ll remember.” Natalie came to kiss her goodbye. Meredith wondered what business Richard was speaking of that was more important than seeing Desiree. Somehow, she felt it had something to do with the Guild, but she decided quickly that she really didn’t want to know. War was coming, and if Natalie could now wield hellfire, she would destroy everyone who got in her way, including Meredith.
Richard seemed different. His reception with his mother was almost chilly. Bringing him back from death changed him. Meredith was sure his allegiance to Lucifer was unbreakable. Throughout the afternoon, she frequently overheard Richard refer to him as his father.
“It seems the party is winding down. Why don’t you and Verah prepare to leave now?” Samhael smiled, as he held Natalie’s hand. Meredith felt it was more of a command than a suggestion, so she took Verah’s hand and they departed for the island.
Before Mortriel left, he made a point of speaking to Jeziel while she was alone. “I trust you’ll remember Fathers warning. You are not to touch Aura under any circumstances.”
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