Alannah nodded, and walked back into the kitchen while Aura went into the library to speak to Dareus.
“Why would he speak to her like that?” the angel priest asked. “I’m sorry for involving you, but I need you to stay here with me for just a few minutes.”
“I’m sure I don’t understand, but I’ll do whatever you ask.” “Thank you. It will become clear in just a few minutes.” Dahnael knew that he just screwed up. He had just lost his temper in front of the Aura’s family. He should have just put the ring into his pocket, instead of getting angry. But the truth was, he didn’t know what would happen if Alannah put the ring on her finger.
He tried to make it up to Alannah. “Alannah, please forgive me. I’m so sorry. Are you thirsty? I’ll make you some chocolate milk. You love chocolate milk.”
“No thank you,” she said, without looking at him. “Alannah please - let me get you something to drink.” “No thank you.”
“Why don’t we go to the park and ride the carousel? You love the carousel.”
“No thank you. I just want Mommy.” “Alannah, I am sorrier than you know. Please forgive me.”
She looked at Rita, and the tears continued to stream down her cheeks. “I just want Mommy.” Aura came back into the room and saw her sobbing. “Thank you for everything,” she whispered to Dareus. She hugged him and ran to her daughter.
Watching Aura hug Dareus enraged Dahnael all over again. The ring was still onthe table. “Perhaps that’s why you’ve returned Avriel’s ring to me. I’m sure you would prefer a ring from Dareus.”
“That would be highly doubtful, considering he is a priest!” Aura shouted. She picked up Alannah and the ring, and the two of them ran up the stairs leaving Dahnael to digest what she just said.
“Priest Dareus and Aureus are the angel priests?” Rita asked. “Didn’t you know they were priests?” she asked Dahnael. “No one knew about us. We were hidden before our first birthday. Some thought we were taken to keep us from our Father, Bael. He is Lucifer’s second in command. Unfortunately for our Father, according to a prophecy, darkness can never touch us,” Dareus said.
Dahnael wondered if Jeziel knew they were priests. The only saving grace was that Aura wasn’t involved with Dareus. “I had no idea. Please forgive me,” Dahnael said.
“I think you should be asking for Alannah’s forgiveness, not ours,” Aureus said.
Aidan didn’t respond. He walked outside, and stood under the orange tree.
When Aura returned, Alannah was smiling again.
“I’m going to start dinner. Why don’t you go to New York and bring Matthew back?” Aura asked her father.
“While he’s there, I’ll go to the Australian colony and see Alistair,” Papa said. The body of Alistair’s wife was never found. He never spoke of the accident that took her life, though he suspected there was foul play. The car she was driving went over an embankment and burst into flames. Alistair watched it happen, but there was nothing he could do. His only concern after her death was his son Ethan.
Papa knew the Guild could provide the most protection for him. He would convince Alistair to allow Ethan to return with him to the valley.
Chapter 34
Paul met with Andromeda and Caspian, who both agreed it, would be safer for Matthew in Aeden. He asked to speak to them privately before they left for the valley.
They led him into the study where they could speak without any interruption from the other residents.
“Is there something wrong?” Andromeda asked. “Nothing is wrong, but there is something you need to know. You are aware some of our children were born beneath the veil. There were a total of seven who received similar gifts. Six have been identified; you are the last.”
Andromeda stared at Paul. “There must be a mistake. I don’t have any special gift.” “There is no mistake. You have a gift you aren’t aware of. I know this because I was there when your veil was removed, by my father.”
“I was born under Uriel’s veil?” “Yes, but we kept it secret until now because it was safer for you. I’m afraid the time has come for you to realize your power,” Paul said.
“What power? I know your father is Heavens judge and executioner, but I know of no special power he has.”
“My father was given one of the Sacred Swords. My daughter Rita calls for his sword in time of need. She can also call for one of the twin swords of Gabriel. My daughter Bren can call for the other.”
“Why are you telling me now?” “War is coming, and I want you to be comfortable with the sword if the need arises. I’ll have Rita and Bren work with you until you can handle it on your own. The sword can wield angelfire. It is the most powerful weapon known to Heaven. My father would not have chosen you, if you weren’t worthy of his gift.”
Andromeda laughed. “I am not a warrior. Surely someone else would benefit from the sword.”
“You cannot transfer the power. It belongs to you Andromeda.” Caspian was smiling. He knew only a select few were trusted with angelfire. It was a gift most purebloods weren’t even favored with.
“I’ll help you. If war comes, we’ll need every weapon at our disposal. You have nothing to fear.” “I’m not afraid Caspian. If war comes, I’ll do my part.” “No one will doubt that,” Paul said.
“I have to leave, but the Guild will keep you informed of any news.” Paul was still smiling when he left. Andromeda would be fine, once she got over her initial shock. He returned to Aeden to meet with the family.
Everyone made another excuse to do something. Rita and Jessica were moving into their new homes across the street with Will and Joshua. Eve and Angie had most of the work already done, but they sensed that the newlyweds didn’t want to hang around. Rita wasn’t happy about the way that Dahnael had screamed at Alannah.
Meredith awoke at sunrise. Verah was already in the kitchen sipping a cup of tea.
“We should go next door and I’ll introduce you to Charisse and Desiree,” Meredith said.
“Are you certain you want me to come? My scars might upset them.”
“They’ve seen worse. You didn’t see what the creatures did to my son Joshua.” Meredith laughed.
“What’s funny?” Verah asked. “I haven’t referred to him as my son in weeks. When Richard died, I blamed Joshua as much as anyone else. I know now that was wrong. If there was anything I could change, I would tell him that I was sorry.”
“You may get your chance,” Verah said.
“I’m afraid my chances are over. We should hurry before they eat without us.” Bren took Tracy and Alannah to the playroom. The other families went for a walk in the park, and they suspected that Dahnael had gone to meet with Malakiel. The fool had no idea that Aura and the girls knew about his plan. They continued to pretend that he was Aidan, and he was none the wiser.
Aura followed the girls. “I have to leave for a short time.” She looked at her little sister. “Make sure you keep that shield handy. I’m not expecting any trouble, but with Dahnael you never know. Stay here, and when I getback we’ll order the pizza.”
She had already sent her mother a silent message. Eve and Angie left without question. They only had a short time to prepare. As soon as they walked in the house, Charisse grabbed Athena. “I’m so glad you’re here. Desiree is in labor, and the baby is coming.”
“Where is she?” Verah asked. Charisse looked at her. She didn’t know this woman. “It’s alright, she’s a friend. She won’t harm Desiree.” Charisse took them both to the living room.
“Why is she here? Couldn’t you move her to the bedroom?” Verah asked.
“I tried, but she was in too much pain. I’m afraid we’ll have to deliver the baby here.”
“Get some boiling water and clean cloths. Do you have blankets for the child?” Verah asked.
“We have everything we need. We knew her time was near, but we thought we would have more warning.” As Charisse left to gather the supplies, Verah asked Meredith to help Desiree to the fl
oor. They pushed some pillows behind her back to allow more room to work. The plush carpet would soak up most of the fluids.
Desiree was screaming in agony.
“Something’s wrong. I’ve had three children, and all my births were painless,” Meredith said.
Black blood was pouring from between Desiree’s legs. Charisse returned and set the pan of water on a nearby table.
“I’ll need some string, or twine for the umbilical cord. Also, bring scissors if you have them,” Verah said. Meredith and Charisse watched as Verah worked to deliver the child. Desiree was in anguish. She kept screaming, “GET HIM OUT OF ME.”
The blood continued to spurt, and soon Desiree stopped screaming. “She must have passed out from the pain,” Verah said. “Bring me the blanket.” She pushed on Desiree’s stomach, and within minutes, the child was born.
She couldn’t tell the sex of the child, it was covered with a thick black congealed substance that might have been blood. Verah had never seen anything like it before.
“You’ll have to forgive me, but I need to clear the baby’s airway.” She slapped the child on the bottom hard and a soft cry was heard. Verah then placed a blanket over the newborn.
Desiree wasn’t breathing. Charisse and Meredith both panicked. “Is she dead?”
Verah nodded.
“We can’t leave her like this. We have to clean her up. Where can we put her?” Charisse was already looking at Verah for answers. “I’ll take the child,” Verah said. “Get some towels, and do the best you can to bathe her. No one can see her this way.” Charisse ran for the towels, while Meredith ran to the kitchen for fresh water. They threw an armful of towels over the black pool, and worked quickly to wash her.
Desiree was dead, but Verah was grateful that she found clothing, baby formula and a pacifier in the nursery. She rushed to clean the black gunk from the baby when a bright light came into the room. Aura didn’t want to frighten her. “It’s alright. “I’m here to help.”
She called for the light in her hands, and quickly moved them over the infant’s body, removing all the darkness that had been transferred to her by blood. The baby opened her eyes, and Aura saw that they were violet in color.
She wrapped her in one of the blankets, and asked Verah to hold her.
“Shouldn’t we take some of the supplies?” Verah asked. Aura smiled. “My mother has everything you need. I’m taking you to the vacation home you once shared with Alistair. You’ll be safe there for a couple of days. Then you’ll see your husband and son again. We should go now. Meredith and Charisse are about to have company. We can’t save them, but we can save her.”
Aura placed her arm on Verah’s and they vanished. Neither Meredith, nor Charisse heard Richard when he arrived with Mortriel. “What happened here? Where is my son?” He shouted.
Charisse was in shock. Richard was supposed to be dead. How could he be standing in front of her? Meredith hands were shaking and her voice was trembling when she answered. “Desiree died while giving birth. Verah has taken the child to bathe him.”
Richard ran into the other rooms, but came back screaming. “Where is she, Mother? She is not in the bedrooms.”
Charisse stared at her friend. “Mother - you told me your name was Athena. Is it you Meredith?”
Meredith bent her head in shame. “Yes, Charisse it’s me.” Richard was so enraged, he pulled a knife out of his jacket and slit Charisse’s throat, almost decapitating her. He then stabbed her in the heart. Meredith watched in horror as her best friend dropped dead to the floor. “This is the punishment for disobedience, Mother,” Richard screamed.
“Richard how could you? She was our friend. She wasn’t responsible for Desiree’s death. She loved her as much as you did,” Meredith cried.
Richard couldn’t control his rage. “Were you not instructed to call Samhael? If you did what you were supposed to, this would never have happened.”
“Are you blaming me for this? I did everything Samhael asked of me. Look at the black blood? The child was covered in it. This was an act of God.”
The words barely left her mouth, when Richard removed his blade from Charisse’s body, and threw it into his mother’s chest. She didn’t die right away. She laythere, and stared at her son. “May God forgive me and have mercy on my soul.” Those were the last words she uttered.
Richard walked over to her and shoved the blade deeper into her chest. “There is no need of forgiveness, Mother. Like me – you have no soul.”
Richard looked over his shoulder at Mortriel. “What should we do now?”
Mortriel knew Lucifer was going to be angry about the disappearance of the child. “Burn it of course.” Richard removed the knife from his mother’s chest and tucked it inside of his pants. Once they were outside the house, he called for the hellfire. He watched as the flames quickly engulfed the cottage.
“We need to leave now,” Mortriel said. “My father needs to know about this. I’m afraid your daughter’s honeymoon is about to be interrupted. My father is not going to be happy that the child was stolen by an angelblood.”
Just as they were leaving, Jeziel arrived. “What happened here? Where are Desiree and the baby?” “The baby is missing and Desiree is dead. Verah took the child. Samhael should never have trusted her with something as important as this,” Mortriel hissed. “Why are you here? I thought you were going to see Aidan?” Mortriel asked.
“I came to see Meredith. Where is she?”
“My mother is dead. I have no tolerance for disobedience. Your father taught me that,” Richard said. Jeziel looked at Richard. “Samh ael suspected that your mother might betray us, but he was certain that he could trust Verah. Are you going to call him?”
“Yes - we need to find the child. Samhael will have to delay his honeymoon.” “Will Natalie be coming back?”
Mortriel laughed. “There is nothing to come back to.”
“Can you get a message to Natalie? Tell her I’ll meet her at the cottage in Aeden. I need to speak with her urgently.”
“Is this about Aura? I warned you to stay away from her!” Mortriel shouted.
“This is about Aidan. Will you please deliver my message?” Jeziel said, hoping that he couldn’t hear the anger in her voice. “I’ll tell Samhael. We need to search for the child, and I’m sure he’ll appreciate leaving Natalie with you. Isla will also be going to Aeden. Natalie can fill you in on the details. She should be arriving there some time this evening. I trust you’ll be respectful of her.” Mortriel asked.
“Of course, Brother – I have no ill will towards Isla. I should go now. We’ll see each other soon.”
Jeziel left before Mortriel could respond. “If Mortriel thinks I won’t go after his precious Aura after what she did to me tonight, he’s mistaken. I’ll speak to Natalie, and then we’ll take care of that halfbreed once and for all,” Jeziel mumbled under her breath.
Chapter 35
Aura took Verah to her home where Eve and Angie were waiting. Verah knew both of the women, and breathed a sigh of relief.
“She really is beautiful,” Angie cooed when she saw the baby. She looked at Aura. “Has a name been chosen?” “Her name will be Melanie,” Aura said. She turned to Verah. “We can’t really stay. You’ll find everything you need here. I’ll return for you when it’s safe. There is something very special about this child. She’ll remain here with you, for now.”
“Are you sure it wouldn’t be safer to take her to Aeden?” Verah asked. “We have some business to take care of first. Mom and I will both reinforce the protective wards around the house. No one will bother you. If you need anything else you’ll find a market in walking distance from here.”
Eve took a pendant out of her pocket, and placed it around the child’s neck. “This comes from Heaven,” she said. The pendant was made of a blue diamond. It was a tiny lightning bolt, and when it touched Melanie’s skin, a light illuminated from the charm.
Aura handed Verah an orange from the fruit
bowl on the table. “Squeeze the juice into a bottle. She’ll like it. There is something else you need to know. Don’t be alarmed if she grows rapidly. Each day will be like a month. The rate of growth will slow when she has reached her age of maturity.”
“At that rate she’ll be sixteen in a little more than six months,” Verah said. “This child will never grow any older than thirty three months. She is the fourth Eternal child. You’ll keep her for me until it’s safe to bring her home.”
“Won’t her other family want her?” “I’ll explain to them why she needs to stay with me. They’ll understand.” Aura handed Melanie to her mother. “There is one more thing before I go.” Aura called for the light and gently traced her hands over Verah’s arms. Aura hugged her again, and then she disappeared in a flash of purple light.
Verah stared at her arms and quietly sobbed. The scars were gone, every one of them. She was whole again. Eve pulled a rocking chair out and motioned for Verah to sit. She handed her a bottle of milk, which the baby devoured quickly. The feeding was followed by a soft burp, which made Melanie giggle and the others laugh.
“You’ll find clothing for both of you in the closets. She may be a different child in themorning when you wake. You needn’t fear; Richard will be looking for a male child. But I must still caution you, Samhael may have eyes and ears here. The wards will protect you, but if you feel threatened, don’t hesitate to come to Aeden. I can’t explainwhy it’s not safe for you to be there now. We’re having a few issues. But they will soon be resolved, and then you’ll be reunited with Alistair and Ethan.”
“Has Alistair remarried?” Verah asked. “No – Verah. I know that he believes you died in the crash, but his only concern has been for the welfare of Ethan. Your son will be happy to see his mother again.” Eve hugged her and kissed Melanie. Angie did the same, and then they both vanished in a white mist.
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