Angel Incarnate: Second Sight

by Linda Creel

  They walked out of the woods together, still smiling. Jessica didn’t question what took them so long. Rita would tell her later; she always told her everything.

  Chapter 46

  Once again Samhael and Mortriel maneuvered through the catacombs of Hell, until they came to Lucifer’s private chambers.

  A red-haired girl in her mid-teens, whom they didn’t recognize, answered the door. Lucifer whispered something in her ear; she giggled, and then skipped out of his chambers.

  “While the cat is away, the mouse will play -- a new playmate Father? What would your wife Mehri say?” Mortriel asked.

  Lucifer took a seat in one of the high-backed chairs and motioned for them to sit. He picked up a porcelain cup. “This is a new tea. Made with juniper berries and just a hint of belladonna; I find it soothing. Perhaps you should try some. As to the girl; the only monogamous relationship I ever had was with your mother. Now, why are you both here?”

  While Mortriel sat on the leather sofa looking bored, Samhael told Lucifer about the Chastain’s deaths, and loss of the bracelets. “I think we should send Mehri back. With the relic in Paul’s possession, it won’t take long for him to figure out the connection between her and her parents,” he said.

  Lucifer laughed. “No – Mehri is more valuable to me where she is. Those mortal girls have already accepted her into their click. She can get information from them and the priest, which Stella cannot. I’ve enjoyed my time with Mehri, but she is disposable. If something should happen, then…”

  Mortriel was chuckling in the background. I wonder if Mehri knows how little you think of her.

  “Now, tell me about the Abyvirs,” Lucifer said.

  “They are secure in Purgatory,” Samhael replied.

  He took another sip of the tea and leaned back in the chair. “Good -- for now, you’ll do nothing until the beasts are completely under control. The angel-bloods are planning a party soon. Mehri and her new friends will be there. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for us to attack Utopia on the same night.” A smug smile crossed his lips. “The Guild can’t be in both places, now can they?”

  “Should we look for more men for your special guard?”

  “Not yet – let’s see how these brothers do before we waste our time. After the attack, the Utopian angel-bloods will be running scared, and some may lose favor with the Guild. Divide and conquer; we can pick them off more easily then.”

  Mortriel leaned closer to his father. “Richard thinks we may be able to turn some of the angel-bloods. We will build an army and bring the Guild to their knees.”

  Lucifer slammed his teacup on the side table. “Do not underestimate their power! We must be patient and methodical. Bree and Tercia have already demonstrated their abilities. We have yet to see what Aura is capable of. Once her sight develops…”

  “I believe they go by the name of Bren and Tracy now,” Samhael commented. “We still have Alorrah and Alexis. Aura won’t jeopardize their safety.”

  “Yes – they are still sleeping in their room. Eventually, Alexis will go for food for the young girl and her uncle. Pytha will capture her, and then we will wait.”

  Samhael’s jaw dropped. “Are you certain you can trust the snake; after all, it is Kaelariel’s whip? You don’t know what will happen once the child comes in contact with it.”

  “Alexis won’t do anything which could cause the destruction of the sacred gift, and Alorrah won’t negotiate; she’s far too smart.”

  “But, if Aura’s visions show her Alexis is being restricted by a snake, and she senses the child is in trouble; she may attempt a rescue.”

  Lucifer smiled. “Aura won’t be able to withstand watching the torture of any child. Once we have her in Hell, the second sight will finally be mine, and then nothing can stop us. We will rule Heaven and Earth.”

  Mortriel shook his head. “Avriel died rather than turn her back on Heaven. What makes you think Aura won’t do the same? Once her powers develop, Alorrah will be able to communicate with her mother. She’ll know we are setting a trap.”

  “Sometimes, I can’t believe you are my son. I’m not expecting Aura to walk through the gates of Hell. I have something else in mind for getting her here. Now, if you’ve finished, I have work to do.”

  Lucifer walked over to the door and opened it.

  “Stay away from Aeden,” he warned Mortriel as he was leaving. “I want to know as soon as the Abyvir are ready. For now, you should take a short respite; perhaps a trip to St. Petersburg, or Prague.”

  Mortriel couldn’t help thinking it was more a command than a suggestion. The Abyvir wouldn’t be ready for another ten days. Maybe he should take a little vacation. Samhael could handle things until he returned. I wonder if the raven-haired girl is still there. What was her name?

  He said goodbye to Samhael at the gates. “I’m going to follow Father’s advice. You know where to reach me when the beasts are ready to attack.”

  Samhael smirked. “Going back again, huh? Didn’t Olga try to kill you the last time you saw her?”

  “Olga – that’s right. Well, you know what they say – third time’s a charm.” He winked, and then vanished in a black cloud, leaving Samhael shaking his head.

  I hope he doesn’t get into trouble again.

  Chapter 47

  After Paul and Adam left the woods, they went to find Caspian and Axel and deliver the news of Gregory Godwin’s death. The guards were still in Florida, trying to convince one of the families to leave their home and come under the protection of the Guild.

  As they approached the door, they could hear Caspian arguing with the mother.

  “Please, you don’t understand how serious this is. Lucifer’s son is hunting down those who have turned their backs on their heritage. You and your daughters are sitting ducks.”

  Paul knocked on the door to the tiny, one-story, beige stucco house. When the woman answered, her mouth opened, and though she tried to speak, no words escaped her lips. She held her hand to her chest, taking a step backwards. This was the first time she had actually been in the presence of a pure-blood angel.

  “Who is it, Momma?” her four-year-old daughter asked.

  Feeling she was about to faint, Adam put his arm around her waist, steadying the woman, and then led her to a small wicker couch.

  “We’re friends,” Paul said.

  “My name is Alli, and that’s my little sister Ava,” the child said, pointing to a two-year-old hiding behind Axel; her arms tightly gripping his legs.

  Paul stared at the barefoot little girl who wore a simple cotton sundress, which had seen better days. The room, sparse of furniture, was neat, but it didn’t take a genius to figure out this woman was struggling.

  He took a seat next to the mother, Audria. “Caspian has explained the danger you and your daughters are in. Where is your husband?”

  “The no good letch abandoned us six months ago. He said he was going to find a job somewhere out west.” Her chin trembled as she fought back the tears. “But he never came back. I’ve been doing some odd jobs, but as you can see money is tight.”

  “If you agree to come with us to Aeden, I promise the children will be well cared for, and you will have an easier life. Your children should be around others of their own kind. I have daughters the same age as Alli and Ava. I’m certain they will become good friends.”

  Alli crossed the room and placed her hands on her mother’s cheeks. “Can we go – please, Momma? There isn’t anything for us here, and I’d like to have some new friends. All of the other kids make fun of us because we’re poor.”

  “I go too?” Ava said, finally letting go of Axel and toddling to her mother.

  A single tear slipped down Audria’s face. “I never meant to make things so hard for them,” she sobbed. “My husband, Graham, said it would be better for all of us if we lived among the mortals. Now, he’s gone, doing who knows what. I should have insisted he allow me and the children to embrace our heritage, but...”
She looked at her wide-eyed girls who waited patiently for their mother’s response.

  “Not all mortals can handle free will. I’m afraid Lucifer preys on those who are weak.” His gaze fell upon the young children. “You owe it to them,” Paul whispered.

  Audria nodded. “You’re right; they deserve better than this.”

  “Don’t worry about money. The Guild will provide everything you need. We have several furnished houses in the valley, and my family will welcome you with open arms.”

  “I don’t mind working, but I haven’t many marketable skills.”

  Paul chuckled. “The angel-bloods in Aeden don’t work. There is more than enough to do watching over the children. Is there anything you want to take with you?”

  Audria looked around the room, and shook her head.

  “Did you hear that?” Alli said to her little sister. “We’re moving to a new house, and we’ll have new friends. Nobody will make fun of us again.”

  Ava hugged her sister, and then ran to Axel with her arms extended. He picked her up, and she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck.

  “My wife, Eve will have clothing waiting for you,” Paul said. “While we prepare your house, you’ll stay with my daughter Aura. She has plenty of room, and the girls might like the company. I don’t know if Caspian and Axel explained, but some of the children who lost their parents will be staying there as well.”

  Alli slipped one hand inside of Paul’s; the other in her mother’s. Axel and Caspian held onto Ava and when everyone was ready, they used the portal to take them to Aura’s front yard.

  The girls’ eyes widened when they saw the enormity of the house. “Is this where we’re going to live?” Alli asked.

  “For the time being, yes, but then you’ll have your own house over there.” Paul pointed to a two-story brick home. “There are four bedrooms and bathrooms, a large kitchen, a nice backyard, and great neighbors.”

  Ava put her hand over her mouth and started snickering.

  “I like this new place,” Alli said to her mother. “This feels like home.”

  As they walked up the steps, Aura opened the door. Bren, Tracy and the girls ran past her, grabbing the hands of their new friends, dragging them into the house.

  Aura shook her head and started laughing. “I have snacks waiting in the dining room. If you follow me, I’ll show you how to get there.”

  After they were seated, Paul introduced everyone. Eve took a chair next to Audria, and soon, they were chatting about the children.

  Aura leaned into her father. “Have you told Caspian about Gregory yet?”

  “Once they’re settled, I’ll take him and Axel into the library. There are some other matters I want to discuss with them. Where is Andromeda?”

  “She’s still in New York. Mom said she’ll bring her back right before the funeral. Did you know most of the students are gone? I guess news of Gregory’s death scared their parents.”

  “We expect once word gets to the other colony, all of them will return home. They are safer there, but when people panic, they don’t think clearly.”

  Aura nodded. She stared at Audria and her daughters. The soft sound of Eve’s voice had removed all fear and doubt from their minds. Another of Mom’s god-given powers we’re grateful for.

  She listened to Bren and Tracy telling the little ones about their rescue operation in Purgatory. Before Aura knew what was happening, her mother had projected the vision on the dining room wall. Eve wanted to emphasize what the children had endured at the hands of Mortriel and his disciples while in captivity.

  Audria’s face paled as she looked from the young girls back to the projection. “I’m so glad your husband convinced me to bring my daughters here,” she whispered.

  Clutching her hand, Eve cleared her throat before speaking. “There is something else you need to know. Your husband has befriended Lucifer’s son, Mortriel. Graham was sent to find some of the other angel-blood families. Eventually, he would have come back, but not to renew your relationship. You would have become another victim, and your daughters would have been taken to Purgatory.” She squeezed Audria’s hand gently. “As long as you are with us, no harm will come to you, or your children.”

  “Great – not only do we have to contend with Mortriel and Samhael, now they have a mortal helping them?” Axel muttered. He turned to Audria. “In case our paths cross, what does your husband look like?”

  Eve pulled up another vision. Audria’s husband, Graham, was having a conversation with Mortriel. To ensure his loyalty, the dark prince made him swear a blood oath. The mark of the pentagon was burned into his chest.

  Audria felt like she was going to vomit. She knew her husband wasn’t a great choice, but to enter into a lifelong contract with the devil’s son – that was too much to take.

  “So if anyone bears that mark; that means they’re bad?” Alli asked.

  “No – not all mortals make a blood oath. Those who do try to conceal their marks,” Paul said, thinking back to the Chastains. They were mortal, but none of us suspected them of dealing with Lucifer.

  “Ebony-colored eyes are a tell-tale sign someone has been tempted by darkness. It means they have lost the light which surrounds their soul. Be wary of them.”

  He stood and excused himself. “Please forgive us, but Adam and I need to have a word with Caspian and Axel.” The four men walked to the library where many private discussions were debated.

  A huge bay window and skylight illuminated the large, sound-proof room, known as the library. Aged maple gingerbread wood covered the floor and was used for the tall bookshelves which were filled with ancient texts and decorated each of the four walls.

  In the center of the room, the furniture – a long brown leather sofa, four over-sized chairs, two end tables displaying stained glass lamps, and a solid cherry desk with high-backed adjustable seat, were placed atop a hand-woven tapestry rug.

  Axel and Caspian sat on the sofa, while Adam perched on the corner of the desk, and Paul remained standing.

  “We didn’t want to speak of this in front of Audria and the girls, but there has been another angel-blood death yesterday morning,” Paul said. “While he was returning from a visit to Utopia, Gregory Godwin was poisoned. He died on the grounds to the Academy.”

  All of the color drained from Caspian’s face as his thoughts drifted to Andromeda, and the grief she must be feeling. “I should go to New York and offer my condolences,” he said.

  “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. We know Graham is working with Mortriel now. You and Axel must find the other angel-bloods before him. I’m certain Andromeda will understand your absence, given the severity of this situation.”

  “He’s right,” Axel said. “The other families are defenseless. Andromeda would feel terrible if anything happened to their children.”

  Paul then told them about the fire. “None of the Utopians are missing, but we’re confident we know for the reason for the blaze.”

  Adam pulled the glass vial out of his pocket and handed it to Caspian to smell. After taking a whiff from the bottle, Caspian’s eyes started to water. “What is that putrid odor?”

  He passed the open vial to Axel, whose reaction was the same.

  “This is far worse than we imagined,” Paul continued. “What we are about to tell you cannot leave this room.”

  Caspian and Axel both nodded.

  “Many years ago, Lucifer had this brainstorm that if he gave hell-hound’s blood to – how should I say this – mortals of unscrupulous character – he could make an army that would be untouchable. As their numbers grew, the attacks on the angel-bloods would increase.”

  “Fortunately, only two of the creatures known as Abyvir survived the process, and they were destroyed many years ago,” Adam said. “We have reason to believe Lucifer is experimenting again. Thus, the unmistakable odor, and the reason for using hell-fire to destroy the bodies of those killed during the process. Now you understand why it is imperative to f
ind the other angel-bloods and bring them to Aeden.”

  “We know very little about the beasts, except they are controlled by the one who made them,” Paul added. “My daughter, Rita seems to think your brother, Richard, is somehow involved in all of this, though I have to admit she has no proof.”

  Axel’s gaze shifted from Caspian back to Paul. “How dangerous are these Abyvir?”

  “They killed hundreds before we were able to destroy them the first time,” Paul sighed. “If they are set free – the damage could be extreme. They can’t cross the barriers here and shouldn’t be able to penetrate the wards in Utopia, unless…

  “Unless Richard is involved,” Caspian completed Paul’s sentence. “Then, he could find a way to bring them into Utopia and the people there would be instant targets. Does my father know about this?”

  “No – before we cause a panic, we want to make sure of what we’re dealing with. Adam and I will summon the other members of the Guild, and then we’ll speak to the High Council about our suspicions. You and Axel will be going to Virginia. We’ve been told there are four families of angel-bloods living there. The sooner we bring them here, the safer they will be.”

  “How many families do you think are out there alone?”

  “If our calculations are correct, there are almost two hundred.”

  “It will take months to track all of them down,” Axel sighed.

  “I’m sorry,” Paul said. “I know we have taken you from your home, but you can understand the urgency of your mission.”

  “I’ve never trusted Richard, but to think he would be in involved in something so vile, even I have my doubts,” Caspian said.

  “Rita is determined to prove your brother’s guilt. Once her mind is set, I’m afraid there will be little anyone can do to change it. Joshua and Will have offered to help. They’ll keep an eye of Richard and report any suspicious activity.”

  Caspian chuckled. “I’m surprised he left Desiree. I found them together last night when I went to pack. I have no doubt my brother shared the wedding bed with my wife. When this is over, I plan to ask for an annulment.”