I remembered my mother’s letters and her warnings to believe what cannot be believed. I eyed this little thing and with a clear head I asked, “How do you know my mother?” She smiled and I noticed a twinkle in her eye. “I helped your grandparents care for Annie since the day she was born. I guess you could call me her nanny.” She giggled before her face turned serious. “Lilly, I know you are having a hard time processing the situation, but you have to trust me, we need you in Neveah. Your mother needs you.” She had a serious tone in her voice now. I couldn’t explain what pulled me to this Serephina creature, but I felt a trust for her that should not have been there having only known her for minutes. I decided I had no choice but to follow her. I left her standing in the library while I gathered a few things.
I shoved a few personal things in my backpack including a picture of Shep. I quickly wrote a letter to Shep, addressed and stamped it and drove it out to the tiny mailbox at the end of the drive. I hadn’t realized before that I was crying. I wasn’t sure if it was from not knowing if I would see Shep again or the excitement of seeing my mother. I hastily dried my tears and hurried back to the room with Serephina. “I’m ready,” I exclaimed, feeling a jolt of excitement rush through me.
I was ready to head down the hall when I heard a loud shuffling and turned to find she had moved an entire wall of books to reveal a hidden room. “Are you coming?” She asked. “Ummm, yeah.” I stepped into the secret room. It was dark and chilly. She slid the door closed and found my hands in the dark. “Hang on to me Lilly, no matter what happens don’t let go.” And hang on I did. The room was spinning though I stood still. I could feel the air rushing past my head. I felt gravity pulling me away from Serephina when she grabbed my hands tighter pulling me to her. I fell to my knees and wrapped my arms around her waist in an attempt to anchor myself to her. Within seconds the world was black, and I was gone.
I didn’t feel the room stop spinning, and I didn’t feel my body turn to jello and hit the floor. I did, however, feel a soft hand rubbing my cheek trying to coax me awake. I opened my eyes to the same spinning room. I sat up despite the protest from my head, good grief it was pounding. I glanced around, confused. I could have sworn this room was spinning, and had actually believed it would transport me to some other world. I stood up, feeling irritated that I had fallen for her story. I turned, ready to let her have it, when she smiled, pointing to the open door.
Small rays of light were penetrating the darkness of the room. Little by little rays of pinks, blues and yellows cut through the dark room creating a prism of colorful light. “Amazing,” was all I could mutter. Serephina walked out the door, motioning for me to follow. The room that had been full of books was now empty of them. Instead, beams of light danced through the windows, bouncing off the drawings that now took residence on the walls.
The drawings were of nothing specific, just a random collection of pictures. Portions of the walls looked as if a five year old had been let loose with a box of crayons or markers and told to have a ball. Other areas appeared to have taken someone a large amount of time and dedication. There was beautifully painted waterfalls and wildflowers, among the stick figure people and animals. “What is this?” I asked as I studied the walls.
“Artwork, of course. Your mother brought her love of art home with her after one of her journeys to earth. People of Neveah had never seen anything such as this. She taught many of the children how to depict what they saw or felt on these very walls.”
I stared, shocked at her. “Well my mother does love the arts. She passed that passion to me and taught me to draw and paint at a young age.” Talking about her and seeing how she had taught these children made me ache for her.
“I know, Lilly, we have been watching over you since your birth.” She stopped abruptly. Obviously, she had said too much. I didn’t question her at that moment, but planned to in the near future. At that moment though, all I wanted was to see my mother, get some answers and get home.
“Serephina, is my mother here?”
“I’m afraid not, but there is someone who has been waiting for you, come with me.”
“Wait! What do you mean, afraid not? Where is my mother? I don’t care to see anyone but her. She is why I am here!”
“You’re right. She is why you are here, but you can’t see her now. Please just come with me.” I was hesitant to follow her, but at that very moment, I had no other option.
I followed her to the main floor, to the room that had been a ballroom. I had observed on our walk down that although this was the exact floor plan of the house back home, it was infinitely different. Every room was painted a bright color and had little furnishings. The ballroom was painted a magnificent shade of yellow and the fireplace appeared at least three times larger than I remembered. There were monstrous pillows covered in rich fabrics placed strategically around the room. The warmth and color made it feel like I was standing in the center of the sun. The only light was shed through the enormous windows and was a spectacle of color, much like the room upstairs. I saw a figure standing on the far side of the room just as Serephina’s voice rang out, “She’s here.”
“Thank you dear, you have done well,” a mystery voice bellowed from across the room.
I walked closer, deciding to approach this form before I lost my nerve. The figure must have been slightly over five feet tall and was wearing a gown that covered the body from head to toe. Upon closer inspection, I discovered the figure was female. She had hair the color of snow that was a pile of curls on top of her head. Her face was a reflection of my own and her lips curled back in a smile. Despite the smile she offered, I could see great sadness in her emerald eyes.
“Come closer child, let me see you,” she requested. I obeyed, completely mesmerized by her. She sat, motioning me to sit beside her. I did.
“You look just like her, you know? Yes you look just like your mother.” She was examining me with great interest. She seemed pleased, if not a little sad, by what she saw. She appeared almost as if she was in mourning. I was next to speak, “You know my mother? Can you tell me where to find her then? Can you tell me what is going on?” The words were rushing out, and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I had been so strong up to this point. Something about this woman made me feel safe, yet I could feel her sadness in my bones.
“Dear Lilly, I will answer all your questions that are for me to answer. There is much for you to learn. Many things will be a great shock to you, but you must listen to it all. Are you ready to listen?” She asked. “Yes,” was all I could say in response. She began talking as though reciting a story she had practiced many times.
“My name is Eirene of Neveah and I am your grandmother. Your mother is my daughter and her given name is Annika of Neveah, although I believe you know her as simply Annie. She chose the name when she fled our land in search of a new life with you, eighteen years ago. The circumstances surrounding your mother’s exit from her home are sensitive and hard for me to talk about. No parent wants to think about pain that was inflicted upon their child, yet it is my duty to explain to you the chain of events that have led us to this meeting.,” She paused. My grandmother took a deep breath before continuing with the story of my mother, my father, and a man named Jax Bane. I sat in shock and horror as I listened to her recount the story.
~Chapter Six~
He was born Jax Androni to Aldon and Selene Androni just three days before the birth of Annika Levannah. Selene had been the best friend of Eirene Levannah since they were young girls. The two had been inseparable as children and their friendship flowed into adulthood. They were married within weeks of each other and served as each other’s maids of honor. They had always felt blessed that they were able to marry men who would become as close as the two of them.
When Selene announced her pregnancy, it was to no one’s surprise, that Lady Levannah would soon be announcing hers. It was as if the Gods had been watching the two of them and felt the need to bless them together. Both couple
s couldn’t have been more thrilled when Jax and Annika were born. Aldon and Adair were quick to arrange the marriage of their children and their wives would giggle about the wedding plans.
Jax and Annika grew up together and were the best of friends. They spent many days exploring the land as children. When they were young, they stayed close to home, but as they grew older, their expeditions took them all over Neveah. They both loved adventure and thrived when they stumbled upon a new discovery.
When Annika’s little brother, Denali, was born she had been blind with jealousy. She was only five years old when Denali was born and she ran away to the tree fort her father had built. Jax had gone with her, staying with his friend until she was ready to go home. However, in no time, her brother grew to be a rambunctious little boy who loved going on adventures with his older sister and her best friend. Annika felt lucky to spend all her time with such wonderful boys.
Jax was born with the ability to skin walk and spent countless hours changing into different animals to either impress or frighten Annika. He loved playing tricks on her. Annika was born with the power to calm. She used her ability frequently on Jax. He was slightly bad tempered and she was always there to calm him before he found trouble. She found his tricks amusing and enjoyed his company.
When Annika was sixteen, she went exploring, and for whatever reason she was without Jax. While exploring, she met James Mender, a healer from a close by village. Soon after their first meeting, they would sneak away to see each other. This went on for two years before she realized she had fallen in love with him. James, well aware of Annika’s stature in Neveah, feared rejection from her family. That fear had them keeping their love a secret. Annika hated hiding her love for James and would dream of the day she could tell her family, and Jax, that she had fallen in love.
She dreamed of her wedding to James. She hoped the day she could bring him home to her parents would come soon. James often felt he was not good enough for her, but he loved her too much to let her go. He had thought long and hard about marrying her. He came to the conclusion he would risk rejection if it meant spending the rest of his life with her. Finally, after years of secret rendezvous’, James proposed to Annika. She didn’t have to think before she said yes. She loved James, and all that was him, and couldn’t wait to marry him.
They promised themselves to each other that afternoon when they lay together as virgins and arose as lovers. She left him that day with a promise to him, she would tell her father of their love then she would send for him. She’d felt his seed burry deep inside of her that first time. Pregnancy was felt the moment of conception and, in Neveah, progressed very quickly. They wouldn’t have much time to be married before she began to show. He was to meet her parents that evening at dinner where they would announce their engagement then she would announce that she was with child. She had never been happier and he had never been more nervous. He kissed her goodbye and watched her run down the path to the road. After the afternoon together, he couldn’t imagine spending even a few moments without her, let alone four hours. He set about cleaning up and decided to sit and read while he waited.
She was on her way to tell her parents about James. She couldn’t wait to tell the world she was in love and was anxious to tell her best friend and planned to visit Jax as soon as she spoke to her parents. She just knew he would be so happy for her.
She found her father in the garden behind their home. She ran to him, excitement running through her veins. Her father had heard her coming and turned to greet his daughter. She was prepared to tell him her news, but he quickly spoke first. “Hello dear, I have the most wonderful news,” he had said and she listened, anxious to tell him news of her own. “You are set to marry Jax, my dear. In four weeks’ time our families will become one!” He was grinning ear to ear, his cheeks the color of roses. Annika felt her heart fall. Married? To Jax? She should have seen this coming. She never thought of Jax as anything more than a friend, a brother. “What do you mean, marry Jax, daddy?” Her words were flowing fast, but she was sure her father would understand, if she could just explain. “Daddy, I can’t marry Jax. He is like my brother. I don’t love him. I am sorry but I won’t marry him. I was coming to tell you I am in love. His name is James and he is part of the healing family.” She was trying to get in as many words as possible before her father cut her off.
“What are you talking about Annie? It’s always been known you and Jax would be married. It was decided the day you were born. You have spent your entire life with him. It has already been arranged. You must tell this other boy goodbye. You have an obligation to this family!” His voice was rising the more he spoke. The rosy glow was turning to a crimson red.
Annika felt heat rise in her own cheeks as well and her heart was hammering in rage. “Obligation! Who gave you the right to promise me to anyone? I don’t love Jax and I will not marry him!” She turned and quickly walked away. She could hear her father’s voice behind her but didn’t bother to listen to the words. She had to get to Jax.
She was sure Jax felt the same and she rushed to his cottage in hopes of them helping each other find a way out of this. She was so sure he didn’t want to marry her any more than she wanted to marry him. She ran into Jax, literally, on the way to his cottage. “Whoa, Annie, what’s the hurry?” He caught her, with a laugh in his throat. “Oh Jax,” she cried. “Have they told you? They plan for us to marry! How could they?” Jax backed away, looking slightly shocked. Annika was much too distraught to notice the shock reflected in his brown eyes. He ran his hands through his jet black hair, trying to process what she had said.
“Of course Annie, of course we are to be wed. My parents told me about the deal they made with your father all those years ago. I couldn’t be happier Annie. I love you. Don’t you love me?” His words pulled her back to reality. What was he saying? He loved her? Was he out of his mind too? She stepped back, looked into his eyes, and whispered, “No Jax, I can’t marry you. Of course I love you, like I love Denali, like a brother.” She could see Jax’s face redden and his jaw clench. She knew all too well the temper he possessed.
Many times Annie had to use her power to calm him in order to keep him out of fights and out of trouble. When Jax was angry he shifted into a lion, not by choice, it was as if he had no control. Annie had only seen this once herself, and swore she would always calm him, so she would never have to see it again. His body looked as if it could rip open at any moment revealing the lion inside, but his face was twisted in agony.
“Don’t try to calm me Annika it’s not going to work this time. I can calm myself.” He shook a little but took a deep breath continuing, “I’m sorry if I scared you, but that’s not really what I was expecting to hear from you. It’s okay though. We have time. You will learn to love me. We will be happy Annie,” he said. His words were strained and full of hurt. She knew in her heart she could not marry Jax and though it tore her apart to see him hurt this way, she had no other choice. “I love someone else Jax. He asked me to marry him today and I said yes. You see, I can’t marry you.” She tried to touch him, to offer an apology, but he pushed her away. “Please Jax, understand, I had no idea you felt this way. You can’t be angry with me!”
“Have you lain with this other man Annika?” Jax demanded.
“What? What difference does that make?” Annika asked, appalled that he would ask her something so personal.
“It makes a huge difference to me. Have you?” He grabbed her shoulders hard. She knew lying to him was useless, he knew her too well. She was furious he would even ask her.
“Yes, today after he proposed. Are you happy now Jax?” The words flew from her mouth and were there, floating between them, before she realized what she had said. His grip on her shoulders relaxed, she was trying her best to calm him. He stepped back, looking at her. He looked disgusted, repulsed by her. His bronze skin had gone crimson with anger. “You whore,” he spoke in a growl before spitting at her.
“I am not a whore! I
have never lain with another man. I love him. We are going to marry and I am so sorry if that hurts you, but you cannot and will not speak of me that way nor will you disgrace me with your spit!” She was visibly shaking now, furious with him. “This conversation is over Jax, go home, calm down!”
Just as she turned to walk away, he grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arm around her neck. “Not so fast Annika. This is far from over.”
“Stop it Jax, you’re hurting me!” His grip tightened. She grabbed his arm, attempting to calm him with her touch. It wasn’t working.
“Don’t fight it my love, you can’t calm me. I have spent many years shielding your calming power and now have it perfected.”
“What? Why, Jax?” She asked with fear laced words.
“I guess anticipation, self-protection, who knows? I knew it would come in handy one day and looks like that day has come,” he replied, sounding sinister.
“Please Jax, let me go,” Annie begged.
“Oh no, Annie, you are coming with me.” With that he threw her over his shoulder. “Jax put me down. Where are you taking me?” She was fighting him back with fierceness. She bit down as hard as she could into his shoulder, drawing blood from his leathery skin. She felt his body quiver under hers, yet he remained a man, not a lion. He was moving with the speed of a Jaguar in the direction of the Dark Forest. Jax carried her into the depth of the darkness as though he had walked through the place a hundred times. Although most of Neveah was peaceful, and many creatures were able to co-habitat, the Dark Forest was off limits. The creatures within never left the shelter of the forest. The people of Neveah never ventured in, until now. Jax marched into the shadows as if the land were his. Little known to Annika, Jax had been visiting the forest frequently as of late.
He had found the inhabitants more afraid of him than he was of them. Visiting the forbidden place was exciting for Jax. He knew exactly where he was going that day. Near the center of the forest stood a tree large enough around to house a family of rhinos. Jax spent a lot time in this tree. He was working on his ability. He was perfecting his craft. He had taught himself to control the urge to evolve when his anger aroused. He now could evolve into a lion at his own choosing. Jax, ever so smart, had also conditioned himself enough to transfigure into anything he might choose. He had been so proud and couldn’t wait to share the news with Annie. Then she ripped his heart out.
Neveah Box Series (Neveah Box Set Book 5) Page 5