Falcondell: The Devil's Son

by S J Crabb

  Taking her advice I call Cally and Piper and arrange to meet them at Violet’s. By the time I get there they are already sitting inside and I laugh to myself as I take in their excited faces. Her eyes shining Cally says quietly, “I still can’t believe what happened last night can you?” I shake my head. “No I can’t. I’m dreading school though. I’m pretty sure that Skylar and Teagan will be out to get us now, I mean who wouldn’t when someone takes your boyfriend.” Piper looks worried. “I hope not for both your sakes. They can be pretty mean and I would hate for you both to suffer the Jessica Parker treatment.” Silently we all sit here pondering what might be. We order our breakfast and Cally says dreamily. “I’m meeting Jacob today. When he dropped me off last night we made plans to meet up later. He said that he was going to take me to his special place.” Piper and I burst out laughing and Piper says, “I bet he is.” Cally grins and we all laugh. Turning to me Piper looks interested. “What about you Grace, are you seeing Ash today?” I shrug and shake my head. “I’m not sure. He didn’t mention anything when he dropped me off last night.” Piper looks thoughtful and Cally says, “I don’t think he’s the type to make plans and go on dates. When he went out with Skylar I was always hearing her moan that he never called her or took her out.” Sighing I wonder what will happen with us. I have never had a boyfriend before so I don’t know how it all works.

  My thoughts are interrupted as somebody slides into the booth next to me. In surprise I look up to see Ash grinning at me. Jacob slides in next to Cally and I watch as her face lights up.

  “Hey girls, room for two more?” Ash says and then plants a kiss firmly on my lips. Piper’s eyes widen and I blush as I can see that the whole of Violet’s is looking at us. Ash and Jacob laugh and Ash puts his arm around me and pulls me close to him. I can see Violet looking over at us with disapproval and I worry that she doesn’t approve of him. Looking at me Ash frowns and whispers, “What’s the matter little Tess, something’s up I can tell.” In a low voice I tell him what‘s happening. “My Aunt told me that my Guardians are on their way. I’m just worried that they may be coming to take me back with them.” I see his eyes darken ominously and he suddenly looks angry. I can see Jacob look over at us with a worried expression and he raises his eyes to Ash who just shakes his head. Turning to me he says, “I’ll come back with you and we will face them together. We won’t let them take you without a fight.” Sighing I think to myself, that’s what I’m afraid of.

  They order some breakfast and we chat about the party. Cally looks worried. “I’m dreading school tomorrow. Do you think that Skylar and Teagan will be out to get us?” Ash and Jacob grin at each other and Jacob says, “Don’t worry about them. There’s nothing they can do. I expect that they won’t be pleasant that’s for sure but they know better than to start anything with you girls, they’d have us to deal with if they did.” Piper looks at me and I notice that she isn’t convinced. Cally also looks subdued and I can only hope that I am still here to back them up if they need it.

  When we finish I excuse myself as I want a quick word with Violet. I feel as if I should warn her that I might not be in tomorrow after school. Leaving the others chatting I walk over to her. She looks at me steadily and gestures for me to follow her into the kitchen. Turning to face me she says, “I’m not sure that I approve of your choice of breakfast buddies.” Looking down I say, “That’s the least of my worries Violet.” She looks at me with a concerned expression. “Why, what’s the matter? If it’s that Ash tell me and I’ll sort it out.” I shake my head sadly. “I may have to leave town. My guardians are on their way and may take me back with them.” Violet looks puzzled. “What do you mean. Surely you still have to finish High school, why on earth would they disrupt that?” I wave my hand in Ash’s direction. “They’ve found out about him and it’s always been the same. Every time a guy shows an interest in me they ship me off somewhere else.” Violet looks amazed. “In this case I think they have a point, but isn’t that a bit too over protective. What are they some religious cult or something?” Laughing I shake my head. “No, they’re actually really lovely people. It’s complicated but I just wanted to warn you in case I don’t come in tomorrow. You’ve been so good to me and I really appreciate it. I hope that I am just over reacting but just in case…” Violet frowns. “Listen Grace. I don’t want to lose you and I hope that things work out. However I must just warn you about Ash. If you do stay it will only be a matter of time before he causes you trouble. You’re a nice girl and deserve better. He’s bad news and you’re better off without him.” Seeing my expression she raises her eyes up saying, “Don’t be fooled by that drop dead gorgeous face and body. He may be charming you now but when he is bored he will move on. You by that time will have fallen head over heels for him and probably done things you shouldn’t have. Get out now whilst you still can. There are plenty of other good looking guys around here that would be only too pleased to be your guy. Give yourself a break and avoid him and his uncle at all costs. That’s all I’m saying. Trust me I know more than most what it’s like being involved with that family.” Suddenly we are interrupted as the door opens and Ash is standing there looking annoyed. Violet says angrily, “Staff only, customers have to stay in the diner, it’s the rules.” Grinning wickedly Ash says, “Since when do I follow the rules Violet? Anyway I need to take my girl home now and it can’t wait.” Noticing the surprise on my face he says, “Gabe just came in. You’re wanted at home.” Feeling the colour drain from my face I look at them both in desperation. Violet puts her arm around me. “Don’t worry Grace. I am sure it will be fine. I hope more than anything that I will see you here tomorrow as usual. If I don’t then it was meant to be, everything happens for a reason honey, it may not be obvious at first but everything becomes clear over time.” Hugging her I take hold of Ash’s hand and follow him outside. I can see Gabe’s worried face and rushing over to me he whispers, “They’re here Grace. Do you want me to come with you for moral support?” Shaking my head I reach out and pull him to me and hug him tightly. I whisper, “If it doesn’t work out thanks for everything Gabe. I will miss you if I have to leave and I have enjoyed being part of your family.” I can see the tears in his eyes and try to smile reassuringly. “Listen, don’t tell the others. Make an excuse for me and I’ll slip out with Ash. He is coming with me so I’ll be fine.” Looking worried Gabe says, “Are you sure that’s a good idea. I mean won’t he make the situation worse?” Shaking my head I say, “No, it needs to be done. Wish us luck Gabe.”

  I follow Ash outside to his motorbike. We get on and he turns to face me a reflective look on his face. “Before we go Grace, tell me what I need to know. I want to know what to expect.” I sigh heavily and proceed to tell him. “I have lived with them ever since I was five years old. They were assigned as my guardians after my mother left. They have been like parents to me but I was brought up to believe that I had a purpose in life and that I was special. I soon discovered that I had the power to heal. As I got older the power intensified. Soon it manifested itself in my appearance which is why I have to wear the locket. This suppresses it and I appear normal. Without it, as you know it dazzles people and seems to beguile them. All through school I have tried to fade into the background. Nobody must ever find out because if they do I would become an object of fascination. Every time people grew suspicious of me, we moved on. I was never allowed a boyfriend and had only limited friends.” Ash looks at me thoughtfully saying, “What happened to bring you here?” I look down. “There was an accident at my last school and my friend was badly hurt. I couldn’t stop myself and saved her. What I haven’t mentioned is that if I heal someone I take on their pain. She was fine but I was in a coma for three weeks whilst my body dealt with it. We had to move due to questions from the doctors who couldn’t understand what was happening.” Ash smiles at me gently. “Thank you Grace for trusting me. You know that I would never allow any harm to come to you don’t you?” Nodding I look down, Violet’s warning ringin
g in my ears. Lifting my chin up Ash stares into my eyes and I can see the dark glint in his as he looks at me. “What is it, don’t you trust me?” Shrugging I say, “At the moment I do, of course, but what happens when you grow tired of me? I will become disposable to you then and you won’t care what happens.” Ash’s eyes flash and he says angrily, “You’ve been listening to too much gossip. The fact is Grace I have never loved anyone before in my life. I don’t know how to and I have never wanted to before you. From the moment that I saw you in the library that day I knew you were mine. There is something between us that is touching me here.” Lifting my hand he holds it to his heart. “The thought that I might lose you will destroy me. I will do anything, and I mean anything to stop that from happening. I won’t get tired of you, how could I, you are my destiny Grace, haven’t you realised that yet?” As I look into his eyes I see the torment in his soul, battling against the unfamiliar feelings that have been awoken. As I drown in his eyes I can see that there is a strong connection between us. Like me, he is special. We are poles apart but similar in many ways. Maybe he is my destiny, perhaps this was always meant to happen.

  Chapter 27

  As we pull up outside the house I feel more nervous than I have ever felt in my life before. Ash helps me off the bike and pulling me tightly against his chest he holds me firmly whispering, “I love you Grace. I have never ever said that to anyone in my life. I was waiting for you. Always remember that. I will fight for you with all that I have.” Pulling him towards me I kiss him with everything that I have. I pour everything into the kiss to show him what he means to me. This may be our last one and I want him to know that I feel it too. When I pull away I see the passion mixed with despair in his eyes. He says in an anguished voice, “I can’t lose you now that I have found you.” Grabbing hold of his hand I pull him towards the house. “Let’s just give it all we’ve got, ok?” Nodding grimly he follows me inside.

  As we walk in we are met by my Aunt Sarah. Looking anxiously at us she says quietly, “They’re in the front room Grace, I hope that it goes well, I don’t want to lose you so soon.” Hugging her I whisper, “What do you think, I mean how do they seem?” Shrugging she says, “You know them, they give nothing away.” Pulling back I look towards the door in front of me. My whole life may change when I go through it and I am not sure that I am ready. Ash looks at us and I can tell that he is taking it all in. Like me, my Guardians are not easy to read so he may have his work cut out trying to understand them. Seeing me looking at him he smiles reassuringly. “Come on Grace, let’s just get this over with.” My Aunt looks at him with a worried expression. I can tell that she is scared in case he makes a scene. I know him better than that, or at least I hope that I do.

  With a heavy sigh I push open the door. Despite my anxiety my heart lifts as I see the two people who have been like my parents for the last twelve years waiting for me. As I enter the room I can feel the love radiating out from them and on seeing their outstretched arms I race over to hug them both. Aria and John are my family and I couldn’t love them any more than I do. They have been all I have had for most of my life and I trust them both implicitly. Pulling back Aria looks at me lovingly. “We’ve missed you so much Grace, let me look at you.” I can see the tears in both of their eyes as they look at me. They are the kindest people that I have ever met and my eyes fill with tears as I see them standing there. Despite the reason they came I am very happy to see them. Aria looks past me and I can see her looking at Ash. To my surprise her eyes fill with tears as she sees him and I notice that John reaches out and gives her hand a squeeze. He too looks emotional and looking around at Ash I can see him studying them as if trying to place them in his mind. Aria moves towards him and it looks as if Ash is battling with some sort of emotion himself. It is almost as if he has met them before but doesn’t know where from. As she moves towards him I look at John in surprise. He smiles and reaching for my hand, pulls me beside him. We watch as Aria stands before Ash saying softly, “Hello Ash. My name is Aria and this is John. We are very pleased to meet you.” Ash looks confused. “I’m sorry but do I know you? It’s just that I have a strong feeling that we’ve met before.” Smiling sadly Aria nods her head. “It was many many years ago. I am surprised that you can remember that far back.” He looks puzzled. “How? I mean the memory is there but it is faded and I can’t see it.” I feel John tense up beside me and look at him in surprise. He is watching the scene in front of us intently and looking back to them I watch in fascination as Aria reaches out and takes hold of Ash’s hands. She then says, “I will show you Ash, but I warn you, you will not like what you see and it may change everything. Are you ready for that?” Nodding Ash holds her hands as she lifts one of them and presses it to her heart. Staring at him she holds his gaze and I watch as suddenly the air in the room becomes charged with a huge burst of energy. There is so much power in the room and I can feel it swirling around us as I watch the scene in front of me. I can’t take my eyes off them as I see a myriad of emotions pass across Ash’s face as he looks into her eyes. Whatever she is showing him is having a powerful effect and it is painful to watch. It seems like forever before she breaks away, watching him as he slumps down on to a nearby chair. Putting his head in his hands he hides his face and I race over to him in concern. As I reach him I touch him and he jumps as though I have given him an electric shock. As he looks up I can see the torture in his eyes. Looking at us all he says in a broken voice, “I never knew.” Smiling sadly Aria says, “You were never meant to find out. But now you do it is up to you how you deal with the information.” Ash looks at me and I can tell that he is going through some powerful emotions. His eyes fill with tears as he looks at me and shaking his head he says almost to himself, “I’m sorry Grace, I’m not sure if I can.” In confusion I look between them all. “What do you mean, what is going on, can’t what?” I feel Aria’s hand on my shoulder. “It’s up to Ash now Grace. He needs to deal with what I have shown him and make his decision based on it. He may need some time.” Looking at us with an anguished expression I shudder as I can see the rising anger in his eyes. Suddenly the atmosphere becomes super charged and there is a different sort of energy in the room. Aria pulls me back so that we are standing beside John facing Ash and we look at him as he battles with himself. The room gets extremely hot and I watch in alarm as I witness his inner struggle. I can feel anger all around us. It is almost as if I could reach out and touch it. The atmosphere becomes dark and oppressive and there is an air of uncertainty and desperation. In shock I look at my Guardians and can see that they are staring at Ash with intense concentration. As I look at him I can tell that he is battling against whatever she has shown him and fear rises up within me. Almost as if he can sense it Ash’s eyes lock on to mine and I gasp as I see the intensity in his expression. Turning his back on us he moves to the door. Looking at my Guardians in confusion I am amazed to see tears running down Aria’s face. Ash hovers by the door, his hand on the handle. Suddenly I know that he is leaving and a huge feeling of desolation comes over me and I can feel my heart breaking. This is it, he is leaving me, whatever he has seen is too much and he can’t deal with it. His hand freezes on the handle and I see him tense up. Turning around he looks straight at me and I can feel the tears running down my face. His face looks tortured and my breath catches in my throat. He tears his gaze from mine and looks at Aria and John in despair. Suddenly he moves back across the room towards us. Reaching out for me he pulls me beside him, his touch sending shock waves through my body. It is as though he is on fire and I can feel the torment in his soul as he takes my hand. Looking at Aria and John he says in a broken voice, “I’m sorry. I am who I am and I can’t change that. If I was a better person I would walk away, but I am not. I am too selfish to do that and that will be my downfall.” Aria looks at him tears now pouring down her face. Gently she says, “You will find a way. There’s a part of her in you that will make you strong. You know the consequences though if you fail.” Nodding Ash l
ooks at her and to my surprise I see tears in his eyes.” Aria says with emotion, “You are very much like her you know. She loved you more than anything in the world and did what she had to do to protect you. Don’t judge her too harshly for what she did.” Ash nods but he can’t speak. I look between them all in confusion. “What is happening here?” John smiles and says in his calming voice. “Ash will tell you everything when he is ready. For now we all need to keep you safe. Ash knows the consequences if he fails and has made the decision that he will try. We came here for that reason alone Grace. You can stay and finish your education but if you are discovered or in any danger we will come back and next time you will leave with us. You have until the end of your education when it will revert to being your decision. Then you will have free will and get to choose your own path.” Aria comes over and takes both mine and Ash’s hands. She looks at us both with a kind and gentle look in her eyes. “We are here for you both and you can contact us at any time. I hope that it works out for you both, I really do.” Bewildered I look at her and smiling gently she says, “Don’t worry Grace, just carry on as normal, whatever that is, and just enjoy the rest of High school. You are a good person and I know that you will make the right decisions.” Pulling me towards her she hugs me tightly and whispers, “I love you Grace, stay strong and above all be happy.” John then joins us and says softly, “Come Aria, we had better leave them to it.” Pulling me towards him I feel instantly protected and enjoy the feeling of security that he always gives me. He whispers, “I love you Grace. Remember that I am always here for you and watching out for you. Stay strong and be happy.” Wiping her eyes Aria says, “Go on you two, leave us to sort things out with Sarah. You have a lot to talk about.”