Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)
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By the time Myra was three years old, Virgil could barely stand her being in Marcus’ company. She was an angelblood and needed protection from the temptations of darkness. When he spoke to Mahlyssa about his concerns, she turned a deaf ear to him. Virgil was left with no choice, but to hide Myra.
He took her to his friend Seraphon. At the time she was living in Savannah, Georgia. She agreed to care for Myra as a daughter. Virgil promised he would come back when it was safe. It was Alice, Esra’s daughter, who told Seraphon that Virgil would not be returning. Like her mother, she too was a seer.
It was the most heartbreaking decision Virgil ever had to make. Alice promised to use her husbandGideon’s shield, to protect Myra as long as she remained in their custody. Herdaughter Eve and Seraphon’s daughter Angela were the same age and best friends. They would welcome Myra as a sister.
When Marcus realized Virgil took his granddaughter, he was furious. As part of his revenge, he cast a spell on his daughter Mahlyssa, turning her into a hideous creature.
When Virgil returned to Ireland and saw his wife, he too was enraged. Marcus vowed he would remove the spell and allow them to live in peace, if Virgil would give up his wings.
Mahlyssa begged him to grant her father’s request. Virgil loved her enough, that even though he knew it was wrong, he reluctantly agreed.
Marcus severed the wings from his back and watched as Virgil’s golden blood dripped from them. Seconds after they touched his hands, the wings turned to ash. Marcus became even more incensed.
He knew Virgil was in no physical condition to fend off his attack, so he cast a similar curse, turning him into a monstrous creature.
As he lay on the ground writhing in pain, Virgil begged the Lord Father for forgiveness.
Mahlyssa screamed, “What have you done? Why did you deceive him? He will never release me from this spell now. I will hate youfor all eternity.” She ran away, leaving Virgil alone with her father.
Virgil begged Marcus to kill him, but he only laughed.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I want you to suffer as long as you live,and you will live a very long time.”
“I have given up my divinity. I will not live forever,” Virgil hissed at Marcus.
“You may have lost your wings, but I assure you thatspell will last for eternity and so shall you.”
After Virgil gathered his strength, he tried desperately to find Mahlyssa. If he could speak to her, perhaps she would listen to the truth. After trying for years, he finally gave up his search.
When the High Council learned what happened, they sent Paul and Adam to dispose of Marcus.
Virgil disappeared and made his way outside the city of Utopia. He practiced the Enchantor’s spells, but vowed he would never use them to cause harm to anyone. Even though he willingly gave up his wings, he remained true to Heaven.
He thought being close to the angelbloods in Utopia, might grant him some peace; it never did. The only saving grace was knowing that his daughter Myra was safe. Virgil heard a rumor that his daughter married Martin. He couldn’t have been happier. Martin was one of his closest childhood friends. He knew Myra would be well cared for. Pity - Virgil never saw his daughter again.
When lunch was ready, Bren and the others retreated to the dining room. Everybody seemed to be in better spirits. The words the girls spoke at the memorial service even provided some comfort to Jane and Jayden.
Aura wondered how Acadia was adapting to life in Aeden. Though she only arrived two days ago, she seemed to fit in perfectly. Rita was right in assuming her life hadn’t been easy. Meredith and Natalie were beyond cruel, especially to the orphans.
Aidan wasn’t the only one who was quiet. Will was also keeping to himself. They presumed he was thinking about his brother Arian, who was still missing. At least Jayden had closure.
Aura hoped one day Will would enjoy the same peace, though she prayed they would find Arian alive. She never met his brother, but Joshua said they were very close.
They were surprised that Jade came to the service. Perhaps it was to deliver some news from Utopia. “Analie and Ambrosia stayed behind to help Henry. He has moved Meredith to Richard’s country home.”
“My brother will love that,” Joshua said sarcastically.
“Your father is seeking an annulment to his marriage.”
Jades words got the attention of the Guild. “Perhaps we should pay Henry another visit,” Paul said.
“It probably wouldn’t hurt,” Jade said. “He knows Natalie lied to him about being estranged from her father.” “No surprise there,” Jayden said. “Natalie wouldn’t know the truth if it bit her in the ass.”
The little ones started laughing. Jayden became redfaced and quickly apologized.
“That’s OK Jayden. It’s the truth,” Bren giggled. Ritahad noticed that Jayden wasn’t limping. “Not to change the subject, but how did your leg heal?”
Still not wanting to break his promise Jayden joked, “I guess I’m special.”
“Actually it was because of me,” Acadia looked at him and smiled.
“You can heal angelfire? How is that possible?” Rita asked.
“Jayden thinks I was born beneath the veil.” Everyone in the room looked at her. “I was visited by Raphael on the day I was born,” she explained.
Rita gazed at Jessica. “We were also born beneath the veil.”
“Me and Tracy were born beneath the veil,” Bren chimed in.
“Mommy was born beneath the veil too,” Alannah said.
Before she could tell Acadia about Aura’s veil, Eve interrupted. “Now we know who six of the seven are. We only need to identify the last one,” she smiled at Acadia.
Acadia looked confused.“I don’t understand.”
“There were a total of seven born beneath the veil. Five of them live here. You are the sixth. There is one more,” Eve said, as she patted her hand.
Adam looked at Acadia. “You’ve been given a very special gift. To my knowledge Raphael is the only one who could heal a wound made with angelfire. You must have a pure heart.”
Acadia was humbled.“I’m not sure I’m worthy of such a gift, but thank you for your kind words.”
“Never doubt your worthiness,” Adam said. “Gifts like yours are only received if you are deserving of them.”
Acadia started to sob. “I haven’t had a family in so long. But you have all opened up your hearts and your home to me. I promise Iwill never take any of you for granted.”
“Of course you won’t.” Jane put her arms around her.
“Thank you for making me feel at home,” Acadia whimpered.
“We’re your family too,” Alannah hugged her.
Jayden smiled at Acadia. “Alannah’s right. You are family now.” He contemplated hugging her, but wasn’t sure she would appreciate the gesture. He was after-all still married to Natalie; a fact he wished he could forget.
When Richard returned that evening, Desiree was waiting up for him.
“Is everything alright?” she asked. “It soon will be. Where is everyone else?’
“Natalie went to bed early. She’s worried about the Guild. Youwon’t let them take her will you Richard?”
“My daughter has a lot to learn. She acted in a rash manner. Sometimes she allows her anger to control her. I’m afraid I can only protect her so much. Don’t worry -I have a plan. I don’t want to tell you everything just yet. It will be better for you not to know the details in case the Guild decides to question you and your mother.”
“I do not fear the Guild!” Desiree said stubbornly.
“Of course you don’t, but I need to protect you too. Let’s sleep on it. I’ll be in a better position tomorrow after I’ve met with the Enchantor.”
The two of them walked up the stairs to her bedroom. Even though Desiree was married toRichard’s brother, her mother overlooked their infidelity. Perhaps she knew they belonged together.
It was Meredith’s idea for Desiree to marry Caspian. Rich
ard wasn’t happy about the arrangement, but he knew that in time she would become his bride. As soon as he took over the colony of Utopia, Caspian and Henry would be nothing more than a faint memory. to a long, happy life with Desiree. son he wanted so desperately. Richard looked forward She would give him the
Chapter 7
Francesca and the other servants had Meredith packed early the next morning. Though he didn’t acknowledge her presence, Henry remained behind to make sure she didn’t take any of his families heirlooms.
Analie and Ambrosia came to breakfast, knowing their presence would infuriate Meredith. With her mother gone it would be easy for Analie to find help to take care of the estate. Henry told her in confidence he was planning to have his marriage annulled.
Analie couldn’t mask the fear in her voice. “Richard will go ballistic when he finds out. Won’t you reconsider Arthur’s offer to stay at the sanctuary with us?”
“I have no intentions of leaving my home.” Seeing the worried look on his daughter’s face he added, “Paul has agreed to reinforce the shields here.”
“Perhaps I should stay with you until Axel returns,” Analie said.
“You’ll be safer where you are. I don’t think I could bear it if anything happened to you or Ambrosia. Have you heard from Axel since Thanksgiving?”
“We spoke briefly yesterday. He will return as soon as hecan.”
“Paul will keep him safe.”
Analie smiled at her father. “I hope he will keep you safe as well. It will be interesting to see how Meredith adapts to country life,” shelaughed. “If nothing else she will be humbled when the Utopians discover you’re asking for an annulment. Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“Richard doesn’t have the power to take on the Guild. Perhaps I should invite Rita and Jessica for a visit,” Henry chuckled.
Analie grinned.“That might be worth considering.” It was good to see her father in such a good mood. A great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Meredith didn’t speak to Analie or Ambrosia while she was there. As she was leaving Henry stopped her. “I’ll let you know the Committee’s decision concerning the annulment.”
“You’re not going to wait for the Guild to complete their investigation of Jasper’s murder?”
“We both know Natalie was involved. Perhaps if she were here to answer the Guild’s questions, she could be absolved of this matter expeditiously. As far as the annulment, I can’t think of a single reason to wait. I’m sure you’ll appreciate your new freedom Baroness.”
Meredith glared at him, but she didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. She wouldn’t lower herself to such standards in the presence of Analie and Ambrosia. Instead, she walked out the front door, slamming it behind her.
Henry looked at his daughter. “I have not known peace like this in years. I may learn to enjoy this single life.” Analie and Ambrosia both ran to hug him.
In the back of her mind Analie couldn’t help wondering how long it would last. She hoped her father could enjoy his peace indefinitely. But knowing Richard, she doubted it would last more than a few days.
Richard was awakened by a frantic phone call from his mother.
“Henry has moved us to the country home,” Meredith cried. “Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was?”
Instead of offering her support, Richard started laughing. “How did you expect him to react? Do you think he would dare betray the Guild after what happened to Jayden’s brother?”
“You think this is funny?” Meredith barked. “He’s planning to have our marriage annulled. Do you think the Council will refuse him? The whole colony knows about that boy’s death and they’re pointing the finger at Natalie,” she fumed.
“His death was in selfdefense. Even the Guild will realize that,” Richard replied half-heartedly.
“Are you forgettingabout that girl’s death? If they discover the truth about her, they will execute Natalie.” “That will never happen. When are you going to trust me Mother?”
“You don’t know the Guild the way I do. You didn’t see them when they came for my father.”
“That is why I have taken precautions to hide her.” “How can you hide her with that scar on her face?” Meredith ranted.
“It will be taken care of. Now if you have nothing else to discuss, I need to speak to Natalie and inform her of my plan.”
“What am I supposed to do in the meantime?”
“I’m sure the Guild will be paying you a visit this afternoon. The less you know thebetter. I’ll be moving Natalie from Paris later today.”
“Where will you take her?”
“She’ll be taken somewhere safe.”
Richard had no intention of telling Meredith they were going to New York. If the Guild questioned her, it would be better if she didn’t know.
“What am I to do? Am I to be left alone to deal with the Guild?”
“You can come to Paris. You’ll be safe here.” “I am a descendant of Lucifer. I have no intention ofrunning away like a coward. I’m not leaving my home.”
Richard laughed. “I believe Henry has already made you leave your home Mother. It might be beneficial if you stayed in Utopia. The servants might hear something useful at the market. You know how they all like to gossip.I’ll return after I’ve made arrangements for Natalie.”
Richard ended the call before his mother could respond.
Meredith looked around the country house. It was one of the finest in Utopia. Richard’s first wife Genevieve had kept the same décor as her parents. The rooms were open and like the Devereaux’s home in Paris, it boasted an eighteenth century French flair.
Most of the furniture was hand carved. The antiques were probably worth a fortune. That was one of the reasons that Richard had married Genevieve. Aside from Arthur Carnegie, her family was one of the wealthiest in Utopia.
Richard inherited everything when she died. Though he rarely stayed there, he did keep a few servants on to make sure the home was always ready for guests.
Of course now that Meredith was living there, she would be in charge. That meant that the other servants would answer to Francesca.
When Natalie came downstairs, Richard informed her that they would be leaving Paris by early afternoon. “We just got here,” she argued. “Why can’t I stay with Desiree?”
“This will be the first place the Guild will look for you. If I am to keep you safe, you’ll do as I say without any further discussions.”
Natalie wasn’t used to her father being so insensitive. It was better not to argue. “When do we leave?” she asked.
“You’ll hav e a few hours to shop if you like, but we’ll be leaving here by noon. Make sure you’re ready. I want no delays.”
“I’ll be ready Father,” Natalie replied obediently.
Richard smiled. “Now I suggest we have a leisurely breakfast. Then I can take you to oneof Desiree’s boutiques for some shopping.”
Natalie responded by nodding her head. Desiree knew not to ask Richard any questions. She trusted his judgment completely. It was one of the things he loved about her.
Natalie decided not to go shopping. She could get what she needed while she was in New York. She left Paris with her father at noon, wearing a pair of blue jeans and a rust colored sweater. Because of the time change, they arrived in New York at six o’clock in the morning.
Phillipe Devereaux was waiting for them outside of his home. His wife was away at the beach and his daughter’s were enrolled in the Godwin Academy.
Natalie was grateful she wouldn’t have to explain her scar.
Phillipe Devereaux was slim built with light wavy brown hair and brown eyes. His brother had been married to Charisse Devereaux. He was Desiree’s uncle and had always been useful to Richard in the past. There was no reason to doubt his loyalty now.
“I’ll leave you with Phillipe. You’re not to leave until I return. I assure you that he is completely trustworthy,” Richard said.
Richard extended his hand to Philippe. “Thank you. I won’t be gone for more than an hour or two.” Richard left and Philippe escorted Natalie into the house.
Though Philippe’s home was in no way as grand as the governor’s mansion, it was still tastefully decorated, but with a more modern décor. Most of the furniture was made from Italian leather in various shades.
The home felt more lived-in. Natalie could almost see Yvonne and Yvette partying there with their friends; if they had any. The girls were well known for their snobbish behavior and mightier than thou attitudes. Natalie didn’t mind them. They had never been anything but kind to her in the past.
It was nearly daylight when Richard said goodbye, so he used a taxi. Mahlyssa’s estate was only a short distance from the Devereaux’s.
Richard met her by accident a year ago. She came to Utopia after hearing a rumor her husband Virgil was living there. She was desperate for news of her daughter and intended to meet with Henry. It was Richard who met her instead.
He lied to her and told her she was mistaken. Virgil no longer lived there. It was obvious from her appearance she was cursed. Richard assured her if he came by any information, he would be happy to pass it along. She told him how to find her in New York. He had no intention of allowing the two to meet, but decided Mahlyssa might be of value to him in the future.
The first time Richard visited Mahlyssa, he was surprised at how striking her home was. It could have easily rivaled his father’s estate in Utopia.
The servants took care of most of her business, so she rarely left the property. When her father was killed Mahlyssa inherited his estate, which was substantial. It was one of the few times she returned to Ireland.