“Who did she burn?” Aura asked.
“Samhael his hand will never heal,” Alannah said proudly.
Aura looked at her mother.“I have to find a way to bring them home. Somehow I have to find a way.
The girls heard the front door open and thinking it might have been Aidan they raced towards it. It was Paul and the other members of the Guild and a few minutes later Rita and Jessica came.
“Why are you back?” Aura asked. “I thought you were going to New York?”
Rita’s response was frigid. “ Apparently, Will doesn’t want me there after what happened today. We killed those creatures and did he even say thank you? No! Instead, he acted like we did something wrong. He was angry because Jess and I killed them. I tried to explain we had stronger weapons, but he wouldn’t listen,” Rita ranted.
“So I take it Will’s ego is in need of a little adjustment?” Aura said.
“He needs more than a little adjustment. Will’s ego is in need of a major overhaul,” Rita scoffed.
Willow’s face dropped. “Does that mean I can’t visit Matthew?”
Rita looked lovingly at her goddaughter, “Of course not. We’ll take you tomorrow or the next day. I just need to cool off before I have any contact with Will again; the ingrate.” Rita mumbled something else under her breath, but Aura was sure it wasn’t for young ears to hear.
“Joshua said that Will won’t be returning to Aeden. He thinks he’ll probably enroll in the Academy now,” Jessica said.
“Good let him stay there.” Rita’s wall was back up. Aura knew her feelings were hurt, so she chose another topic to discuss.
Chapter 14
When Richard left Meredith, he headed to New York to have Natalie’s appearance changed as soon as possible. He didn’t wait for transportation. They used a portal to transport themto Mahlyssa’s home.
As promised, Mahlyssa had everything ready when he returned. Natalie couldn’t help feeling self conscious about her scar; especially after she saw how beautiful Mahlyssa was.
“I take it you have everything you need to proceed?” Richard asked.
“I do. Why don’t you follow me to the dispensary and we can begin.”
By this time her guest was wide awake and shouting.“They will come for me! I swear you’ll all pay when they do!”
Mahlyssa laughed. “Ignore him; someone obviously woke up on the wrong side of the bed.He’ll be asleep again in no time. I’ve put a sleeping potion in his food.”
Natalie looked suspiciously at her father.“Are you sure this is wise?”
“You have left me with no choice.”
Mahlyssa directed Natalie to one of the cots and Richard sat in a chair nearby. She had several potions prepared and waiting. She looked at Natalie.“No one will recognize you when I’m finished.”
Natalie looked at her strangely. “Finished with what?”
“Didn’t your father tell you? I’m giving you a new identity.”
As Natalie took her seat, Mahlyssa handed her one draught after the next, advising her she needed to finish them all. After thirty minutes, she took Natalie to a full length mirror.“Why don’t you have a look?”
Natalie hesitated before looking at herself. Gone were the long auburn curls and black eyes. Instead, she had golden blonde hair and blue eyes. The scar was completely erased. “How did you erase the scar? It was made with angelfire?”
“I certainly can’t give away all my secrets. I trust you’re pleased?”
Natalie was more than pleased. Richard didn’t even recognize his daughter. The transformation was incredible. “I am indebted to you Mahlyssa.”
Richard told Mahlyssa he would be in touch in a week or two. He was contemplating sending Natalie to the Godwin Academy. The Devereaux sisters were there and Will and Joshua would be there soon. If she could fool them; it would be easy to fool the others.
“If all goes according to plan, I’ll find you a place to live near the valley. Richard looked down atNatalie’s left hand.“You need to give me that ring.”
“It’s my wedding ring. Why can’t I wear it?” “You’re no longer married and we don’t want to make anyone suspicious.”
“I’ll put the ring on a chain, but please don’t ask me to give it up.”
“Very well, but you’ll keep it out of sight at all times. Are we clear about that?”
“Yes Father. I promise no one will see it.” “I’ve been giving some thought to your new name. I’ve decided on Natasha Eastland.”
“Natasha Eastland?”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“I was thinking I should be Natasha Justice. It has a ring to it, don’t you think?”
“I see your point. Perhaps you are anticipating a little justice?” Richard smirked.
Natalie shook her head. “Shouldn’t you give me some background information, so I can be convincing?” “You were born in London on the first of February. You’ll turn eighteen in a few weeks.”
Natalie laughed.“Well considering our home is in Cumbria, I shouldn’t have any problem with that part.”
“ Unfortunately, the spell could not disguise your voice. You’ll have to work on that. Your parents were killed a few months ago and you’ve been staying with friends in London. I still have a few faithful contacts there that can validate your story.”
“I can’t wait to make Jessica regret what she did to me.”
“You’ll do nothing to draw attention to yourself. It took a great deal of negotiating for me to alter your appearance. You are to avoid Jayden at all costs. Do you understand?” Richard said impatiently. “I don’t have the means to alter your appearance a second time. I want no troublefrom you. I can’t keep fixing your messes. I have other tasks that need my attention if we are to take over the Utopian colony.”
“I understand Father,” Natalie replied humbly.
Richard wasn’t convinced that Natalie would heed his warning. He was still annoyed that she had failed him. “If you are to be convincing, you’ll have to play the part. Do I make myself clear?”
“I swear I’ll do whatever it takes. I won’t disappoint you, I promise.”
Richard looked kindly upon his daughter. “It won’t be too long before you will have your revenge. Now let’s find a hotel room and get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow will be a busyday.”
Will and Joshua arrived at the Academy before dinner. “I wasn’t expecting you until next week sometime. Are Rita and Jessica notcoming with you?” Andromeda asked.
“Apparently not,” Will said heatedly. “I trust you have our rooms ready? I’d like to take a nap.”
Andromeda showed Will to his room. Once inside, he plopped on the bed. He had no intentions of sleeping. He just wanted to be alone. Rita would never forgive him for being so cruel. He regretted some of the things he said, but it was too late to take them back.
Matthew was disappointed when Willow wasn’t with them. Joshua took him aside and guaranteed him she would come in a day or two. “Rita never breaks a promise. “Why don’t you call your friendlater?”
“Would it be alright mother?” Matthew asked.
“Of course, you can speak to her after dinner.” Andromeda knew talking to Willow would make her son feel better.
Andromeda introduced Joshua to the other residents. Most of them were his age, but they came from the other colonies, so he didn’t know any of them.
Meredith forbade him from leaving Utopia; except for an occasional vacation with Will and his family. Perhaps it was because she was afraid of what he would discover. Joshua heard rumors the other colonies allowed their children to exercise free will like the inhabitants of Aeden. She worried he would leave and take Will with him. Will’s family was very wealthy and if he left Utopia, it wouldn’t figure into Richard’s plans for the Crestwell’s money.
After lunch Aura asked the family to follow her into the living room. Alannahcouldn’t help noticing that Aidan hadn’t returned. “Where is he? Shouldn’t
we wait for him?”
“We can talk to him later.” “What’s this about?” Rita asked.
Aura retained her composure. “Today after we finished shopping we had an encounter with one of the fallen.”
“You ran into a dark wing at the Mall?” Jessica asked. “Who was it? Not Samhael I hope.”
“No, it wasn’t Samhael.” “Who was it then?” Rita asked.
Aura took a deep breath and looked at her mother. “It was Mortriel.”
“What?” Adam jumped up. “Mortriel was here in the valley?”
“Yes, but he wasn’t actually in the valley. We met him outside the mall in Baltimore.”
Paul looked at Aura.“What did he want?”
Aura tried to keep a handle on her sarcasm. “ He was trying to see if Samhael was telling the truth about me being here. It’s not like we talked over lunch. When he saw Alannah, he made cruel comments about Alorrah, but when he saw Bren and Tracy, I had to warn him to leave them alone.”
“You didn’t show him angelfire did you?” Aura’s father asked nervously.
“No, but I did introduce him to my shield. I promised him if he dared to touch any of the little ones he would regret it.”
The Guild looked at each other. It was obvious they were thinking the same thing. Lucifer was planning something. “Where is Aidan? Why was your guardian not here?” Adam asked.
“He left this morning, probably to look for Jeziel.” “Did he tell you where he was going?” Joseph asked.
“He said he was going exploring. He left a little after five and he hasn’t returned.”
Rita looked apologetically at her sister. “You need to tell them Aura.”
“Tell us what?” Paul inquired.
“Aidan hasn’t been himself since Jeziel disappeared. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.”
“Your guardian should not have left you,” Adam reiterated. “Have you forgotten what happened to Elijah and Ericah? This is unacceptable Aura. Aidan knows better.”
“He didn’t leave me. I can protect myself. I never thought I needed a guardian in the first place,” Aura argued. “Never the less, he should be here. Perhaps we should notify the High Council,” Joseph said.
Aura felt the need to defend her guardian. “You’ll need to advise them of Mortriel’s visit, but Aidan shouldn’t get into trouble for trying to find Jeziel. I saw no reason for him to go shopping.”
“Well there is definitely a reason now,” Adam said with authority.
“I can take care of myself,” Aura said. “Have you forgotten the gifts I have?”
“We are aware of your gifts, but its imperative Lucifer doesn’t find out about them. If he discovers what you can do, he’ll send an army to take you back,” Paul said.
“He will need an army and then some,” Aura s aid. “No one will touch me or my little ones. If Lucifer is foolish enough to try, he will sufferGod’s wrath.”
Aura was usually calm and level-headed, but she wouldn’t tolerate threats to her little ones. It wasn’t her they were concerned about. Lucifer didn’t play by the rules. He may not be able to touch her, but he could certainly make her friends suffer.
Paul looked at his wife. “I think it would be best if they stayed close to home until we know why Mortriel was here. I’m going to insist the Malloy’s stay here too. We’ve already lost Ella because she refused our blood. I won’t let them take another mortal from us,” Paul insisted.
“Me, Tracy and Alannah can talk to Alice’s parents for you. I think we can convince them to take the angelblood now,” Bren said.
“How do you propose to do that?” Rita snapped. “Dad and the others have asked them repeatedly and they’ve always declined.”
Bren was resolute. “They might listen to us.” Alannah and Tracy both nodded in agreement.
“I’ll contact the Malloy’s when we finish our meeting,” Paul assured them. “In the mean time,we don’t leave the valleyunless you’re with one of us.”
“Are you including me and Jessica too?” Rita fumed. “That’s hardly fair. If we could take on those creatures, we shouldn’t have any trouble with a dark wing,” she pleaded.
“Rita’s right,” Eve said. “Their weapons will protect them.”
Adam didn’t agree. “Mortriel is Lucifer’s own son.” “I’m not afraid of him. Let him come here if he wants to die,” Bren said stubbornly.
Tracy was just as defiant. “That’s right. I can use my bow and Bren can call for her sword.”
“I’ll burn him if he comes near me,” Alannah add ed. The three girls stood together as one. Mia walked over to join them, kicking her right foot. “We no take hims crap,” she said.Though it wasn’t appropriate at the time, Aura couldn’t help laughing.
“All for one and one for all ,” Willow said as she grabbed Alannah’s other hand. Joey reached for the other hand of Mia. Soon everyone in the house joined hands. If darkness was coming, they would fight it together.
Shortly after their meeting, the Guild left to advise the High Council of Mortriel’s visit. When the girls went to bed, Aidan still wasn’t home. Aura found herself getting more annoyed. He could at least have the courtesy to let her know he was alright. She couldn’t help thinking his behavior was rude. This wasthe second time he didn’t come home. She wondered if he was being tempted to walk the path to darkness as Jayden did.
Rita decided to call the Academy to let them know what happened. She was surprised when Will answered the phone. Though he was remorseful for leaving Rita the way he did, he was sure he came across as being cold and insensitive. Hearing the bitterness in Will’s voice, Rita abruptly ended the call.
An hour later Andromeda called back to say she would be sending Matthew with her father in the morning. She let Matt talk to Willow to assure her they would be there bright and early.
Rita wondered why Will and Joshua hadn’t volunteered to accompany him. She could only assume he was still angry and didn’t want to see her. She decided to suffer in silence, even though it broke her heart. She thought she knew Will better. Obviously she made a mistake trusting him.
Chapter 15
Richard left Natalie with Phillipe to scout out possible places for her to live. He wanted her close enough to the valley, but far enough away to avoid suspicion. After finding a small cottage a few miles from the valley, Richard returned. It was after midnight.
“I won’t be coming with you under the circumstances. You have the address and everything you need will be waiting. Plan to attend church service with the other angelbloods on Sunday morning. Be sure to keep your wedding ring hidden. Jayden will be attending the services with the rest of the Guild.”
“I thought we were going to the Academy first,” Natalie argued.
“I’ve ch anged my mind. Sending you to the valley makes more sense. You are Natasha now. Don’t forget it! If anyone recognizes you; leave immediately for Paris.”
“No one will see through this disguise. I barely know myself,” she laughed.
“Remember to stay clear of Jayden. Don’t forget who you are,and where you come from.”
“I know Father. If I was able to fool them once, I know I can fool them now,” Natalie said, as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
“You will report to me every day and advise me immediately of any problems. Do you understand?!” Natalie turned away from the mirror.“I understand. Why are you so angry with me?”
“We are in this situation because you acted without consulting me first. If you had waited, things would be different and I would have more time to follow through with my plans. I don’t like being rushed.”
“I’m sorry. I swear I won’t cause any more trouble.
Richard’s voice was frigid. “See to it that you don’t.” He kissed his daughter goodbye and left to meet his mother in Paris.
The next morning when Aura awoke, Aidan had still not returned. She was beginning to worry something happened to him. She put the thought out of her mind, n
ot wanting to upset the little ones. Aura wasn’t good at hiding her feelings, but she would try for Alannah’s sake.
“Is Daddy home yet?” Alannah asked. “Not yet. I’m sure he probablylost track of time.” “Where did he go?’ Bren asked.
“I’m sure he went to search for Jeziel. Let’s have breakfast. He’ll show up sooner or later.” Aura was furious now. It was one thing to keep her waiting, but to make Alannah worry unnecessarily, that was unforgiveable.
She didn’t care if Jeziel was his friend; Alannah was his daughter. At least he allowed her to call him Daddy. Aura wondered if that was a mistake. She would speak to Aidan when he returned. What was she supposed to say if the others asked? Sorry I don’t know where he is. Maybe he found Jeziel and decided to stay with her. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
When Rita walked in the door the first thing she asked was, “Where’s Aidan. Isn’t he joining us for breakfast this morning?”
“Aidan didn’t come home again last night. I guess he forgot what time it was.”
“Why are you defending him?”
Aura shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t need to know where he is all the time. Maybe he needed a little break from family life?”
“He always came home before,” Alannah said sadly. “I’m sure he had a good reason for staying away. We’ll ask him later.”
As Aura walked back into the kitchen, Rita followed her. “Dad’s going to be pissed. It was one thing to go out for the whole day, but not coming home again after what happened yesterday?”
“Nothing happened yesterday I couldn’t handle. Maybe he just needs some time alone.”
“Stop making excuses for him Aura. He should be here. He’s your guardian.”
“I’m not making excuses,and I told you I don’t need a guardian.”
“Then why don’t you ask him to leave?”
“I can’t ask him to leave. Alannah loves him and she’s already lost everyone else she cared about.” “What’s it doing to Alannah not knowing where he is,or what he’s doing?”
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