“Was it anyone we know?” “No,” Aura said heatedly. “The fourth light came from Ericah’s unborn child. When I see the rest of the vision I will know who killed them. I hope for your sake, your girlfriend wasn’t involved. But know this, if she was, I will personally hunt her down and deliver the justice of Heaven myself!”
“Jeziel didn’t kill Elijah or Ericah. I would know if she was lying.”
“I have no doubt you believe she’s telling the truth, but perhaps you failed to ask the right questions. Did you bother to ask if she was inside the house? Did you ask if she wounded Elijah and his sister? Did you ask her if she knows who started the fire? Perhaps she’s protecting Samhael. Do I need to remind you that Avriel trusted him and as a result Alorrah and Alexis are rotting in Hell?”
“No Aidan, you didn’t even begi n to ask the right questions. How is it Mortriel happened to show up yesterday? Perhaps the next time you meet Jeziel, you might ask her some of those questions; then you’ll see how truthful she is.”
Aidan stared at Aura. He knew this conversation was headed in the wrong direction and that was not his intention. He could see the hurt all over her face and in her voice. “I’m sorry Aura. Apparently I can’t say that enough. I doubt you would believe me, but it’s the truth. I have no right to ask this, but I would appreciate it if you would allow me to accompany you when you leave the house. Mortriel cannot be trusted and we can both agree he is here for a reason.”
“I know why he’s here. But he better bring Hell’s army with him, if he thinks he will touch me or Alannah.” “I am still your guardian Aura; even if I am nothing else. I hope you will allow me to do my job.”
Aura laughed. “I do not fear Mortriel, but he damned well better fear me. I have no doubt he was angry after he left yesterday.”
“You didn’t use angel -fire did you?” “Of course not, but I did introduce him to my shield. It was rather amusing watching him pick himself up off the ground.”
“Aura you need to be careful. Mortriel is Lucifer’s flesh and blood. He’s one of the most dangerous of the fallen.”
“I can take care of myself. Why doesn’t anyone believe me?”
“Mortriel is not to be trusted. I don’t have to remind you he killed Avriel, Bree and Tercia.
Aura looked at him and shrugged her shoulders almost uncaringly. “We all make choices Aidan; some good, some bad. I hope you won’t regret the choices you’re making. I need to find a way to bring Alorrah and Alexis home. She looked at the ring on her hand. She pulled it off her finger and placed it in Aidan’s palm. “I’m sure Jeziel willneed your protection more than I do.”
Aidan sat down on the chair in shock. Aura had returned his ring. Did she not understand his meaning when he gave it to her?
“We’re celebrating my sisters’ engagements. I hope you have the good sense to keep Jezielaway.”
Aidan knew Jeziel was being honest with him, but Aura was right; perhaps he didn’t ask the right questions. She said nothing of Samhael’s visit. He wanted to go to her then, but knew Aura would never forgive him if he did.
If he lost Aura and it came to pass she was right about Jeziel, he would regret it for the rest of his life. He thought everything was working out. He hoped her memory would return and she would remember the close bond they used to share. Now he was worried she would never remember him.
He collected himself and walked out to be with the rest of the family. Perhaps he would speak to Eve later. She knew her daughter better than anyone else. She could guide him.
Chapter 18
Jeziel and Natalie stopped by the house Richard rented first. Natalie could easily walk to Jeziels house, knowing that if she got in trouble, her cousin would come to her rescue. Not that she planned on getting into any trouble after her father’s warning.
As they approached Jeziels home, Natalie was impressed at how thoughtful Samhael was, making sure she had everything she could want or need. “This is nice,” she commented.
“I told you Samhael had connections. It’s better than the cottage the Guild had mestaying in.”
“I doubt they gave any consideration to your comfort,” Natalie said.“Do you have any regrets?” “Do I have regrets about Elijah? NoI can’t say I do. I didn’t know the girl was his sister though.”
“Would that have made a difference?”
“Pr obably not - I was getting tired of having to answer to the Guild. After the wedding Aidan was cold towards me. He told me he was in love with Aura. Do you believe that? As if that half-breed is deserving of someone like him. I can’t believe Michael would allow their union.”
“Well you did say he came to you last night. I’d bet money Aura was livid about that.”
“I don’t give a damn what Aura thinks. I have every intention of taking Aidan for myself. Once I convince him the Guild only protects theirown, it won’t take long before he starts to see them and his precious Aura in a different light.”
“I don’t mean to upset you, but he did give her a ring.”
“It was a promise ring , nothing more. He only gave it to her so she wouldn’t feel bad. He has another ring that belonged to Avriel and I’m going to make sure he gives it to me. It’s rumored the ring holds great powers.”
“What kind of powers?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure it can connect me to those brats my father is holding prisoner. I don’t know why hedidn’t kill them, but he says they’re more valuable alive. I met them. One of them can call for angelfire with her hands. If anyone gets close to her, she torches them. She burned Samhael and he said the wound has never healed.”
“Perhaps he should se e Mahlyssa, the Enchantor. She was able to remove my scar and it was made with angelfire.”
“You had a scar made with angelfire?” “Yes, but when she changed my appearance, the scar disappeared.”
“That sounds like a powerful gift.”
“I guess that’s why my father has aligned himself with her. Changing someone’s appearance can be helpful. If they find out you killed Elijah and his sister, maybe she could alter your appearance too.”
“I’m not sure it will work on full -blooded angels. I’d certainly like to try. Wouldn’t it be hilarious if she could change me to look like Aura? Think of the information I could give to my father.”
“It’s worth considering. I’ll talk to my father about it.”
“Are you sure you can trust this woman?”
“My father must be holding s omething over her head. He swears she’ll never betray him. She worked a miracle on me,” Natalie laughed.
“You look amazing. If you hadn’t told me who you were;I never would have believed it”
“Let’s hope I can fool the others.”
“I’m sure you won’t have any problems.” The girls talked for hours, until Natalie had to leave.
“I have to attend church services in the morning. Can you believe my father is making me go to church?”
“He wants to test your new identity. Think of the information you could learn, if they think you’re someone else. Do you think Jayden will be there?”
“I’d bet on it. I can be cordial, but I have been warned to keep my distance from him.” Natalie stared at her wedding ring. She would have to remove it and place it on a chain before she left in the morning.
“I’m so glad I ran into you. I hope we can spend more time together.”
‘I don’t see why hanging out would be a problem, but I need to ask my father when he calls.”
“I’ll contact Samhael. I doubt your father would argue withhim, if he approves.” The girls hugged each other and said goodnight.
“Hopefully I’ll see you in the morning after services,” Natalie said.
Aura pulled her father aside and told him she had some disturbing news he needed to hear. Paul gathered the others into the library where they held all their meetings.
Aura looked grimly at her father. “I can identify the fourth light. Ericah was pregna
nt. The last light belonged to her unborn child.”
“So it is as we suspected,” Joseph said.
“Did you see who attacked them?”Paul asked.
“My vision only showed Ericah. I know she was pregnant because I saw the fetus fall from her womb.”
“Whoever did this will die!” Jack said. “There is no greater sin than to take the life of an unborn angelblood; it’s unforgiveable.”
Paul was sympathetic to his daughter. “I’m sorry you had to witness such a dreadful act Aura.”
“I can’t filter my visions. I have to take the good with the bad. What will happen when Hespa learns the truth?”
“Let’s hope her time in Heaven will s often her. We should notify the High Council. It might be wise to keep Hespa away,” Adam said.
“I doubt it will matter when she hears the news. I think we should keep this information to ourselves for now. Have you told anyone else?” Jack asked.
“Only Aidan and I warned him if Jeziel was responsible I would kill her myself.”
“Do you believe Jeziel was involved?” Joseph asked.
“Something isn’t making sense to me. Jayden said Natalie and Jeziel left together to tell Elijah they were home. Why would Jeziel leave Natalie alone? I think she knows about the deaths, although Aidan swears she’s telling the truth about the murders and the fire.”
“Then , there was her meeting with Samhael. She certainly wasn’t forthcoming with information about him. I have seen at least three meetings. You all saw them together. Regardless of what Aidan thinks, she was pretty friendly with him. She’s hiding something. I just wish my visions would show me what happened before the fire.”
“When I asked Aidan what color her e yes were, he told me they were black. He can’t use the excuse it’s because of Lucifer’s blood, because when she first arrived her eyes were brown.”
The Guild needed to speak amongst themselves, so Aura excused herself.
As she was preparing the little ones bath, Aidan volunteered to help as he always did.
“That’s not necessary,” Aura smiled. “I was thinking about joining them.”
They could see her smile was forced, but Aura was determined not to let her fight with Aidan upset Rita and Jessica. Aura felt bad for keeping Aidan from the girls, but as long as he was keeping company with Jeziel, she had no choice.
After their bath they headed downstairs to watch a movie in the family room. The rest of the family was busy talking about the wedding plans. She didn’t notice when her mother pulled Aidan into the library to speak with him.
“I thought you might want to talk,” Eve said.“I can see Aura is still upset with you.”
“I apologized repeatedly, but she won’t listen to me.”
“You hurt her feelings.” “Why would she be so angry, when she would have done the same thing?”
“Perhaps, she wouldn’t have done the same thing. You have been almost inseparable these last few weeks. Aura depended on you to be there for her. She may argue she doesn’t need a guardian, but you’re her friend. Do you remember the conversation we had before her birthday?” Eve asked.
“I wanted to give her Avriel’s ring and you asked me to wait.”
“I think the time has come for you to give her the ring.”
“She would never accept it now. She returned my promise ring. She thinks Jeziel needs me more than her.”
“Aura doesn’t need protection. I’m confident she can take care of herself. But Alannah is a different story entirely. Aura feels her pain. After her run-in with Mortriel yesterday she’s even more determined to bring Alorrah and Alexis home. I told her about Fionn.”
“Why would you tell her?”
“She would have learned the truth eventually. Soon, she will see everything Esra does.”
“What does this have to do with the ring?”
“The ring will connect her to Alorrah. Knowing she’s out of harm’s way, may give her some peace of mind; unless your feelings towards herhave changed?”
”No, I still love her, but I doubt she’ll believe me. She doesn’t trust me anymore. She thinks I care more about Jeziel. Jeziel is a friend; nothing more. She knows I love Aura.”
“If that were true why did you apologize to Aura for telling Jeziel the truth? I know you believe Aura is Avriel; we all do. But Aura has mortal blood allowing her free will. How do you think she will react when her visions show her the truth? Don’t forget it was her brother who killed Avriel and took Alorrah and Alexis to Hell. She may resent your relationship with Jeziel in time.”
“Aura misunderstood me. I felt responsible for pushing Jeziel away.”
“You may not choose to hear this, but Jeziel was already on the dark path, long before you visited her. I imagine she felt trapped in Heaven all those years.”
“Do you believe she has chosen the path to darkness?”
“Do you?” Eve asked. “I don’t want to believe it, but after talking to Aura I have a lot to consider.”
“Talk to Aura again. She’s upset now. Knowin g her as we all do, you can’t imagine the torment she must have gone through, watching the death of Ericah’s unborn child. After she puts the children to bed, have a conversation with her. She might be ready to listen then.”
Eve walked over and kissed Aidan on the forehead before walking out of the room. “Think about it.”
Chapter 19
Mahlyssa tracked Natalie to the valley, where she knew there was a colony of angelbloods. She wanted to stay hidden; not wanting Richard to know where she was. Perhaps her daughter would be there. Mahlyssa was no longer concerned about her appearance. She wasn’t frightening to look at any longer.
It was well after dark anyway, so she doubted anyone would see her. Taking Shannon would provide a good cover in the event she was stopped. She was curious why Richard would send his daughter here, after being wounded with angelfire. Mahlyssa heard rumors the children of the Archangels lived in Aeden. She wondered what Richard was up to.
“Will we be staying here tonight Mum?” Shannon asked.
Mahlyssa smiled at her. “Not tonight. I wanted to come and have a look around.” Shannon lived with Mahlyssa her whole life. She was only five years old and Mahlyssa loved her as her own daughter. Her parents left shortly after her birth; leaving the poor child in her care. Even as grotesque as she once looked, Shannon never feared her. She kept her away from Richard when he came to visit; fearing he would make an example of her just to prove his power.
“Let’s get you back home. It’s almost bed time,”
Mahlyssa said kindly. Shannon took her hand and together they were transported home.
While one of the older girls assisted Shannon with a bath, Mahlyssa checked on her guest. She felt sorry for the young man. When Richard first brought him to her, he was in terrible shape. back to health. swearing revenge on Richard and all who aligned themselves with him.
She spent the first few weeks nursing him Now he was healed and he was angry;
Mahlyssa did what she could for him. She wasn’t prepared to go against Richard, especially after he promised to change her. Now she would play his game with a different set of rules. Mahlyssa was not a bad person. She had a series of unfortunate events happen in her life; including regrets about Virgil. She imagined sometimes he would come home and they would be a happy family again. Since the curse was lifted, perhaps there was still a chance they might find each other again.
The Guild returned from their meeting with the High Council later that evening. The room was still noisy with conversation about the weddings. The girls decided they would go shopping in New York on Monday to pick out their dresses. Apparently Will and Joshua weren’t concerned about what they would be wearing. leave the details to the little ones.
Aura tried to avoid Aidan when They would
she returned downstairs after settling the girls. She went into the kitchen to fix a cup of tea and was surprised when he followed her.
Aura’s
father and the other members of the Guild told him they needed desperately to speak with Jeziel. “When are you going to see her again?” Paul asked.
“She’s supposed to contact me the next time she wants to meet. I’m sorry I didn’t bring her with me. I know you must be disappointed.”
“If we knew where she was, we could resolve this matter. If she wasn’t involved she may have seen who was,” Adam said. “Perhaps she could lead us to Samhael. We know he’s up to no good.”
“No one is accusing Jeziel of anything; except the fact she left her post. She should have remained with Elijah or at least notified one of us she was leaving for a vacation. We are not wardens. We’re here to guide her,” Joseph assured him.
“There are more temptations here than she was exposed to in Heaven. After witnessing Natalie kill Jasper and Ella, of course there would be concerns regarding Jeziels friendship with her. Let’s not forget they share the same blood,” Jack said.
“I’ve already heard this story from Aura. I don’t need you to repeat it again,” Aidan said.
“We’ve had a long day. Why don’t we get some rest? We’ll see you at service tomorrow Aidan,” Paul said.
Will and Joshua decided to stay at the Allhearts house. Bren and Tracy decided to go home too and Aura couldn’t refuse when Alannah asked if she could go with them. Unfortunately with everyone else gone, Aura was left alone again with Aidan.
“Would you like some tea?”
“I would like to talk to you Aura. How long are you going to stay mad at me?”
“I’m not mad at you Aidan. You have a right to make your own choices. I just don’t want your choices to hurt Alannah.”
“I would never hurt Alannah. Don’t you believe me?”
“I’m sure you wouldn’t intentionally hurt anyone, but sometimes the best of intentions aren’t good enough.”
“A few days ago we were happy; what changed?” “You don’t want me to answer that.” “Why did you give me back the ring?”
“You promised to be there for me forever. Do you remember? I hardly think I need it now.”
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