Aura knew she would have to be careful, if she was going to follow through with her plan. She never had dealings with Richard personally, but from what they said he could be dangerous. She would be reluctant to use her gifts in front of him, for fear Lucifer would find out.
She already made arrangements to have the food catered for the engagement party; except for the few things her sister wanted her to make. Aura did most of the preparation last night after Aidan was asleep. She knew she would have at least a couple of hours to leave and then come back; without having to explain to anyone what she was doing. If she was lucky she would not even meet Richard today, but she would be prepared just the same.
When she arrived home, she looked to Heaven. “Please father, I do not ask this for myself; but for my sister. I know you are both kind and loving. If you could please guide me on this journey I promise to right a terrible wrong.” The cold air suddenly turned warm and the sun was as bright as Aura had ever seen it before. “He heard me,” she smiled.
As they were preparing to enter the restaurant Rita looked at Jessica.“Did you do this?” she asked, unable to hide her smile.
“No - I swear I had nothing to do with it. She looked at her father Adam who shook his head no. I wonder who caused the change,” Jessica asked.
“It was Mommy,” Alannah smiled.
“Aura can change the weather too?” Rita asked. “Mommy can do lots of things,” Alannah said.
Jessica and Rita looked at each other.“I wonder what else she can do.”
“I’m beginning to think she has all of the gifts we have,” Jessica declared.
“She will definitely be a force to be reckoned with if you’re right,” Rita said.
“Yeah ain’t it great?” Bren giggled. “Lucifer better watch out for Aura.”
“You have no idea,” Eve said quietly. Paul and the rest of the Guild looked curiously at her. He wondered what she meant. If she had seen a vision, she would let things happen as they were supposed to. She was forbidden from interfering with fate and the Guild knew it.
The little ones started to shed their coats and their fathers put them in the cars. The restaurant wasn’t crowded; it never was on Sunday. Perhaps this was some divine intervention, to allow them to speak freely with each other on the Sabbath. Or perhaps it was Eve’s shield that kept the mortals away. Paul never asked and Eve never said.
Natasha arrived a s they were entering the diner. “I see we’ve had a change in weather,” she laughed, looking directly at Jessica. She then walked up to join Jayden and Acadia. Rita thought it was odd she chose to walk with them. Joshua and Will had taken their coats back to the car as well; so they weren’t there to tell the girls they were being paranoid.
Jessica couldn’t hide her discomfort. “How did she know to look at me?”
“I’m not sure. I wish we knew more about her. I have a funny feeling there is something not right about her. She seems nice enough, but if she moved here from London, how is it that she already knows her way around?”
“Maybe we shouldn’t discuss too many things in front of her. Do you see the way she looks at Jayden like she knows him?”
“I noticed that too,” Rita whispered. “We should keep an eye on her, in light of everything that’s been happening recently.”
“I hate having to keep our guard up all the time. Do you think our valley will ever be peaceful again?”
“It depends on what Aura finds out about Mortriel. Let’s stay close to Alannah and the girls. If anything looks suspicious I’ll call for my shield.” When the boys returned they all walked into the restaurant together. Rita made sure they were seated close to Jayden and Acadia.
Richard went to see Samhael that morning to tell him his news. It would not be wise to keep him in the dark about anything; if he was to be trusted by his Lucifer. He decided the best place to meet was in the woods where the creatures cabin was. As Richard entered the area he could see Samhael was already waiting there for him.
“So I see your little friends are dead?” Samhael asked.
“Rita and Jessica found them. They brought their heads to the Hall of Justice and rolled them on the table in front of meand my mother.”
“That was unfortunate. Perhaps the girl has more sight than you were aware of.”
“They would have been useful, but I assure you it will not affect our plans.”
“Was Mahlyssa receptive to your request?” “Yes, she is quite gifted. I hardly recognize my daughter now.”
“Jeziel has informed me your daughter has already moved to a cottage outside the boundaries of the valley. Is that correct?”
“Yes. I sent her there yesterday. She’s planning to meet the Guild and their children at church this morning.” “And you believe she will not be recognized by any of them?”
“She looks nothing like she did. She has blonde hair and blue eyes now.”
“And what of the scar made with the Angelfire? How did you erase that?”
“I told you Mahlyssa was gifted. There is no evidence Natalie was ever marked. Of course I had to remove the curse in order to convince her to help me.”
“You do realize once the curse was removed, it can never be undone?”
“You never told me that. How am I to control her if I can’t hold the threat of the curse over her head?” “You know where her daughter is. Perhaps that information will suffice if you require her assistance again.” “I was thinking perhaps we could make more of the creatures?”
“That is easier said than done. We were lucky those two survived. Do you know how many times we’ve tried over the years? As I said, it was unfortunate they were killed. They were the first to survive in a thousand years.”
“Is Lucifer upset with me?”
“He’ll get over it; especially if your dau ghter is able to provide us with information. We are particularly interested in knowing about the seer, Aura.”
“I’m sure Natalie can tell you anything you want to know.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. I’ve met her and she is stronger than you realize. There is a rumor she may be more powerful than Esra.”
“Why are you so interested in her? I would think he would care more about Rita and Jessica. They both can wield the angelfire. Surely their downfall would be a great victory for all of us.”
“You are assuming you are strong enough to take them down. You haven’t exactly been successful in the past.”
“I didn’t have the help of Mahlyssa in the past. Everyone has a weakness. I just need to find theirs.” “You’ll keep me informed if you run into any problems.Until we meet again,” Samhael vanished.
Richard was left again feeling insecure. Damn those girls for killing Faelan and Fenryr. Now he would once again have to change his plans. He was getting tired of all the delays he was faced with. He only had a few more days before the Council would demand his presence to stand trial in the death of the Enchantor. He had to convince them he was innocent. He couldn’t depend on any help from his father. He would go to Paris. He always thought better when he was in Desiree’s company.
Aura asked her father to make sure Jade was there for the engagement party. Joshua told his father the news the night before. Henry seemed pleased with the announcement.
Henry would attend the wedding without Meredith. He planned tocall the Devereaux’s home in Paris to deliver the news to her. At first he contemplated not telling her, but when he realized she would be offended about Joshua marrying Jessica; he couldn’t resist. As miserable as Meredith made all of them, he cared nothing about causing her a little misery.
“Is Meredith there?” Henry asked politely.
“It’s Henry. He wants to speak with you. Perhaps he realized he made a mistake and wants to beg your forgiveness,” Charisse said.
Meredith would be cordial to him until she found out the purpose of his call. “Hello Henry, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
“I have some news I wanted to share with you.” “And what
news is that? Has something happened while I was gone?”
Henry laughed. “Your son is getting married. Joshua is marrying Jessica Dunn. I believe you remember her as one of the daughter’s of the Guild. Isn’t that wonderful?” He could almost feel the heat through the phone.
“That’s why you called me?” Meredith screamed. “Do you think I care?”
“I thought you would want to know. Enjoy the rest of your day,” and he hung up laughing.
Meredith was not amused by the news. Charisse seeing she was upset asked, “what did he say?’
“He wanted to tell me Joshua has lost his mind. He plans to marry Jessica, the girlwho scarred Natalie.” “I can’t believe Henry would let him marry her; knowing what she did to his granddaughter.”
“Henry cares nothing about Natalie. The only granddaughter he cares about is Ambrosia. Wait until Richard hears about this. He’ll be as furious as I am.”
“They’re not married yet. A lot of things can happen in a short time,” Desiree smiled.
Meredith looked at her.“Do you know something you’re not telling us?”
“I know Richard doesn’t like to be made a fool of.”
“Let’s hope Richard can deal with the lot of them,” Meredith said. “They all deserve to suffer for what they’ve done to us.”
Charisse and Desiree both nodded in agreement, but remained silent. It would not do them any good to keep the conversation going. Meredith could be irritating when she was going off on one of her tangents. They were almost sick of listening to her complain.
Chapter 21
Aura left the house before nine o’clock. She would have a couple of hours before she needed to be back for the party. She knew exactly where to go; her vision was clear. Before she left, she knew she would have to be convincing. She grabbed one of her favorite pictures and put it in a cloth bag. “This will do.”
As she arrived she was a little nervous, but she realized she needed to do this alone. She walked up to the front door and rang the bell. A little girl answered the door. “Hello I’m looking for the owner of the house,” Aura said kindly.
“Won’t you come inside and I’ll tell mum you’re here?”
“Thank you Shannon,” Aura replied. “Do I know you?”
“We’ve never been introduced, but I know who you are.”
Aura couldn’t help noticing her long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was as polite as she was beautiful. Mahlyssa had undoubtedly spent time teaching her manners. She hoped this meeting would go well for her sake. When Shannon returned Mahlyssa was with her.
“Can I help you?” “I hope we can help each other.” “What is this about?”
“Would you mind if I sit down? I have a lot to tell you. I hope you’ll wait to reserve judgment until after you hear my story.”
“Shannon, ask one of the girls to bring us some tea please.” Mahlyssa had never seen anyone as breathtaking before. Surely this girl had the blood of the angels.
“Yes mum.” “She’s a lovely little girl. Is she your daughter?”
“I doubt you’re here to discuss my family. What is it that you want?”
“Actually I am here to discuss your family. “I’ll start at the beginning.” One of the other servants brought a pot of tea and two cups to the sitting room. Aura could tell they weren’t used to having visitors.
“I don’t know how to begin without upsetting you. Clearly it’s not my intention. My name is Aura. I am the daughter of Paul and Eve Allheart. My father is an angel and like my mother, I am an angelblood. I told you I was here to talk about your family. I can assure you I will only speak the truth. I know you were once married to an angel yourself. His name was Virgil and you had a daughter together.”
Mahlyssa was looking at Aura with a great deal of intensity. She wasn’t used to company and she never discussed her past in front of the servants, who she now regarded as family. There was something about this girl that made Mahlyssa trust her instantly. “That was a long time ago,” she said sadly. “I haven’t seen either of them in almost forty years.”
“I’m sorry for your pain. I should also tell you I am a seer. My great-grandmother Esra was an angel who many believed was the eyes of God.”
“I have heard my husband speak of Esra. I understand she was the first given permission to marry a mortal.
“She married an Irishman named Fionn, my great - grandfather. My grandmother Alice was the first angelblood. Your daughter was also angelblood. I have news which may cause you some grief.”
“Is this about my daughter?”
“I do have news about Myra, but I was speaking of someone else. Richard Fairbourne has been here a number of times. You shouldn’t trust him.”
“I’m aware of the darkness that lives in Richard. I have never trusted him.”
“Did you also know he is a descendant to Lucifer?” Mahlyssa looked frightened suddenly. “I was not aware of that.”
“There is no need to be afraid. We are perfectly safe,” Aura smiled softly. “I know your father cast a horrid spell on you and demanded your husband’s wings in exchange for your life. Even though it cost him his divinity, Virgil loved you enough to give them up. He truly believed he could save you.”
“When the powers of Heaven learned of your father’s deceit, they intervened; causing the wings to turn to ash when Marcus’ hands touched them. Virgil did not betray you or Heaven. It’s vital you understand that.”
“I forgave my husband years ago after I realized my father was to blame for my misfortune. Do you know his whereabouts?”
“I do,” Aura said sadly. “Virgil has returned to Heaven.”
“When? I didn’t hear about his departure?” “I’m sorry Mahlyssa, but Virgil is dead. Richard took his life before Thanksgiving.”
“Richard killed Virgil you’re certain?”
“I’m sorry for your loss, but I can attest it’s the truth. My sister witnessed his death. My father performed the funeral rites for him and watched as he ascended. The curse was removed and he became the angel he once was. He could not have ascended if he were not one of Heaven’s children.”
“Virgil searched everywhere for many years hoping to find you. He only moved to Utopia so he could be closer to the angelbloods there. I truly believe he thought you would come back to him.”
“I went there after I heard a rumor he was living outside the Utopian city. Are you telling me he was there the whole time?”
“I’m afraid so. Richard never wanted the two of you to meet. He lied when he told you Virgil hadn’t been seen. The truth didn’t fit into his plans. Knowing you were both desperate to find each other gave him an advantage. Richard intended to use you both for his own misguided cause.”
“Virgil is dead by Richards own hand? He played me for a fool. I should never have trusted him.”
“I know Arian is here with you. He needs to be returned to his brother.”
“If Richard finds out I betrayed him; he will kill us all.”
“If you come with me, I can guarantee your safety and promise to protect those who live here.”
“How can you make such a promise? Do you know how dangerous he is child?”
“My father built a house on hallowed ground. If Richard dares to step foot on it he will burn. I swear it!”
“How do I know I can trust you?”
“Because you are family.”
“Family - I have never seen you before today. How can we be family?” Mahlyssa laughed.
“ When Virgil took Myra, he sent her to live with the angel Seraphon. Seraphon was close to my grandmother Alice. They raised their daughters together. Her daughter’s name was Angela and Alice’s daughter, was my mother Eve. The girls grew up as sisters. They remain close to this day. I know where Myra is,” Aura told her. “If you come with me, I swear you will see her again.”
“You know my Myra? If I leave with you Richard will find me. I care nothing about myself, but the others, my Shannon; I would
gladly give my life to save her.”
“I can guarantee Shannon’s safety and yours as well. You must believe me.”
“Richard is evil. He too is an angelblood. How do I know you’re not working for him and trying to trap me?”
“I can prove my sincerity.” Aura r eached into her bag and pulled out a photograph and handed it to Mahlyssa. “Richard couldn’t give you this.” Mahlyssa looked at the picture and Aura saw a tear fall from her eye. “This is your daughter. The other girls are my mother Eve and Seraphon’s daughter Angela, as I’ve told you.”
“This is the way she looked when Virgil took her from me. She looks so happy.”
“Myra is one of my mother’s dearest friends. She is happy, but it would be a blessing to see her own mother again.”
“What does she know about me? I haven’t seen her in years. She will believe I abandoned her.”
“She will think nothing of the sort,” Aura went over and held Mahlyssa’s hand. “She looks like you; except her eyes. Her eyes are blue.”
“She had her father’s eyes. Did he suffer? Do you know if he suffered?”
“I don’t think so. Richard threw a blade into his heart and he died instantly. I don’t mean to upset you anymore. Myra was told her father gave up his wings to protect her, because he loved you both.”
“I should have listened to him when he tried to warn me about my father. I could have watched my little girl grow up. Virgil and I might have given her a brother or sister. We talked about that.”
“You are a grandmother to five grandsons and one granddaughter,” Aura smiled. “You will find our family is different from others. I have no doubt they will open their arms and their hearts to you. Won’t you please consider my offer? I know you care deeply for the children who live here. I can see the kindness in you. It is the same kindness we all see in your daughter.”
“Are you sure Richard won’t hurt any of them?” “I will bet my life on it. And for the record; I’m planning to live a long time.”
Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) Page 15