“I didn’t invite her here,” Tristan was trying to explain to Jasmine. “Did anybody invite Becca to the party?” he asked nervously.
“She doesn’t need an invitation. She’s got some kind of radar or something and just shows up,” Logan laughed.
Thankfully it was not Becca at the door. It was the Archangels of the High Council and their grandparents. They all came, including Michael. Though each of them was dressed casually, they all had a soft light enveloping their bodies. Aura also noticed that all of them had shoulderlength blonde hair.
“We weren’t expecting you today,” Paul said. “Are we not celebrating our granddaughter’s engagement?” Uriel asked.
Paul smiled at his father.“Of course we are. I’m glad you came Father.”
Aura saw how nervous Natasha became all of a sudden. “Not as nervous as you’re going to be,” she thought.
Father Patrick was in his element. He met some of the Archangels in previous years, but this was his first meeting with Michael. Aura’s father quickly introduced the two of them.
Joshua and Will both stood to greet the Archangels. When Helena came to him, Will did a double take. He looked at Rita and then back at Helena. “My word you look exactly alike,” he said. It was true Helena’s strawberry blonde hair and green eyes looked exactly like Rita’s. Helena smiled at him and when he offered his hand she hugged him instead. “So you are the young man who is going to marry my Rita,” she raised her brow.
“Yes ma’am, I hope to.”
“Well I couldn’t be happier for the two of you. I’m guessing you’re responsible for that smile on her face?” Helena said.
Will smiled, but he didn’t know what to say. Helena laughed.“You’ll both be fine.”
“Thank you!” Will finally found his voice again. Helena hugged him again and soon he felt more comfortable in her presence.
After they were introduced, Michael and Uriel pulled Aura to the side. “I understand you have some information you are going to share this afternoon?” her grandfather looked at her and smiled.
Aura’s expression changed from confidant to worried.“Do you think I should wait?”
“Not at all, we are here to offer our support; though I doubt you will need it,” Michael said.
“We want you to let her go after you expose her,” Uriel said.
‘What? She killed Jasp er and Ella. How can you ask me to let her walk away? Don’t you think she deserves to be punished?”
“She will atone for her sins. Murder is unforgiveable. But if you let her go, she will return to her father. There are others far more dangerous than Natalie,” Michael declared.
“Richard has aligned himself with Samhael. We are not exactly sure what they are planning yet, but I assure you it can’t be anything good,” Uriel added.
“It was Samhael who sent Mortriel here wasn’t it?” Aura asked.
“I’m afraid so, but you have nothing to worry about,” Uriel said.
Michael laughed.“I rather enjoyed watching him pick himself up after she used her shield.”
“I don’t think the others will understand your decision to allow Natalie to go free,” Aura said.
“You leave that conversation to us. We can be persuasive when we need to be,” Michael assured her.
“I have no doubt. I know you can’t tell me anything else with regards to Jeziel, but answer me this question. Will my visions eventually show me the truth?”
“Your visions will never lie to you Aura,” Michael said. “You have to trust them completely. They will never misguide you,even in the most difficult situation.”
“Thank you. Will you be here later when I bring Mahlyssa here to meet Myra?”
“I’m afraid we can’t stay very long. We have other tasks that require our attention. I’m sure we’ll meet her another time. You were correct in assuming she is still a child of Heaven. Mahlyssa may have practiced the art of Enchantment, but she is nothing like her father,” Michael assured her.
“Does that mean she won’t have to appear before the Council?”
“I see no reason to make her appear. If she were not innocent she would have burned after walking on hallowed ground. Heaven will continue to support her as long as she stays loyal to us,” Uriel said.
“Thank you both. I know she’ll be relieved to hear that. I guess I should get this over with,” Aura laughed. “There is something else I need to mention, but I haven’t told anyone else.”
Michael and Uriel both looked at her curiously. “What might that be?”
“Last night Jeziel came to visit Aidan. I knew a dark wing was coming because I can smell them. They smell different to me.”
Seeing the odd looks on their faces she said, “Please don’t ask me to explain; they just do. I didn’t see anyone else with her. It’s possible someone else was there and remained hidden, but I don’t think so. I don’t want to make any false accusations until I have proof. I realize what it would mean if Jeziel has fallen; not only to my family, but to Heaven as well.”
“Why didn’t Aidan bring her before the Council?” Michael asked.
“He intended to, but she was afraid of being punished for leaving Elijah alone. According to Aidan she plans to meet with them soon, but she isn’t ready yet. Perhapsshe’s afraid she’ll be sent back to Heaven because of her mistake.”
“It’s true Elijah’s death was unfortunate, but if she wasn’t responsible she could give testimony that could erase any suspicions,” Uriel said.
“Do you think she is innocent?” Michael asked her.
Aura looked at the two Archangels. “I try not to cloud my judgment until I know the facts. I would never falsely accuse anyone of a crime. I do know after she befriended Natalie her eyes changed from brown to black. Aidan said even if someone is being tempted by darkness there is a chance they can redeem themselves. But if Natalie was truly out of the picture, why wouldn’t Jeziel want the support of her family?”
“Jeziel has never been close to anyone. Many thought she would follow her father,” Uriel said. “She may be Laelah’s daughter, but she never reached out to any of us after the war; except Aidan. He always trusted her and felt terrible the other angels shunned her.”
“If she wasn’t trusted why would they send her here? Surely they knew she would be exposed to darkness. I’m sure you know about Samhael’s visits. Do you believe he didn’t contact her again after the fire? I keep thinking if she spoke to him, she may have also been in the company of her brother Mortriel.”
“We may learn the a nswers to those questions after Natalie is exposed. She will certainly run to her father, but she may also seek refuge with Jeziel. I understand the two girls are close. Let’s not forget they both share Lucifer’s blood,” Uriel added.
“We need to be vigilant, but patient,” Michael said. “I have no doubt your visions will eventually lead us to the truth.”
When the three of them returned to the party, Aidan looked oddly at Aura. He wondered about the conversation she had with his father and Uriel. He wished she trusted him enough to include him. Perhaps she would discuss it with him later. Aidan missed their evening teas. Maybe tonight they would return to the way things were before the fire. He could only hope.
Chapter 23
Aura and the others returned to the living room, where they were still engaged in loud conversation. She would have to choose the exact moment, before following through with her plan. She was more confident after speaking to Michael and Uriel.
She waited for Natalie to be standing alone with Father Patrick before she confronted her. She didn’t have to wait long after sending her mother and sister a silent message.
Bren and the little ones were standing close to Natalie, but for some reason they scurried away from her. Was it possible Bren had the gift too? Aura never considered it before now. As soon as she saw them standing alone, Aura approached Natasha.
“Father Patrick tells us you’re from London? How long did you live there?”
“I was there most of my life, but the last couple of years I traveled a lot with my parents.”
“What were their names? Your parent’s; what were their names? Perhaps they were known to some of our family. They travel a lot too.”
Natasha (Natalie) took a defensive stand. Aura knew she would have to allow the others to witness her eyes changing color, so she continued to be aggressive with her questioning.
Natasha hesitated before answering. Richard didn’t prepare her for this. She would have to make up some names.
“Were they Julia and Jason Justice?” “Yes, did you know my parents? I don’t recall them ever bringing me here.”
Excellent, she caught Natasha in her first lie. She hoped her father and the other members of the Guild were paying attention. How could Natasha have been so foolish? Angelbloods never used the same surname unless they were related.
Obviously Natasha didn’t know Julia and Jason Justice resided in the Australian colony with their daughter Amelia. When Alistair accepted the position as Prime Minister, it was his intention to have Jason named the new Governor.
Aura was sure Henry knew them too, but he was warned by Uriel to remain silent. Henry looked oddly at Uriel, but wouldn’t dare defy him. Something was about to happen. The rest of the family looked at each other and then at Aura. They wondered why she was almost attacking this poor girl.
“So you say your parents Jason and Julia died recently? How did they die?”
Natasha was becoming nervous. She should have discussed this with Richard. How could he have thrown her to the wolves like this?
Father Patrick came to her rescue. “Perhaps she’s uncomfortable talking about that Aura. Not all of us grieve the same way. The poor child has been left without parents or other relatives. Whydon’t we give her some time to get to know the family first?”
Natasha was grateful for the intervention and sighed with relief when she didn’t have to answer.
Aura looked at the ring Natasha wore around her neck. It was meant to be hidden, but Aura saw it clearly. She knew it was the same ring Jayden gave her when they were married. She had to continue with her pursuit of the truth.
“Actually, Julia and Jason Justice are alive and doing extremely well,” Aura laughed derisively. “You’re a liar! They do have a daughter, but her name is Amelia. I don’t know why you came here, but you are certainly not who you say you are.”
“Aura please; why would you say such a thing to her?” Father Patrick asked.
“I don’t know Father, maybe because it’s the truth.” Natasha looked around the room. “I should leave. It’s apparent someone doesn’t want me here.”
“Oh, I’m sure there are a whole lot of someone’s who don’t want you here.”
“I don’t know what this about. But I can assure you, there has been some mistake,” Natasha insisted.
“You are the one who is mistaken. Did you think you could come here and no one would know who you are?” “Aura that’s enough!” Aidan yelled. “The poor girl hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Aidan walked over to stand next to Natasha. Aura knew she would have to move him out of the way before she could grab her, but that was a chance she would have to take. She didn’t back down; instead she moved closer to Natasha.
“Let me tell you what I think, shall I?”
“Aura please, this isn’t like you. Why are you acting this way? Can’t you leave the poor girlalone?” Aidan pleaded.
Michael looked at his son and said quietly, “Step aside Aidan.”
Aidan looked curiously at his father, but didn’t dare argue; instead he moved away obediently.
Finally Aura got the reaction she was waiting for. Natasha’s eyes turned black. Aura walked over to her and said, “I think your game is up, Natalie!”
Aura reached under her blouse and pulled the ring out in the open. “Perhaps you should have listened to your father and kept this hidden.” Aura ripped the chain off her neck, leaving a red welt in its place.
Natalie tried to escape, but Aura’s shield held her in place. A light appeared in Aura’s left hand. As she walked her fingers down Natalie’s cheek, the scar made from Jessica’s whip was revealed. Her hair changed back to an auburn color and once again her eyes were black; revealing her true identity.
Jayden stood and attempted to reach for her, but Paul reminded him of the promise he made not to interfere. “She’s right here. Why can’t we have her trial now? She killed Ella and Jasper. She deserves to die!” he fumed.
Uriel walked over to him. In a calm voice he said, “Aura knows what she’s doing. There are other things that need to be considered. I must ask you to be patient.”
Jayden would never disobey a command from one of the Archangels, so he moved to stand next to Acadia and Jane.
“I’m in a good mood today; so I won’t kill you yet.” She took her hand and removed the invisible guard. She expected Natalie to leave as soon as the shield was down. Instead, she grabbed a knife off the table and held it to Father Patrick’s throat.
“I’ll kill him if you don’t let me go; I swear it!”
The angelfire in Aura’s left hand grew more brilliant and quickly surrounded the knife. Natalie had no choice, but to drop the weapon to the floor.
“If you ever come near my family again, that little scratch Jessica left on you will look like a beauty mark compared to the mark that I will leave. Run away Natalie, but remember my words. Soon you will know the justice of Heaven. Tell your friend I’m coming. I’m coming and Hell’s army is not going to stop me! Now leave, before I change my mind!” Aura glared at Natalie, who promptly disappeared.
Aura took the ring from the chain and returned it to Jayden. “I believe this is yours.”
Jayden looked from the ring, back to Aura. “How could you let her go? She killed my brother and sister. We could have sent her soul to Hell today.”
“I know you want revenge Jayden, but Richard has been responsible for more deaths than you know. Natalie can lead us to him and they will both atone for their sins.”
“Are you saying Richard was behind the attacks that killed our parent’s?” Thomas asked.
“I’m telling you Richard was not only responsible for their deaths, but many others including Will’s parents, Acadia’s parents, his wife Genevieve and countless others. Richard has aligned himself with one of Lucifer’s most powerful disciples. If we’re patient, we can expose all of them. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you I knew Natasha was Natalie. I had to make sure she could escape after I exposed her. I have no doubt she will return to her father.”
Michael stood up to address the family. “Aura speaks the truth. Richard is far more dangerous than Natalie. His friends were once great angels before they followed Lucifer. They are not without power. I realize we are asking you to allow a murderer to have her freedom, but if we are patient we can bring Richard and the others to trial.”
Jane looked at her son Jayden and said, “They have far more experience in these matters than either of us. I know in my heart they will target you first. I don’t want to lose another son.”
Henry who remained silent all this time was still in shock. “How could she change like that? Who would do that for her?”
“Your son went to an Enchantor. Her name is Mahlyssa. I can assure you she can answer more questions than I can,” Aura said.
“I thought Virgil was the last Enchantor?” Jessica asked.
“Mahlyssa was Virgil’s wife.” Aura went on to tell them the story of Mahlyssa and Virgil. She talked of how Marcus tricked him into giving up his wings and then cursed him. She didn’t say anything else about their daughter except he had taken her to a safe place.
Myra asked, “Did she ever see her daughter again?”
“No, I’m afraid Richard made their reunion impossible. I have had the pleasure to meet Mahlyssa. She will be joining us later today. I need you to trust her as I do. I’m afraid there is something else you don’t know. I wi
ll answer those questions when I return,” Aura said.
“Where are you going Mommy?”Alannah asked.
Aura smiled at her daughter. “I need to bring some family and friends home. I won’t be long. You can stay here with Bren and Tracy until I get back.”
“I don’t want any of you to go after Natalie. We have a plan and we need to stick to it, if justice is to be served. I’ll be back soon; I promise.”
Aidan walked over to Aura. “I’ll come with you. If Richard has aligned himself with Samhael, he may be close.”
“Neither of them can go where I’m going Aidan.” “How can you be so sure?”
“I will be on hallowed ground. They can’t touch me there. Watch over the girls. I’ll only be a few minutes. You do have to start trusting me.” She opened the door and was out of sight within seconds.
“How did Aura know it was Natalie?” Jayden asked. “Her visions have grown stronger these last few weeks,” Eve said.
“Do you think she saw who started the fire or killed Elijah and Ericah?” Jane asked.
“I’m afraid I can’t answer that. Aura will only reveal her visions when it’s necessary. Sometimes as a seer, we have to wait for other events to occur before we fully understand what we are being shown. As I’ve said before, it is a special gift,” Eve said.
“Aura is becoming more powerful by the day,” Michael said. “I have no doubt she will lead all of you where you need to go. She may be young, but her mind is old. Trust her and she will never fail you.”
“I wish we could stay longer, but we have other matters requiring our attention,” Ariel said.
“Will you be coming to the wedding?” Jessica asked.
Her grandmother smiled at her.“We certainly hope to be there.”
“You’re coming too, right Uncle Gabe?” Bren asked.
“I’m looking forward to dancing with my little ones,” he smiled. Bren and Tracy gave him a big hug. Alannah hugged Michael and Uriel. One by one the Archangels said goodbye. Helena assured Rita she would be there for the wedding. She promised to arrive early, so she could help her get ready. After a few minutes they were all gone.
Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) Page 18