“The only plausible explanation for the turn of events is that she must have wanted to prove her loyalty to Richard. I wasn’t there for the accident, so I can only presume what happened.”
“ It was one of those rare occasions when I left the house, shortly after Shannon was born. We went shopping to get her layette. When we returned, our friends were dead. Colin and Claudia said there was an explosion of some kind. I had no reason to doubt them.”
“ A week later, I overheard them having a conversation. Claudia was laughing about the deaths. I confronted them. They agreed to leave Shannon with me, if I allowed them to disappear. I wanted to protect her, so I agreed. That was five years ago and I haven’t heard anything from them since.”
“How did you find out they were responsible for the deaths?” Bren asked.
“Shannon told me.”
“How could Shannon know? Wasn’t she just a baby when this accident happened?” Bren asked.
“Shannon is a gifted child. She was born with the sight,” Eve said. “To my knowledge this power has never been given to a mortal.”
“So now you know most of my story. I won’t blame you if you want nothing to do with me, but I beg you to protect the others,” Mahlyssa pleaded.
“You will all be protected ,” Martin said. “I spoke to Eve before you arrived. We are in agreement. You should be allowed to remain in Aeden and adopt Shannon. Since there is no proof other than a conversation, I doubt we would beable to convict the Cavanaugh’s. We can however, assure the safety of your daughter.”
“Does that mean you’re going to let me have wings too?” Shannon asked hopefully.
Myra laughed. “You will be given a beautiful pair of wings, like the other little ones. After all, you are my little sister. How could we refuse such a request?”
She looked at Martin. “The best protection we can give all of them is the angel’s blood. If they would consider holding the Feather of Trust, we can perform a blood exchange, as we did for the other mortals.”
“I don’t see why the High Council would have a problem with that. But we willneed their permission,” Paul said.
“You could meet with them now Dad; the sooner the better,” Aura said.
The Guild looked at each other and agre ed. “Why don’t you all spend some time getting to know each other and we’ll have a quick word with them?”
They walked out, leaving Mahlyssa and the others in the care of their family. Martin couldn’t help noticing how happy Myra was. When Mahlyssa adopted Shannon, she would become Myra’s little sister. He suspected Shannon would be treated more like a daughter because of her young age.
Mahlyssa could finally have some peace in her life. She was home with her daughter. If only Virgil was there. She knew Richard would come looking for her, but she also knew Aura and the others would fight to keep them safe.
Chapter 25
When Natalie left, she immediately went to Jeziels cottage. She looked around to make sure that she wasn’t followed. It would be just like Aura to make her think she was free, but then send someone after her. She knew the Guild was still looking for Jeziel. It wouldn’t benefit either of them, if they took custody of her.
She approached the cottage and as she looked through the window, she could see that Jeziel was sitting on one of the sofas in the living room. She was thankful that her cousin was home.
She knocked softly on the door. When Jeziel opened it, Natalie ran inside, quickly closing the door behind her. Jeziel’s eyes were quickly drawn to the scar on Natalie’s face. “What happened? Did the spell wear off?”
Natalie walked into the kitchen, with Jeziel following closely. Spotting a wine bottle on the counter, she grabbed a goblet and filled it to the brim. After taking a long drink, she plopped on one of the chairs.
“She recognized me,” Natalie cried.
“Who recognized you? I didn’t even know you when you first appeared before me, and we share the same blood.”
“Aura saw through my disguise. My father warned me about her. I should have listened. How could he send me there like that? It was like sending a lamb to the slaughter.” Natalie emptied the goblet and filled it a second time.
“You should slow down.” She took the glass and the bottle from Natalie. I’ll make you some tea.” “I need something stronger than tea to settle my nerves.”
“This tea has sedative properties.”
Natalie watched as she pulled a jar from the cupboard and scooped a teaspoon of the powder into a cup, before adding hot water. She stirred the tea and handed it to her cousin.
“This tastes like the tea Jayden gave me, when Ella died,” Natalie said.
“It’s an ancient recipe. I’m not certain of all the ingredients, but it does contain myrrh and chamomile.”
As Natalie sipped the tea, Jeziel walked outside to make sure she wasn’t followed. When she returned, she took a seat next to her cousin. “Tell me everything that happened.”
“Aura knew who I was. She kept asking me questions that I couldn’t answer. I tried to leave, but she blocked me.”
“Why didn’t you use the portal?”
“I couldn’t. She had some kind of hold on me.”
“She must have used Gideon’s shield . I knew Eve could call for it. I didn’t know that Aura could summon it too.” Jeziel moved away from the table and started pacing. “How did the scar reappear?”
“When Aura touched my cheek, a light came out of her hand. I could feel it burning. I looked in the mirror and saw that I was myself again.”
“Why did she let you go? Surely they must know that you were responsible for Ella and Jasper’s death. That was the reason your father wanted to keep you hidden. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Aura had no choice. She had to let me go. I threatened to kill that priest they are so fond of.”
“Father Patrick? That was foolish of you. Your father told you not to do anything stupid.”
“Well it seemed like the only option I had at the time, considering.”
“Considering what?”
“Considering most of the Archangels were there. I should have made an excuse to leave after they arrived. But that would have looked more suspicious.”
“The Archangels were there? All of them?” Jeziel sounded worried.
“Most of them were there.”
“Did they say anything about me?”
Natalie looked oddly at her cousin. “They didn’t even mention your name. They were there to celebrate Rita and Jessica’s engagement; at least that’s what they said.”
“Does Aura know about me and the fire?” “She said, “Tell your friend I’m coming and Hell’s army is not going to stop me!”
“Do you think she was speaking about me when she said that?”
“I don’t know. Maybe she was talking about my father or one of his friends. Maybe she was talking about Samhael. I cantell you this; she and Aidan weren’t fighting anymore. You should have seen them together.”
“Maybe Aidan was just being polite. I’m sure she saw me kissing him last night,” Jeziel said.
“Yes, but he didn’t return your kiss did he? You gave him a quick peck on the cheek and walked away.”
Jeziel slammed her fist into the kitchen table, knocking the cups to the floor. “I kissed him on the mouth for your information, and he didn’t pull away.”
“I’m not trying to upset you. I’m only saying that Aidan andAura looked pretty friendly,” Natalie said, trying to apologize. Jeziel was her only friend. The last thing she wanted to do was to chase her away.
“Perhaps I’ll pay Aidan another visit and see for myself. Right now, we have to get out of here. I don’t trust Aura. There was a reason she let you leave. I’m certain it wasn’t because you threatened Father Patrick. She’s planning something. I know it. Do you know how to get in touch with your father?”
“He told me to go to Phillipe if anything happened.” “Then that’s what you’ll do. I’ll go with you,
to make sure we aren’t followed.”
“I would appreciate the company. I know Father’s going to be furious with me. At least having you there, might diffuse the situation a little bit.”
“Call Phillipe first to make sure he’s there.” Jeziel handed her the phone.
“I doubt it will be necessary. He promised my father he would be available if I needed him.”
Jeziel raised her brow. “Make the call. Right now I would rather be sure, before we get there and find he’s not at home.”
Natalie took the phone and quickly dialed Phillipe’s house. One of the servants picked up the phone. “May I help you?”
“I need to speak to Phillipe. Tell him its Richard’s daughter, Natalie.”
A minute later, Phillipe came to the phone. “Natalie, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you. Is there a problem?”
“I need to speak to my father, urgently.”
“I’ll call him now. Is there anything you want me to tell him?”
“No, it will be better if I speak to him in person. We’ll be there in a few minutes. I need to change first.” “Very well, I’ll be expecting you shortly. Did you say we?” Phillipe asked.
“Yes, my cousin Jeziel will be coming with me. We should be there soon.”
“I’ll be waiting for you.” Phillipe wondered what the big mystery was. Had Natalie gotten herself in trouble yet again? Phillipe knew that he promised Richard to look after her, but the last thing he wanted was to be harassed by the Guild. Natalie was trouble. Even her father knew that truth.
Natalie wasn’t looking forwar d to having a conversation with her father. She didn’t chance returning to her cottage. She borrowed fresh clothes from Jeziel since they were the same size. Once again the girls looked almost identical, except for the scar.
“Damn Aura, she ruined eve rything. Look at this. I am as hideous as ever. I thought when the Enchantor removed this scar, it would be gone forever. Now it’s back again. This is Aura’s fault. I swear I’m going to make her pay if it’s the last thing I do,” Natalie ranted.
“That’s one promise, I will be happy to help you keep,” Jeziel said. “Aura is more trouble than she’s worth. I’m going to speak to Samhael about this. I don’t care what my brother says, Aura has to be stopped.”
“What does your brother have to do with Aura?”
“It’s nothing that I can’t handle. Mortriel has this notion that he wants Aura for himself. I really don’t care what he wants. If she gets between me and Aidan, there is going to be an all out war!” Jeziel huffed.
“Why would your brother want her? Surely he could have his choice of girls.”
“We can talk about that later. Right now we should get out of here. The Guild doesn’t know about this place and I intend to keep it that way.”
“Are you sure that Aura doesn’t know?” Jeziel smiled. “Aidan would have told me. He tells me everything.”
After Natalie changed, they left for New York. It was still early afternoon, so they used a portal to take them to the Devereaux’s estate. She knew Yvonne and Yvette wouldn’t be there; they were still at the Godwin Academy.
At least she wouldn’t have t o explain the scar to them. But her father was going to be a different story. She could still feel the welt on her neck from where Aura broke the chain. Her ring was gone now. She should have left it behind. Was that how Aura identified her? Her father would be most angry about that. She was grateful for Jeziel’s company. Perhaps her presence would diffuse some of Richard’s rage.
Chapter 26
When the Guild returned, the High Council had agreed that Mahlyssa could adopt Shannon. They were also given permission to perform the blood exchange if they passed the test with the feather. Aura was sure Myra would want Mahlyssa to share her blood, but she wasn’t sure who the others would choose.
Paul explained how the test worked. “If you are truly a child of Heaven, you have nothing to fear. However, I need to warn you if you are trying to deceive us, the Feather can burn you.”
The O’Hara’s and the Finney’s were apprehensive until Aura assured them they would pass easily. “This is just a formality.”
“After this can I get my wings?” Shannon asked enthusiastically.
Aura smiled at her. “Of course you can. We need to give you a drop of angel blood and then you will have wings too.”
“Will they be as beautiful as yours?” “I have no doubt they will be magnificent.”
“I’m ready! Can I be first to hold the feather?” Shannon asked.
Myra looked at her mother and said, “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine, I promise.” Mahlyssa smiled lovingly at her daughter and then held her hand. She couldn’t believe this was happening. After forty years she had a family again. She looked to Heaven and thanked the Almighty for granting her this special wish.
Paul called for the feather and the others gasped when they saw how beautiful it was. The Guild knew it was beautiful, but it could also be deadly in the wrong hands.
He asked Shannon to stand in the center of the room, which she did obediently. The golden eye opened and a beam of light shot out and crossed the little girl’s chest. Within seconds the light disappeared, the eye closed and the feather was gone.
“Did I pass the test?” Shannon asked.
“Most definitely,” Martin smiled.
Shannon beamed with pride. “When do I get my wings?”
“Soon,” Myra said. “First we have to allow the others to be tested.”
Katie Scarlett decided she wanted to go next. Once again the feather appeared; the light from the golden eye embraced her and then closed as it did for Shannon.
Shannon walked over to give her friend a hug. “You’re going to get wings too Katie Scarlett,” she said. The girls waited for the next one to take their turn. One by one each of the mortals held the Feather of Trust and one by one each of them passed the test with ease.
Mahlyssa was the last to be tested. She looked fearfully at her daughter Myra. “Are you sure about this?”
“You’ll be fine mother ,I promise,” Myra smiled at her. Mahlyssa couldn’t get over the warm feeling she had each time Myra referred to her as mother. Even if she had doubts, she never let it show.
Mahlyssa held the feather, not knowing what to expect. As with the others, the light emerged from the eye and passed across her chest. She prayed to Heaven she would be worthy of the gift she was about to receive; though no other gift could compare to having her daughter back.
Myra hugged her mother. “You see, I told you there was nothing to worry about.”
“Now we need to decide which of you will give our newest family members your blood,” Aura said.
“I guess the easie st way to do this is to have one of us, choose one of them.” purebloods were forbidden anyone except their children.
Aura explained how the from passing their blood to
“I didn’t want you to think it was because you weren’t worthy. It’s a law we have to abide by. After we do the exchange, we’ll spend the next couple of days getting you all acclimated to your new lives.”
Mia was the first to stand up. “I give me blood Shannon?” she asked. Myra looked proudly at her granddaughter and the whole room applauded.
“This not hurt. I promise. We done, we have some chocolate celebrate; Ok? You like chocolate?”
“I like chocolate a lot, butShannon laughed.
strawberry’s my favorite.”
“We have shawberry Shannon?” Mia asked. Aura laughed. “There’s strawberry syrup in the pantry, next to the chocolate.”
Mia looked at Joey who quickly ran into the kitchen. Everybody laughed when he came back carrying the whole bowl of chocolate candy. At two years old he had already figured out how to avoid conflict with Mia. Some of the others could take a page out of his book.
Paul called for the piercing rod and both girls tried to act brave, even though they knew it might hurt a little. Paul was gentle with them; piercing Mia’
s finger first and then Shannon’s. As soon as he saw the drop of blood he told the girls to hold hands, making sure their fingers touched. “That wasn’t so bad,” Shannon said.
“We have chocolate now!” Mia said, as they both walked over to the bowl.
The others all received the blood without any incidents. Reaghan gave her blood to Katie Scarlett. Joey gave his blood to Sebastian, after Mia convinced him to do so. Mahlyssa was the last to complete the exchange.
For the most part, each of the angelbloods exchanged their blood with only one mortal. After that, the next person would pass it along. They were convinced this would keep the blood powerful and wouldn’t cause it to weaken. Aura wasn’t sure if that was true, but it was a custom that they didn’t divert from.
Myra’s youngest daughter Matilda decided she would give her blood to her Grammy. Mahlyssa thought it was an adorable term of endearment, and decided she liked it. Soon the other little ones were all calling her Grammy as well. The gesture made Mahlyssa feel at home. Of course Shannon continued to call her Mum.
After the new angelbloods were made, Paul told them they had one last point of business that needed to be addressed without delay. paperwork which would authorities.
Jack had drawn up the necessary be filed with the appropriate
“Shannon I need you and Mahlyssa to stand before the Guild now,” Paul said kindly. “It has been decided by the High Council since your biological parents have had no contact with you in five years, Mahlyssa has been granted her request for adoption.”
“What does that mean mum?” Shannon asked. “It means thatnow you are truly my daughter,” Mahlyssa said with a tear falling down her cheek. “I can stay with you forever mum?”
“Forever and ever,” Mahlyssa assured her.
Shannon beamed with happiness. She ran to her mother and gave her a big hug. “I love you mum. I’ve always loved you.”
“Me too,” Mahlyssa smiled. Everyone cheered. “Now we have another reason to celebrate,” Alannah said.
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