Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  “I’m sure it has something to do with the light; or lack thereof.”

  “I’m telling you they’re different,” Aidan insisted.

  “Well as long as I can still get off the ground, it doesn’t matter-does it? Now hold hands and make sure the new angelbloods take the hands of the more experienced flyers.”

  Aidan loved watching Aura spread her wings. He wished they could go flying every day. Perhaps one day, they would teach their own children to fly. That is, if she remembered him, and what they once meant to each other.

  Shannon was probably more excited than any of the others. Her wings were a brilliant white, with pink and purple tips. Instinctively, she wrapped the wings around herself, smiling all the while. It was as if she had been born with them.

  Within seconds they were airborne. Shannon was a natural like Bren and Tracy. Mahlyssa stayed close to Myra. Aura had never seen her mother’s friend so happy.

  Logan was trying to be protective of Tiffany. “I want you to be careful. We have another somebody to consider now.” Tiffany laughed at him. She loved flying as much as the little ones.

  Bren, Tracy and Alannah were trying to show Shannon the exact spot where they saw Santa Clause; to her amusement. “Next year you can fly with us too,” Bren said, to their new friend. “Maybe we can see Santa Clause again,” she said optimistically.

  “Santa Clause really loves Bren,” Alannah vowed. “He went to all that trouble to be here, so he could wish her a Merry Christmas. I bet he didn’t do that for anybody else.” Alannah was convinced Bren was one of Santa Clause’s favorite children.

  Aidan stayed close to Aura. She couldn’t get over how peaceful it was to be flying. She had no worries at all when she was off the ground. This was what she loved the most about all of them. Taking a few minutes, when there were no uncertainties, no battles, and no interference from darkness. She wished it could go on forever, but knew they would have to return home soon.

  Paul would allow them to enjoy this time as long as he could. Aura was definitely in her element. Her whole family was together and Paul knew how much it meant to her. She would fight to the death to protect each and every one of them; even the new additions.

  Mahlyssa soon got the hang of it. She was doing somersaults in the sky with Shannon and Myra. Martin stayed close and was laughing hysterically at their antics. He had never seen Myra act so carefree. Perhaps it was spending time with her mother that brought the child out in her.

  They finished their flight without incident and were disappointed when Paul told them they had to return home.

  “We’ll come again soon,” he promised. “Right now, we need to get the little ones a snack and get them ready for their bedtime story.”

  Though they were saddened, they knew they couldn’t stay there forever, so they reluctantly agreed to return to Aura’s house. She would prepare hot cocoa for those who were staying and would send a carafe home with those who were leaving.

  Even after everything else that happened earlier in the day, they were still family. This was one of the activities they allowed themselves to indulge in, when the time was right. Pity they couldn’t do it every night.

  Aura made a promise, she would talk to her father and they would take more frequent flights. If for no other reason, it would clear there head of any worries and give them a little time to themselves. There was no conflict, no arguments, and no hurt feelings here. There was only the bond shared by family; a family who would stick together even in death. Aura was sure of it.

  When Richard left Mahlyssa’s home, he returned to the Devereaux estate to speak to his daughter. Surprisingly, Jezielwas still with her. “There has been a change of plans,” he informed them.

  “What do you mean Father? Was the Enchantor not willing to help us again?” Natalie asked.

  “I’m afraid she was not at home. It appears she has abandoned her home and taken everything of value with her.”

  “She betrayed us? I thought you said she would remain loyal.”

  “Apparently, she has resumed her search for her daughter. I wish I hadn’t removed the curse. I’m afraid she can walk about without calling attention to herself now. Not to worry; I have a backup plan.”

  “Am I to live with this scar for all eternity now?” Natalie cried.

  “I have friends in London. We’ll go to Paris until I can figure this out.”

  “Paris? Won’t the Guild look for me there?”

  “You won’t be there long. Charisse and Desiree will keep you safe until I return. If all goes well, we will give you a second identity. Mahlyssa was not the last Enchantor. I have other friends who may be just as powerful. In any event, I am confident I have something of value they want.”

  “You said we could trust the last Enchantor,” Jeziel said.

  “I can’t prove with certainty she has betrayed us. Perhaps she merely relocated to another area.”

  “Without her, I am doomed to wear this mark forever,” Natalie said.

  “Stay in Paris and await further instructions from me. I need to make a quick stop in Utopia first.”

  “Surely you can’t be serious. Why would you go to Utopia when they want to bring you to trial? If they see you, won’t they want to expedite the hearing?”

  “The Guild promised me a week. Unfortunately, I need to deal with you first.”

  “You’re not completely innocent in all of this.” Jeziel said in defense of Natalie. “It was your idea to send her to Aeden in the first place,” she reminded him.

  “Apparently, Aura is more powerful than I suspected.” Richard admitted.

  “She may be a seer, but she is not untouchable. There is always Aidan. I can assure you he’ll provide a wealth of information to assist us with our cause,” Jeziel smiled.

  “Aidan is Michael’s son. I doubt he will turn against Heaven; even for you.”

  “I can be persuasive when I need to be. The closer I am to him, the further away I can drive Aura. I think we can agree that she is responsible for most of our troubles; no?”

  “Will you be able to go with me to Paris?” Natalie asked Jeziel. “It’s nearly ten o’clock there now. Because of the time difference, I’m sure we can have you back in Aeden before midnight.”

  Jeziel considered her cousin’s request. “I can go for a few hours, but I have to be back to meet Aidan tonight.” “I would appreciate the support. Besides, I know my grandmother would love to meet you.”

  “Alright – I’ll go, but just for a couple of hours.” “Then it’s decided. We’ll leave in a few minutes,” Richard said.

  “You say your daughters are at the Godwin Academy?” Jeziel asked Phillipe.

  “Yes, they enrolled just before Christmas.” “Are they the only family you have?”

  “What’s this about?” Richard asked.

  “If you’re going to change Natalie’s appearance a second time, perhaps you could consider sending her to the Academy. Since she can’t return to Aeden, she might gather some information there,” Jeziel said.

  “That was my original plan,” Richard said. “It makes perfect sense. Will and Joshua will be there. They know what’s going on with the Guild,” Natalie said.

  “Doesn’t your wife have a sister with a daughter?” Richard asked Phillipe.

  “There’s a cousin who is nearly the same age as my daughters, but they haven’t seen each other since they were babies.”

  “Do you have a picture of this cousin?”

  Phillipe went to a cabinet on the far side of the room. He opened the drawer and handed the picture to Richard. “This is Monica.”

  “She looks similar to your daughters. You say they haven’t met?”

  “My wife hasn’t seen her in years, but they stay in touchby mail.”

  “If we can alter her appearance to look like this girl, she won’t draw attention to herself. We can introduce her as your niece. There is no reason for your daughters to know the truth.”

  Richard looked at his dau
ghter. “I hope you know thismay be the last chance we have. We’ll be out of options if this plan doesn’t succeed. You will do exactly as I say or I will be forced to lock you away somewhere. I am at my wits end with you. I hope you realize that.”

  “I’m sorry. I won’t disobey you again. Can I still see Jeziel?”

  “I don’t see that being unreasonable; provided you’re discreet. Now gather your things I must get you to Paris and speak with your grandmother.”

  “I don’t have anything with me.”

  “I still have most of your clothes at the cottage. I’ll bring them to you in the morning.”

  Jeziel looked coldly at Richard. “If your plan fails this time, I will be asking Samhael for his assistance. I won’t allow you to put her in danger again,” she said as a warning.

  Richard was angry, but he knew better than to argue with Jeziel. Things would not go well for him if he made an enemy of Lucifer’s daughter.

  “You know that I love you dearly,” Richard said to Natalie. “But if we are going to be successful, I need you to listen. I realize you are angry about the recent events; so am I, but we need to control our anger until everything is in place. Do you understand me?”

  “I know Father. I’ll do better this time.” She walked over and gave her father a hug and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Everything I am doing is for you; never forget that,” Richard said.

  “I won’t forget. Can we leave now? I only have a few hours until Jeziel has to leave.”

  “I’ll be in touch with you Phillipe. Next stop Paris.” Richard smiled and they were gone.

  When Aura and the others returned, she knew the little ones would be too excited to go to bed. They were all talking breathlessly about their new gift.

  Rita approached Jayden after they returned and tried to hand him back the dagger she had given him for his birthday.“You should take this back. You might need it now.”

  “I don’t want it,” Jayden said. “That was the weapon Natalie used to kill my brother. You keep it. Maybe you can return the favor one day.”

  “Then I’ll get you another one,” Rita insisted. “You should have some form of protection.”

  “I’ve got all of you. I doubt there is any greater protection than our family,” Jayden laughed.

  Rita returned his smile. “I’m getting you another dagger anyway.”

  “Alright if that will make you happy,” Jayden relented.

  “Keeping you alive will make me happy.” Rita winked at him. “You know they’ll come for you. Promise me you’ll stay close to us Jayden; if not for your sake, than for your mother and Acadia.”

  “What has Acadia got to do with anything?”

  “She likes you. There’s no reason for you to put yourself in danger when you have everything to live for. I see a union in your future,” Rita grinned.

  Jayden looked at Acadia and then back to Rita. “I think you’re mistaken. Let’s not forget I was recently married to Natalie.”

  “Your marriage only lasted a week and you heard what the High Council said. The marriage never existed. You’re free to live your life with whomever you choose now. Acadia would be perfect for you. You share a great many things in common. Thinkabout it.” She patted him on the shoulder before she went to find Will.

  Jayden looked at Acadia who was having a conversation with his mother Jane. She did seem to fit in perfectly with his family. Jane already loved her. He would consider what Rita said.

  It was true all records of the union were completely erased. Perhaps he would speak to Acadia about courtship, even though part of him thought he wasn’t worthy of her.

  Rita said it was all in his mind; maybe she was right. She did after all have the gift of sight; at least to some degree. He walked over and joined his mother’s conversation. Soon they were all laughing.

  Chapter 30

  When Richard and the girls arrived in Paris at the Devereaux estate, it was late evening. “Nice house,” Jeziel said.

  The eighteenth century estate was located just outside Paris. It had been in the Devereaux’s family for years. “The Devereaux’s are one of the wealthiest families in Paris,” Richard said, as they walked to the front entrance.

  Once inside, Jeziel was amazed at the amount of detail in the décor. The home boasted period architecture, featuring high ceilings, stone fireplaces, and parquet flooring covered by large Sovonnnerie tapestries.

  As Richard directed them into the living room, Meredith was sitting in a winged chair; Desiree and her mother Charisse, sat beside each other on a settee woven of brocade. Desiree stood to greet Richard with a hug, while introducing Jeziel to the others.

  “It is so good to finally meet you,” Meredith gushed. She couldn’t help noticing that Natalie’s scar had returned. “What is this Richard? I thought this business was taken care of.”

  “There has been a change in plans,” he said, taking seat in another chair, next to the settee. “I believe the Enchantor has betrayed me.”

  “She can’t walk around like this. The other angel - bloods will recognize her. What about Arian? Did he leave with the Enchantor?” Meredith asked.

  “It would appear so. Mahlyssa may have granted him his freedom, but I’ll have to deal with him later.”

  “If he returns to Utopia and tells the Commission you were responsible for his imprisonment, they will add that to the list of charges against you,” Desiree said.

  “I can’t think about that now. I have to take care of this business with Natalie first. I have friends in London who may be able to help.”

  “Are you sure about this Richard? How can you be certain these people won’t betray you?” Meredith asked. She had already begun to pace.

  “I can’t prove that Mahlyssa has betrayed me. Perhaps she was only taking advantage of the new life I gave to her. If she has deceived me, she will pay dearly.”

  “What about the Guild?” Meredith said, wrenching her hands together.

  “I’ll handle the Guild when the time comes. Even they can’t find fault with me wanting to protect the citizens of Utopia.”

  Meredith stopped and stared furiously at her eldest son. “Surely you realize they are not to be trusted. They will try to kill Natalie. Have you forgotten what they did to my father?”

  “I forget nothing. You need to calm down Mother. Everything is moving forward, save a few small bumps in the road.”

  “How can you be so calm when they want to kill your daughter?”

  “Natalie will be safe. They won’t find her this time.” “It was a mistake to send her to Aeden. Has she learned anything of value concerning the Guild?”

  “Actually, I have learned a few things while I was there,” Natalie interjected.

  “Don’t worry about Natalie,” Jeziel said. “I still have a close friend who lives with Aura. Aidan won’t lie to me. It’s not in his nature to do so, considering he’s Michael’s son,” she smiled.

  “You think you can trust him? I’ve never known a descendant of the Archangels to disobey their father, or Heaven,” Meredith retorted.

  “He trusts me. I’m certain of that,” Jeziel stated confidently. “I just need a little more time before he turns his back on Aura, and Heaven. I’m meeting with him tonight.”

  “Perhaps you can tell us what happened after I left,” Natalie said hopefully.

  “I’m sure I can find out something of value. How should I contact you?”

  “You can always get a message to her through us,” Desiree said.

  “I really do have to be going. I don’t want to be late for my date,” Jeziel smiled. She walked over and gave Natalie a quick hug.

  She turned to Richard, before walking towards the front door. “Remember what I told you. If things don’t work out, I’ll call Samhael. He’ll be only too happy to help.” Jeziel said goodbye to the others, and then she vanished.

  “Are you sure you can trust that girl?” Meredith asked.

  “She’s Lucifer’s daugh
ter,” Richard replied. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a stop in Utopia before I go to London.”

  “Why would you dare go to Utopia?” Natalie asked.

  “I need something from the Enchantors home. You needn’t worry. It’s not like the residents will be walking around that part of town after dark,” he laughed. “I’ll return after I’ve visited London. Don’t wait up. I probably won’t be back until tomorrow morning.”

  He kissed Desiree goodbye. “You need to stop worrying Mother. It will make you old before your time.” He laughed, as he walked out the door.

  Aura got the girls into their pajamas and took them downstairs to say goodnight. “Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day. Are we going to take snacks with us?” Alannah asked.

  “You don’t have to worry about snacks. They sell hotdogs from carts right on the sidewalks in New York… you’re gonna love them,” Bren assured her.

  “They’re called street vendors,” Tracy added “We sure are gonna need a lot of dresses,” Alannah said.

  “You don’t have to worry, I got Papa’s credit card. We can buy anything we want; right Papa?” Bren smiled at her godfather.

  Howard laughed. “The sky’s the limit.”

  “Se e, what did I tell you? Papa loves it when we spend his money.” Bren was serious, but the rest of the room laughed.

  Jeziel arrived at her cottage just after dark. Even though Aidan had asked her not to come back to Aura’s, she planned to ignore his request. She knew he would be glad to see her.

  As she rummaged through her closet, she was conflicted about how she should dress. If she was too provocative, he wouldn’t give her the time of day. But then again, she didn’t want to dress like a school teacher either. Finally, she settled on a little black dress. Certainly

  Aidan would notice her if she were wearing this. She would wait until the brats were in bed and then make an appearance. Aidan would never refuse her. She knew he cared about her; regardless of what the others thought. The more time they spent together, the more he forgot about Avriel. Maybe Aidan was finally beginning to realize that Aura wasn’t his wife.