Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  “I don’t know. Alannah seemed cold towards me this morning. I hoped to discuss Jeziel’s visit with Aura, but she seems distant too.”

  “Perhaps it’s because you ignored Aura after the fire. I have no right to offer you any relationship advice concerning my daughter. But be careful. If it comes to pass that Jeziel has fallen; she may try to take you with her.”

  “I would never dishonor my father or Heaven.”

  “I’m going to be candid,” Paul said. “You may not walk the path by choice, but Jeziel will certainly try to tempt you. Your well being is all your father has ever wanted. You need to consider how your actions will affect those you care about the most.”

  “Everything Jeziel has told me has been the truth.”

  “If she is her father’s daughter now, she will not take kindly to being disregarded by you. I have no doubt she will seek you out, if she truly believes you are her only friend.”

  “I can’t turn my back on Jeziel. But I know if I remain close to her, I may lose the love of my daughter,” Aidan said.

  “I wish I could tell you what to do, but unfortunately you will have to make your own choices. You should tell Aura you are trying to help the Guild sort through this mess. I have confidence she will listen to you then.”

  “Do you think Aura will become more distant?” Aidan asked. “She seemed friendly with Dareus and Aureus. I’ve never thought that she would consider being with someone else.”

  “This is a conversation best had with her. Aside from dealing with her visions; she also has to deal with the fact that Alorrah and Alexis are still imprisoned in Hell. I’m sure deep down she harbors some resentment to Jeziel for that. Aura loves all the children as her own. Doesn’t Jeziel refer to them as brats?”

  “That may be why Aura is angry with me. But surely you realize that Jeziel doesn’t hate the children. She is only frustrated because she knows that Aura doesn’t like her.”

  “Is there more to your relationship than friendship?”

  “No - I still consider myself married. In my heart I know that Aura shares Avriel’s soul. But sometimes, she is so different. It’s like I don’t know who she is.”

  “Perhaps Jeziel is making a fool of you, and she wants Aura to bear witness to her actions. You are walking a fine line. I will help you all that I can, but I’m afraid these waters are unfamiliar to me.”

  “Would you mind if I spoke to Eve?”

  “I doubt anyone knows Aura better than her mother. Eve is also a powerful visionary. Maybe she has seen something to ease your fears.”

  “Thank you for speaking with me. I’m not sure I feel any better, but I do appreciate your time. You don’t think Aura will look for someone else do you?”

  “I wasn’t under the impression Aura was looking at all.”

  “I need to regain her trust and get back to the way things were before the fire.”

  “I doubt things will ever be as they were before. All we can do is make the best of this situation. Aura has mortal blood and she has free will. She may not accept that she is your wife.”

  “I should have given her Avriel’s ring. Then she would remember our life together.”

  “Even if she does remember, she may not be forgiving of your friendship with Jeziel. Let’s not forget it was her brother, Mortriel, who killed Avriel and captured Alorrah and Alexis. If Jeziel has fallen, Aura will turn against her. She won’t allow anyone to threaten those little ones.”

  Aidan looked despondent. “I will speak to Eve.She will advise me.”

  Natalie and Claudia returned to the sitting room. With her straight brown hair and brown eyes, Natalie could easily pass for a member of the Devereaux family.

  “So what do you think of your new identity?

  Are you pleased?” Richard asked.

  “I was rather getting used to being a blonde,

  but if this works I can’t complain,” Natalie said. Richard was seething. “You can’t complain?

  Do you have any idea the trouble you caused by not listening to me in the first place? You’re new name is Monica and your last name is Benet. You are Yvonne and Yvette’s second cousin, on their mother Marie’s side. You were raised in Connecticut; which is where

  Marie’s family grew up. Do you understand?” Natalie’s mouth dropped. It wasn’t like her

  father to speak down to her in front of strangers. She

  remained silent, but nodded in response.

  Ignoring Richard’s temper tantrum, Claudia

  turned her attention to more important matters. “I

  believe that payment is due?”

  Richard reached into his pocket and pulled out

  the book. Claudia’s mouth was almost watering, as she

  took it into her hands.

  “There is something else you need to know,”

  Richard continued. “I believe your daughter is in

  Aeden. You will await my orders, and then you and

  your husband will go there and demand custody of

  her.”

  “How will I know her? We left when she was

  only a few weeks old,” Claudia argued.

  “I’m sure you’ll have little difficulty in

  identifying her. When you find Mahlyssa; you will find

  Shannon.”

  “What would you have us do with the child? I

  don’t want children. She was a mistake. One, I have no

  intention of making again.”

  “You can discard her for all I care. I want her taken from Mahlyssa. I need to send a message to her, that I am not to be toyed with,” Richard said.

  “How will I know where to look?”

  “My daughter lived there. She can direct you to the valley.”

  “What if the angelbloods refuse?”

  Richard’s manner was calm. “The law is on your side. A child belongs with her mother. Tell them of your regrettable past and how you’ve changed. The only reason you left your daughter in Mahlyssa’s charge, was to protect her. You are in a better position to care for her now, and you want her back.”

  “When should we leave?”

  “You’ll wait for my instructions. I should be back in a few days. Remember my warning; if you betray me, I will destroy the book.”

  “Colin may not want to challenge Mahlyssa.” “I’m sure he’ll want to be reunited with his only child. I have confidence in you. You’ll have to convince him that bringing his daughter home is in everyone’s best interest.”

  “Will I have need of any weapons?”

  Richard laughed. “I doubt you are in possession of any weaponry that can compare with theirs. Did I forget to mention - it was one of them who scarred my daughter with the angelfire?”

  Claudia looked at the book. “Perhaps some of these ancient spells will be of value.”

  Richard wondered if he made a mistake, giving the book to Claudia. The Enchantors were not a trusting lot. He remembered how Marcus turned on his own daughter. He would be watching Claudia and her husband closely.

  When Richard and Natalie left, Colin had not yet returned. As they walked out of the home, Natalie questioned her father. “Do you think her husband is going to be a problem?”

  Richard laughed. “I hardly think so. Claudia would kill Colin to safeguard that little book I gave her.”

  “What’s so great about that old book?” “I’m not familiar with the language, but Claudia was almost drooling when I pulled it out of my pocket.”

  “If the book is so valuable, why would you give it to her?”

  “I needed her to alter your appearance. I doubt she would have helped us for anything less than what was offered. If she betrays me, I will destroy the book.”

  “Why doesn’t she make a copy?”

  “The book must stay in its original form. Do you believe I would allow her to have it, if I couldn’t hold some advantage over her?”

  Natalie ran her hands through her hair. “I suppose I could get used to this
.”

  “I need Andromeda to believe you’re related to the Devereaux sisters; otherwise she’ll never allow you in the Academy.”

  “Do you think my disguise will fool Will and Joshua?”

  “I’m sure it will. Just don’t plan to spend any time alone with either of them.”

  “What if Jayden’s there?”

  Richard became agitated. “If that boy is in your presence, you will ignore him without being noticeably rude!Do you understand me?”

  “Yes Father, of course. I was asking because I know he’s friends with Rita and Jessica. They’ll likely shop for their wedding dresses in New York.”

  “Which is why you won’t be shopping anywhere near them.”

  “Would it be alright if I went shopping with Jeziel?”

  “I don’t see a problem, as long as you’re discreet. But I warn you, if anything else happens before I put my plan in motion, I will lock you away.”

  “I won’t disappoint you this time Father.”

  “See to it that you don’t. I’m running out of resources. Your stupid little outbursts have got to cease.”

  “I said I was sorry. What more do you want me to do?”

  “I want you to remember that you are a descendant of Lucifer!”

  Richard motioned for Natalie to take his hand. Within seconds, they were standing at the front gate of the Devereaux estate, in New York.

  Chapter 35

  Shannon had never been in a plane before, so Aura decided to keep her seated away from Aidan.

  The flight was uneventful, save a few times when they noticed Aidan holding so tight to his arm rests, they thought he was going to pull them apart. Rita and Jessica thought it was hysterical.

  As they landed, Aura informed the limo drivers to take them to the Academy first. She wanted to meet Andromeda, to deliver some news.

  They pulled alongside the massive iron gate, which opened slowly, to allow the vehicles to pass through. Andromeda came to the entrance to meet her guests.

  Aura had forgotten how beautiful she was. Her long golden locks were worn in a tightly woven braid, adorned only by a dark blue velvet ribbon, which matched her simple cotton dress. Her smile was warm and welcoming.

  As Andromeda led them inside, the little ones were impressed by the sheer size of the building. The Academy didn’t look like a school at all. The edifice reminded them of a very old cathedral. There were pictures of angels in almost every room.

  The vaulted ceilings provided enough space to allow the angelbloods to spread their wings and practice flying. Of course, there was other knowledge to be gained; like what to do when encountered by a dark wing.

  As they were talking in the kitchen, Yvonne and Yvette Devereaux sauntered in. Rita met them once before in Utopia, when their father was there on business.

  The sisters weren’t unattractive. They both had shoulder length mousy brown hair and pale blue eyes. Wearing black wool slacks and white cashmere sweaters, Rita wondered how many animals died to provide the fur on the collars.

  What was most irritating was their arrogance, and high and mighty attitude. Rita especially didn’t like the way they made all over Will and Joshua; that is, until they saw Arian.

  “What are you doing here?” Yvonne asked. “I thought you were dead.”

  “It seems you are mistaken. I am very much alive.” Jade moved to stand next to Arian. Like the other girls, she didn’t care for the Devereaux sisters, either.

  Yvonne and Yvette exchanged glances. Their father would want to know about this. “Does the Governor know you’re alive?” Yvette asked.

  “He does. I’ve been staying with the Guild and their families.Henry was there when I returned.”

  “Where were you?”

  “That’s not important,” Arian said. We’re here to do some shopping. My brother is getting married.”

  The sisters stared at Will.“That was fast. Is it anyone we know?”

  Rita and Jessica wondered if they were both thinking the same thing. The girls simultaneously twisted the ring on their pinkies, allowing them to communicate silently with each other. “Do you believe them?” Jessica asked.

  “Pieces of work aren’t they?” Rita replied.

  “They don’t seem to be overly joyous about our news.Did you get the same impression?”

  “Like a couple of snakes in the pit, if you ask me.”

  “I hope we don’t have to spend a lot of time with them.”

  “I’m with you. A couple of minutes are more than I can bear in their company. I just thought of something.Follow my lead,” Rita said.

  “So I understand you’re both related to Caspian’s wife, Desiree?” Rita asked.

  “She’s our cousin,” Yvette said.

  “I don’t suppose you’ve heard the news then.” Rita turned her head and winked at Jessica.

  “What news are you talking about?” Yvonne asked.

  Aura gave Rita a stern look of warning. This was not to be mentioned before Richard’s hearing.

  “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.It is only a rumor. I shouldn’t even be talking about it… sorry,” Rita grinned.

  It wasn’t a minute later Yvette said, “Why don’t we join you. We grew up in New York and know where all the best shops are?”

  Seeing the expression on Rita and Jessica’s face, Aura decided to intervene. “We don’t have any room today; maybe another time.”

  Rita looked at her with relief. Thankfully, they would not have to spend the day with the Devereaux sisters.

  “Don’t you girls have homework to do?” Andromeda asked.

  “It won’t take long. We’ll have it ready in the morning,” Yvonne assured her.

  Andromeda raised her brow.“You’ve said the same thing the last three mornings.”

  “It’s hard for us to concentrate.We’re not used to being away from home. We’re still adjusting to being here,” Yvette pouted.

  “It’s no harder for you, than it is for the other residents. Many of them have come from the distant colonies.I’m afraid I have to insist you spend the rest of the day catching up on your lessons.”

  When the girls realized this was an argument they wouldn’t win, they excused themselves and went back to the dormitory.“Those girls,” Andromeda said. “I don’t even know why they’re here.”

  “Maybe they’re looking for a husband?” Bren said.

  “Pity the poor man that agrees to marry either one of them.” The entire room burst out in laughter.

  No one commented about Arian’s imprisonment.They didn’t trust the Devereaux sisters. Of course, it was likely they would tell their father Phillipe. It was common knowledge that he was friends with Richard and Meredith. If word got out about Arian’s return, at least they would know the source. Henry wouldn’t betray them. what Richard was capable of. He had seen firsthand

  Richard and Natalie walked up to greet

  Phillipe. His wife had not returned, and his daughters were at the Godwin Academy. They could speak privately. As they entered the house, Phillipe continued to stare at Natalie. He couldn’t get over her resemblance to Yvonne and Yvette. “I doubt she will be recognized now.”

  “I’m sending her to the Academy. I need you to speak with your daughters. Let them know their cousin will be residing with them there.”

  “I’ll call them now. Wait here and I’ll get the number.”

  When Aura took the girls to meet Anastasia, they knew exactly the dresses they wanted. Anastasia loved to make clothes. It was her passion. She never disappointed them. “It won’t take me more than a day,” she said.

  Tristan went with the other boys to pick out tuxedos. Howard knew a tailor in Manhattan that he often used. Bren and Tracy reminded them; they would be wearing black tuxes and would coordinate their vests and ties, with the trim on the girl’s dresses.

  Shannon was already feeling like part of the family. Myra was delighted, when Bren and the other little ones, decided to call Mahl
yssa “Mum” too. The two women seemed to get along so well, it was hard to believe they were separated for forty years.

  Aura was surprised they finished their fittings in under three hours. She made arrangements to have the dresses shipped back to the valley.

  While the girls were in New York, Paul and the rest of the Guild decided to make a trip to Jeziels cottage. When they arrived, as expected, there was no one home. Someone had been there recently; there were two tea cups on the kitchen table.

  “Did Aidan say where she was staying?” Adam asked.

  “No and I don’t think it would be fair to put him in the position of doing our jobs,” Paul said.

  “Does he still believe she is innocent?” Joseph asked.

  “Of course he does. He won’t abandon his friend without concrete proof of her involvement in Elijah’s death,” Adam remarked.

  “He did admit her eyes were still black. Even if she has not completely fallen; she is being tempted,” Martin said.

  “She was being tempted while she was in Natalie’s company,” Adam reminded them.

  The two cups of unfinished tea confirmed their suspicion that she wasn’t alone. The big question was who was with her.

  “Do you think Natalie may have been here?” Joseph asked.

  “That’s a strong possibility,” Paul said.

  “Shouldn’t we be looking for her?” Adam asked.

  “Aura thinks we should wait, and I agree with her. Natalie, nor Jeziel, had the capability of starting that fire. Of course, until we talk to Jeziel, we won’t know the details of her conversation with Samhael. If we remain vigilant, we may be able to find enough proof to bring them all to justice,” Paul said.

  “You’re assuming she’ll tell you the truth,” Adam said.

  “The sooner she comes forward, the more lenient they will be. Am I the only one who thinks she has turned away from Heaven?” Joseph asked.

  “The longer she stays away, the guiltier she looks. It would benefit her, if she would just agree to meet with the Council,” Adam said.

  “Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Paul said. “Let’s hope Aura’s visions will answer our questions.” The others nodded.