Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  “The trial for Virgil’s death will begin soon. Unfortunately, if Richard is found not guilty, we will have to wait before we can try him on the other charges.We can all agree that Richard wasn’t working alone,” Paul said.

  “Is he still intent on killing Henry and taking over the Utopian colony?” Joseph asked.

  “Arthur said there may be some truth to that rumor.”

  “How can we be sure that Richard will even appear?” Joseph asked.

  “If he doesn’t show up, he will live with the decision of the Council.He doesn’t have many friends in Utopia. I’m certain Henry won’t support him; even if Richard is his son,” Adam stated.

  ‘Perhaps he will try to use the argument he was acting out of concern for the Utopians,” Joseph said.

  “That won’t explain his involvement with the creatures. We may need Mahlyssa to testify at the hearing. She can confirm it was Richard who brought Arian to her,” Martin said.

  “Richard was obviously in control of the creatures, but Mahlyssa also eluded that Richard was working with Samhael. We certainly can’t bring him before the Council,” Jack said.

  “Samhael is still a powerful angel. It would be helpful if we knew what his intentions were in all of this,” Paul said. “Unfortunately, we may have to wait for Aura’s vision to reveal the truth to us.”

  “That could take weeks. Do we want to wait that long? I doubt Richard will remain idle during that time.I would hate to see us lose another innocent life,” Adam declared.

  “Aura has given us more than enough evidence to convict Richard and Natalie of murder,” Joseph said.

  “Yes, but we still don’t know who his allies are.What about Meredith or the Devereaux’s? I doubt they are innocent.We all know Desiree acts as if she’s married to Richard; not his brother. Perhapsit’s time to bring Caspian and Axel home,” Paul said.

  “I hate to even ask this question, but if we determine Jeziel has fallen, do you think Aidan will be tempted to follow her?” Jack asked. “Michael would be heartbroken if he does.”

  “Aidan is more like Avriel, than his father. He looks for the good in everyone; even when there is no good. That may be his downfall. He may have to be less trusting of Jeziel,” Joseph said. “Aidan has to consider Aura and Alannah now. He could lose those he cares about most. But this time, he wouldn’t lose them to death; he would lose them to stupidity.”

  The Guild all regarded Aura as a daughter. They weren’t about to allow Jeziel, or Aidan to hurt her.

  “I spoke to Aidan this morning. He’s conflicted, but I doubt he would ever defy his father or Heaven. He feels a certain obligation to Jeziel because she is alone. After the war, she was shunned by a number of angels.He pities her,” Paul said.

  “She was shunned because she was Lucifer’s daughter. Many believed she would have followed her father, if he had asked. He did not just abandon her; he abandoned Heaven,” Adam said.

  “Perhaps Jeziel was more valuable to Lucifer, by remaining behind. She could certainly provide a wealth of information to him now.Let’s hope no other lives are lost, while we’re waiting for Aura’s visions.” They walked out of the cottage, leaving it undisturbed. Aura had asked them to wait. But Paul suspected there would be more deaths before Natalie and Richard were brought to justice. Aura was playing a dangerous game. Lucifer didn’t play by any rules. He hoped she would be up to the challenges that awaited her. War was coming; sooner than later.

  Chapter 36

  After Aura and the others left the school, Andromeda received a call from Phillipe Devereaux. He would be sending Monica Benet there to attend classes. With the reported deaths, her mother thought it best if she received some additional training.

  Andromeda thought it odd, that Monica’s mother hadn’t made the call herself, but she agreed to the admission. Phillipe would be sending a car to pickup his daughters. Since they hadn’t met Monica before, he wanted to make an introduction.

  Andromeda knocked on the dorm room and poked her head inside. Both girls were plopped on their beds, thumbing through some magazines. “I thought you were supposed to be studying?”

  Yvonne tossed the magazine on the floor. “We’re just taking a break.”

  Andromeda walked over, picked up the magazine, and deposited it in the trash can. Looking around, she sighted heaps of clothing piled haphazardly around the room.“You may have someone to pick up after you at home, but I don’t provide maid service here. The residents are expected to keep their rooms at least somewhat habitable. You need to get ready. Your father is sending a car to pick you up.”

  “Is something wrong?” Yvonne asked.

  “Your cousin Monica will be attending the Academy. Your father wants to introduce you first. He should be here any minute.” She walked out, closing the door sharply, before heading back to the classroom to check on the other students.

  Andromeda’s father, August, was giving the students a history lesson. Most had come from the other colonies, and used English as a secondary language. Thankfully, August was proficient in most of their native tongues, and had no difficulty communicating.

  After her husband died, August agreed to leave Utopia, to assist Andromeda with the school. His presence had been a great comfort to her and her nine year old son, Matthew.

  By the time Andromeda kitchen, Yvonne and Yvette were minutes passed before the driver approached. The girls hurried into the car, without even saying goodbye.

  Andromeda had come to expect their bad manners. She would speak to their mother, when Marie returned from her trip. It was a waste of time for the girls to attend the Academy, neither of them was interested in learning.

  She thought about Caspian. With the deaths in Utopia, she suspected that trouble would soon find its way to the other colonies. Any training the school could provide would benefit them if war came. returned to the waiting. A few

  When they were finished with the dresses, Bren decided they should stop and grab hotdogs from one of the street vendors, and later go skating in Central Park. Since all the Christmas lights were still up, she wanted Alannah to experience New York; not the crime ridden boroughs, but the landmarks the city was famous for.

  Aura sent a message to her godfather, to meet them at central park. The boys arrived shortly after Aura and the girls.

  “Were you successful in finding your dress?” Will asked.

  “I did. How about you? Did you find your tux?” Rita asked.

  “I think we found everything we need.”

  Bren looked at Aidan. “We’re going ice skating after lunch.You know how to ice skate don’t you?”

  “I will try, but I have never worn skates before.”

  “Don’t worry – it’s easy. Me and Tracy will teach you,” Bren snickered.

  Aidan got a worried look on his face. Aura wondered if the girls wanted to skate, or if they wanted to watch Aidan struggle on the ice. Alannah still had not forgiven him for kissing Jeziel. It would be a long time before she would trust her father again. As far as Bren and Tracy were concerned; Alannah was their best friend. They didn’t like that Aidan was hurting her feelings.

  “Are you going to skate Mum?” Shannon asked.

  “Of course I’ll try,” Mahlyssa laughed.

  Myra told her it would be fun. She wanted to experience everything with her mother; things they missed doing together when Myra was a child. They made a promise that each day they would try something new. It would be like reliving Myra’s childhood, but this time Shannon would be included.

  Mahlyssa smiled at her daughter. This was more than she deserved. She never dreamed she would be reunited with Myra. Perhaps Heaven was smiling on her because she kept her promise. Regardless of what happened, she vowed never to use the dark arts to harm anyone. Mahlyssa hoped this happiness would last, but she knew Richard would eventually come after her. Until then, she would enjoy her peace.

  “If you don’t mind, we’re going to pass,” Tristan said. “We still have a lot to do before th
e wedding. Howard said you wouldn’t mind if we took the plane back.”

  “No problem, we can portal from the school,” Aura said.

  “Can we fly?” Shannon asked.

  “Of course we can. There’s plenty of room in the observatory.”

  A smile crossed Shannon face. She loved traveling this way. She was receptive to all the new experiences she was exposed to since receiving the angel’s blood, but none more than using her wings.

  When Yvonne and Yvette arrived at their home, they were surprised to find Richard there. Richard had already warned Phillipe that it would be unwise to tell them of Natalie’s identity. As far as he was concerned, she was Monica Benet, their cousin.

  Throwing their coats on the sofa, the girls ran to hug Phillipe. “We need to speak urgently with you father.I’m afraid it can’t wait,” Yvonne said.

  “It’s alright girls. You can speak freely in front of Richard and your cousin,” their father said. “This is Monica.”

  The girls both walked over to take a better look. Visually, she did bear a resemblance to them, flaunting the same brown hair and blue eyes. But there was something off about her. Maybe it was her cold stare, but the girls weren’t ready to be best friends with her yet.

  “In light of the recent deaths, it was decided she needed training to protect herself,” Phillipe said.

  Ignoring her cousin, Yvette turned back to her father. “Arian is back. He came to the Academy with Will and Joshua.”

  “Are you sure it was Arian?” Richard asked.

  “We’re positive. Jade was with him too. They came from Aeden to shop for wedding dresses.”

  “Did he say anything about his whereabouts these last few months?” Richard asked.

  “No -he didn’t say a word.”

  “Do you know if he’s planning to stay in New York?”

  “I think he might be returning to Aeden with Jade.Apparently, they only came to shop.”

  Richard slammed his hand on the table. “Mahlyssa has betrayed me. There can be no doubt now.I wonder if Henry knows of Arian’s return.”

  Yvonne and Yvette both jumped. They moved to stand closer to their father. They knew Richard had a temper, but they had never witnessed it firsthand.

  “I need to return to London, but first I’ll make a quick stop in Paris,” Richard said. “Perhaps it’s time to let Mahlyssa know she has crossed the wrong person.” He looked at Phillipe. “You will do as we agreed. The sooner we get Monica to the Academy; the sooner we may learn of their plans.”

  The girls were grateful when one of the servants came into the room to announce that lunch was ready. They hurried out of the room. “Will you be joining us Richard?” Phillipe a sked.

  “No -I have other business to attend to.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the pendant. He opened the clasp and placed it around Natalie’s neck.

  “Where did you get this? It’s so beautiful,” Natalie beamed.

  “It’s a little something I picked up.I’m certain it’s valuable. I wanted you to have it, so you know even though I get angry with you; you are still loved unconditionally.”

  Natalie wrapped her arms around her father, “I love you too.”

  “I’ll return as soon as I can. Phillipe will know how to contact me if there is any trouble. Remember that you are Monica Benet. I doubt Phillipe wants to endanger the lives of his daughters,” Richard said as a warning. He kissed Natalie goodbye and returned to Paris.

  Phillipe stood there wondering what he had gotten involved with.

  Chapter 37

  When they were finished with Anastasia, Aura sent her mother a silent message, asking her father and the Guild to meet them outside the school. He was to bring Henry with them.

  “We need to go back to the Academy, so I can speak to Andromeda again.”

  “Why do we need to go back there?” Aidan asked.

  “I just want to have another word with her.”

  As they approached the entrance, Aura saw Paul and the Guild walking towards her. She asked Rita to take the others to the side of the school. “I’ll meet you in a few minutes. I just want a quick word with dad.”

  “Come on – I’ll show you the fountain in the garden,” Bren said.

  Rita turned to Aidan.“I think Aura wants you to come with us.” He followed, but he wasn’t happy about being excluded from the conversation again.

  “What’s this about Aura?” her father asked.

  “I need to speak with you. First, let me apologize for not divulging everything. You know the rules.I can’t tell you anything that might change fate.”

  “Does this have to do with Richard?” Adam asked.

  “I wish it was only Richard I need to talk about,” Aura said.

  “Why don’t you tell us about it first, and then we can decide how to help you,” Joseph said.

  “Richard has changed Natalie’s appearance again.”

  “Are you sure?” Adam asked.

  “I’ve seen a vision of it.We don’t have a lot of time, so let me tell you what I need from all of you.”

  “Do you know where Natalie is?” Henry asked.

  “I do, but you don’t need to know her whereabouts yet. That’s not what I wanted to talk to you about. Natalie’s location is unimportant right now. You need to know that Richard and Meredith are going to ask the Commission to have Caspian declared legally dead.”

  “What?” Henry asked. He looked at Paul. “Has something happened you haven’t told me about?”

  “I can assure you Caspian and Axel are both alive and unharmed.”

  Aura hesitated before speaking to Henry. “Meredith is planning to make her request to the Commission this afternoon. I want you to support her with that decision.”

  “Why would you ask me to do such a thing?”

  “I need to have Richard at the Hall of Justice when Meredith makes her request. You need to convince her that you are in agreement. She wants Caspian to be declared dead, so Richard can marry Desiree. We will force Richard’s hand in front of witnesses.”

  “I’m not sure I follow you,” Adam said.

  “Richard intends to take over the Utopian colony.If you do exactly as I say, that won’t happen.”

  “My son is getting married on New Year’s Eve.Should we postpone the wedding?” Jack asked.

  “Jasmine and Tristan aren’t exchanging vows until that evening. Given the time difference, we can have the hearing in the morning and still have more than enough time to return to Aeden for the wedding.”

  Aura turned back to Henry. “Meredith will be coming to see you in a few hours. You need to put your feelings aside, so you can be convincing. Meredith has to believe that you support her. I’m afraid there’s more,” Aura sighed. “Our suspicions were confirmed. Jeziel has remained in contact with Samhael.”

  “We need to tell Aidan immediately,” Joseph said.

  “No! We can’t say anything to Aidan. He still trusts Jeziel and if we tell him everything, it will only scare her away.”

  “That hardly seems fair Aura,” Paul said.

  “Aidan was the one who told Jeziel that Mahlyssa was staying in Aeden with the rest of us. Richard now knows that Mahlyssa has betrayed him.”

  “Why would Aidan do such a thing?” Martin asked.

  “Everything Aidan says to Jeziel gets right back to Samhael and Richard.”

  “Do you suspect Aidan is following Jeziel down thepath to darkness?”

  “I need to protect my little ones. Aidan is naive and trusting.He’s also blind when it comes to Jeziel.”

  Aura returned her attention to Henry. “When Meredith comes to see you, you’ll have to be cordial to her. You can both go before the Commission together. If they agree, Desiree will have to testify. Richard will accompany her. After the hearing, when the Commission asks if anyone else wants to speak; Arian will make his appearance known.”

  Aura looked at her father. “You know what you have to do.” Paul understood exactly what s
he was asking of him.

  “We will only have two days to get everything ready.I’m going to ask Will and Joshua to remain here at the Academy until tomorrow. Rita and Jessica can stay with them. It will probably be better if Arian returns with us to Aeden.”

  “There is something I don’t understand,” Martin said. “How could Richard change Natalie’s appearance again? You aren’t insinuating that Mahlyssa has deceived us?”

  “Regrettably, Mahlyssa was not the last Enchantor. Do you not recall her speaking of the Cavanaugh’s, Shannon’s parents?”

  “We thought they returned to Ireland. What do they have to do with any of this business?”

  “They are in London. Richard has maintained contact with them. Claudia never gave up the practice of the dark arts; quite the contrary. Richard has given her a book that once belonged to Marcus.I don’t have to tell you how dangerous some of those spells are, especially in the wrong hands. After Marcus’s death, Virgil took the book to make sure no one else would have access to it. I’m convinced the only reason Richard gave the book to the Cavanaugh’s, is because it was written in a language unfamiliar to him.”

  “I thought the book was destroyed when we killed Marcus,” Paul said.

  “Virgil kept it hidden. He didn’t want to chance it getting in the wrong hands. I can assure you Claudia Cavanaugh is more than familiar with the language, and will use those spells to wreak havoc on the angelbloods. Richard has threatened to burn the book if she betrays him. We need to make sure Mahlyssa and Shannon stay close to us.”

  “Do you think the Cavanaugh’s will return for Shannon?”

  “They will try, but Shannon is Mahlyssa’s daughter now. They may want retribution.They won’t do anything without Richard’s permission, which is why he needs to be out of the way.”

  “What are you suggesting?” Adam asked.

  “Things have a way of working themselves out. I need to make sure the right people are in the right places when all this goes down. When the Commission holds the hearing, Rita and Jessica will also be there.”

  “Why is that necessary?” Henry asked.

  “You’ll find that out soon enough. The hearing regarding Virgil’s death will have to be postponed. It’s imperative Meredith passes that information to Richard. Now if you will excuse me, I need to see Andromeda.” She kissed her father goodbye and walked around the school, where the children were playing in the snow.