“Well I guess we’ll be staying here overnight. Jess and I have a whole list of things to get done while we’re here. “You don’t mind do you?” Rita asked Andromeda.
“Not at all; I’m sure the boys will be glad for the company.”
“Great,” Jessica said. “Do you mind if we do a little more shopping today?”
“I’m ok with that. What about you Will?”Joshua asked.
“We can go now if that’s alright with Rita.”
“I’m ready when you are,” she said.
“I’ll make sure your room is ready when you get back. I’m assuming the two of you will share the same room like before?” Andromeda asked.
“That would be great. In fact, we might still have some things left from our last visit.”
As they said their goodbyes, she couldn’t help noticing Mahlyssa was staring at Monica. Aura didn’t want to give anything away so she walked over and asked, “Are you ready to go home now? It’s been a long day and I’m sure you’re tired.”
Mahlyssa knew Aura wanted her to leave before she questioned Monica. “I think you’re right. Playing in the snow was more exhausting than I realized.”
“We’ll be in touch. Call us if you need anything,” she said to Rita and Jessica.
Rita sent a silent message to Jessica.“It’s just for one night. We can shop for the rest of the day and then stop for dinner before we get back.”
“Yeah-I guess I can suffer being around them for a few hours, as long as we’re leaving first thing in the morning.”
“We’ll tell the boys while we’re out. Something tells me they don’t want to be here anymore than we do.”
Will and Joshua helped them with their coats and they left before anything else was said by the Devereaux sisters.
Chapter 40
When they cleared the Academy Mahlyssa had Myra stay with Shannon while she spoke with Aura. Myra didn’t ask what it was about. She saw the two of them speaking earlier and thought nothing of it.
“That pendant the girl was wearing belongs to me. Virgil gave it to me on our wedding day. I believe it might contain some hidden powers. How did it come to be in her possession?”
“Richard took it from Virgil’s house,” Aura said sympathetically.
“I don’t understand how a girl from Connecticut would have it,” Mahlyssa said.
“She’s not from Connecticut. She’s Natalie. Richard found another Enchantor to disguise her.”
“Who would help him? I know of no one else with that kind of knowledge.”
“Richard went to see Claudia and Colin Cavanaugh. They assisted him in exchange for a book that belonged to your father,” Aura said.
“He gave them the book of spells?” She asked incredulously. “How could he have been so foolish?”
“Richard is planning to take over Utopia. He’s recruiting an army to stand against us. That’s why I couldn’t tell you before we went into the house. I need to allow Natalie to stay hidden until we expose Richard to the Commission.
“I don’t think you understand how dangerous that book is Aura? The book contains some very ancient spells. They could hurt a lot of people if we don’t stop them.”
“You don’t have to worry. I promised we would protect you and the others when you agreed to come with me.”
“What about Shannon? Surely they will try to come to Aeden and take her from me.”
“They can try, but Shannon is your adopted daughter. I suspected they would come looking for her sooner or later. That’s one of the reasons we went to the High Council. You and Shannon are angelblood now.They can’t touch either of you.”
“Richard needs to be stopped. He’s already preparing for battle.”
Aura laughed. “Richard can make all the preparations he wants. He will never be able to compete with our weapons.”
“He is looking to start another war. He has already aligned himself with Samhael.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Samhael, but I promise you we are more powerful than he knows.”
“I found my daughter after all these years. I couldn’t bear to be separated from her again.”
“We would never allow that to happen. I have every intention of stopping Richard.
before the wedding on Wednesday
I promise you evening, this problem will be resolved.”
“I trust you Aura. There is great goodness in you.I hardly think I’m worthy of your friendship.”
“We are more than friends Mahlyssa, we’re family.” Aura reached into her pocket and pulled out the locket. She opened the clasp and placed it around Mahlyssa’s neck. “Not everything is as it seems. I saw Richard take the necklace in one of my visions. I went to Utopia and exchanged the real necklace for a forgery. What you have around your neck is the same one Virgil gave you on your wedding day.”
Mahlyssa looked at the pendant and a tear fell from her eye. “You always seem to be there for me. How can I ever repay your kindness?”
“We’re family.” Aura reached over and gave her a hug. “We take care of each other. What’s so special about this pendant?”
“Virgil said it would always keep me safe. I threw it at him, when we had an argument about my father. It was one of my greatest regrets. Virgil said it held somepower, but I don’t know what it is.”
“I’m sure we’ll figure it out eventually. In the meantime, don’t ever take it off your neck.”
“What if the girl notices it?”
“You won’t be in her company. Richard has no idea what powers the pendant holds, but I’m sure Samhael knows why it’s important. We can’t let it get into his hands. Eventually we’ll know what powers it holds. I only hope Samhael won’t figure out Natalie’s pendant is a fake. He may believe she has more protection than she really does. That will work to our advantage. I can’t explain everything to you, just promise you won’t take the necklace off.”
“They will have to rip it from my neck before I give it to them willingly. It’s all I have left of Virgil.”
“There is more to this pendant than meets the eye. I’m not familiar with the bird, but I may know someone who is. We should get the little ones home,” Aura smiled at her friend.
Jeziel didn’t hear from Natalie right away. Though she was her best friend, she worried that Aura and the others wanted to see her punished for Jasper and Ella’s deaths. She couldn’t have known what happened or the Guild would have already accosted her. She was sitting in the kitchen looking out her window when Samhael arrived. “Has something happened?” she asked.
“If you’re asking about Natalie, I assure you she’s perfectly safe.”
“Why are you here Samhael?”
“Richard may have overstepped his bounds with the Guild. If it comes to pass that anything should happen to him, I want you to bring his body to me.”
Jezielstarted to laugh. “Richard would never allow the Guild to capture him.”
“Perhaps not, but if something happens I want his body.This request comes you’re your father.”
“How is my father? Will I see him again soon?”
“He hates coming here, but he asks about you each time we meet.”
“And what have you told him?”
“I told him you were doing well. Is that not true?”
“I would be doing better if I could be with my friend. It was Richard’s fault she was discovered. He sent her to the Guild with no protection. Idon’t trust him.”
“He may be a little rough around the edges, but he has always been loyal to our father.”
“Perhaps that’s because there is something of value in it for him.”
“He is a selfish man, but he is also useful.”
“He has no right to use his daughter. She has been nothing but faithful to him.”
Samhael laughed. “You two have become close haven’t you?”
“I can trust her completely; which is more than I can say about a great many others.”
“I
certainly hope that you can trust me?”
“Of course I can. I would never have asked you to take me to my father if I didn’t trust you.”
“Change is coming; it’s inevitable. I look forward to having a closer relationship with you and Natalie.”
“I might consider it; depending on what happens with Aidan.”
“Aidan won’t disappoint his father or Heaven; not even for you.”
“We’ll see. If Aura was out of the way, it would be easier to persuade him to follow me.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have the power to do away with her. Your brother has forbidden anyone to touch her. Hewants her for himself.”
“My brother may have to get over her. If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll get rid of her myself and deal with the consequences afterwards.”
“When are you planning to see Aidan again?”
“I was thinking of seeing him tonight.”
“I hope you don’t take any unnecessary risks. Eventually the Guild will grow weary of your little game and he may be forced to bring you before them.”
“Aidan would never betray me; we have been friends too long.”
“I hope you’re right Jeziel, but I’ve seen many friendships disappear over time.”
“I intend to become more than a friend. I want Avriel’s ring. I know it’s only a matter of time before it will be mine. Then I will control those little brats my father keeps.”
“I wouldn’t do anything foolish. Your father supports Mortriel where Aura is concerned. You don’t want to make an enemy of your brother,” Samhael warned.
“I do not fear my brother. If I can find a way to return the sacred gifts to power, I’m sure my father would forgive me the means in which they were returned,” Jeziel laughed.
“You are certainly ambitious; no one can ever doubt that. Perhaps I can offer you a little gift to help you with your quest.”
“What are you talking about?” Samhael placed his hands over Jeziels eyes. “Go have a look.”
Jeziel stood in front of the mirror and gasped when she saw her eyes. They were no longer black; instead they were honey brown as before. “How did you do that?”
“It’s just a little gift I have,” Samhael laughed.
“Aidan will have to trust me now. She ran over and gave Samhael a hug. “This will convince him of my innocence more than anything else. I am indebted to you.”
“Perhaps one day you may be asked to return the favor. Until we meet again,” and Samhael vanished.
“I will have Avriels ring. Aidan will have to believe I am above suspicion now,” Jeziel smiled.
Chapter 41
The little ones couldn’t wait to tell Papa about New York. After dinner Aura and Aidan gave them their bath. Mia, Joey and Shannon decided to spend the night.
After the baths, Aura prepared their evening snacks, while the little ones picked out a movie to watch. Since there was eight of them, she put them in the dormitory. The beds were large enough for them to sleep together. The other couples that came with Mahlyssa agreed to stay at Aura’s house until her father prepared a home for them in the valley.
Aidan joined Aura for a cup of tea after the little ones were settled. “What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked him.
He hesitated before beginning the conversation. “I can’t help feeling we are drifting apart.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Please Aura; you know we aren’t as close as we used to be.”
“Perhaps that’s because you have chosen to become close to Jeziel.”
“I’m trying to help her. You would do the same for your friends.”
“I would hope that my friends would welcome the support of the Guild. One might believe the reason she’s avoiding my father is because she’s afraid of the truths that might be revealed.”
“Do you no longer trust me?”
Aura was beginning to lose her patience. “Didn’t we already have this discussion?”
“You never answered my question.”
“Perhaps that’s because you won’t like the answer.”
“So you don’t trust me?”
“I don’t trust your friend,” she sighed.
“Aren’t my friends and your friends one in the same?”
“Some are; others aren’t.”
“I wish you would trust Jeziel. How can she convince you of her innocence?”
“She can start by meeting with the Guild. She is Laelah’s daughter. She shares the same blood as my father.How can she not trust him?”
“Do you not share the same blood too?”
“No! She has my father’s blood. My mother’s blood makes me different than Jeziel.”
Aura stopped for a moment. Once again she smelled a dark wing approaching. Without looking, she knew it was Jeziel.“Speaking of your friend, I believe she’s working her way to my backyard again. I have asked you repeatedly not to meet her here. Obviously, you have no regards for my feelings.”
Aidan tried to apologize. “I told her not to come here.”
Aura picked up her tea cup and walked to the sink. “Are you angry with me again?” he asked.
“No Aidan,” Aura said. “I’m not angry. I’m just disappointed. I hoped you would have considered my feelings, but I know now I was mistaken. I’m going to check on the little ones and then I’m going to bed.” Aura walked passed him to the dormitory. When she walked into the room the little ones were already asleep. She kissed them goodnight before walking towards the stairs.
Aidan was waiting for her. “I’m sorry Aura. I’ll talk to her again.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore Aidan.” She hurried to her room where she undressed and got into bed as fast as she could.
Once again he was left to deal with Jeziel. While he had felt some regret about her situation, her constant nightly visits was affecting his relationship with Aura. He would put a stop to it tonight. Losing Aura would be the worst thing that could ever happen to him. It was enough that he lost Avriel once. He wasn’t about to let anyone come between them; not even Jeziel. He walked outside to confront her.
“Aidan how are you?” Jeziel asked with a smile.
“I asked you not to come back here.”
“No, what you said was you were going to talk to Aura and explain that we were friends.”
“That’s not what I said Jeziel. Why do you insist on twisting my words? You need to meet with the Council tonight.”
“I’m not ready yet. Why can’t you convince them I need more time?”
“They are trying to help you.”
“I doubt Paul would help me. Aside from being Aura’s father, he was also responsible for killing my mother.Or have you forgotten?”
“I believe you are the one who has a memory problem. Paul saved your life. I would think that you would appreciate what he did. As far as Aura is concerned, why do you hate her so much? She has been nothing but kind to you since you arrived.”
“She’s taking you away from me.”
“Perhaps it is you who is trying to take me away from her. You misunderstand my intentions. I was acting out of friendship, nothingmore.”
“You care for me Aidan; I know you do. You didn’t pull away from me when I kissed you.”
“That was a mistake. I was trying to comfort you.If you read more into it than that I’m sorry. I am still married and I told you I love Aura. Nothing will ever change that.”
“How can you love her? She’s not your wife. She wants you to give up your friends.”
“She has never asked me to give up anyone. When you’re ready to meet the Council I’ll help you, until then I have to ask you not to come back here again.”
“So you are choosing her over me?”
“She’s my wife. I’m sorry that you can’t accept that.”
“She is not your wife!” Jeziel screamed. “Tell your little half breed I have no intentions of staying away.”
“You should take caution i
n your tone. Aura is more than capable of keeping you away. She has been patient with you, but her patience is wearing thin. Sooner or later you will be brought before the Council. I would rather it be by choice, instead of by force.”
“Are you threatening me Aidan?”
“I have no cause to threaten anyone, especially you. I am warning you. The Guild will soon tire of your refusal to meet with them.
“I think this conversation is over. Perhaps the next time we meet, you will be in a better mood.” She stood in front of Aidan hoping he would see the change.
“Your eyes,” he said.
“What about them?”
“They are honey brown like before.”
“Perhaps now you’ll believe that I’m innocent.”
“Come with me before the Council now? I’m sure they will trust you after seeing the transformation.”
“I’ve argued all along that I didn’t kill Elijah. Perhaps you can convince the Council I’ve been honest.”
“If you come with me now, they’ll see that you’re telling the truth. If you still refuse to meet with them, I hope you’ll remember my warning. Paul has protected you, but if the Elite Guard becomes involved, he won’t be able to help you.”
“I need no help from Paul and I certainly don’t fear the Elite Guard. Perhaps the Guild should fear them,” she laughed, as she vanished. Aidan wondered what she meant.
Chapter 42
Meredith left that afternoon. Before she made her request before the Commission, she would speak to Henry. She hoped he would be receptive to the idea of having Caspian declared legally dead. Henry was still fond of Desiree, regardless of how he felt about her or Richard.
Henry opened the door himself. “Meredith I wasn’t expecting you,” he lied. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” He thought it humorous she still insisted on wearing her ridiculous tiara. Some things never changed; including Meredith and her arrogance.
“I have something important to discuss with you Henry and I’m afraid it can’t wait.”
“Have a seat and I’ll have some tea brought in.”
She was confused by Henry’s sudden kindness towards her. Perhaps he had second thoughts about their annulment. She was shocked when Jane walked into the room carrying a tray with three cups on it.
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