Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  “Do you think she’ll be upset with me?”

  “She’ll understand. She’s known Jeziel as long as you have.”

  “Does Jasmine think Jeziel is responsible for Elijah’s death?”

  “The subject never came up. When Jeziel first disappeared I think Jasmine was worried about her too. I can’t speak for how she feels now. You’ll have to ask her yourself.”

  “Maybe I should speak with Aura first. I’ll let you know my plans before the end of the day.”

  Aidan pulled Aura aside from the decorating to speak privately in the library. “I spoke to Tristan and he was wondering if we were still planning to be in his wedding.”

  Aura was somewhat taken aback by his question.“Are you planning to go with someone else? If you are it won’t be a problem. I can find someone else to go with me.”

  Aidan looked at her strangely. “Would you rather go with someone else?”

  “We’re really busy Aidan so why don’t you come out and say what’s on your mind. I’m sure this has something to do with Jeziel,” she said coolly.

  “Why do you always have to bring her into it? After I told you here eyes changed back, I thought you would agree that she is still loyal to Heaven. What more does she have to do to meet with your approval?”

  “What makes you think she needs my approval for anything?I’m sure you believe she’s done nothing wrong, but wouldn’t it be better if she met with the Guild?”

  “Would it make a difference to you?”

  “My feelings about Jeziel have nothing to do with your feelings about her. I’ve told you before, you’re free to make your own choices; right; wrong; or indifferent, they are yours to make.”

  “So it doesn’t matter to you that she is innocent?”

  “I’m not convinced that she is.”

  “Well at least now I know the truth. Perhaps it would be betterif you attended Jasmine’s wedding with someone else.”

  “Whatever Aidan - I hope you at least have the courtesy to ask Jasmine. You need to make sure she doesn’t mind if Jeziel attends as your date.”

  “I’ll do that. And I will speak to Tristan’s father to ask the Guild to grant Jeziel permission to attend the wedding. I hardly think I need any assistance from you.”

  “Are we finished now?”

  “Yes I believe we are.”

  “Then you’ll please excuse me so I can get back to my daughter.”

  “She is my daughter too Aura.”

  Aura turned sharply; fists clenched. She stood defiantly in front of Aidan; staring deep into his eyes. “Know this - as long as you keep company with Jeziel; Alannah will never be your daughter!” She turned and walked out of the library, slamming the door behind her.

  Aura immediately went to the Guild. “I know Jeziel has refused to meet with the Council, but we really don’t have any proof that she was involved with Elijah and Ericah’s deaths. Aidan still believes in her innocence

  wedding.

  and he wants to bring her to Jasmine’s I want you to oblige him. I would also like to ask you not to bring up the subject of Elijah’s death. I refuse to spoil Jasmine’s big day. I know you don’t understand, but I need to know if Aidan is walking down a darkpath.”

  “Are you sure that’s what you want?” Paul asked.

  “I need to put an end to this game once and for all.I can’t divulge everything to you yet; I need a little more time.But I’m curious to see how Jeziel will act at the wedding. Something is going to happen tomorrow morning that will show me clearly whether Jeziel is still loyal to Heaven.”

  “What about Aidan? Are you sure you shouldn’t warn him about your visions?” Adam asked.

  “Aidan is a grown man. And for the record, as long as he is with Jeziel, he is not to be left alone with my daughter.”

  “Aura are you sure that’s wise?

  “We’re not in any danger, but there is something terrible in the works. Also I want Aidan released as my guardian. We can make the announcement today or tomorrow. In fact, I will tell him tonight after he meets with Jeziel.”

  “Aidan was summoned here for a reason,” her father said.

  “Perhaps he was sent here to protect Jeziel. I hardly need his protection and I won’t be a party to her deception any longer. Aidan can remain in the house because of Alannah.She loves him and I won’t see her hurt again.”

  “How do you know Aidan is planning to meet with Jeziel again tonight?” Adam asked.

  “She visits him every night. I have no reason to believe she won’t come again.”

  “We need to discuss your request with the High Council first,” Paul said.

  “Tell them I no longer want him as a guardian. If Jeziel is innocent, they can reassign Aidan to watch over her.”

  “What if the High Council refuses your request?”

  “Then I’ll be stuck with him until he’s called back to Heaven. I have taken up enough of your time. Please excuse me.” Aura walked out of the room leaving the Guild with bewildered looks on their faces.

  “What just happened?” Adam asked.

  “I thought Aura and Aidan were getting along so well.I expected them to be the next to be married,” Joseph said.

  “I’m sure Jeziel has something to do with this,” Paul said.

  “Aura knows more than she’s saying. Do you think she’s seen Aidan take the dark path?” Jack asked.

  “No - she would try to convince him that straying from his true path would be wrong,” Paul said.

  “Something happened. I’ve never seen Aura so upset before,” Adam remarked. “Do you think she has remembered that she is Avriel and she’s angry because she thinks Aidan is being unfaithful to her?”

  “I need to speak with Aidan. Before I do, we are agreed to allow Jeziel to attend the wedding with Aidan if she chooses?” Paul asked.

  “I’m not happy about it, but as long as Tristan and Jasmine don’t have a problem with it, we should granther request,” Jack said. “I’ll speak with them now. I’ll have an answer in a few minutes.”

  “I would hate to hear the next conversation Aura has with Aidan. Who do you think she will ask to the wedding?” Adam asked.

  “If I know Aura, she’ll ask Aureus and Dareus. It should be an interesting evening,” Joseph said.

  Aura waited for Jack to return to the library before she joined the Guild.“Jasmine and Tristan have reluctantly agreed to allow Aidan to bring Jeziel to the wedding. The stipulation is she needs to remain on her best behavior. We don’t need a repeat of what happened at Rusty and Renatta’s wedding.”

  “I’m sure Aidan will make her aware she will be watched closely,” Aura smiled.

  “Are you certain this is the right thing to do Aura?”

  “If Jeziel feels she is being accepted, it will benefit all of us.”

  “We already know she’s had dealings with Natalie and Samhael. How can her acceptance benefit us?”

  Aura looked at them and smiled. “You will have to trust me about this. I don’t suppose the High Council has rendered a decision about removing Aidan as my guardian?”

  “They feel it would be unwise at this time; I’m sorry,” Paul said.

  “It is what it is.”

  “I wish you would be more forthcoming about what’s about to happen so we can be prepared,” Joseph said.

  “Let me handle the details for now.”

  “We have never doubted your sight before,” Paul said.

  “You’ll have a great many questions answered tomorrow, I promise.” With that Aura walked out of the library.

  Chapter 45

  Aura left the Guild to find Aidan. He was outside in the yard, standing next to the orange tree she planted with Alannah. He looked so sad it almost broke her heart, but she knew she couldn’t trust him to tell him her plans. “I have good news for you,” she said.

  “What news is that?”

  “You can bring Jeziel to the wedding. Jasmine and Tristan have both consented.”

&n
bsp; Aidan looked at her curiously. “So you don’t want to go to my sister’s wedding with me?”

  “I thought you would rather be with Jeziel. The Guild has decided that there is no evidence to link her to Elijah’s death. You might wasn’t to share that information with your friend. For now, she’s off the hook.You should be pleased about that.”

  “I remember the first day Alannah and I arrived and she picked the oranges for your friends. I was so happy for her, because I knew she was home.”

  “She is home. I’m not planning on getting rid of her any time soon.”

  “What about me? You asked to have me dismissed as your guardian.”

  “I never felt like I needed a guardian.I’ve told you that repeatedly Aidan.”

  “I’ve always felt this was my home too. Now, I feel like a stranger living in this house.”

  “Perhaps it would be better if you left. You can move in with Jeziel.I’m sure she’ll be glad for the company.”

  Aidan looked at Aura with such sadness she thought she would cry.“Don’t you want me here?”

  “You might be happier being with Jeziel. I don’t regret knowing you. You were responsible for bringing Alannah back to me.”

  “Why did you say you no longer wanted me to be Alannah’s father?”

  “What I said was I don’t want Jeziel anywhere near her.”

  “Do you know I have always loved you?” Aidan wanted to tell Aura the truth, but he wasn’t sure she would believe him.It wasn’t worth taking the risk. The Council would be upset with him if he broke his agreement. Obviously, Aura still hadn’t remembered her past life as his wife Avriel.

  “There are different types of love Aidan. The love of a friend is different than the love of a husband or a wife; or even a child for that matter.I’m sure you love Jeziel too.”

  “I doubt I love Jeziel as much as I pity her.”

  “Why would you pity her? She has been given the same opportunity as the other purebloods. I’m afraid I’m a half-breed so I have little understanding of how you think or feel.”

  “Please don’t ever refer to yourself like that. It’s condescending to say the least.”

  “Isn’t that what your girlfriend calls me?”

  “I’m trying to do the right thing Aura. I feel responsible for her.”

  “If Jeziel is still faithful to Heaven, she would benefit from having you as her guardian.”

  “You’re still not convinced of her innocence are you?”

  “Why is it so important what I think? If you’re asking me to make your decisions for you, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”

  “Jeziel thinks you want me to get rid of my friends.She thinks it’s unfair to make me choose.”

  Aura became defensive. “I have never asked you to make any choices. You should remind your girlfriend of that.”

  “She is my friend, nothing more. I have never wanted her to be anything more.”

  Aura laughed. “Obviously you haven’t done a good job of convincing her that you’re just friends. How many times has she kissed you? I’m sure you were thinking about me then.”

  “Aura please, you don’t understand. I was only trying to comfort a friend in need. If you would tell me what you know.”

  ” “I can’t and even if I could I wouldn’t.”

  “Is it because you don’t trust me?”

  “Changes are coming. I don’t trust Jeziel. I have my reasons. Perhaps you’re the one who doesn’t trust me. Have you even considered that Aidan? I’m not going to sit here and debate the good versus evil of Jeziel. But don’t worry; she’ll be here in a minute. You two can have a nice visit together.”

  “I wish you nothing but happiness Aidan, I really do.But I’ve come to realize you may not be my happily ever after. I need to concentrate on bringing Alorrah, Alexis and Fionn home. I used to think you would help me, but I know now I’m on my own. I don’t want to be angry with you. I hope you believe me. But you insist on bringing your girlfriend to my house and kissing her right under my nose, with no regards for my feelings. Now you want to stand here and try to play the victim?”

  She turned to walk away. “You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t want to play this game anymore. I’m sure Jeziel will be thrilled that you’ll be taking her to Jasmine’s wedding. I’m done! I don’t want to do this anymore! Sometimes I wish I never met you! Your girlfriend is here. I’ll leave the two of you alone.”

  Aidan ran after her. “Aura please listen to me. I need to explain.”

  Aura kept on walking. It was all she could do to fight back the tears. She wasn’t about to let Aidan know that he was breaking her heart.

  “Trouble in paradise?” Jeziel laughed.

  Aidan didn’t find it amusing at all. He was close to losing Aura forever and that was a regret he couldn’t live with. “What do you want?”

  “I came to check on my friend. Is Aura upset about something?” she smirked.

  “That’s none of your business. I have asked you repeatedly not to come here. You have no regards whatsoever about my family and friends who live in this house.I want you to leave and not come back!”

  “Why are you asking me to leave?”

  “Aura doesn’t want you here and honestly neither do I.”

  “This is about her isn’t it? She hates me and you’re going to turn your back on me to keep her happy.”

  “Trust me when I tell you neither of us are happy right now.”

  “All the more reason you need a friend,” Jeziel moved closer to him.

  Aidan backed away. “I told you to leave. I don’t want you here. Would you rather I called the members of the Guild?”

  “Would you bring them here now Aidan? Aura has convinced you I’m guilty. How can you believe her?”

  “This is about me Jeziel. Do you understand that?It’s about me. I have tried to help you, but each time you refuse.Don’t come back unless you intend to meet with the Guild. Your eyes may be brown, but it doesn’t erase the darkness in your heart!”

  “You’ll be sorry for that Aidan! I promise you’ll be sorry!” Jeziel ran out of the yard never looking back.

  Aidan thought he would be upset, but he was glad she was gone. Now he needed to make peace with Aura. He prayed she would forgive him, so he could offer her Avriels ring. The ring would bring them closer together, he was sure of it.

  “She’s gone,” Aidan said when he came back into the house.

  “She’ll be back,” Aura said coolly.

  “It doesn’t matter. Unless she’s here to meet with the Council I won’t entertain any more visits with her.”

  “It won’t do you any good to lie to yourself Aidan.Jeziel will walk into the yard and you’ll run to meet her like you always do. She’s your friend. I get that. I’m tired of talking about it, so if you’ll excuse me I have to finish dinner.”

  Aidan quickly ran to his room and opened the box he kept hidden under his bed. Inside was the ring that once belonged to Avriel. He ran back to the kitchen to meet with Aura.“Can you stop cooking so I can talk to you?”

  Aura dried her hands on her apron and sat in one of the kitchen chairs. It wasn’t like she needed to watch over the meal. The lasagna was already in the oven and she was only making a tossed salad.

  “I want you to know I intended to give this to you on your birthday. It was your mother’s idea to have me wait until your visions were more developed.” He pulled the ring out of his pocket and placed it on her left hand. “This once belonged to Avriel. It is only right that you wear it now,” he whispered.

  Aura looked at the ring. It was exactly like the pendant that she wore around her neck. Inside the blue diamond was a sun, moon and star; surrounded by a pair of white angel wings. She knew the stone was considered the gem of Heaven. It was given to only a select few. Each of the wives of the Guild wore similar rings, but none were like this one.

  “It’s beautiful. How did you come by it?”

  “My father gave it to me before I came
here. It was always meant to be yours.”

  “Why are you giving this ring to me now?”

  “Because it belonged to Avriel and it will bind you to her children. You already share a close bond with Alannah, but the ring will also bind you to Alorrah and possibly Alexis too.”

  “You mean I will be able to communicate with Alorrah?”

  “Yes, at least that’s what I’ve been told. In the past Alannah was the only one who could speak to her sister. I believe this ring will allow you to do the same thing. I know you’ve been worried about her since learning about her imprisonment. I thought if you were able to communicate with her, it might ease some of your pain.”

  “Thank you Aidan. That’s really considerate of you.”

  “Aura you must understand, Alannah has never told us of the conditions in which Alorrah or Alexis have been held. You are a seer. I hope this will improve your visions, but I have to warn you, it might not paint a pretty picture. That’s one of the reasons your mother asked me to wait before I gave you the ring. She felt it would cause you a great deal of anguish.”

  “I am used to unpleasant sights. To be able to see my daughter; this is perhaps the greatest gift you could ever give me.”

  Just then the little ones came running into the room, almost out of breath. Alannah came over to Aura and picked up her left hand. “What have you done? Did he tell you that the ring will bind you to him?”

  Aura was shocked. “Alannah, you are mistaken. Aidan only gave me the ring so I could communicate with Alorrah; it means nothing else.”

  Alannah glared at her father. “It was Mommy’s ring. It will bind you to us, but it will also bind you to Aidan.”

  Aura looked at Aidan, “Is that true? Will the ring bind me to you?”

  “Yes, the ring will bind us together.”

  “How could you deceive me this way?”

  “I wasn’t sure you would accept the ring if I told you that part,” Aidan sighed.

  “What will happen if I give the ring back to you?”

  “The bond between you and your daughters will be broken.”

  “So if I choose not to be bound to you, then I can’t be bound to them either? I’m their mother. I have a right to keep them.”