Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) (33 page)

Richard handed Natalie her coat and grabbed a wool
scarf for his neck.
As they were walking towards the
door, Jeziel arrived at Desiree's house. "I think I may
have some news for you," she said.

“What news?” Richard asked, as he tightened
the scarf.
“The Enchantor Mahlyssa is in Aeden.”
“"How do you know that?”
“Last night I went to see Aidan.
We were
having an argument and he told me to keep my voice
down, because it might disturb their guests. I assumed
he was speaking about Will and Joshua. But he said
Mahlyssa was there to be reunited with her daughter.”
“I predicted she would go there,” Richard
said.“This news might be useful.”
“Why were you and Aidan having an
argument?” Natalie asked.
“Why do we always argue?
He was angry
because I met him in Aura's backyard. He felt it was
disrespectful to her.
When he tried again to convince
me to go to the Council, I refused and he got angry. I
started to cry.
He sat with me until I was calm.
I'm
sure Aura saw the two of us together,” Jeziel smiled.
“Are you going back there again?” Natalie
asked.
“Of course - I'm not afraid of Aura. I wished I
could have seen the look on her face when I kissed him
again,” Jeziel laughed.
“We would like to talk to you more about this,
but we have an appointment. Perhaps you can meet us
back here, later this afternoon.” Richard asked.
“That's fine. I didn't get much sleep last night.
I'll go home and take a nap.”
Jeziel
hugged Natalie, before
disappearing
from the room.
“Jeziel might prove to be a worthy ally,”
Richard said.
“I would hope so,” Natalie responded. “She is
Lucifer's daughter.”

Richard and Natalie
arrived in
London before
six
o’clock, as promised. There was a new fallen snow on
the
ground.
Walking
up to the
entrance, Richard
looked around; to make sure they weren't followed. He
didn't trust Aura.

As they approached the front door, one of the
servants invited them in. She then directed them to the
sitting room. Taking their coats, she asked, “Would
you like a cup of tea to warm you?”

“No, thank you. We've just finished breakfast,”
Richard said.
Claudia
entered the
room, minutes
later.
Richard noticed that
her husband wasn't
with her.
“Where's Colin? Isn't he going to assist you?”
“Colin doesn't want to be involved. He left the
house ashort time ago, to go for a walk.”
“Is he going to be a problem?”
“Not at all, I'm the one who performs most of
the spells anyway.
Colin never had the guts to delve
into the dark arts.”
Richard introduced Natalie. While he waited in
the sitting room, Claudia took Natalie into a room in
the back of the house.“We'll be back before you know
it,” she smiled.
Claudia
was
already
an
accomplished
Enchantor. With the book in her possession, she would
be
more
powerful
than she
could have
dreamed
possible.

Aidan pulled Paul aside and told him about
Jeziel's visit the night before.“I tried again to convince
her to come before the Council, but she refused.
We
had an argument. But when she started to cry, I felt
terrible.”

“She believes Aura will demand that she be
punished for leaving Elijah alone to die.”
“Did you explain that by coming forward, we
could put this matter to rest?”
“She doesn't see it that way. She reminded me
how she was shunned because of her father. We both
know that to be true. She said that Aura doesn't know
how it feels to be alone.”
“I can't help Jeziel, if she won't let me,” Paul
said.
“I trust you, but Jeziel is not so trusting
anymore.
Perhaps her time with Natalie has changed
her opinion of the Guild.”
“We all know that Natalie walks the path to
Hell.
What we don't know, is if Jeziel has chosen the
same path.
It would benefit her to talk to us if she's
innocent,” Paul insisted. “The longer she refuses us,
the guiltier she seems.
When are you meeting her
again?”
“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.

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.

“My daughter lived there. She can direct you to
the valley.”
“What if the angel-bloods 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.

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
angel-bloods
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