She thought to argue with him, but then thought better of it. She smiled at her brother. “I’ll remember.” “See to it that you do. Father will support me in this. It would be a pity for you to fall from his good graces after all the hard work you’ve done.”
Mortriel left with Bael and Richard; smiling as if he had just won a huge battle. ‘We’ll see who Fathe r supports. If Aura attacks me, I will defend myself. Mortriel will get over it,” she whispered through clenched teeth. She said goodbye to Samhael and Natalie, and then returned to her cottage outside of Aeden. She wanted to see what Aura was up to.
Chapter 31
Dahnael spent the evening with Caeus and Malakiel, the Elite Guardians. No one else heard what they discussed, but it was decided that Dahnael would be returning to Aeden in the morning.
When Dahnael returned to Aura’s house, he intended to offer a convincing apology. Expecting to find Aura waiting with breakfast, instead he found Iris in the kitchen. It was nearly seven o’clock. Aura should have been awake.
“Good morning. I trust you slept well last night,” Iris said. “I had a very restful sleep. I didn’t expect to find you cooking. Where are Aura and the girls?”
“Aura and the girls spent the night at the hotel last night with the rest of the family.” “Did Dareus and Aureus stay there too?” Aidan hadn’t meant his tone to be so bitter, but the thought of Aura spending time with the twin brothers allowed an uncontrollable rage to consume him.
“Howard and I dropped them off at their farm before we came home.”
“Is Aura still angry with me?” “I couldn’t say. After you left the other night, your name wasn’t mentioned. The wedding was wonderful. I’m sorry you missed it. Would you like some breakfast?”
“Do you know when Aura will be home?” “If I did know, which I don’t; I wouldn’t tell you. It was inconsiderate of you to be missing all that time. Did you forget the commitment you made to Rita and Jessica? You promised to be there for their wedding. Apparently promises don’t mean anything to you anymore. Jeziel now takes priority over your family.”
“That’s not fair Iris. Did Aura go to the wedding with Aureus and Dareus?”
“She did, and they had a grand time.” Dahnael was angry. Aura belonged to him. As much as he hated to admit it, Malakiel’s plan was looking better all the time. He would play nice for now. But he had to make sure that nothing happened to the ring. He would force Aura to give it back, one way or another.
“How is your friend by the way? I hope that she’s recovered. I also hope you have the good sense not to bring her here again. Aura will not be forgiving if she discovers you have invited Jeziel to her home a second time. The Guild has decided to take her before the Council the next time she shows up, by force if necessary.”
“Jeziel has done nothing wrong,” Aidan insisted.
“After what happened at dinner the other night, Paul and the others are convinced that she’s guilty of several crimes.” “That was Aura’s doing,” Aidan said heatedly.
“You’re mistaken. Aura was protecting Mia. If she hadn’t interrupted Jeziel, that little one would have been hurt.” “I must be the only one who believes that Jeziel is telling the truth. What does my father have to say? I’m sure he was at the wedding.”
Iris became sad. “Your father is disappointed. He won’t interfere, but he’s concerned about the consequences of your choices. Jeziel is turning you against your family. The pity of it is; you don’t even see it. I came here to guide you, but I’m afraid even I can’t make you open your eyes to the truth. I hope no one else dies before you realize Jeziel is not who she pretends to be, and has her own agenda.”
“The only agenda Jeziel has is to be accepted by her family. Aura had no right to call her trash.” “Aura will do whatever it takes to protect t hose little ones. You used to feel that way too. What’s changed you? I hope you don’t regret the choices you’re making. You are dangerously close to losing your wife, and your daughter,” Iris said.
“Perhaps they aren’t worth caring about any more. I’m beginning to think it was a mistake to give her Avriel’s ring.” “Avriels ring belongs to Aura! Would you have Jeziel wear it, so she could control the Eternal children? This isn’t about you; it’s about the ring!”
Iris could barely control her temper. “ Have you forgotten it was Jeziel’s brother who killed Avriel, Bree and Tercia? Did you forget that Samhael captured Alorrah and Alexis?”
“Jeziel stayed true to Heaven, Iris. When Lucifer was exiled, she remained loyal.” “She remained in Heaven because Lu cifer abandoned her, not because she was faithful! She would have gladly followed her father and her brother! I have no doubt more of the young ones would have lost their lives by her hand!”
Iris slammed her fist into the table before walking out, leaving him alone.
He yelled after her. “Jeziel was only a child herself! Have you forgotten that?” Iris turned, and walked back, where she stood defiantly in front of Aidan. He had never seen her so enraged before. “I forget nothing! She may have only been a child, but evil knows no age!” she said, before turning abruptly and running up the stairs.
Dahnael was stunned. Iris had never spoken to him like that before. She had always defended him. Now, Aura had even turned this friend away from him. He had to get that ring back. He decided to go for a walk to clear his head, not noticing that Eve and Paul had returned to their home.
Jeziel left the wedding and returned to Aeden. She stayed hidden outside Aura’s house, waiting for Aidan.
Eve stopped the members of the Guild before they entered their houses. “Don’t look away, but Jeziel is here.”
“Where is she?” Adam demanded. “I don’t want you to acknowledge her presence. You won’t understand, but she needs to remain free if Aura’s plan is going to work. I want you to go in the house. I’ll talk with her and fill you in,” Eve said.
Paul never questioned his wife. She was a seer, and often knew things the others weren’t aware of. Her visions, like Aura’s, had never misguided them in the past.
“Just be careful. Jeziel will be angry when she realizes Aidan is not at home.”
Eve nodded, and waited until Paul and the others were out of sight, before walking over to meet Jeziel. “I’m afraid Aidan isn’t home,” Eve said.
“I didn’t see him leave. How do you know he’s not inside?” Eve laughed. “I’m a seer Jeziel. Have you forgotten that? Jeziel was not amused at all. “Where did he go?”
Not wanting to lie Eve said, “He didn’t tell me where he was going. I’m afraid I can’t help you.”
“You wouldn’t help me even if you could,” Jeziel snapped. “You should leave here now. I asked my husband not to take you away, but there is only so much influence I have over the Guild.”
“Fine, I’ll go, but if you see Aidan tell him I asked about him.” “I’ll be sure to deliver your message,” Eve said. Jeziel wasn’t sure Aidan would get the message, but she hoped Eve wouldn’t lie. She thought of the cottage, and was instantly transported there.
Eve and Angie gathered the Guild at Aura’s house. Myra and Mahlyssa joined them.
“Why didn’t you let us question Jeziel?” Adam demanded. “Aura needs her to remain free. There is a plan in progress, and by taking her out of the equation, it might alter the outcome.” “We have been more than patient. Surely, you know that Jeziel has her own agenda,” Joseph said.
“I can’t tell you everything yet, but know that Aura has everything under control.”
“Has something else happened?” Paul asked. “Not yet, but Jeziel will look for Aura. She’ll find her later today and will find the surprise Aura has waiting for her. Natalie married Samhael a few hours ago. His honeymoon is about to be interrupted,” Eve said.
“Do you think we should notify Michael, and have Aidan return?” Paul asked his wife.
“Aidan will return soon. Michael is keeping him away to protect him.”
“What about Dahnael?�
�� Adam asked.
“He’s already been here. We had a disagreement, and I assume he’s out walking,” Iris said.
“Should we bring Rita and Jessica home?” Adam asked. “Aura has already told them to return this afternoon. She wanted to give them at least one day to enjoy their marriage,” Eve said. “Rita’s sight is developing too. She’s not as powerful as Aura, but they can easily communicate with each other. Desiree’s child will be born soon. Lucifer wants the infant taken. You should also know that Samhael took Natalie to visit Lucifer in Hell.”
“If she has been in Lucifer’s company, she will be more dangerous than before, especially if she is married to Samhael,” Paul said. “We should have taken care of Natalie when we had the chance. It will be more difficult to bring her to justice now; Samhael will protect her.”
“We’ll wait for Aura,” Eve warned. “Lucifer wants to restore the sacred gifts to power. Aura has a plan that will allow him to think Jeziel has found thesacred bow.”
“The bow has been returned, and Bodhi has awakened,” Adam insisted. Eve looked at them and smiled. “Aura asked Dareus and his brother to make another bow. They know the language, and have made a forgery. Mahlyssa has placed a spell on the imitation, so when it interacts with the hair of Dareus and Aureus, it will appear as Bodhi’s bow. Aura intends to leave the bow in plain view, to be taken by one of Lucifer’s disciples.”
“Why wasn’t I told about this?” Iris asked. “Aura wanted to talk to you privately when she came home this morning,” Eve said apologetically. There is something else you need to know. Isla is coming to the valley.”
“Who is Isla?” Howard asked. “She’s my twin sister. She followed Lucifer after the war. Isla always thought that Bodhi’s bow should have been given to Bael. When it was given to Bodhi instead, she was furious. I always felt that she was in love with Bael. At least one of us still honors the sanctity of marriage,” Iris said.
“I’m afraid that I have some news as well,” Mahlyssa said. “I’ve seen the forgery. It looks identical to the true bow. As Eve said, Aura is planning to let Jeziel see the imitation transform after it interacts with the hair of Dareus and Aureus. They will be in mortal danger when that happens.”
“Do you think that Lucifer will be fooled by this
imitation?”Adam asked. “Yes – there’s no doubt,” Aura said, as she walked through the door with the little ones. “Go into the kitchen and get a snack,” Aura said to the girls.
“I think it’s time you l earned the true identity of the twin brothers,” Iris said. “They are my sons, and they are also the angel priests.”
“We thought the boys were taken from you to protect them from Bael. Are you telling us those boys are the priests of the angels?” Joseph asked. “Are you certain?”
“Esra told me the truth a few years ago.” Iris said. “If Natalie or Jeziel sees the bow interact with their hair, they will won’t to severe it from their body,” Joseph said. “The priests won’t fight back. It’s not in their nature.”
“They will in all probability die in the struggle. It’s a sacrifice they’re willing to make to return the sacred gifts to Heaven,” Aura said.
“There is a prophecy that should protect them. If they should fall by the hands of darkness; darkness can never give birth to another child,” Eve said. “That is a line that Lucifer himself will not cross.”
“Natalie and Jeziel are not Lucifer. Do we even know if they’ve heard of this prophecy?” Paul asked. “They may not care, but the implications to Lucifer would be extensive.”
“There is another prophecy which I am forbidden to tell you about. You’ll have to trust me. There will be a confrontation; one you will be forbidden from interfering with. Dahnael will return soon, and so will Jeziel. A lot is going to happen today. You have to promise to do as I ask,” Aura said.
“Do Michael and the rest of the Council know about this?” Paul asked. “They are aware, but Dahnael is not. You understand why he isn’t trusted to know the truth. I will know later if Dahnael will remain true to Heaven,” Aura said.
“You’ll want to notify the governor’s to be prepared for war. Aura will let you know when it’s safe to leave the valley,” Eve said “We are the sons of the Archangels, Eve. I doubt we have anything to worry about,” Adam joked. “Mortriel is the son of Lucifer, and Samhael is not without power. There is no need to be foolish. They may not be able to harm you, but they can still cause chaos to the mortal children of Heaven,” Aura insisted.
Paul smiled at her. “We’ll wait for you to make the decision.” The others nodded in agreement.
Chapter 32
When Aura walked into the kitchen, Alannah and Alorrah were talking to each other about their mother’s plan to rescue her and Alexis. Aura thought sheheard someone else’s voice in the background. “Who is that Alorrah?” she asked.
“It’s Mortriel.”
“If he gets close, I want you to burn him,” Aura said.
“He won’t come any closer, Mommy. He knows I’ll hurt him if he does.”
Aura could hear Mortriel laughing, and then he was in her sight. “Are you speaking to your dead mother again?”
“Mommy isn’t dead, she’s alive. What do you want?” Alorrah asked.
Mortriel continued to laugh. “I brought you a nice dress to wear. We can’t have Aura see you looking like this, can we?” “I don’t want your dress, Mortriel. Mommy has lots of dresses for me. She’s coming soon, and then you won’t be laughing.” “Suit yourself. I was trying to be nice, but I see you would rather be unreasonable.”
Aura watched as Mortriel threw the dress on the ground outside the cell, then walked away still laughing.
“He’s gone, Mommy.”
“I know,” Aura said. “I saw him. Is Alexis and Fionn alright?” Aura couldn’t see either of them. She wondered if Alorrah intentionally blocked them from her sight to hide their condition. “Yes -he hasn’t punished Fionn since he moved him into my room. Alexis is here too. You will come for them too, won’t you Mommy?”
“I will bring you all home soon, I swear it.” Alorrah stopped talking, and Aura wondered if something happened. She called her name, but Alorrah never responded.
“She’s Ok, Mommy. Mortriel is hurting one of the girls and Alorrah is trying to protect her. She can’t talk to us now,” Alannah said.
Aura slammed her fist into the table. “I swear he will pay for that!” She had to turn away to hide her pain from the others. Aura loved all of Heaven’s children the same. Angel or mortal, it didn’t matter. She would bide her time, but vowed to make Mortriel suffer for all the pain he caused.
“I will bring him to his knees!” She walked through the kitchen, and threw the porch door open with a bang. She could feel the light in her hands, and she clasped them together until she was calm.
Eve watched her and asked Alannah, “Has something happened?”
“Mortriel is hurting one of the young girls there. Her name is Hope, and Alorrah is trying to help her,” Alannah said. Eve looked from Alannah to Aura. She could almost feel her pain. Paul was about to go after her, but Eve cautioned him. “She’ll be alright, just let her have a minute. It’s hard for her to imagine any child being abused.”
Paul returned to his chair, and within minutes Aura came back to the kitchen carrying a dozen oranges in her sweater. She passed them out to each of the little ones, and then enjoyed one herself.
“I need to go see the twins at the farm. I won’t be long. If Dahnael returns while I’m gone, I don’t want you to say anything to make him think that you know who he is.”
After staying at the cottage for a short time, Jeziel decided to return to Aura’s house, to see if Aidan had returned. She arrived in time to see Aura walking to her car. She decided she would follow her, to see if she was meeting someone. There was still no sign of Aidan, and she didn’t have anything else to do.
Aura arrived at the home of the priests fifteen minutes later. She knew Je
ziel was following her. The pungent smell was
overpowering. Dareus answered the door, and Aura asked him and his brother to walk with her past the stables to the yard.
“Jeziel is watching. I want you to act as if you aren’t aware. I’ve brought the bow with me. You’ll need to act like you’re both giving me another lock of your hair. This imposter is sure to fool even Lucifer. We should have no difficulty fooling hisdaughter.”
“I’ll get some scissors. Where should we do this?” Aureus asked. “We need to choose someplace where Jeziel won’t have any difficulty seeing. I want her to get a good look at the bow. After we’re finished, we’ll go back to my house. Jeziel will return to notify Samhael before coming back. Dahnael should have returned from his walk by then. You may want to plan to spend the night. You can return after breakfast in the morning. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”
“Are you going to tell your family about this?”Dareus asked. “Your mother already knows about the plan. She’ll appreciate spending some more time with you and your brother.” Aura was alone with Dareus in the yard. She was so happy her plan was coming together; she reached over and hugged him. Realizing what she’d done, she tried to apologize.
Dareus was laughing. “I didn’t mind Aura.” Soon they were both laughing. She knew Jeziel would assume there was more to it, which only made her laugh harder. Aureus came out and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“Aura hugged me and became embarrassed. Your face turned a little pink,” he said, still laughing.
She put her hands to her face, which made the twins laugh even harder. “Are you sure this will work?” Aureus asked. Aura smiled. “I’m very sure.”
“Let’s get this over with, so we can go back to the house. Will everyone be there?” Dareus asked. “If you’re asking about Dahnael, he will arrive shortly after we do. I’m going to tell him that you are the priests. I hope you don’t mind. I need to give him a little push. He’s going to do something today, that he might regret. I’ll know more after it happens,” Aura said.
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