by Linda Creel
“How can you be so cold--hearted after seeing what those poor children have been through? Meredith struck Eve’s daughter; did you expect her not to react? If anyone should apologize, it should be Meredith, and you. I think we both know that isn’t going to happen. Go into the bathroom and wash your face while I try to find you something to wear. The party will be over in a few hours, and you need to return to your guests.”
“I’m not going back outside, and that’s final!”
“Have it your way – you usually do. But know this – if Caspian has your marriage annulled because he suspects you of cheating with Richard, he may demand a hearing to have you both exiled.”
“Henry would never allow his son to lose his powers and be sent away.”
Charisse laughed.
“Richard does not have the control you think he has over his father. Caspian is loved and respected by the Utopians and the Guild, and so is Henry. Neither of them will do anything to jeopardize that relationship. You do realize the governor’s position is an appointed one; Paul chose Henry to succeed his father. You may believe Richard and Meredith are calling the shots, but you are sadly mistaken. Now, I’m going to say goodbye to Henry, and then I’m returning to Paris. I suggest you make things right with your husband. If you decide to stay in your room -- I won’t make any excuses for your childish behavior.”
Desiree ran into the bathroom and slammed the door. Charisse picked up her daughter’s wedding gown and threw it on the bed before leaving the room.
She is just like her father. I should have warned her about him years ago, and then maybe she wouldn’t have gotten involved with Richard. God help her if she doesn’t wake up to see how evil he is. All I can do is offer advice. It’s her life; she will reap what she sows.
She didn’t see Meredith on her way out, but Charisse did stop to have a word with Henry before she left. “Desiree is too embarrassed to return to the reception; she is expecting an apology from Caspian.”
“I doubt that will be forthcoming,” Henry said as he emptied a glass of Merlot.
“No – my daughter should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry you had to witness such poor behavior.”
Henry began to chuckle. “I’m used to bad behavior from Meredith and Richard. We should put this behind us, and enjoy the rest of the party.” He handed Charisse a glass of champagne, and poured himself another glass of wine.
“I can’t stay; I have to get back to Paris,” she said. “I’ve told Desiree to fix things with Caspian; this is no way to begin a marriage. If this union doesn’t work out, feel free to send her home.”
She kissed him on the cheek, and with a snap of her fingers, Charisse disappeared.
Pity, Desiree isn’t more like her mother. I hoped her marriage to Caspian would last, but she obviously has feelings for Richard. Maybe it’s nothing more than a brotherly affection; Heaven knows he doesn’t have many friends.
After downing his third glass of wine, Henry poured another as he pondered the fate of his son’s marriage.
The mood of the crowd had lightened after the departure of Meredith and Desiree. With the band playing, many of the guests joined the children on the dance floor. Though the orphans seemed less afraid, Bren warned them to stay clear of Richard and Nathali.
After a few hours, the residents started to leave the reception. Rita and Jessica left to walk around the city with Joshua, and his friend Will.
Caspian hadn’t spoken to his father, or Charisse, so he wasn’t aware his bride would not be returning to her reception. Instead, she would remain in her bedroom -- pouting like a spoiled child. He didn’t care one way or another. He had a conversation with Paul, and decided to join Axel when he left on the mission to locate the angel-blood families.
After being sworn in as members of the guard, Caspian and Axel were given rings to communicate with the Guild if they were ever in danger.
Paul offered a short list of those families who had already been identified. The guardians would begin their journey in Florida.
“We’ll meet once a week for an update. There is enough housing in Savannah and Aeden for those who want the protection of the Guild,” Paul said.
“What if they refuse to come with us?” Caspian asked.
“All we can ask is that you try. Perhaps if we inform them about what happened to the other angel-bloods; it may be enough to sway them into seeking shelter with us. I realize this is your wedding night. You could wait until morning, and then begin your quest.”
“You have done me a tremendous favor,” Caspian said. “Now, I have a legitimate reason for leaving.”
“Very well – collect a change of clothes, and be ready to leave within the hour. Your party seems to be winding down; it’s a pity Desiree chose to ignore her guests.”
“I should never have allowed my mother to influence my decision to marry her. You heard Desiree call for Richard. At least I won’t be forced into spending the night with a woman I have no feelings for.”
“These things have a way of working themselves out. I’ve heard absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
“That may be true in most cases, but I don’t believe it will apply to me. I have no doubt my bride will seek comfort from my brother tonight. I thought I would be upset, but I’m actually relieved.”
“If you need anything while you’re gone, the rings will allow you to call for us. Adam and I can easily find your location. You are performing a great service to Heaven, and your efforts will not be forgotten. I should start rounding up my family; I’m certain the children are getting tired. We’ll see each other again, soon.”
Paul shook both of their hands, and then headed back to the table where Eve was waiting.
Aura was standing next to one of the fountains when the pungent odor filled her nostrils. She hurried past a couple, nearly knocking them over. After apologizing, she slipped her sandals off and carried them as she ran towards the country, unaware that Richard was watching.
“Stay here until I return,” Richard said to Nathali.
“Where are you going?”
“Just stay here.”
Richard didn’t give his daughter a chance to argue; he spotted Aura and hurried to catch up to her.
Aura traveled down a dirt road until she came to a row of dilapidated homes. The wooden steps were rotted, the front door was barely hanging on a single hinge, and most of the windows were broken. After seeing the condition of the homes, it was hard to imagine anyone living there.
Her eyes quickly scanned the area until she saw a young male further down the path. His shoulder--length blonde hair was blowing in the wind, but Aura couldn’t see his face clearly because he was turned at an angle.
Why is one of Lucifer’s disciples in Utopia? Is he looking for the angel-bloods Bren and Tracy rescued?
The suit he was wearing was tailored and expensive looking. Aura hoped he would turn around so she could see his face, but he disappeared, leaving behind a faint, black mist.
Richard saw Samhael just before he vanished. We weren’t supposed to meet until tomorrow. Why would he jeopardize being seen by the Guild? I hope Aura didn’t recognize him.
“I’m surprised to find you in this part of town?” Richard asked.
“I thought my sister and her friends might have come this way, but I was mistaken.” It wasn’t like her to tell even a tiny lie, but under the circumstances, she didn’t feel comfortable confiding in Richard. Troubled by the fallen angel’s visit, Aura’s mind was a thousand miles away.
Lucifer wouldn’t risk having one of his followers be seen by Paul and Adam unless he had something to gain. First he visits Aeden, and then one of his fallen angels comes to Utopia; that can’t be a coincidence. I’ll feel better when the children are back in Aeden. I know my father trusts Henry, but Richard has a sinister side, and after their actions today, I believe Meredith and Desiree are following his same shadowy path.
“Are you alright?” The exasperation in Richard’s voice, and
snap of his fingers, brought Aura out of her reverie.
“I’m sorry – sometimes my thoughts distract me. What were you saying?”
“I doubt my brother would bring your sister to this part of town. It’s rumored the hags and Enchantors who live here, were once angels who have been cursed. Most of the Utopians avoid this area.”
Aura’s brows creased. “If they aren’t trustworthy, why does your father allow them to live so close?”
“This small village is not protected by our wards. Some of these people have been here since my grandfather was a boy. They stay to themselves, and as far as I know, they’ve never hurt anyone.”
Aura started fidgeting with the pendant around her neck. “I should get back to the reception. I don’t want my parents to worry.”
“You’re perfectly safe, but I could walk you back if you like.”
“No, thank you – I think I can find my way.”
Not waiting for his response, she turned and headed back to the governor’s home. She could hear Richard sniggering in the background, and hastened her pace.
By the time Aura arrived at the garden, Rita, Jessica, and the boys had returned from their walk. After telling them about her encounter with Richard, and describing the stranger, Joshua seemed certain of his identity.
“I don’t know his name, but he sounds like the same person who met with Richard yesterday. Caspian and I assumed he was one of my brother’s business acquaintances. I can’t understand why he would be in that part of town. Most of those houses have been abandoned for years. There are only a couple of outcasts who live there now. It’s possible you picked up one of their scents.”
“No – the dark wings have a distinctive odor. In fact…” She was about to tell them about Lucifer’s visit to Aeden when she stopped herself.
“If this guy wasn’t meeting your brother today, why else would he be in Utopia? He has to know the Guild is here for the wedding. My bet is he came to see Richard. No offense,” Jessica said to Joshua, “but your big brother gives me the creeps.”
Joshua laughed. “None taken – the truth is Richard gives a lot of people the creeps.”
“Let’s not tell anyone about this until I speak to Dad. If Richard is friendly with a fallen angel, that could pose a serious threat. Mom may have to reinforce the wards around the colony,” Aura warned.
Aura really didn’t know Will and Joshua well enough to trust them completely. Hopefully, they would keep their promise and not mention the uninvited guest to the governor.
There is no reason to frighten the children; the dark wing’s visit may have nothing to do with them.
The Guild had been sociable with some of the Utopians, but there was only a handful Paul and Adam trusted.
Aura sensed whatever Lucifer was planning, would involve her family. Hopefully, her visions would give her enough warning to keep them and her friends safe. She vowed to protect the orphans with her life, and though Aura didn’t know it then, Bren and Tracy had already made the same promise.
When she returned to their table, Aura noticed some of the children yawning. “It’s still afternoon in Aeden; you’ll have time for a nap before supper.”
“Don’t worry; since most of the guests are already gone, the chefs are making us goody bags to take home. You won’t have to cook tonight,” Bren said. None of the children wanted to run into Meredith or Desiree again, especially after what happened to Reaghan. If they left now, they could avoid any more trouble.
Richard was about to follow Aura back to his father’s home, when he caught a glimpse of a woman at the far end of the dirt road. The silk scarf she wore kept her face hidden, making it impossible to identify her.
Who are you and why are you in Utopia?
Wondering if her presence had anything to do with Samhael’s visit, Richard walked towards her. She didn’t seem afraid and continued to narrow the space between them. When she was finally standing in front of him, her scarf opened just enough to catch a glimpse of her deformed face.
Richard wasn’t the least bit repulsed by her appearance, and maintained a neutral expression. He recognized the same droopy eyes, lop--sided mouth, and crooked nose on some of the outcasts who lived in the small village – the result of a dreadful curse.
As he studied her more closely, it became obvious the woman came from wealth. Despite her ghastly condition; her clothes were expensive, and she carried herself like someone with authority. The scarf failed to cover her long, golden blonde hair which fell in loose curls, almost touching her waist.
You must have been breathtaking once. What did you do to deserve such a fate?
“I’m looking for the governor. Can you direct me to his home?” the woman asked.
“What business would you have with my father?”
“My name is Mahlyssa. I heard a rumor my husband, Virgil, was staying in one of these houses. Are you acquainted with him?”
Not wanting to give up any information until he was certain of Mahlyssa’s intentions, Richard was inclined to lie. “I’m Henry’s eldest son, Richard. Regrettably, Virgil hasn’t been here for some time. None of us were even aware he had a wife. I mean no disrespect, but was he responsible for your unsightly appearance?”
She loosened her scarf and allowed it to drop to her shoulders. “You must know there are some of us who have the abilities to cast spells? We are called Enchantors.”
Richard nodded. If Mahlyssa intended to shock him, she would have to try harder. He had seen far worse things in his life.
“My father, Marcus, was a powerful and vindictive man, and my husband became suspicious of him.”
Mahlyssa took a handkerchief out of her dress pocket and dabbed her eyes.
“Three years after our daughter’s birth, Virgil took her away. My father became so incensed, he cursed me. He promised to remove the spell, and let us live in peace, if Virgil gave up his wings. You see, my father suspected there was something special about Virgil’s blood.”
“I’ve never known your kind to have wings.”
Mahlyssa smiled. “Before he joined us, Virgil was an angel. He agreed to my father’s demands, but after the wings were severed, they turned to ash. Thinking he had been betrayed, my father refused to remove the curse, and I was left with this repulsive face.”
“Why didn’t you remove the curse yourself?”
“I promised my mother I would never practice black magic, but honestly, my father never taught me those kinds of spells.” She sighed, “After the angels heard what happened, they sent the Guild to kill my father. I returned to Ireland to settle his estate, and then took up residence in New York.”
“I may know someone who can be of assistance. Where should I contact you if I have any news?”
Mahlyssa reached into her pocket and pulled out a card. “I rarely leave the house, so you can find me there on most days. Do you think you can find Virgil? I would like to know what happened to our daughter. I haven’t seen her in over thirty years.”
“I’ll do my best to help,” Richard said.
She clasped his hands. “Thank you, and if there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I should be on my way. I don’t want the servants to worry.”
Mahlyssa waved goodbye and walked beyond the trees where she vanished.
It was a stroke of luck that Virgil was out of town today. I’ll keep his wife’s visit a secret for now. I may have a use for her talents in the future.
As Richard headed back to the wedding, he couldn’t help smiling.
Yes – she could become very useful.
Chapter 21
Though Samhael was disappointed in leaving Utopia before he spoke to Richard, he was glad Grendel warned him about Aura’s presence. He wasn’t sure how the angel-blood knew he was in Utopia, but at least he was able to avoid a confrontation, which would have seriously hurt his plans.
Considering his options, he decided to take Mehri to Aeden tonight. He contacted his daughter, and asked her to
stock the cottage with food and clothing in anticipation of Mehri’s arrival.
Passing the gates, and maneuvering through the corridors once more, he came upon Lucifer’s private chambers.
Hopefully, he’ll understand the change in plans.
After knocking on the door, Samhael waited a few seconds before one of the servants let him in. Lucifer and Mehri were still in the living room, sipping a glass of wine.
“Samhael, I wasn’t expecting you until morning. Have a seat and enjoy some of this wonderful Merlot.” He poured another glass and motioned for him to take one of the chairs. “Is something wrong?”
“Mortriel and I agreed to have Grendel prepare the cabin for the Abyvir. I went to Utopia, hoping to meet with Richard. Unfortunately, Avriel sensed my presence and came looking for me.”
“So, you have confirmed that she is alive?”
“Yes, your reports were correct. She calls herself Aura now.”
“I did warn you to be discreet,” Lucifer said.
Samhael bent his head; not wanting to endure the scrutiny of Lucifer’s probing eyes. “Grendel warned me ahead of time. I swear -- Aura didn’t recognize me.”
“It seems the girl has retained her second sight. How else could she know you were there?”
“That seems to be the six million dollar question.” He emptied the glass and put it on the table.
Mehri looked at her husband, her eyes pleading. “I don’t think I should go to Aeden. Samhael is a powerful angel. If this girl knows about his actions, she will be expecting me.”
Her head dropped, but she could feel the pressure of Lucifer’s hand on her arm. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know Aura knew about Samhael’s visit. Perhaps, she was just curious and wanted to explore Utopia.”
“You may be right, but we can’t exclude the fact she is Eve’s daughter. We know her mother and sister have the second sight. If she is the reincarnation of Avriel, she will have the same powers.”
