Angel Incarnate: Second Sight

by Linda Creel

  “I’ll be there with bells on. Ryan – please be careful. I know you’re trying to help those kids, but some of them are unstable.”

  “Thanks for the advice, but I think I’ll be alright. We have a pretty good relationship. They are as protective of me as I am of them.”

  He hung up the phone and Aura sat in one of the kitchen chairs, worrying about her friend’s safety.

  It’s not them I’m worried about, it’s you. I wish I could tell you about Lucifer’s visit, but I promised to keep it a secret. He can’t touch me or my family, but if he knows how close I am to you. I pray he won’t dare harm a man of the cloth, but this is Lucifer, and he has no regrets about the innocent lives he has taken.

  She took a sip of iced tea while she pondered her dilemma. Lucifer’s son, Mortriel, is supposed to be worse than his father. Hopefully, the fallen will heed the warnings of Michael and Gabriel, and leave us alone.

  While she resumed slicing the tomatoes, tiny footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. After putting the knife in the sink and then wiping her hands on her apron, she walked into the living room.

  The children were wearing blue jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. Knowing her little sister hated dressing up almost as much as Rita; Aura suspected Bren had chosen their outfits.

  “We thought we would go to the park after dinner,” Bren said. “We can’t keep the girls cooped up in the house all the time. They need to play.”

  “I’m not sure it will be safe in the park, but we can find something to do in the back yard.”

  Bren, being Bren, crossed her tiny arms over her chest and began to pout. “They know about Lucifer’s visit, and they’re not afraid. Why should we hide from him?”

  “We’re not hiding; we’re just being cautious. These girls still need to recover from their captivity.”

  “Right -- and the best way to do that, is to do what we normally do – have fun. Tracy and I will be with them. If Lucifer or any of his friends show up, we’ll make them leave.”

  “I know you had no trouble with the fallen angels in Purgatory, but Lucifer is far more powerful.”

  “Nobody is as powerful as Uncle Gabe. You haven’t seen everything he taught us,” Bren insisted.

  Tracy nodded in agreement. “Bren’s right – we have a few tricks up our sleeve, and Lucifer won’t know what hit him if he comes near our little sisters.”

  Aura smiled at her choice of words. The little ones were no longer regarded as orphans; they had been adopted by the family. Which family, was yet to be decided.

  “Let’s have dinner, and then, if there’s still daylight, we can go to the park until the sun goes down.”

  Bren winked at Tracy. Aura didn’t know it, but because she was Ariel’s granddaughter, Tracy could change the weather like her father. They would have bright sunshine until the kids were tired of playing.

  “Are you going to heat up the leftovers from the wedding?” Bren asked.

  “Yes, and there is vegetable soup and salad. It’ll just take a few minutes to warm everything. Why don’t you and the girls wait in the dining room?”

  While the rest of the little ones followed Bren and Tracy, Gracie and another of the four-year-olds, Gertie, stayed behind. “Can we help you cook again?”

  Aura picked them up and carried them into the kitchen. After washing their hands, they were placed on stools while she showed them how to tear the lettuce for the salad. The sound of them giggling overwhelmed her, and she had to wipe her teary eyes on her apron.

  There is so much goodness in them, how could anyone not see that?

  Then she remembered what Michael told her. The youngest angels were targeted by Lucifer and his followers during the Great War.

  Lucifer is a coward; picking on those who couldn’t defend themselves. I agree with Bren. I pray he comes back; then, we’ll show him who’s weak.

  She slammed the door to the microwave so hard; it startled the little ones, who almost fell off their stools.

  “I’m sorry – I didn’t mean to frighten you. Sometimes I get angry knowing what Mortriel and Samhael did to you. I swear, I will find a way to bring your sisters’ home, or I will die trying.”

  The girls climbed off the stools, and threw their arms around her legs. If the rest of the family was as brave and powerful as Bren and Tracy, they would never have to see Purgatory again. Soon, they would be reunited with their sisters.

  “Can we stay here?” Gracie asked.

  “You can stay as long as you like. I think my mother and Angie are planning to adopt you legally, so the furthest you’ll be from each other is next door. For now, you’ll stay with me, Bren and Tracy. I don’t see them leaving anytime soon.”

  “Thank you, Aura. You’re the best big sister we could ever ask for.”

  “I’ll always be here for you…always. Now, we have some hungry girls waiting for supper, so let’s get this salad into the bowl. The rest of the food should be warm enough to eat.”

  After they hopped back on the stools and began shredding the rest of the lettuce, Gracie and Gertie started singing.

  “What’s the name of that song; it sounds familiar?”

  “It’s called “Guardian Angel.” My mommy used to sing it when I was a little girl. Gertie’s mommy sang it to her too. It’s about an angel who promises to protect you. Bren and Tracy are our guardian angels, just like you.”

  Aura had to turn away so they couldn’t see the steady stream of tears slipping down her cheeks.

  “Are you crying?” Gertie asked. “We didn’t mean to make you sad.”

  “No, it’s just the onions,” Aura said. “Why don’t you finish your song?”

  The more they sang; the more melancholy Aura became. She was usually able to hide her emotions, but these little ones were tugging on her heart strings. Despite everything they had been through, they still had hope.

  She wasn’t as concerned about the girls who were still in Purgatory – they would rescue them, but Gracie’s sister, Hope, was trapped in Hell. It would take an act of God to free her.

  Aura had faith if nothing else. She was determined to find a way. She made a promise to the kids, and Aura never broke a promise.

  Chapter 25

  When the last guest left the reception, Caspian went inside his father’s house to pack. He asked Adam to come with him, but he declined, not wanting to have a war of words with Meredith.

  “I’ll accompany Arian, Axel and the girls’ home. Should we plan to meet here in say an hour?”

  “Make it half an hour. Paul told us to pack light and I really don’t feel like getting into a debate with Desiree over my decision to leave tonight.”

  Arian would have volunteered to go with Caspian and Axel, but he was just shy of his 18th birthday, and knew the Guard wouldn’t accept him yet. There was still work to be done to keep Utopia safe, especially after the fallen angel was spotted by Aura. Like Rita, he believed his visit had something to do with Richard.

  Remaining in Utopia was probably for the best. Meredith had been anything but pleasant to her daughter, Analie, at the wedding, and didn’t even have the good manners to acknowledge Jade.

  As far as Meredith was concerned, she had only one granddaughter -- Nathali. Arian wondered what Eve meant when she referred to Nathali as Lucifer’s daughter. Maybe he would ask Rita later.

  The walk to the country was quiet, save the sound of a pair of owls hooting in the distance. The sun had long disappeared, giving way to a full moon and a sky filled with a thousand stars.

  The twinkling reflection illuminated the highway, marking the dim-lit path for the group, who after a short time, arrived safely at Analie’s home.

  Not wanting to keep Caspian waiting, Axel shoved a change of clothes and some toiletries into a knapsack. Analie wanted to walk him back to the governor’s house, but he refused.

  Pulling her into an embrace, he planted a kiss on her cheek, already wet with tears. Though she understood his reason for leaving, Analie still wor
ried whether she would see him or her brother again.

  “Please don’t be upset. I’ll stay if you want me to.”

  She used her fingertips to dry her eyes, and drew in a deep breath. Though she was trying to put on a brave face, her knees were wobbling beneath her gown.

  “No – this is important. What if they came after Jade? I don’t mean to act like a child, but you’ll be dealing with Lucifer’s son. I’ve heard rumors he is far more vicious than his father.”

  “Paul has assured us we’ll be safe. Someone has to talk to those families about the danger their children are in.”

  “Just promise me you’ll bring my brother home.”

  “We’ll be back before you know it. Arian will look after Jade, and your father won’t let any harm come to you while we’re gone.”

  “I can take care of myself. Besides, my mother would love it if I came crawling home. I won’t give her the satisfaction to see me worried.”

  “Meredith will be occupied with Desiree. I can’t wait to hear her explain why Caspian abandoned his wife on her wedding night.”

  “Humph – he probably won’t even be missed. I’m sure Richard will take good care of Desiree in Caspian’s absence. I’ll be keeping my eye on them. I swear, if she is unfaithful, I’ll have them both brought before the Commission and ask that they be stripped of their powers and permanently exiled.”

  Axel chuckled. “That’s the spirit. Just be careful; Meredith will take your brother’s side, regardless of any wrongdoing.”

  “Maybe my father will get rid of my mother too. He can’t keep his blinders on forever; eventually, he’ll realize she is up to no good.”

  After kissing his wife and daughter goodbye, Axel asked Arian to walk with him to the yard. As soon as they were out of earshot, he leaned into his daughter’s boyfriend, keeping his voice barely above a whisper.

  “I am relying on you to keep them safe. I trust Joshua, but Meredith has a way of wrapping Henry around her finger, so be careful around them. We all know where Richard’s interests lie. Don’t disappoint me?”

  “I swear no harm will come to them. I have a feeling Paul and Adam’s daughters will be making frequent visits here. Richard and Meredith won’t dare test their powers.”

  After shaking hands, Arian listened to Axel’s laughter as he trekked towards the governor’s home. When he returned to the house, Arian asked Analie if she would like to join him and Jade at his parent’s home.

  “No, I think I’ll take a long hot bath and do a little reading before bed.” She kissed her daughter’s forehead, and then walked up the stairs to her bedroom. This would be the first night since her own wedding her husband wouldn’t be sleeping beside her.

  Analie pulled a cotton nightgown out of her dresser and laid it on the bed. After stepping out of her gown, she sauntered into the bathroom, adding lavender and chamomile scented salts to the garden tub. As she slipped into the warm water, she allowed her mind to wander.

  She closed her eyes, and leaned her head against an inflatable pillow shaped like a seashell. I wonder who will be sharing Desiree’s bed tonight. Richard has made no secret of his affection for her. Would they risk everything to be together? Yes -- I’ll be watching you, Richard. If you dare betray our brother, I will destroy you and your mistress.

  Before Caspian entered his room, he noticed the door slightly ajar. Hearing the sound of raucous laughter; he recognized the voices as those of Richard and Desiree. The only light came from a pair of candles on the small round table next to the large bay window.

  Using his foot to widen the opening, he watched Richard sitting in one of the chairs, holding hands with his bride. A pair of empty champagne bottles littered the floor, while another half--full bottle chilled in a silver pail.

  Caspian paused to reflect on the scene in front of him. They certainly didn’t waste any time. I refuse to get into a pissing contest with either of them. I’ll just collect my things and be on my way.

  After reaching up, he flipped on the light switch, and kicked the door open with a bang.

  Startled, Desiree’s eyes turned towards her husband, who did nothing to mask the huge grin on his face.

  “So, have you finally come to apologize for ruining my wedding?” she asked.

  Ignoring her, he walked over to his closet and pulled out an overnight bag. After removing a change of clothes from his dresser, he slammed the drawers.

  Desiree, who wasn’t used to seeing Caspian lose his temper, jumped up so fast, her champagne flute tipped over, causing the bubbly liquid to spill onto the wooden table before landing on the carpet.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Her words were so slurred, Caspian could barely understand them. There was no doubt -- she was drunk.

  Smiling to himself, he remained silent.

  When Desiree stood, her legs wobbled, and she had to hold on to the wall for support.

  “How dare you treat me this way? If anyone should be upset, it should be me. You had no right to invite all of those brats to my wedding, when I specifically told you I didn’t want any children there.”

  Caspian’s fists clenched and his face hardened. It was all he could do to refrain from slapping her, and damn the consequences, but instead, he remained silent. Sometimes the absence of words spoke volumes. He wasn’t afraid of his brother, but he refused to give either of them the satisfaction of a response.

  Desiree was ready for a fight. Richard would never allow Caspian to hurt her, which gave her a newfound courage. “You ruined my dress and made me a laughing stock in front of the whole colony.”

  A chuckle escaped his lips. Fool, you were always the butt of their jokes. Since when do you give a damn about the residents of Utopia? I knew this wedding was a mistake, and I can’t thank Paul enough for giving me the opportunity to leave before consummating the marriage.

  Desiree fell to her knees in front of him, grabbing both of his legs. “Please – don’t do this. I promise to be a good wife. I’ll do whatever you ask,” she pleaded.

  He grabbed her hands, and shoved her away. After securing the knapsack, Caspian headed towards the entranceway. Before leaving, he turned off the lights, and then slammed the door behind him.

  Hurrying down the stairs, he ran out of the house, where Adam and Axel were waiting in the courtyard.

  “Was Desiree upset about your departure?” Adam asked.

  “Not at all; at the moment she is entertaining my brother. They are currently working on their third bottle of champagne. Desiree is quite drunk; she’ll either pass out, or ask Richard to spend the night.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Axel said. “I had hoped things would work out between the two of you.”

  “What makes you think things haven’t worked out?”

  Caspian chuckled and clapped his friend on the back. “When I return, I’ll put an end to this charade. If Desiree wants Richard, she can have him. Although, I doubt my mother will allow him to call off his engagement to Renatta. Money is always a priority with Meredith, and Renatta’s family is loaded.”

  “The last I heard, she hasn’t agreed to the marriage,” Axel said.

  “Don’t worry – if my mother wants it to happen; it will happen -- one way or another. Shall we go? The sooner I get out of here, the better.”

  “You have the names and addresses of the first group of families on your list,” Adam reminded them. “There is a hotel reserved in your names in Palm Beach, Florida. The weather will be warmer than what you’re accustomed to, so shorts may be in order. Do you have any questions?”

  “Should we identify ourselves as members of the guard?” Caspian asked.

  “Yes, but be discreet. These people have turned their backs on their heritage, but as far as we know, they are still faithful to Heaven. I wish you all the success in the world.”

  Adam lifted his eyes to Heaven. “Father, may your light guide them on their journey.”

  After shaking hands, a light flashed and the three men vanished.
>
  Richard grabbed Desiree’s arms and pulled her from the tapestry floor. She buried her head into his chest, whimpering softly. “I can’t believe he left me. What will my mother say? How am I supposed to hold my head up if everyone knows he abandoned me on our wedding night? What am I going to do, Richard?”

  “Caspian has no doubt been influenced by the Guild. He will join Axel in his quest to find the scattered angel-blood families. My father is passed out drunk on the couch and my mother is probably already asleep in her room. There is no reason for anyone to know when my brother left.”

  After wiping her eyes on his shirt, she lifted her head. “Yes – you’re right. It can be our secret.”

  “Everything will work out. I have some friends who can guarantee Caspian won’t return from his journey. We can take this secret to our grave.”

  Richard grabbed a towel from the bathroom and wiped up the spilled wine. He poured each of them another glass. “I could stay with you tonight,” he said. “No one will know.”

  Her voice was unsteady. “I’d like that, but you’d have to be gone first thing in the morning before the servants bring breakfast.”

  Richard kissed her fingertips.

  You should have been my wife. I’ll agree to marry Renatta, but she will meet with an unfortunate accident shortly after our wedding. Then, you and I can be together for all eternity.

  “You have my word. I have a meeting with a friend at sunrise. Now, let’s drink to our good fortune. It would be a shame to let this champagne go to waste.”

  Chapter 26

  After Dahnael’s departure, Michael left to meet with the other archangels.

  When he arrived at the Council’s chambers, Jeziel was already present. Looking at her was like seeing a female version of Lucifer. They shared the same curly auburn hair, but her eyes were a honey brown, while his were indigo.

  Her hands trembled, yet her voice remained even. “Why have you called me here today?” she asked.

  “We have an assignment for you. You will be leaving Heaven to serve as a guardian to Hespa’s son, Elijah, in Aeden,” Michael said. “This decision did not come easily for some who fear you may be tempted to join your father once you are away from our protection.”