Angel Incarnate: Second Sight

by Linda Creel

  Jeziel sat in silence, as Michael’s words echoed in her mind. Since her father’s exile, she was under constant scrutiny by some of the angels, and shunned by many more. Now, she couldn’t believe, she was finally going to be given her freedom.

  “I have always been faithful. When Lucifer and my brother were banished, I could have followed them. I chose to stay here,” Jeziel said. “It has not been an easy path for me, but I have never faltered.”

  “That is the precise reason you have been given this opportunity. You won’t be traveling alone. My son and Alannah will also be leaving for the mortal world, though they will be staying in Savannah with Joseph and Jack.”

  Jeziel had heard the rumors about Avriel being reincarnated, but she didn’t believe it. Angels didn’t come back from death, not even an Angel of the Tier. It would be cruel to allow Alannah to believe her mother was alive.

  Jeziel was fond of the little girl, and her father, Aidan, was one of the few angels who didn’t snub her. She hoped he would eventually move forward with his life and take another wife. That would never happen if he thought Avriel lived.

  “Will Aidan be guarding someone else?” she asked.

  Michael did his best to evade the question. “Alannah has not spent much time on earth. Jack and Joseph have volunteered to help her become acclimated to this new environment.”

  “Aren’t you afraid that when Alannah sees Aura, she will think she is her mother?”

  Michael gave her a cursory glance as his thoughts invaded his mind.

  Even though you have heard about Avriel’s reincarnation, you still don’t believe she is alive. Perhaps once you meet her, you will see the truth for yourself. My son has befriended you, but he will never love you in the manner which you desire. His wife’s memory may be lost, but that is merely a temporary setback. Esra has assured us Aura will remember her past. I hope you can accept that.

  “Paul and Adam have constructed a small cottage a short walk from Hespa’s cabin. It is quaint, but should serve your needs.” Michael handed her a satchel. “You’ll find some clothing here; more belongings are already waiting at the bungalow. Do you have any questions?”

  “My duties are to keep Elijah from harm, is there anything else I will be responsible for?”

  “The Guild will deal with all other matters. Your father will more than likely send an emissary to ask for a meeting with you. I hope you have the fortitude to disregard any offers which may lead you to stray from your path.”

  Jeziel relaxed enough to smile. “My father hasn’t known me in years; I doubt he will want to know me now. I won’t forget the vows I took as a guardian. I know who I am, Michael.”

  “The others should be ready soon. Gabriel and I will accompany you to Hespa’s home. Paul is waiting there. Afterwards, we’ll take my son and Alannah to Savannah.”

  Jeziel looked at each of the other archangels, who had remained silent during the discussion. She spoke solemnly. “I know you may not have any confidence in me, but I will prove my loyalty to you, and Heaven. I did not choose my parents; they were chosen for me. As callous as my father may be; his sister was equally as loving. I hope to follow her path.”

  “If your resolve weakens; seek help from the Guild and their children. They are there to advise you.”

  Jeziel ran to Michael and wrapped her arms around him. A single tear slid down her cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I know you still believe in me. I won’t disappoint you.”

  As they came upon the Council’s chambers, Esra sent Alannah ahead. She grabbed Michael’s son by his shirt sleeve. “Remember who you are,” she warned. “I can only block so much of Aura’s visions.”

  “I understand.”

  “Michael has decided to send you and Alannah to Savannah for a short time. It will give Jeziel a chance to get to know her charge. If there are any problems, she has been advised to seek out the Guild. If they are unavailable, and you see her wavering, I’ll expect you to notify the Council before it’s too late.”

  “Do you really fear she will entertain her father after all this time?”

  “She is Lucifer’s daughter; only time will tell.”

  The smile on Jeziel’s face brightened when she saw Aidan walk through the door. Even if they weren’t staying together, just knowing he would be close, gave her a sense of comfort.

  “Are you ready for this journey?” she asked.

  “I’ve spent some time on earth, but Alannah will have to get used to eating and sleeping. Did they tell you time is different there?”

  “Is it slower or faster?”

  “They say one day in Heaven or Hell, is a thousand days on earth, though I’ve never actually tested that theory.”

  Jeziel tried to stay focused, but Aidan always made her laugh. Even in her darkest moods, he would brighten her spirits. That was why she loved him so much. He didn’t care if Lucifer was her father; he accepted her for the girl she was.

  She hoped their relationship wouldn’t change when he arrived in Aeden and Aura entered the picture. Jeziel couldn’t bear knowing Avriel’s ghost might come between her and Aidan.

  Then, there was Alannah to consider. She was always polite to her, but if she believed Aura was her mother, she would make Aidan believe it too.

  I’ll just have to prove to Aidan his father is wrong, and Avriel isn’t really alive. Aura is a half-blood; she couldn’t be his wife. Esra and Avriel were identical twins, so it would stand to reason that Aura looks like her grandmother. Yes, that explains it perfectly.

  “What are you smiling about?” Alannah asked, unnerved by Jeziel’s sudden joy.

  “I’m just glad to be going on an adventure with you and your father. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful cities I’ve heard about. Maybe Paul will allow us to visit London, or Paris. Wouldn’t you like that?”

  “The only place I want to go is Aeden. That’s where my mother is,” Alannah said.

  “You’ll be stopping in Savannah first,” Esra reminded her. “You’ll love the old plantation. Did you know I lived there once?”

  Esra didn’t often show emotion. The sparkle in her eyes was short--lived. Any reminder of her life on earth brought back memories of her husband being captured while trying to rescue Avriel’s daughters. When Lucifer discovered who Fionn was, he kept him alive and took him to Hell. The children were protected, but Esra couldn’t escape the visions of her husband’s constant torture at the hands of Mortriel.

  Alannah wrapped her arms around her mother’s twin. “Mommy will bring him back. When she rescues Alorrah and Alexis, Fionn will be with them.”

  Esra smiled, and picked up the small angel, pulling her into a tight embrace.

  I have lived too long and seen too much. I wish I could spare you the visions; not all of them are pleasant. Such is the life of a seer. Being in your mother’s company will be good for you. I can’t wait to hear you laugh again.

  She set Alannah on the ground. “I think Gabriel and Michael are ready to go. Remember what I told you. You have to be patient.” Esra kissed Alannah on the cheek, and then moved to stand beside Uriel.

  After taking her father’s hand, Alannah waved to the rest of the Council. With a crackling sound and a flash of light, the five of them began their descent towards earth.

  “Do you still intend to block Aura’s visions?” Uriel asked.

  “She isn’t ready to know about Aidan, but when she meets Alannah, she will remember their bond.”

  “What of the other children? Do you think Aura will attempt to rescue them?”

  “A great many things will happen. Regrettably, Aura will experience a great heartbreak. There is nothing I can do to lessen it, but she is strong and will survive.”

  Esra sighed. “Her family has always looked to her for guidance because she is such a calming force. Soon, she will come into her own powers, and then, there will be a reckoning.”

  Not waiting for a response from Uriel, Esra walked away.

  Returning to th
e exact location where Mortriel took Avriel’s life, the clearing was still painted gold with the blood of her sister. Drawing in a deep breath, Esra lay on the grass and closed her eyes.

  The scent of freesia and lavender filled her lungs with a sweet, familiar fragrance. Mockingbirds, nesting just over the horizon, were lamenting in song; they understood her broken heart. Despite the ache, Esra found solace there, or perhaps it was because she knew what the future held.

  As she ran her hand over the golden stain, her thoughts drifted to Aura.

  Soon, you will know the past which we have kept from you these last seventeen years. Just a little while longer, and then, our family will be whole again.

  Chapter 27

  When Meredith awoke, the morning sun was still absent. She found Henry’s side of the bed empty, the sheets undisturbed. Wondering if he saw her sleeping off the wine, and decided not to bother her, or whether he failed to come to bed at all, her temper began to flare.

  Throwing off the floral comforter, she shuffled into the bathroom. After splashing water on her face, and then relieving herself, she returned to find one of the young maids had already laid out a change of clothing.

  The long, green velvet dress suited her, and after quickly running a brush through her hair, she picked up the broken tiara from the dresser. Tucking it into a purse, Meredith walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

  When she arrived in the living room, she found Henry asleep on the sofa. Lying on his back, his clothes were wrinkled, his hair disheveled, and he had one foot still on the floor. He must have passed out drunk.

  I’m glad one of us enjoyed the wedding reception.

  Meredith looked around the room and after setting her sights on a silver bowl and platter, she decided to drop them on the coffee table across from the sofa. Landing with a loud clang, Henry bolted off the couch.

  “Bloody Hell -- what in God’s name do you think you’re doing? Couldn’t you have had the decency to wake me gently?”

  “Since when do you sleep in the living room like some drunkard?” she bellowed. “What will the servants think?” Most of the girls were in the next room, where Meredith suspected they were snickering behind her back. “Get yourself cleaned up. We need to have a conversation with your son about his behavior yesterday.”

  Henry forced a laugh. “Since when has Richard’s behavior bothered you?”

  “I’m not speaking about Richard; I’m speaking about Caspian. Now, go upstairs and make yourself presentable. I’ll expect you in the dining room in half an hour.”

  As the governor walked towards the stairs, she followed.

  “It would behoove you to be on time. Keeping me waiting, won’t improve my mood,” she warned.

  Hurrying won’t improve my hangover, and I’m quite used to your moods after forty years of marriage. “Make sure the girls bring two carafes of coffee and make it strong. I have a feeling, I may need it.” He tiptoed up the stairs, holding onto the banister for support.

  One of the servants had been in the landing and heard the conversation. By the time the governor opened the door to his room, there was fresh water in the basin and towels on the nightstand. A clean suit of clothes hung over one of the winged chairs.

  Henry exchanged a knowing glance with the young girl, who curtsied, and then hurried out of the room.

  The early morning sun crept across the valley, casting a bright silhouette over Desiree’s limp body. Using her arm to shield her eyes, she turned over to find the other half of the bed empty. The sheets still rumpled, Richard had kept his promise and was already gone.

  As soon Desiree’s feet hit the floor, she had to hold onto the bedside table. Her head was still spinning from all the champagne she drank the night before. Moving slowly towards the bathroom, she turned on the shower, hoping the cool stream would alleviate her hangover.

  Plunging her head into the water, her thoughts returned to the previous evening, and a smile creased the corners of her mouth. It wasn’t the wedding night she anticipated with Caspian, but she had no regrets about sharing her bed with Richard.

  Then, her joyous mood turned sad. Meredith still insisted Richard marry Renatta, and though there had been no formal announcement of an engagement, she knew it would be forthcoming. In the meantime, she would savor every second with her lover.

  Perhaps Caspian and Renatta will both meet with unfortunate accidents. Then, Richard and I could be together, and Meredith won’t have any reason to refuse our being together.

  She lathered the sponge and washed off the remnants of the previous nights tryst.

  I can still be with Richard, as long as we’re discreet. Maybe I should return to Paris. There, no one will spy on us, and we can be open about our relationship.

  Pulling one of the towels off the rack, she began to dry her body. Her mood had already improved, and she no longer felt hung-over. In fact, she was ravenous. A good hearty breakfast, and then I’ll walk to the village and do some shopping.

  By the time she stepped out of the bathroom, the maid was knocking on the door.

  “Pardon me Madame, but would you like the room freshened up now?”

  Desiree responded with a nod. She wished she could have brought her mother’s servants to care for her. They knew her so well; they would have had her clothing laid out on a chair, waiting.

  It was better they weren’t here. If they had seen Richard sleeping next to me, there would have been hell to pay with my mother. She expected me to work things out with Caspian, but he never gave me a chance. I refuse to apologize for loving Richard.

  Desiree sat at the vanity and began to work the knots out of her locks. Watching her struggle, the young maid took the brush from her hand and gently worked it through her hair. When all the tangles were gone, her tresses were woven into a stunning French braid.

  Content with her hair, Desiree slipped into a long-sleeved brocade dress. She opened the door and made her descent down the long spiral stairway, having no idea what waited for her.

  Henry hurried to wash up, so he could join Meredith in the dining room. He desperately needed some coffee, but also wanted to be present when Caspian and Desiree came downstairs.

  There was no reason to delay the lecture he knew was forthcoming, but at least he could attempt to defend his son’s actions. After all, Meredith was the one who started the fight by slapping Paul’s youngest daughter.

  Henry chuckled to himself. I had no idea Willow was so powerful. Hopefully, my wife will consider that the next time she raises a hand to one of the children of the Guild.

  As he took his seat at the head of the table, he noticed the broken tiara lying next to Meredith’s teacup. No doubt, she would complain about that too.

  There were home-made biscuits, platters of bacon and eggs, two carafes of coffee, and a pot of tea on the table.

  As one of the servants filled his cup, Henry leaned back in his chair. He kept his head down, trying to avoid eye contact with his wife. Keeping silent, he waited for the onslaught of verbal abuse to begin.

  When Desiree sauntered into the room, taking a chair beside her mother-in-law, Henry couldn’t help noticing her hands shaking.

  He finally lifted his head to gaze at his wife. It was the first time Meredith had smiled that morning. “I trust you had a pleasant evening?” she asked. “Did my son apologize for his dreadful behavior?”

  Before Desiree could respond, Joshua and Will came into the room, plopping into the chairs next to Henry. After loading their plates, the young servant smiled at the boys, until the scowl on Meredith’s face sent her running out of the room.

  Meredith called her back. “This food is cold. Have the cook prepare something fresh, and be quick about it!”

  “You don’t have to take your anger out on her,” Joshua said. “She hasn’t done anything wrong. Why do you have to treat the girls like they’re second class citizens? If their parents were still alive, they wouldn’t even be here.”

  “Your father and I
brought them here because they had nowhere else to go. We provide them with food, clothing and a place to live. In exchange, they are expected to earn their keep, and as long as I am head of this household, those girls will remember they work for me.”

  “You’re wrong – this is my father’s home, and most of the girls are counting the days until they can inherit their parent’s estates, and get as far away from you as possible.”

  “How I treat my servants is none of your business. Now, your father and I have family business to discuss with Caspian and Desiree, so you’ll have to ask your friend to leave.”

  “Haven’t you heard? Caspian and Axel left last night after the reception,” Joshua said, enjoying the scowl on his mother’s face.

  Meredith dropped her teacup, sending shards of shattered porcelain to the floor. She stared at Desiree who was fidgeting in her chair and biting her bottom lip. Then, a flood of tears began streaming down her daughter-in-law’s cheeks.

  “Did you know about this, Henry?” Meredith demanded.

  “Of course not; I was rather drunk last night from the wine. I’m sure Caspian had a good reason for leaving so abruptly,” he said in defense of his son.

  “This is inexcusable,” Meredith bellowed.

  She clasped Desiree’s hand. “Don’t worry, my dear; we’ll send Richard to bring him home. Leaving you alone on your wedding night to go off with that thug; I’ll see to it Axel is punished when he returns.”

  “Didn’t you hear what Paul said about the angel-bloods, Mother? Someone has to warn them before anyone else dies,” Joshua said.

  “Whatever happens to them is none of our business. We all make choices, and if they choose to live amongst the mortals, then there is nothing we can do for them.”

  Joshua threw his fork on his plate. “C’mon, Will; we don’t need to listen to this. We’ll get something to eat at one of the restaurants in town. Or better yet, we’ll go see Analie. I doubt she’ll mind having company for breakfast.”