by K.N. Lee
You are the product of a Guardian and a normal human being and in that respect you are unique. Now, it is possible that you have inherited a normal blood type of the four I mentioned earlier. It is also a possibility that The Light is much stronger than normal blood and you have inherited L positive blood from your father. If either of these scenarios is true, then all hope is lost. Our only chance is that your parent’s blood types have somehow mixed, forming a whole new blood type. One that is strong enough to be a cure, but not so strong that it will kill a normal human being. If it doesn’t work, I could perhaps work with your DNA also.”
“Wow! That’s a lot to put on my shoulders.”
“I am sorry to burden you with this, but your part is actually quite small. All I require is a swab from your mouth and a small amount of your blood so I can use it to do some research. If my research proves conclusive, I will, at a later date need some more. I will only take a little on both of these occasions. After that, I will be able to synthesize it. Do you permit me?”
“How can I say no?” Anais held out her arm whilst Aldrich stuck a needle into it and extracted a small vial full of blood. He held it up to the light for her to see.
“Do not worry Anais.” He could obviously see the anxiety in her eyes “I am a proficient scientist and I believe, more than a match for my old partner; besides, I think we can assume that you did indeed inherit The Light.”
She looked closely at the vial. At first it looked like normal blood, but as Aldrich twisted it, light bounced off it in tiny flashes.
“I have to test this immediately, but you, my dear, are free to go. Please remember your promise not to tell the others, with the exception of Aethelu, of course.”
“I will.” She turned to leave but then remembered her own query.
“I understand why I was brought here and obviously receiving the letter meant that you wanted me here in a hurry, but why did you leave me locked in a room for so long?”
Aldrich had the decency to look disgraced.
“The day we received the letter, I called Winifred immediately telling her to get you here. I was afraid that telling you everything outright would scare you off and it was mandatory to get you here, for both your safety and the sake of mankind. The plan was to bring you here asleep and then Winifred would wake you up in the morning and tell you everything. Winifred knows how to brew my sleeping potion. Unfortunately as soon as we got you into the manor, we received a phone call from Jago. He told me there was something I needed to see at the airport and said I should bring Winifred with me. He instructed us to go to lost luggage. We picked up a suitcase in which we found clothes, fake passports, and tickets to Rio. There was a letter telling us to meet him there. I felt that perhaps he wanted to make peace or come up with a solution. I hoped that once we met face to face, we could sort something out. I called the manor, and it was Aethelu who answered. She’d been up late painting and so she was the one who heard the phone. I asked her to look after you and keep you locked in the room for a few days. I told her not to tell you anything, as I thought it would be best if Winifred told you everything. I asked her to look after you alone. The fewer people you saw, the better; plus, I thought you’d feel safer with another girl. I expected to meet Jago and be back in a few days. I knew Aethelu would look after you well, and I thought that just a couple of days locked up wouldn’t hurt you. I couldn’t risk asking Aethelu to let you go, just in case Jago and I couldn’t come to a beneficial conclusion. As it was, when we arrived in Rio, we were handed another letter. We spent a week going from one part of Brazil to another. Eventually, we gave up and tried to come home, but the Brazilian authorities had received a tip-off that our passports were fake. Of course, they were, so there was nothing we could do. We were thrown into separate cells for the night. My niece, Audsley, flew to us and managed to convince someone to hold us at a hotel while it was sorted out. It took three weeks for us to be released and allowed to fly home. If it hadn’t been for Audsley, I think we would still be in the Brazilian prison system. The children do not know where we were and why we were gone for so long. An armed guard ensured we couldn’t slip out to make a phone call and there was no phone in the hotel. Audsley was not permitted to see us after the first day so we couldn’t ask her to call home. She didn’t know about you, so didn’t know to call home to let you out.” He seemed sincere as he looked at Anais “I’m sorry to ask you to keep so many secrets, but I would appreciate it if you kept it that way.”
Anais didn’t know what to say. She could hardly be mad, now that she knew what they had gone through. She made up her mind to seek out Winnie and give her a huge hug as soon as possible.
She left the room and headed back to the main house via the courtyard, once again begrudging her lack of suitable footwear. It was still snowing heavily, but she barely noticed, her head was so full of what she had just learnt. It scared her to think that her blood was the only thing able to stop the wiping out of every human being. Aldrich didn’t even sound very certain that her blood was even up to the job. She didn’t want to think of the alternative if it wasn’t. Aldrich was remaining positive on the subject though, which gave her a little relief. It helped no one to be so negative, so she decided that there was no point worrying until she knew for sure the outcome of Aldrich’s tests.
Chapter 11
As Anais climbed the spiral staircase from the kitchen, she could hear a lot of noise coming from the parlour. Cheesy Christmas music was blaring from the speakers and someone was laughing loudly. She opened the parlour door to see the family enjoying themselves. August and Winnie had outdone themselves with the buffet, which now filled a long table at the side of the room. August was helping himself to a family sized pork pie which was clearly meant to be sliced, but he was eating it whole. The furniture had been removed, aside from a few chairs, which had been moved to the edge of the room; and Winnie and Rafe were now doing a very silly waltz around the room to a song that was clearly not for waltzing.
As she walked in, a rather tipsy Alex grabbed her and twirled her around the room, following Winnie and Rafe’s lead. As he had had a lot more human contact than Aethelu, he was able to hold Anais hand without the need for gloves much more quickly. Only August and Andrew really needed to wear them at all anymore, but as they never really had any reason to touch her, they elected not to wear them. August, after swallowing the pie almost whole, was clapping along to the music and the dancing couples. When the song finished, Alex thrust a glass of champagne into her hand.
“You look amazing! Sensational! Arcadia did a wonderful job.”
“Arcadia merely added the final touches to an already beautiful young lady,” Winnie cut in.
“Of course, Mama.” Alex looked embarrassed and left to go and talk to Rafe and to get another drink.
“Thank you Winnie.” She hugged her tightly
“Not at all, I was just stating a fact. Were you just with Aldrich?”
“I was. It’s terrifying, the things he said.”
“Don’t you worry; I have complete faith in my husband. He will have found a cure by nightfall, knowing him. Now drink up and let’s have some fun.”
Anais drained her glass, which was swiftly filled by Alex, who had appeared once again by her side.
“Where is Aethelu?” asked Anais
“I think she’s still with Arcadia getting prettied up. She’ll have to do a good job to hold a candle to you.” Alex blushed.
Anais had forgotten that Aethelu was having the same present as she had. She hoped that she wouldn’t have to wait for her much longer. Alex was a sweetie and great company, but he was making her nervous telling her she was beautiful all the time.
She quickly drank her second glass and then reminded herself to slow down. It was already going to her head.
When Alex asked her to dance again, she accepted mainly to keep him from talking. She was enjoying the old-fashionedness of it all, even though the song they were waltzing to had only been released a co
uple of years before.
She was mildly embarrassed about what Arcadia had told her earlier about Alex and Rafe, but as long as she was enjoying herself and Alex kept his hands in an appropriate dancing position, then she’d carry on dancing. She stole a look at Rafe as she was twirled past him and saw that he had a face like thunder, watching her and Alex dancing.
She hoped it had nothing to do with her. She didn’t want to be a cause of disquiet amongst her new family. She wondered if she should ask Rafe to dance after she had finished the song with Alex. She still felt rather awkward around him, but made up her mind to ask him anyway.
August had now grabbed Winnie and was weaving his way around the room with her in his arms. He didn’t seem to notice that her feet were not actually touching the floor and he was in effect just carrying her around the room. She was laughing so hard that Anais guessed she didn’t mind so much.
When the song ended she quickly scanned the room looking for Rafe. She found him at the buffet table, filling a plate with food.
Untangling herself from Alex’s arms she made her way to Rafe at the buffet table. Despite August’s best efforts to eat everything on the table, there was still a lot of food to be had. Plates of sliced meat, pies, and colourful salads of every description, chicken skewers and crudités for dipping in various sauces filled the table. The spread was wonderful, but the best part was the end of the table that held the desserts of which there were many: Christmas cakes and puddings, chocolate gateaux and cheesecakes with raspberry sauce. A large gingerbread replica of the house covered with icing snow was the centrepiece and looked magnificent. So beautiful was it, such a work of art, that no one had yet cut into it. The whole spread looked so delicious that Anais decided to enjoy her one night in the amazing dress because she was sure she wouldn’t fit into it by the next day. She followed Rafe’s lead and piled food onto her plate. Winnie saw that the others were eating and extracted herself from August’s arms to join the line for food. August, having already had three helpings of everything, went straight to the dessert table and started on that, being careful not to knock over the gingerbread manor.
Anais was wondering if she should get a plate for Aethelu when she heard the door open. Ever since Arcadia had picked out a red dress for her, she had been secretly worried that with Aethelu’s love of red, they would both end up looking like tomato coloured twins in matching red dresses. She was totally unprepared for the sight that greeted her as Aethelu walked through the door. So apparently were the others in the room, as they all stood open mouthed at the sight of Aethelu.
Even August stopped eating to gaze open-mouthed at his sister.
To say Aethelu was stunning was like saying the Grand Canyon was quite deep. Words could not describe how amazing she looked.
She was wearing a floor length layered gown with countless layers of sheer nude-coloured material. Thousands of gold beads and crystals had been hand sewn onto the top half of the dress, which, like hers, was sleeveless and high necked. She was wearing matching gold high heels, which peeked out from under the hem of the dress. A slight bronze glow of Aethelu’s skin showed that Arcadia had given her some kind of spray tan. Her usual pale skin now shimmered with a healthy colour and the gold eye shadow and pale nude lips finished the look off perfectly.
The biggest change though was Aethelu’s hair. Her long silver locks had been cut into a short pixie style, which Arcadia had dyed a much warmer blonde and sprayed with gold glitter. The whole effect was breathtaking, and the gold reminded Anais of the hot tub, which made her blush.
It was the first time she had seen Aethelu not wearing her traditional red clothes and lipstick, although she was pleased to see the ruby heart broach had been fastened on the dress.
“Wow!” said Rafe
Aethelu ran towards Anais.
“What do you think?” Aethelu gave a twirl.
Anais knew that everyone was staring, but she didn’t care. She took hold of Aethelu and doing her best to ignore the shocks that were coursing through her hands and then her arms and finally her lips, she kissed Aethelu.
Her whole body tingled with the effect of The Light and her hands and arms were beginning to burn. It felt like her mouth was on fire, but she didn’t stop.
She heard a wolf whistle from somewhere in the room which she suspected was August.
Finally it became too much to bear, and she let Aethelu go. Aethelu grinned and a flush came to her cheeks. Looking around, Anais could see the family watching them both. Winnie came over and hugged her daughter.
“You look wonderful, my beautiful girl. Arcadia, you did a grand job.”
She turned to Arcadia who had just entered the room looking very pleased with herself. Just behind Arcadia, Anais noticed Alex leaving. He looked downcast as he went through the door. Anais thought about following him to see why he was upset, but the music started again and Aethelu was in the mood to dance.
They danced for hours and ate and had fun. Anais had never laughed so much in her life.
At some point in the festivities, Andrew had arrived with Judith. Arcadia, the gossip queen had managed to let everyone know that Andrew had a new girlfriend and that she was arriving today, so her entrance was not entirely unexpected. She was just as beautiful as she had been in the photo, if not more so, in the flesh. Tall and slim with an athletic body, she stood straight and proud, and despite having travelled over thirty hours, still managed to look amazing. She was wearing a tailored suit with Andrew’s coat over the top to protect her from the snow. She had a regal air about her, but a warm smile on her face, despite her shivering with cold. It seemed that despite the many layers she was wearing, it was not enough to stop her feeling the British winter weather. Winnie was the first to run up and welcome her in traditional Winnie fashion by hugging her tightly. As Judith said hello to everyone, Anais could see Andrew brimming over with pride. She didn’t think she’d ever seen him really smile before, and it really suited him. He was transformed from the shy serious computer nerd into rather a handsome man. He even looked taller.
It’s funny what love can do to you, mused Anais, smiling. She grabbed hold of Aethelu for another dance and that’s when she noticed Rafe. His mood hadn’t seemed to have lightened up. He was still glaring, but she was relieved to see that the subject of his stares had now moved to Judith. She remembered her promise to herself to offer him a dance. Perhaps that would cheer him up a bit.
Alex had, at some point, returned and was now sulking alongside Rafe. Seeing the two of them together gave Anais an idea, probably brought about by too much champagne. She kissed Aethelu quickly, telling her to get some food before August ate the lot. She moved over to where Andrew was awkwardly dancing with Judith, his feet standing on hers more than the floor. Judith laughed every time he tripped over her or stood on her foot and was now leading him instead. Anais noticed he was back to wearing gloves again, this time for Judith’s benefit. She asked if she could borrow Judith for a second and winked at Andrew.
“Of course, I think she could do with a break from my clumsy feet.” He made his way over and joined Aethelu by the food.
Anais told Judith her plan and pointed to the twins who were both sulking in the corner. If Judith was surprised by the request, she did not show it. She was obviously not a shy character.
Anais deliberately chose Rafe, whilst Judith walked up to Alexander. The men both seemed surprised to be confronted by Judith and Anais.
“Please can I have this dance?” Judith held her hand out to Alex, who quickly got over his shock and grabbed her hand, pulling her into the middle of the room to dance.
“Shall we?” Anais waited for Rafe to make his move. He seemed hesitant, but then took her hand and followed his brother to the dance floor.
Both brothers were good dancers and each wanted to outdo the other. They both spun their partners faster and faster to the cheers of the rest of the family. Anais just caught a glimpse of Aethelu as she span by and saw that she was laughing hyste
rically. She could hear August’s booming cheers and Arcadia’s delicate laugh as the room span around and around her. She’d never been much of a dancer, but Rafe expertly guided her, making her seem more accomplished than she actually was. At some point, both brothers flung their partners out at the same time. Anais thought she was going to crash headlong into Judith, but Alex expertly caught her and spun her round. Looking up, she could see that Rafe was now doing a similar move with Judith. The boys had skilfully changed partners and were now guiding them through moves that seemed expertly choreographed.
“I’m so glad I got to dance with you again,” Alex said. Anais looked up into his black eyes. “You are so beautiful. You can’t imagine how it feels just to hold you for a second.”
Anais felt herself going red. Alex was embarrassing her, and she didn’t know how to respond. He knew she was with Aethelu, so why was he saying these things to her? Despite Rafe’s miserable demeanour all evening, she’d rather still be dancing with him. At least he didn’t talk as he danced.
“I’m tired. I think I’ll stop now, get some food, you know.” Anais tried to retreat.
“But you’ve already eaten!” Alex looked crestfallen.
“Dessert! I’ve not had dessert.” She managed to extricate herself from his arms, and made her way back to Aethelu, who was still laughing raucously.
Taking up a slice of cheesecake, she noticed that Judith had also given up dancing and had gone back to Andrew. He didn’t look too pleased to have lost his girlfriend to Alex and Rafe, if only for five minutes, and Anais wondered if she’d done the right thing.
Looking across the room, she could see that the twins now seemed to have cheered up and both were sharing a joke with one another.
In the early hours of the morning, the party finally wound down. Anais feeling extremely drunk, kissed a final goodnight to Aethelu and made her way up to her bedroom on the second floor. It was only when she finally got into bed, that she realised that she had not talked to Aethelu about Jago and his virus. She made her mind up to talk to her at breakfast the next day. She finally closed her eyes and fell into a very deep sleep.
