“That’s different. Marcus isn’t like Marcel.”
“But he is.”
“No, he isn’t!”
“I’m not going to argue with you.”
“Because you know I’m right.”
She looked at me in exasperation.
“Can I continue?”
“Go ahead.”
“As I was saying, things were different centuries ago. Madame Correa was born in the West Indies. Her father was a High Priest. Her mother was a light-skinned African slave who had escaped from a sugar cane plantation on the island. She found sanctuary with Correa’s father’s people.
“As Correa grew up, she was very high-spirited. She didn’t obey well, and loved debating everything.”
“A family trait,” I laughed.
“If you say so,” she smiled. “Anyway, when she was fifteen, a Dark One passed through the village and took her mother’s soul. It changed the mother into a foul creature who preyed on villagers throughout the island. Her carnage of the innocent went on for a while, until other High Priests from different villages came to meet with her father. They knew that he was protecting her, and they demanded he take action against her, or they would. Correa’s father had already destroyed the Dark One who had taken her mother’s soul. However, he refused to take his mate’s life, and tried everything to keep her safe.”
“Why would he want to do that if he knew she had killed so many?”
“Because he loved her, Alixia. And he actually thought he could rid her of the black evil that was inside her. She appeared to him every night, pleading for a ritual that would reverse the curse on her. He tried several sacraments, but nothing worked at that time. Her hatred grew even more malignant after every disappointment. So much so that she even threated to go after Correa’s soul.”
“She threated to take her own daughter?”
“Yes. She couldn’t bear to be without her daughter any longer, and if Correa’s father couldn’t help her, she had decided to take her daughter’s soul. Fearing for Correa, and knowing the other High Priests would take action soon, he knew that he had to do something.
“So before dusk one evening, and with a heavy heart, he told his daughter that she would be the prey that lured her mother to her death. He gave her a blanket, telling her to wrap herself in it, and stuck a lit torch in the ground that cast an ochre light around her.
“She sat there quietly, looking out into the darkness, waiting for and anticipating her mother’s first touch. It wasn’t long before she felt her mother’s icy fingers caressing her hair from behind. Correa didn’t move or cry out. She just kept her head and focused, waiting for the right time. Her mother moved slowly round in front of her, saying her name. Kneeling down, she cupped Correa’s face gently in her hands. Correa looked at her sorrowfully, watching her mother’s dark, soulless eyes widen as she plunged the knife deep into her mother’s heart.”
“What!” I was shocked. ”She killed her?”
“Alixia, it wasn’t her mother anymore. You know that.”
There was knock on the door. Marguerite turned toward it.
”Madame, there is a phone call for you.”
“Thank you. Alixia, I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
As I waited, thoughts flitted through my mind. Why did she want me to know about Correa killing her mother? What did that have to do with my immortality?
The door opened.
“Sorry, Alixia, but I will have to finish telling you the rest of your legacy later.”
“Why?”
“That was Grandmother Cecilia. She will see us.”
I looked at her in surprise.
“She agreed? I can’t believe she came around so quickly.”
“Well, she didn’t exactly agree.”
“What do you mean, not exactly?”
”She wants to talk with you first, before she helps us.”
“Right. It’s probably about the fight we had. I’m not going down that path with her again.”
She walked over to the bed and started straightening the comforter.
“I know. She mentioned your defiance.”
I got up and pulled the other end of the comforter.
“Well, she makes me mad. There’s no compromise with her. It’s always the Ambrosine way or nothing.”
“Unfortunately, your little outburst has aggravated the situation even more. Especially your disobedience in not going to the High Council, to justify killing Charlotte. ”
“Oh, so this is my fault? What was I supposed to do? Just let them destroy Marcus?”
She tossed me a pillow.
“No, you did the right thing. But now you must come with me, and meet with her. You need to resolve this.”
I pushed the pillow against the headboard.
“Okay, but this meeting had better have some kind of compromise.”
“Oh, there will be. On both your parts.” And then she smiled. “Trust me, things will work out. Now, go finish freshening up. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
“Hey, before you go, what happened after Correa’s mother was destroyed?”
“Oh yes, Correa. Well, as I said, it will have to wait. ”
“But…”
“I promise when we get back from Madame Cecilia’s, I will tell you. Now, hurry up.”
She left, closing the door behind her.
I walked into the bathroom, turned on the faucets and splashed my face. I looked in the mirror, watching water drip and thinking back on Marguerite’s story. I wonder how Correa could have actually killed her own mother. I don’t think I could have done that if my mother had lived.
I sighed deeply, and reached for a towel. Suddenly, my body became rigid. My mind filled with broken images of Marcus and Phillip together. They were in danger, and a woman was there but her face wasn’t clearly visible.
“Who is she?” I asked aloud as the vision ended. I stood there for minute, trying to make sense of it.
Something’s going to happen, but what?
Heading downstairs to find Marguerite, I looked over the banister and saw her talking to Michael in the foyer.
“Marguerite!”
“Alixia, what is it?” I ran down to meet her.
“Something going to happen.” She grabbed my hand as I hit the last step.
“You had a vision? “
“Yes – Phillip and Marcus in danger, and there’s a woman, too.”
“A woman?” Marguerite grimaced as she looked over at Michael. ” Did you see her face?”
“No, it was hazed over, why? ”
“Come on.”
She moved quickly toward the front door.
“We’re going right now to see Madame Cecilia. She’ll know if she’s coming or not.”
“Who? If who is coming?”
Michael came up by her side.
“Tell her, Marguerite.”
She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“Alixia, I’m pretty sure the woman you’re sensing is Madame Correa Ambrosine.”
“What? No, that can’t be. Wouldn’t I be able to see her?”
“You’re right, but maybe… Madame Cecilia will know more.”
Michael opened the door.
“Marguerite, will you return tonight?“
“Yes.”
“I’ll inform the staff.”
“Thank you, Michael. Come, Alixia.”
We got into the limousine and the diver closed the door behind us.
“Remember now Alixia, no mentioning of the story that I have been telling you.”
“Don’t worry.”
“Good girl.”
We drove on a narrow dirt road and, in daylight, I was surprised to see that swampland and old bald cypress trees surrounded the mansion. Twisted and snarled, their branches were heavy with gray Spanish moss, adding to both the eeriness and the beauty of the swamp. A few alligators floated among the water lilies, waiting for prey. The sun shone and I
sensed the quietness of it all, making me calm.
On the highway to New Orleans, I leaned back in the seat, thinking of my vision again. I knew Marcus would be in danger with the Ambrosines, but why Phillip?
“Marguerite.”
“Yes”
”I was just wondering, do you think my vision means that Marcel is sending someone after Phillip or his Family? I know he can’t go after Marcus.”
“I don’t know, Alixia. Let’s just wait until we can talk to you grandmother, please.”
“Okay.” I sat back in my seat and looked out the window, still wondering about Marcel.
The car stopped in front of Madame Cecilia’s townhouse. I thought back to my first visit here, and how naïve I had been. I had not known that everyone I met that night was part of the lies and deception that changed my life forever.
“Alixia, are you coming?”
“Yes.”
Millie, very pregnant and just as beautiful as ever, met us at the door.
“Alixia!”
I ran up the stairs and wrapped my arms around her.
“Millie,” I said, hugging her. Then I quickly broke my embrace as the baby kicked me lightly. Looking down at her belly, I started rattling off questions.
“Are you okay? The baby hasn’t had any problems? Are they watching over you?”
She smiled, patting her stomach.
“Oh, I’m fine. Stop worrying, child, and come on in.”
Walking into the living room, not sensing her, I asked. “Where’s Madame Cecilia?”
“She’ll be here soon.”
Millie took Marguerite’s hand and kissed her cheek.
“It’s nice to see you again, Marguerite.”
“It’s nice to see you again, too.”
“Millie, you know Marguerite?” I asked.
“Yes of course. Why wouldn’t I? She’s a Healer, as your mother was.”
“Really? You can levitate?”
“Alixia!” They both yelled simultaneously. I took a step backward in surprise.
“What?”
And then I realized what I had done. Millie shook her finger at me angrily.
“You know you’re not supposed to talk about what you’ve witnessed. Ever!”
“I know. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
And then I sensed Madame Cecelia.
“She’s here,” I said.
Marguerite went to the window and pulled the curtain aside.
“Yes, she is.”
“Alixia!” I heard her call. I moved to the edge of the couch thinking, here we go. I could sense her worry as she walked through the door. She came over and put her arms around me.
“Don’t you every run off like that again!”
“I’m fine.” I said, breaking the embrace. Her touch felt like my mother’s arms were around me again.
“Marguerite said that you wanted to talk to me?”
“Yes, I do. Marguerite persuaded me that I should try to talk to the High Dominion on your behalf, to protect this Dark One. So Henry, Marguerite and I will plead your case.”
“You will?” I wondered what she was up to. “What’s the catch?”
“Nothing, Alixia.”
“So, you’re telling me you’re okay with this now?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” I said with suspicion, still not believing her sincerity. “When will we leave for France?”
She and Marguerite exchanged a glance.
“You’re not going to France. Marguerite and I will be going to the West Indies, and we leave tomorrow.”
“The West Indies? Why there?”
“That’s where we have to go, to finish this issue with Marcus. “
“What do you mean by issue?”
Suddenly, I sensed that Millie was in some physical discomfort as she tried to rise out of her chair.
”Here, let me help you.” I got up and walked over to her, taking her hand and pulling gently.
“Are you alright?”
“I ‘m fine,” she said, holding on to her back. “ I’m just a little uncomfortable. Having some twinges, that’s all. I think I’ll go lie down.”
“I’ll help you,” I said, glancing at Madame Cecilia. “I’ll be right back.”
“No, let Marguerite take Mille to her room. We need to talk.”
I wrapped my arm around Millie more firmly.
”As I said, I will be right back!”
“Alixia, it’s okay. Marguerite can take me to my room.”
“Sure?”
“Yes. Just listen to what Madame Cecilia has to say, and without any argument, please.” She kissed my cheek. “For me, okay?”
I nodded.
“Good.”
Madame Cecilia closed the double doors behind them, and then sat in a chair across from me. Bringing her hands together in a prayerful fashion, she tapped them against her lips.
“Alixia, about Marcus. If I do this…”
“I’m glad you’re going to try to help us, but I want you to know that I’m still not giving up Marcus. So don’t go there.”
“I’m not going to. “
I stared at her suspiciously, and reached into her mind.
“Alixia, get out of my head! I’m telling you the truth. There will be no more argument about him. I will help you.”
“Why?”
She looked down, avoiding eye contact with me.
”Let’s just say that Marguerite reminded me of another time when these two realms intertwined.”
I knew what she was talking about, but I kept Marguerite’s confidence for now.
“So, because there was a time when both realms came together, you suddenly have a change of heart now.”
“Yes. Just trust me.”
“Trust you? Really? That’s all I’ve been doing, and look how it has turned out.”
“Fine. On reflection, I don’t suppose it’s really important that you trust me. However, you will listen, because I will not lose you.”
She walked slowly over to the baby grand and hit one of the keys dramatically. As the tone dissipated, she turned and looked full at me.
“If you want my help, there will be conditions.”
“I knew it!”
“You must do exactly what I say, without any questions.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Why?”
She banged down hard on the keys.
“Alixia, that is enough! That is why we are in this mess, because of your stubbornness. Don’t you understand? I am going against the Family for you! You have to listen to me this time or we will both be in danger.”
I sat there, sensing her terror for me. I got up and walked over to her.
“Listen, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it to come out that way. I’m a little suspicious about why you want to help us.”
She reached over and touched my shoulder.
“The reason is as simple as this. I know there is no changing your mind about this Dark One, Marcus. So, I will help you. Do I have your trust?”
“I guess so….”
“Alixia, that’s not the answer I want. I need you to fully trust me, do you understand?”
I turned away from her and walked back to the couch, reaching into her mind again. There was no pretext: she meant what she said.
“Alixia!”
“Okay, I will trust you. But there had better not be any more lies. Do you understand me?”
She let out a sigh.
“There won’t. In fact, to be honest, I’ll start with the trip that we were supposed to take.”
“The trip?” I asked, moving a vase of flowers to the left side of the coffee table so that I could see her better. I watched her eyes follow the vase as she stumbled through the first few words.
“Well, let’s just say that we were never going to France. It was just a ruse to get you where we were really going.”
“The West Indies?”
“The West Indies.”
“
Why did you tell me I was going to France?“
“We didn’t know if we should tell you yet.”
“About what?”
She hesitated, knowing that she had my full attention. I could sense her nervousness.
“Where our lineage is actually located. “
“Again, the West Indies?”
She nodded.
”This doesn’t make much sense. Why would you hide that from me?”
“Try to understand, the Dominions weren’t sure of you yet.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Alixia, let me explain, please.”
I put my arms up in the air in exasperation, and then crossed them tightly across my chest.
“Go ahead.”
She fiddled nervously with the diamond on her necklace.
“The Dominions know of your obsession with Marcus, and your reluctance to let go of the outside world. You have been rebellious with us at every turn. Think about it: why should they trust you?”
I bit down on my lip. This is so ridiculous. I sat there quietly reflecting for a moment, looking at her.
“You’re right. They shouldn’t trust me. In fact, they should keep a watchful eye on me. Because I will not stand by this time if anything happens to anyone I love or care about.”
She closed her eyes, and when she spoke again, there was defeat in her voice.
”I understand. We will not fight anyone. I will help you. I don’t want anyone else in the Family to be hurt by this. So, we will work together to get this situation resolved. Are we agreed?”
“No tricks? Marcus will be safe, and we can be together?”
“You have my word.”
“Okay.”
The door opened.
Marguerite walked into the room and went over to Madame Cecilia, bending down and whispering to her in French. Now what are they up to? That was sure short-lived.
“Excuse me. Don’t make me jump into your minds. Remember, no more secrets here.”
“Alixia, this isn’t about secrets. It’s about the vision you had today. I was telling Madame Cecilia what you saw.”
“I’m sorry, but in my defense you both know that I don’t speak French.”
“Well maybe it’s time you applied yourself and learned how.”
“I’m trying. So, the images. What do think they mean?”
She just sat there for a moment with a grim look, and then shook her head.
“I don’t know. Marcus is being hunted but I don’t see why Phillip would be in danger. I need to contact Angel when I get to the West Indies. Maybe she can find out what’s going on.”
The Legacy (Ambrosine Book 2) Page 4
