The Legacy (Ambrosine Book 2)

by Noreen Harrison

  “Come on, Alixia,” he scoffed. “That’s just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo.” The waiter placed his beer on the table. Anything else, sir?”

  “No thank you, just the menus.”

  “Here you go. Let me know when you’re ready to order.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Robert,” I watched the waiter leave and then picked up a menu. “It’s not mumbo-jumbo. She does help people understand what’s going on in the supernatural.”

  “I don’t know. I mean, we sure can’t tell her about Marcus.”

  “No, but why not talk to her? Let’s tell her about our experiences of someone watching us. She might have the answers we need, or she could just ease our minds.”

  “No, I don’t think so. I don’t believe in any of that stuff.” I shifted in my seat.

  “Well, of course you don’t have to. Anyway, it’s probably pointless, because you have to believe in Healers for them to help you.”

  “Well, that leaves me out.” He picked up his glass, downing the whole beer. Then he looked at the waiter, lifting the empty glass.

  “I think I’ll try to find Marcus on my own.” I reached for his hand.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Robert. You shouldn’t.” He looked at me, puzzled.

  “Why wouldn’t you want me to go look for Marcus? That doesn’t make any since. Oh, wait, I get it. Phillip.”

  I pulled my hand back, irate.

  “Phillip has nothing to do with this.”

  “Really? That’s not what I heard from Claire. Not that I blame you at all, Alixia. At least Phillip is human.”

  “Robert, that’s uncalled for! You know I love your brother. I didn’t mean anything sinister by telling you not to go look for him. I was just thinking that whoever has been following us is probably trying to get to Marcus. He did tell me he had enemies in his world.”

  “Alixia,” he laughed out loud. “Are you crazy, girl? Why would they be after Marcus? They’re the same as him.”

  I just shook my head as the waiter came back to the table, placed a second beer in front of Robert, and took our orders.

  While Robert downed several more beers and we ate our meal, I managed to convince him not to go looking for Marcus. I built on his assumption that maybe Marcus had indeed left, as he always said he would someday.

  We walked out of the restaurant into the night air.

  I immediately sensed my mother.

  Then I spotted Gabriel in a doorway.

  “Robert, let me give you a ride home.”

  ”No, it’s only a few blocks away and I need some air anyway.” He was slurring his words. I took his arm.

  “Well, so do I.” I turned back to Gabriel, motioning him to follow us. I sensed to the right of me that Madame Cecilia was across the street, moving as we did. She must have picked up on Lucida, too. Walking another block. I looked up and noticed that the streetlight was out as we turned the corner to go into the wooded park. They were out there. I sensed five of them.

  “Robert, I’m sorry”

  “Why?” He slipped to the ground as Gabriel knocked him out.

  “Thank you, Gabriel. Get him out of here and keep him safe. We will handle this.”

  Madame Cecilia came to my side.

  “Ready?”

  “Yes.” I walked out into the darkness. “Mother, I know you’re out here.” She moved quickly away from us as the other four came forward, ready to protect her. I turned to Madame Cecilia.

  “Go after her. I can handle them.” She left. They came at me and I knocked one to the ground instantly, piercing his heart. The girl who was with them grabbed me from behind. I flipped her over, smashing her to the ground, and I bent over her ready for the kill. She kicked me back, knocking me a few feet away. I shook off her blow and moved fast, going after her again. She turned around and hissed at me, and then took off running with the other two as they called out to her. I went after them quickly, accelerating in and out of the trees. They separated right away, going in different directions. I turned my attention from the girl and went for the closest one, catching up to him. I shoved him against a tree. He screamed out, begging me for his life. I closed my eyes, knowing that I couldn’t spare him. I pressed my palm deep into his chest, until his screaming stopped. Dropping him to the ground, I heard Phillip calling out to me.

  I turned, seeing him and several Ambrosines coming out of the trees with the girl. Her eyes were as black as night. She screamed out obscenities, fighting them with all the strength she had in her, until they engulfed her.

  I sat down on the ground, grabbing some air and closing my eyes. I tried to push the screams out of my head. Phillip came and sat beside me.

  “Where’s Madame Cecilia?”

  “She went after my mother,” I said, watching the Ambrosine’s head back into the trees to find the others, and take the Dark Ones’ ashes with them.

  I touched Phillip’s hand.

  “We have to end this.”

  The Wedding

  Swinging back and forth on the porch swing, I closed my eyes and felt the early morning sun on my face. A slight breeze brought fragrances from the garden and the orchard. I smiled.

  It’s the prefect June day for a wedding.

  “Good morning, Alixia.”

  “Morning, Madame Cecilia.” She came over and sat in the white wicker chair across from me.

  “I’m surprised you haven’t left yet, to help the girls get ready for their weddings.”

  “No, not yet,” I said stretching. “I’ll be leaving around three. The wedding isn’t until seven.” I looked out into the gardens.

  “Are you thinking about your mother, Alixia?”

  “Yes. I wish you could have caught her.”

  “I know. But Ambrosines will be on guard tonight.”

  I got up from the swing and walked over to the railing.

  ”Good. I don’t want another night like that.”

  “Did Robert say anything?”

  “No,” I laughed. “He just had a big headache. He actually called to apologize for passing out.”

  “Well, that’s good. At least he didn’t remember anything. Is he still going to try to find his brother?”

  “No. I think I’ll go for a morning stroll. Do you want to come?”

  “No, I need stay here and wait for Angel.”

  “Angel’s coming?”

  “She’ll be here today, and guarding Millie tonight.”

  “Millie? Why, is something going on?”

  “We don’t know for sure. It’s just a little talk among the realms. But Phillip and I can’t be with her tonight, so Angel will come and watch over her. Have you had any more visions?”

  “No, just minor ones of mother calling for me. Then she gets surrounded by the Dark Ones, and I can’t get closer to her. ”

  “You can’t get close to her?”

  I shook my head. She stared at me, thinking hard.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “Alixia, it’s just a thought, and hopefully I’m wrong.”

  “About what?”

  “When Marcel revived Lucida’s soul, there’s a chance that he might have given her free will.” She paused. “But why?” Her eyes narrowed. “Did you notice that she left, leaving the others to protect her?”

  I was getting frustrated. I jumped into her thoughts and she knew I was there.

  “Alixia, don’t get upset. It’s just a thought.”

  “A thought?” I yelled out. “You think she made the choice to be his mate, to have free will!”

  “Alixia, listen.”

  “No, you’re not justifying this. She’s no better than Charlotte. And I’ll tell you right now, the next time I see her, I will not hesitate at all!”

  I took off down the steps, heading to a hard dirt path that leads to a creek in our woods. I looked up into the trees and watched sunlight glisten on the leaves. Blackbirds squawked as I passed, and I was annoyed at their loud chatter.

  They
were probably sent here to watch me.

  I shook my head and ran down the hill to the water. Sitting down at the edge of the creek, I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. I looked down at the water and started thinking back to the fight in the park. Madame Cecilia was right: it did seem as if the others were only there to protect her.

  How could she be with him? She can’t love him. I won’t believe that. Not like she did my father.

  They’re using each other. That has to be it. He’s thinking I would never go after my own mother and she doesn’t want to give up her soul again.

  Well, neither is going to fulfill their desire.

  I sensed Phillip coming.

  “Did Madame Cecilia send you out here to talk to me?”

  “Yes, but I have big news from Millie, too. James got his first tooth.”

  I couldn’t help myself: I actually giggled, thinking of Millie. She always seemed to cheer me up.

  “That’s pretty exciting.”

  “Yeah, she figured you’d get a kick out of it.”

  He put his arm around me.

  “So, are you still upset? Madame Cecilia told me what she suspects.”

  “No Phillip, I’m not upset anymore. She’s just Lucida to me now, and I won’t hesitate to destroy her if she tries to hurt anyone I love.”

  He squeezed my arm.

  “I’m glad you realize that she’s evil and needs to be ended. But, I’m sorry that you lost your love for her, too. ”

  “Don’t be. She made the choice to be Marcels’ mate, and now it’s time for me to accept my Ambrosine legacy, just as she always wanted me to do. The irony, of course, is that she would never have thought that I will be the one to destroy her.”

  “Alixia, she might be there tonight.”

  “I know, and I hope she does show herself.“ I looked up, feeling a raindrop. A few dark clouds had decided to cover the sun. Phillip stood up.

  “We’d better go.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” I reached up, taking his hand. Suddenly, we were in the midst of a downburst. Phillip laughed.

  “When it rains, it pours.”

  “Very funny, Phillip. Come on, I’ll race you back to the house.” I took off, feeling the rain on my face. It felt good, cooling me down. Phillip ran past me.

  “If I win,” he said, “you owe me a kiss.”

  “I’d probably give you one anyway.” I yelled at him, teasingly. He stopped and came back to me, taking me in his arms.

  “Hey, you haven’t won the race yet.”

  “I’m forfeiting to you.”

  He kissed me passionately. I broke away from his embrace, catching my breath.

  “Phillip, we have to stop this. You need to understand that I will be with Marcus when he returns.“

  “I understand that you still care for me, too. As long as that door is still open, I’m going to keep knocking on it.”

  “But Marcus is the…”

  “No, don’t say it!”

  I started walking away from him.

  “Where are you going?” he asked.

  “To cool down!”

  “But you’re already wet.”

  I put my hands over my mouth, trying not to laugh. I couldn’t believe he’d said that aloud.

  “Phillip,” I said, chuckling. “I’m sorry that I hurt you. I shouldn’t have.“

  He placed his fingertips to my lips.

  “Hush, I don’t want to hear it. Let’s just get this wedding over with. Come on.”

  We walked back to the house in silence, and Phillip got in his car.

  “Okay,” he said. “I’ll meet you at Libby’s.”

  “Are we good?” I asked, leaning in the window.

  “Yes. I can’t stay mad at you. I think you have some kind of witching power over me.”

  “Oh, so you know my secret.”

  He started the car.

  “You’re something else, girl. See you there.”

  The rain stopped and the clouds began to move away. Knowing Libby, I figured she’d probably had a meltdown when the rain hit. Hopefully, it would stay clear now for the wedding.

  “Alixia, come in here,” Madame Cecilia said, peeking her head out of the study. The room smelled of her perfume as I walked in. “

  “What do you need? Hi, Angel,” I said, seeing her sitting in my father’s leather chair. She stood up and walked over to me. I took her hand and she kissed my cheek.

  “So, Alixia, have you heard from your Dark One?”

  “No?”

  “ Do you think he’s still alive?”

  “The last I heard, he was. Why?”

  “The Dominions have some concerns about what happened on the island. But that shouldn’t concern you. I will speak to Marguerite about it.”

  I jumped into her head.

  “You know you’re not allowed to go after Marcus!” I said. She looked down at her palms. Knowing that I was reading them, she switched her thoughts to French.

  “Yes, you’re right, but if he takes a Family member…”

  I wasn’t going to let her goad me into an argument.

  “He won’t. Now, excuse me. I need to go upstairs and get ready to go to Libby’s.”

  “Alixia, before you leave, I want you to know that, if he does, I will be there to destroy him.”

  I leered at Angel and spoke without any remorse.

  “Or, he may destroy you.”

  “Alixia!” Madame Cecilia said, shocked.

  “I’m going to my room.” Angel came at me grabbing my arm and spewing out a threat.

  “I will only give you one warning. Do not choose this Dark One over the Family!”

  I pulled my arm back.

  “Don’t make me, then.”

  Upstairs, I flopped down on my bed and stared at the ceiling.

  I know Angel is up to something. Why would she keep her thoughts in French?

  She has to be hiding something…

  “Marcus, I need you,” I said aloud.

  Then, without warning, I sensed him.

  I tried reaching out to him, almost touching him, and then it was gone. The sensation faded, but a trace remained. I closed my eyes, fixating on the swamp and going toward Marguerite’s. I moved slowly in my ghostlike state, but soon saw that it wasn’t taking me in the direction of Marguerite’s mansion. I was being drawn somewhere else. I walked deeper into the swamp, taken aback by its beauty and sorcery. I moved quietly through the gray mist, remembering childhood stories that my father had told me about witches who lived here. They conjured up spells and used their craft to prey on the innocent. Now I wondered if they were true, and not just things he made up to keep me out of the swamp.

  The farther I walked in, the more fog there was rising from the swamp. I looked to my right, stopping suddenly. I sensed something familiar. I’ve been here before.

  Suddenly, I felt a push.

  “Leave!”

  “What?” I opened my eyes. I was back in my room and so was Madame Cecilia, leaning over me.

  “What were you up to?” she asked loudly. “Olitha just called and told us to tell you to stop!”

  I sat up.

  “I sensed him, he’s out there, and now I know where.”

  “Alixia, you were told to stop!” I pushed her aside, getting off the bed.

  “I need to see him!”

  “Alixia, don’t be foolish now.”

  I shook my head. No more being patient.

  “I’m not arguing about this anymore. After the wedding, I’m going to him,” I said, clapping my hands. “Now, where’s my dress?”

  “In the closet, I suppose.”

  Angel came into the room.

  “I’m leaving.”

  “I’ll walk you out,” Madame Cecilia said.

  “Alixia” I turned to face Angel. ”We will talk again, and I expect you to be more respectful to me when we do.”

  I just glared at her. They left, conversing in French.

/>   I turned my attention back to the closet, reaching out for my dress. The phone rang.

  “Alixia, I need you. “

  “Libby what’s the matter.”

  “Just come, please.”

  “On my way.“ I hung up the phone, grabbed my keys and the dress, and ran downstairs and out the door.

  “Alixia, where are you going? We need to talk,” Madame Cecilia said.

  “To Libby’s. She needs me.” I put the dress in the back seat. “I’ll see you there, bye.” I started the car, put it in gear and took off.

  At Libby’s house, there was commotion everywhere. Caterers ran about as people were putting up tents. Chairs and tables were being unloaded from trucks. No wonder the poor girl called me.

  Libby’s parents just pointed upstairs, with exasperated looks on their faces. She was lying on her bed.

  “Libby?” Her eyes were red. I put my arm around her.

  “What happened?”

  “Nothing,” she said.

  “Then, why are you crying?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Oh, Libby.” I sat there comforting her, until she composed herself.

  “Okay, I’m ready for this.”

  I laughed aloud.

  “I hope so. Come on.” She got off the bed and we went into the bathroom. She blew her nose.

  “Okay, let’s get you looking like a beautiful bride.”

  She looked in the mirror at her red eyes and tear-streaked face.

  “Do you think you can?” she asked, looking at me pitifully.

  “Yes. Wash your face.”

  Libby sat on a stool in her bathroom as I worked on her hair, putting it up in a French twist. Then I wove a few sprigs of baby’s breath through it, along with a jeweled tiara. Turning her stool around so that she could see, I asked: “What do you think?”

  “Alixia, I love it.”

  “Good. Now, the makeup.”

  “Alixia.”

  “Yes,” I said, applying her foundation. “Why do you think Marcus doesn’t want to be here for his brother’s wedding? His parents are just devastated about it.”

  “I don’t know. Here, close your eyes so I can get the shadow on.”

  “But, don’t you think it’s odd? Robert and he were so close.”

  She had her eyes closed, and I thought to myself that was quite appropriate.

  I’m glad they’re both leaving me for Europe, because I hate not telling them the truth.