"Oh dear, here we go," other me said as Cyn's eyes volleyed from her to other Art and other Eisha, apparently not seeing Asrhia yet.
I took his hand in mine. "Cyn, they are us, from the future." He nodded, but he seemed like he wasn't listening as his gaze found Asrhia. "And this is Asrhia, she is the one that helped us in Sicily, and she is also our daughter."
He moved towards her almost hypnotized, and to my surprise, tears welled in his eyes. Asrhia moved closer to him as her eyes shone.
“Could this be true?” Cyn whispered as the waves of emotion rolled through us. Happiness, shock, love, nostalgia.
"She is much more than your daughter," the other Art informed me, standing next to Asrhia. "May I?" He asked, lifting a hand to her chest. She nodded.
The moment his palm rested over her heart, the prismatic glow exuded from his skin, flowing from him and into Asrhia, causing her to glow too.
* * *
“With the power bestowed in me by the Goddess,
and as her rightful Soul Hunter,
I transcend the veil between lives and summon thee.
Show yourself to us today. Bring forward your essence,
and let us rejoice as we hear your voice once again.
Restful spirit,
Dúisigh”—Awaken.
* * *
Asrhia's eyes began to glow and as her gaze once again connected with Cyn, her heart-shaped lips curved into the most beautiful smile. “Mo bhalach!”—My boy!
“Mother!” Cyn pulled her into his arms and held her close while the tears spilled from his eyes.
Current Eisha and I gasped as we watched the reunion. "This is why she seemed so familiar," Eisha whispered stunned. "She is the vivid image of Cyn and Art's mother. I was just so young when she died. I could not remember her."
"I sensed her the moment she was born," other Art confirmed. "Mother's was the first reincarnated soul I ever awakened."
"There are more?" current Eisha asked, and he nodded smiling. She looked at me, her gaze filled with wonder. “Asrhia has Gwynith’s reincarnated soul."
My gaze fell on Asrhia as she caressed Cyn's face lovingly, kissing his cheek. The tears escaped me too; I knew how much this meant to him. My hands once again cradled my belly. Our child was even more special that I could ever dream.
"I am well my child. I am proud of you. I love you." The words left her lips, and the next second the glow receded from Asrhia's eyes. She stood back blinking and wiping her cheeks.
Cyn hugged her once more and kissed her temple. "I love you."
“I know, Dad.”
"Well, I'm afraid we must go. We have broken all kinds of natural, and supernatural laws today." Other me announced, and I nodded.
"Take care of that baby, she's going to rule the world," Asrhia said with a wink, and other me sighed, hiding a smirk.
I hugged Asrhia once again, but this time it meant so much more. “I will. Thank you.”
I stepped back, and Cyn took my hand as the blinding light came again and then they were gone.
My light dissipated and I stood with the rest of my family at the entrance of the City of Heaven. My eyes traveled over the magnificent sight before us, and once again tears welled in my eyes. Tears of joy. I briefly wondered if I would spend the whole day crying.
The city before us was made entirely out of glass. Cyn’s hold on my hand tightened as pride and love rushed through us. We exchanged a smile and admired our new world. It was huge. The houses visible from where we stood resembled our huts in a way, but its construction was unlike anything we had ever seen.
Roofs made of hazy white glass, sparkled in the light as though it were diamonds. It reflected the sky and clouds so beautifully that I instantly realized where Art had gotten the name. The clouds suddenly shifted, and as the sunlight hit it, its shine became so bright that the whole city seemed to glow. Suddenly, its surface darkened, transitioning from clear to a deep gray and shading the homes.
The buildings—of what I could only describe as oval glass bubbles—stood tall, each resting upon the other. Large round structures, which I assumed were single homes, sat at one side of the street, and others seemed like groupings of three different size spheres, much smaller than the rest. A building that resembled a Gothic Cathedral built of stone and glass was on the further side of the street to our left. Its ceilings were elongated and circular mimicking the other structures. It was a beautiful palace.
My gaze jumped from one place to the other never tiring, but even then I couldn't possibly see it all from where I stood. The City of Heaven was in fact, a full city—as big as New York City.
My gaze returned to the entrance, and I noticed the beautiful archway that stood in the center. It was a replica of the entry to Blessed Oaks Grove. Except it was silver.
"I had a local artist work the metal to recreate it," Art informed me, standing next to me with Lia, and the babies.
I suddenly noticed that to our left, right beyond the entrance was a large parking lot, filled with what seemed like highly sophisticated golf carts, or luxury mini cars.
"They are Mercedes Benz’s," Kevan added from behind me. "Top of the line. One for every family."
“And those?” Lia asked, pointing to a few that extended, with multiple seats like a sporty limousine.
“Those are our busses.”
Lia whistled. “Holy guacamole.”
“Exactly how much freaking money did The Brotherhood have?” I asked perplexed.
Marcus laughed from where he stood next to his son and Eisha. "Considering it was founded by the wealth of the most influential families of the Roman Empire, which had vaults of gold in their temples, and dedicated their lives—generation after generation—to grow their power and fortune so they could conquer their ‘enemy.' It is fair to say, that this barely hit half of our inheritance. Now that we sold the law offices around the world, mansions and any other possession ever acquired through The Brotherhood, your people will be well taken care of for the rest of their lives.
"Our people," Kevan reminded.
Marcus smiled. “Our people.”
The entrance had a beautiful red fabric tied from each end with a bow that met in the center, and Peter, Max, Jason and their crew stood on one side with giant scissors waiting for Art.
Cyn’s hand gripped his brother’s shoulder and squeezed. “Well done, little brother. This is a beautiful place.”
He grinned, dimples flashing. "Just wait until you see our homes. We have a structure just for you guys and your Court. Three massive houses, distant but easily accessible. You know, in case you need us."
I frowned intrigued.
"Hey, Aigneis," I said, welcoming the older lady walking towards us slowly—as though the years weighed on her. She had a lovely smile on her face. I held her hand the moment she got to our side. "Are you happy to be here with us?"
"Oh, you could never imagine my joy." I grinned and bent down to kiss her cheek. She was such a sweet old lady, the first one to encourage me and believe in me.
"Do not worry, Aigneis," Art said, bending down to her level and held her other hand. "I built you a beautiful home close to mine, so I can still help you and take care of you."
Her eyes sparkled brightly as her hand left him and rested over his heart. She closed her eyes as though enjoying the feeling. "Such a pure soul, my child." When her lids lifted, her eyes began to glow.
We gasped taking a step back, while the light in her expanded, covering her full form. Pure, white brilliance emanated from her as she transformed before our eyes. When her glow receded, a beautiful, tall woman stood in front of us. Blonde wavy hair cascaded down her body all the way to her legs. Her bright green eyes sparkled and her full lips stretched into the most dazzling of smiles. A white gown hugged her curves, making her look like a real Goddess. She lifted her right hand, and a spear made of gold materialized in her grasp. It looked just like mine, except instead of a crystal sphere, a ball of radiant, live energy floate
d inside it.
"Mother Goddess," Art whispered stunned, falling to his knees. We all kneeled in front of her. The gasps and murmurs of amazement around us filled the whole area as the multitude behind us, our family, also paid their respects to the Goddess.
“Rise, High Priests of The Order of The Druids, and bring your Court forwards.”
I looked at Cyn, and we stood as my heart slammed against my chest. Had Aigneis been the Goddess all this time?
Her gaze found me, and she gracefully nodded once. "Yes, my child. It has been me all along." Her eyes shifted to Cyn, as she cradled his cheek. "I never left your side."
She took a few steps backwards, gesturing with her staff for us to follow. "Bring your Court forwards," she repeated.
Cyn and I looked at the others. Art and Lia gave the babies to Ronan and Eghan and stood on our left side, Kevan and Eisha stood on our right, we walked towards her.
"I am so proud of the people you've become. Your accomplishments fill me with the greatest of joys. I am certain you will live a life of honor, love and commitment towards those you deem the most important." Her staff gestured to the people behind us, Cyn and I nodded.
"It will be our pleasure. We shall guide our family and protected them, until our last breath."
She smiled, satisfied by Cyn's answer. "I believe you. It is because of this that I will give you a gift today." Her gaze roamed the multitude of Celts and once Romans alike. "For centuries you have lived an immortal life, tied to the essence of the life existing in the earth, in the sky, wind, and sea. A prayer I answered when you needed it the most. Today, and with your High Priests as my witnesses, I offer to unravel the spell that once linked your mortal bodies to my immortality." I tried not to gasp as the sounds of amazement traveled through the crowd. "For those of you who wish it, I shall grant you mortality once again, so you shall live your lives as you once intended. For those of you who wish to remain, or become immortal, I shall grant it as well."
Cyn and I exchanged a glance, while the multitude of people suddenly became silent. This was the most important, and perhaps the most difficult decision of their lives. For Cyn and I, it was the easiest one. "Thank you, My Goddess," I said moving closer with Cyn. "We wish to remain immortal. This is our mission, to protect and look out after those who need us. Our family. We are who we are for them."
She smiled, and her gaze shifted to our left as Leigh stepped forwards. "If you can consider me worthy, Mother Goddess, I wish to become mortal again." His gaze searched our eyes for understanding. "I do not mean to abandon you, brother, sister, but I wish to live my life the way it was intended. I long to grow old and experience everything the way I was meant. After my journey is over, when I sit in the Blessed Isles reflecting on my life, I shall pray that perhaps one day I will be reborn into this beautiful family.”
Damn it. Tears gathered in my eyes and the image of the grown, happy man I met today—Asrhia's uncle—returned to me. Cyn and I smiled as I wiped my cheek.
"It shall be our pleasure to experience that with you, brother," Cyn answered, the emotion evident in his voice.
Leigh nodded and stepped closer to the Goddess, and when her spear touched him, the light engulfed him whole. It moved over him briefly shimmering as it floated around him, then it disappeared.
"It is done," the Goddess announced and more people stepped forward.
* * *
Cyn and I stood before the Goddess astonished, while she granted over half our family mortality once again. Our Warriors, however, decided to remain immortal, wishing to continue their journey and live out their mission to protect our people. Once the Goddess finished and announced, she would grant immortality to those who wished it, half the people once considered Romans came forwards. They wanted to be part of something more meaningful and serve others through their work with us.
Warmth engulfed my heart as Aurelius stood before the Goddess with Adara's hand in his. They fell in love over the past year, and he wanted to spend an immortal life with her. The Goddess granted it. Lastly, Lia and Kevan stood before her. The Mother Goddess' lips curved into a brilliant smile as she looked at them.
"Master Healer," she called and placed her staff on Kevan's shoulder. The light covered him just as it had done the others and once it receded it was done. Kevan was immortal.
"Seer of Destinies." Lia stood in front of her, and a new tear left me while I witnessed my best friend become immortal, swear to live beside us, and realize her destiny.
"Mammy…" Hayes called the second the glow left Lia's body. She walked towards him as he stood next to the stroller.
“Yes, baby?”
Hayes reached for her cheeks and smiled as his eyes sparkled. “May I become big too?" he asked, taking all of us by surprise.
Lia's gaze went to the Goddess, who smiled, then returned to Hayes. "You want to be mortal too?”
He nodded. "I want to grow big to protect Mammy." Lia's shiny eyes connected with Art's and his jaw tensed with emotion, he nodded. "Okay," Lia said, kissing Hayes cheek. “But we’ll let Art believe that he can protect me too, so he doesn’t cry.”
Hayes laughed looking at Art. "All right, Mammy."
She carried him in her arms and took him to the Mother Goddess who spread her light over him. When she finished, Lia placed him down, and he cupped her cheeks again.
“You are my Mammy.”
Lia nodded as her eyes glistened with emotion. “I always will be.”
Hayes nodded then confused her by walking away from her. He stood between Ronan and Eghan and held their hands, gripping them tightly. "Ronan and Eghan are my, Daddies," he smiled looking up at them.
I cupped my mouth cursing my tear ducts, while Lia smiled, trying to hold back her emotion. Her hand rested over heart, and she nodded, agreeing to Hayes statement. “Yes they are, baby.”
When Ronan carried Hayes in his arms, the tears spilling from his eyes, we all lost it. Cyn held me, kissing the tears off my cheeks while Eghan embraced his new family. The smile of happiness in all three of their faces, while Hayes hugged them was something I would never forget.
Eghan and Ronan always dreamed of raising a child, and although they thought that would never happen, Hayes chose them as his new family and they were perfect together.
That was priceless.
The land behind us was almost empty as each family walked through the archway, being guided by Jason’s men to the smart golf carts and taken to their new homes. Ronan and Eghan went to their house with the babies—located next to ours—and Lia’s parents who arrived late with their luggage. They were so excited after discovering everything Lia’s grandmother ever said was true, and that Lia had powers. They quickly accepted our world and didn’t hesitate to become part of it.
Once the last family was inside our city, I turned around, slowly taking in the glorious sight of the mountains that surrounded us; the luscious green grass beneath our feet and the crystal clear lake to our right that reflected the City of Heaven in the most breathtaking way.
Cyn and the Court stood there with me taking it all in.
“Baby, we should have waited to get married here,” Kevan said admiring the magnificence that encased us. Eisha smiled.
“We can always have new wedding ceremonies in the Temple of the Rose,” Art added amused.
“You made us a temple?” I asked stunned.
He nodded. "You mentioned we should have a place to meet, and you were right. I designed it just for you, it's a circular building, and its windows look like the petals of a flower. We can go see it now if you want."
I jumped ecstatic, clapping my hands and the others laughed. We began to walk towards the entrance when Cyn and I covered our ears. The loud humming of the energy was destroying my eardrums.
"What now?" Lia asked, annoyed.
I looked up at the sky, and when I saw the drone again, I snapped. "I have no idea, but I've had enough." I lifted my hand as my Spear of Light materialized, and before anyone could bli
nk a ray shot out disintegrating the drone with its light.
"Do not mess with the High Priestess," Lia said, with a chuckled.
I turned to look at her but before I could answer the sound of sirens reached us. We whirled around as approximately twenty-five cars appeared in the distance driving towards us. Blue and red lights flashed on the first and last five SUV's of the row, and in the center, there was a limousine with US flags on its front and back windows.
“Is that the freaking motorcade for…”
“The President of the United States,” Kevan finished for Lia. He sounded as stunned as we were.
“Holy shit!” She added.
The cars parked along the side of the road and an obscene amount of Secret Service Agents stepped out of the vehicles. My eyes widened as they walked closer. John was one of them. He winked at me.
"High Priestess," he greeted, kneeling in front of me.
"What is this, John?" I asked as he stood.
"Well, do you remember how I told you I was going to reach out to a friend of mine in the Pentagon to find out who owned the drone?" I nodded. "I found out." He said squaring his shoulders as five men strolled towards us, the President moved in their midst.
I took a deep breath and straightened, my Spear of Light in my grasp as Cyn stopped beside me and took my other hand in his. Our Court took their places beside us.
“I am Brina Anwell, and this is Cyn Bressall, my husband. We are the High Priests of The Order of The Druids, Clan of the Rose," I announced, proudly. I was done hiding. "And this is our Druid Court."
The President stood before us and nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is…”
"I know who you are, Sir. You are The President."
He nodded silently. I couldn't see the expression in his eyes, the sunglasses he wore blocked them from me, so I opened myself to sense his essence through my bond with Cyn and was shocked at what I found. Awe, reverence, and excitement exuded from him in wild waves. My attitude changed as I also sensed traces of caution in him.
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