by Alison Smith
‘Promise me.’ He broke into her thoughts with a voice was so quiet that she had to lean closer to hear him.
‘Promise me that you will take Diana with you. Please do not go alone. I fear that, if I were to accompany you, Monique would turn her anger with me towards you.’
Jewel sighed in relief. She had already decided that she would need the strength of her sister for the first, and maybe only, time of meeting Monique.
‘Am I a vampire?’ There, she’d asked the one question that she hadn’t known whether she could.
‘Not yet. Not full.’ That was it? Her answer? She raised her eyebrows.
He turned her hand over in his and looked intently at her palm. Was he reading it, she wondered.
‘Jewel. Let it happen naturally for you. That way your powers will be as they are intended.’
Jewel was surprised that, with his words, came a sense of comfort. As if, on some level, she had always known that there was a large part of herself unknown. She felt complete knowing his words were true.
But before she could question further he astonished her by kneeling down on one knee.
‘Jewel. Would you do me the very great honour of allowing me to court you?’
Jewel’s heart filled and tears of joy beckoned. She nodded and he rose to take her in his arms again. Their lips met and the kiss echoed through Jewel’s body.
Nik’s phone rang and he answered it quickly. ‘Sir?’
‘Well?’
Nik knew that his superior wanted news of developments.
‘Jewel and Diana went together to visit Anton. It is my belief that was where Jewel was whilst she was missing. Should I talk to Anton?’
‘No. He is well known to us all. He is the speaker at the Legend of Vampires and, as such, has been an intermediary between the vampire community and us for some years. He is not the one we seek.’
‘The brother is still missing.’
‘He also is not the one we seek,’ his superior added, ‘a human would not be able to conduct such evilness.’
‘I believe it’s the feminine energy we should focus on,’ Nik said.
‘There are rumours regarding Monique. But they are just rumours.’
The connection was terminated and Nik sat back in his small chair deep in thought. If that were true ... if it were Monique behind the ancient rituals ... what would become of Jewel? How could he help?
Chapter 10
‘That was Detective Drake on the phone,’ Jewel said as she carried two mugs of coffee through to the sitting room. Diana was searching the room for their father’s wooden box. Both girls had forgotten about it last night when they returned from Anton’s and had only remembered during breakfast. But when Diana had gone to collect it she couldn’t find it.
‘Well,’ Diana sighed, ‘it seems to have completely disappeared. Maybe Chris tidied it away. I’ll ask him tonight. What did the detective say?’
‘That they’ve eliminated Bradley from their enquiries. Detective Drake didn’t say how, but they’re no longer looking for him.’
‘I wasn’t happy that they wanted to question him,’ Diana said quietly, ‘but at least I thought the police might find him.’
‘I know. We just have to hope that either Katryn or William is able to. The detective also said we can begin to make funeral arrangements.’
‘How do you feel about that?’
‘It brought the sadness back.’ Jewel cleared her throat. She’d had a little weep after the detective had called but felt better now. ‘At least when we hear from Bradley he can just come home and won’t have to go to the police station or anything. But I can’t arrange the funeral without William and Bradley.’
Jewel sat on the settee and Diana sank down onto the floor. Both girls sipped their coffee. They’d gone to bed immediately on their return last night. Jewel had been in a dreamy, almost heady, state after Anton’s kisses. Diana had said she was overwhelmed by the amount of herbal lore Sable had passed on.
‘It still seems odd that the funeral can go ahead without any arrests but I suppose they know what they’re doing.’ Jewel said.
‘Did you listen to the news this morning?’ Diana asked and, when Jewel shook her head continued. ‘The police have issued a statement saying that they have a suspect for the murders of the bell ringers. Maybe it’s the same person who killed Paul and Elsie.’
Both girls were quiet for a moment. ‘We should talk about money,’ Diana said and looked worried.
‘I know. Mr Tu has given me some hours of paid leave from the casino but, apart from that, I’ve earned nothing else since this began. I just don’t feel I could concentrate on much at the moment. I’m dipping into my rainy day fund. I think I can last a few more weeks without earning. How about you?’
‘Chris is giving me money to cover my bills but that means we’re not saving towards the deposit for our own house.’ Diana sighed before continuing ‘but I wouldn’t be able to concentrate either. And psychic readings take so much energy that, with protecting the house and everything else that going on in other realms, I haven’t got that energy for other people.’
Jewel sat in thought for a moment, ‘I like having both you and Chris here. What if he gives up his place and moves in here properly? Then you’d only be paying one amount of rent. If the bills go up by much we’ll talk about it then.’
Diana looked relieved as she said, ‘I’ll talk to him tonight about it. I think I’ll also start taking astrological clients again. There are several booked in for next week in any case and I didn’t cancel them. It’ll do me good to look at charts again and that’s different from working clairvoyantly.’
Jewel put her coffee mug down. ‘That will be after the full moon.’
‘And your birthday, don’t forget,’ Diana broke in. ‘It’s your Saturn return, I should do your chart and a reading. There have been so many revelations that you must have moved away from the eight of swords by now.’
Jewel shuddered, ‘I’d certainly like my chart read but really don’t want to even think about celebrating my birthday, Di. Apart from knowing that it’s going to be some sort of initiation … well … it’s so sad to think that Mum and Dad won’t be here.’
Diana thought for a moment, ‘I know. Emotions will be heightened and a celebration is definitely not appropriate. But we should, at least, acknowledge your solar return, as well as Saturn, within the full moon ritual. Everything has indicated that your powers will expand then.’
‘Anton said that too. And I had another dream last night.’ Jewel looked at Diana. ‘We were standing in circle but Katryn was missing.’
‘She wouldn’t miss a ritual,’ Diana said thoughtfully. ‘Unless she has either found, or is close to finding, Bradley.’
‘Her phone is still out of range and William’s too.’ Jewel said. ‘I’ve sent them both text messages and, hopefully, one of them will call us soon.’
‘Do you want to take up Monique’s invitation to visit?’ Diana asked.
‘Yes. I feel a need to meet her before the full moon. I don’t know why. Will you come with me tonight?’
‘Of course. Sable was insistent that I go with you.’
‘So was Anton.’
‘He is The One, Jewel,’ Diana said. ‘Every reading we’ve done over the last few years has had a One in your relationship area.’
‘I feel that I’ve waited years for him. Anton.’ Jewel drifted into her memory of last night and a tall strong man holding her so tightly. She barely noticed Diana leaving the room.
Alone with her thoughts Jewel recalled the memory of his reaction to her wood egg. Anton had called it the Woden egg. She stood up, walked over to the bookcase and quickly found the book she wanted. Turning the pages first to Woden, and then to the entry for Odin, she sat back down on the settee to read.
Monique rested her head on the pillows and felt a gentle evening breeze from the open window play over her bare body. The man with her had proved very useful and she had promised that
he could spend time with her in this way. Especially as the latest information he had brought surpassed even her wildest hopes. Jewel was back at the house she shared with the witch! It would be much easier to enchant her.
Soon she, Monique, would have her meeting with the Prime Legend. Her mind drifted as she thought of the years past, when Henry had asked her to help him become the Prime. He owed her and now was the time to collect that favour.
She heard a low moan and was brought out of her thoughts. The man on her bed was trying, fruitlessly, to raise a passion within her. Monique moved her legs slightly and gave a small moan. There was an answering groan from the man and Monique sighed in relief that she had paid her debt to him. Now she could be alone to further her plans.
She quickly got up off the bed and glided towards the bathroom secure in the knowledge that the man would be gone by the time she returned.
Monique wouldn’t see the man again, not in this way. In all likelihood he would be of no more use to her but Elijah had advised against killing him just yet. It would raise too many suspicions. Monique knew that Elijah was right but the man would have to be dealt with. She trusted Elijah to gauge the time.
The room was empty when she returned, having dressed in a long soft robe of the purest cashmere. It was the aqua colour of the sea and Monique had brushed her long hair so that it rippled around her shoulders.
‘My Lady,’ Elijah had strode into the room with a look of excitement on his face and continued without waiting for her acknowledgement, ‘Jewel is waiting downstairs with the witch, Diana.’
‘Now!’ Monique was aware that her voice had emerged as a squeak and quickly cleared her throat as Elijah nodded. She hadn’t expected her daughter to arrive so quickly after the invitation had been sent. Jewel must really want to see her, she thought, and smiled.
But then she remembered the significance of this particular night. ‘Elijah. My blood line will be arriving later. I’d rather they were prepared before Jewel meets them.’
A small frown crossed Elijah’s face. ‘Yes, My Lady. We have all been anticipating with great excitement the moment of Jewel’s return. If it is not handled with care Jewel could become swamped.’
Monique agreed, ‘And Jewel’s senses are expanding. I wouldn’t want either her or that witch delving into minds that are not cloaked. Even by accident.’ She thought for a moment. ‘Elijah. You must dress as a butler and serve us drinks on the terrace. It’s dark enough for that. I doubt they will wish to stay long at this time of night. We both need to be guarded with our minds.’
‘Would you wish me to bind Jewel here, My Lady?’
‘No. She will return. After all I am her mother. I’d rather she came of her own volition. I would prefer that she stood by my side in ritual … but if, eventually, I have to take her powers from her by force then so be it. Then she will become expendable.’
Sable was sitting in her herb garden alone, as she had so often over the last years.
‘I hope that I told you, Diana, enough about the herbs of protection for when you and Jewel meet Mother.’ The words were spoken out loud as she wished that there had been more hours spent with the other women. She bent her head down and wished that she had the luxury of being able to weep.
Her spirit helpers surrounded her but she didn’t want to listen. It was the same message as earlier. ‘You and Jewel will not be together again in this life. Everything will be different the next time you meet. Prepare yourself for what is to come.’
Sable clasped her hands together. ‘If it is necessary then please take me. Not Jewel. She is the destiny of this planet and yet she is also a young lady with life ahead of her.’ But, even as she quietly prayed, Sable knew that more was at stake than the lives of those around her.
Jewel was nervous. She was wearing a long black skirt with a matching jacket and white blouse. Diana always called the suit Jewel’s interview outfit and that was how she felt. As if she were about to be interviewed for the most important change in her life. She glanced towards Diana who seemed in deep contemplation. They had both been led through a marble floored hall and out onto a terrace area. They’d sat down on ornate metal chairs that were surprisingly more comfortable than they looked. A similar table and a third chair, as yet empty, completed the tableau. Had her mother known that there would be a need for three chairs? The man who had ushered them in had said nothing.
‘My dear Jewel.’
This was it and Jewel stood, with a fluttering stomach, to look at her mother.
Monique walked towards her and Jewel was startled to see just how similar she was in appearance to herself. Somewhat shorter, she acknowledged, but with the same dark hair and figure.
‘I don’t quite know how to address you,’ Jewel said. ‘Monique or Mother?’
‘Why don’t you call me Monique for now and then, when you are comfortable, Mother,’ the smiling, beautiful woman said as she took both of Jewel’s hands in her own.
She is lovely, thought Jewel as a sense of peace swept through her and then she heard Diana softly clear her throat.
‘Monique, this is my best friend and half-sister Diana.’ She watched as Diana moved forwards and the two of them briefly shook hands.
Monique waved to them to sit again and as they did Jewel caught a glimpse of Diana’s hands. She was moving a bracelet around her wrist and touching each charm in turn.
‘Elijah.’ Monique called and Jewel was distracted from Diana’s charm bracelet. The man who had shown them to the terrace appeared quickly. He was tall and strongly built and dressed in a black well-cut suit. He placed a tray of glasses and a bottle of wine onto the table.
‘Will there be anything else, My Lady?’ Hearing his melodic voice, Jewel suddenly wished to hear him sing. She felt calm and, for the first time, wondered why she had been taken away from this woman. What should she believe?
‘Would you both like wine?’ Monique asked and as Jewel nodded, Elijah moved around the table pouring it into the glasses.
‘Yes, please.’ Diana said and there was a note of sharpness in her voice that brought Jewel out of her contemplation. Suddenly the energy changed around her bringing with it a rush of clarity. She shook herself. Diana had said earlier. ‘Beware of glamour.’ But her own mother wouldn’t do that to her, would she?
Monique smiled. ‘It’s been so long, dear Jewel, I never understood why that dreadful man, Anton, took you but you’re here now.’ She raised her glass to her lips.
Jewel glanced over at Diana who was sipping her own wine. Monique had described Anton as dreadful. Oh dear, there certainly were some bridges to build, she thought as she picked up her glass to drink.
Diana hadn’t spoken apart from accepting the wine and Jewel wondered which of them would find the words to ask Monique about their father.
Monique placed her glass onto the table and sat back, ‘I expect you are wondering about your father, David.’
‘I know he’s in the spirit world,’ Diana said.
‘That was a most upsetting time,’ Monique continued as if Diana hadn’t spoken. ‘He was very happy with you and your mother.’ Jewel watched as Monique patted Diana’s elbow. It seemed like a gesture of compassion and yet something was missing. Jewel frowned in concentration as she listened to Monique’s next words.
‘He was a wonderful man and, when we met, we fell madly in love. It really is possible to love more than one person. And that is how it was for your father. Then, one night he left here and never returned. I always thought he had decided to make his marriage to your mother, Diana, work. It was only years later I learnt he had died. I cried.’
Both girls were quiet. It sounded believable and Monique had tears glistening in her eyes as she spoke. Jewel was confused. Did Monique or did Anton speak the truth?
‘My Lady,’ Elijah had returned. ‘Our guests are beginning to arrive.’
Diana stood up. ‘We should go.’
‘Yes,’ Jewel said also standing. She felt that this was enough for
tonight and was almost overwhelmed by tiredness.
Monique rose and, taking Jewel’s hand, smiled. ‘It has been a delight to see that I have such a beautiful daughter. It is a little unfortunate that I have so many guests arriving tonight. We are planning a small party for the full moon. And it’s a very significant date for you, of course, dear Jewel as it’s your birthday. Please do let me know if you would like to attend.’
Jewel felt the grip on her hand tighten slightly and as she made an effort to release it she was suddenly struck by an image. An image she pushed away.
Both Elijah and Monique led the two girls away from the terrace and through the marble hall.
‘Please do, both of you, come again,’ Monique said and Jewel turned to her mother as they left, ‘Thank you.’ It was all she could think of and wasn’t the best word but so much of what she’d wanted to say had remained unspoken. She would have to come again to get answers.
A few minutes later and Diana pulled their small car off the road and into a lay-by. They sat in silence for a while.
‘Jewel,’ Diana turned and looked at her intently. ‘Monique is not how she appeared tonight. You do know that?’
‘Oh Di. I don’t know what to believe any more. But if Anton spoke the truth then that would make almost every word from Monique a lie.’
‘Dad came to me when we sat down. He’d bought most of the charms on my bracelet, it was Mum’s. And he surrounded us with energy whilst we were there. I think he helped you to keep your eyes open too.’
With her words the image rose in Jewel’s mind again and she let it drift over her. Startled, ‘Diana, that was the woman who made Sable blind.’
‘What?’
