Ambrosine

by Noreen Harrison

  “So, how do the Ambrosines end it for someone?” I asked, putting down the pen. She stood up and walked in front of the desk. “I’ll show you.”

  I watched as her eyes of emerald green became darker. Her body went rigid and her hands made fists on either side of her. She went into a trance state for a moment. I could sense her power getting stronger. She opened her hands, palms up toward me. Blood started to appear and was outlining a shape as she spoke. “Alixia, this is how we destroy, with the blood of the Ambrosines.”

  I stared at her hands in astonishment as her blood formed the family symbol. “Our blood is like poison. It’s absorbed into their skin by our touch. It affects only the Dark Immortals that don’t bear a symbol. It’s like acid, eating away at their flesh until their souls succumb to silence. We do try to touch their hearts for a humane kill, but sometimes it can be more brutal. The ones who try to escape us have a more atrocious demise.”

  I listened, horror-struck, to what she was telling me. She lowered her eyes. I focused on her hands, as the blood outline symbol faded. She raised her head. Her eye color was returning to normal. She quietly stood there for second.

  “Madame Cecilia, are you all right?”

  “I am fine.” She said in a quieter tone.

  “I can’t believe this. We can kill with just our blood being placed on them?”

  “Yes, but never use this ability to seek revenge on anyone. It’s used only to protect the families from the darkness that lives in the shadows.” She came closer to me and said, “Okay, it’s your turn now.” She took my hands and pulled me up. “I don’t know about this.” I said as I pulled my hand away and stepped back from her.

  “Come here, there is nothing to be afraid of.” She took my hands again. “Here, let me guide you. I want you to focus. Think about protecting the family from the darkness that can take the souls of the innocent ones.”

  I thought of Phillip’s parents and of how they took their souls. Suddenly, I felt this fire and rage going through me. I couldn’t stop it. Madame Cecilia let go of me. My heart was pounding in my chest. A red haze enclosed me as I felt my body intensify with power. Looking down at my palms, I saw the symbol with my blood as the outline. I eyed Madame Cecilia, she looked unsettled. I heard her say in an anxious voice, “Alixia! Now let go of what’s in your mind and come back.”

  I took in a deep breath and felt myself relax as I cleared my thoughts. I watched as my palms absorbed the blood outline. The red haze diminished around me.

  “Alixia! You’re astonishing! You were part of the red mist; you disappeared right in front of me! I’ve read about this ability in the families’ journals. I’ve never witnessed it before, though.”

  “What do you mean, I disappeared?”

  “You did. You are a pure Ambrosine. You are unique.”

  I could sense she was overwhelmed with emotion at what she witnessed.

  “We can actually kill with our blood…”

  “Yes, that is how we protect.”

  “I am sorry I don’t mean to be disrespectful. I just find this hard to believe, too, along with everything else.”

  She smiled knowingly. “You will become stronger and accept your destiny and you will use your powers to protect.”

  “Maybe…” I said.

  Understanding

  We sat until late afternoon discussing more of the family beliefs. Then, we returned to the library, but Mother had left. Madame Cecilia walked to the pedestal table and picked up a letter. She handed it to me.

  ”Oh yes, this came for you this morning. I am sorry, I forgot to give it you.”

  “That’s all right.” I opened it and saw it was from Marcus. He wrote he would be arriving at five tomorrow evening and he wanted me to meet him at the train station. I closed the letter and told Madame Cecilia what the letter said. She shook her head slowly. “You can meet the boy. But, I would prefer that Gabriel be with you tomorrow night and throughout the whole evening while you’re with your friend.”

  “Why? I don’t need to be chaperoned.”

  “It is not to be chaperoned. It is because Madame Levesque is in town. It might be dangerous while she is here. She has family members with her that are from the Dark Realm.”

  “So, why should I be afraid of her?” She frowned and said with concern, “It’s not you I’m thinking of, it’s your friend, Marcus.”

  “Marcus? Why?”

  “He’s an outsider and harm could come to him while he is with you.”

  “Are you telling me he could be in danger?”

  She moved her hand to her brow and pushed her hair back. “I am telling you that while Charlotte Levesque is in town we should stay vigilant. That’s why I want Gabriel close by on your date.”

  “So, this woman I am going to meet tonight must be really evil?”

  “I’m not saying that.”

  “Then what are you saying? Is she or isn’t she?”

  “Alixia.” She took a step toward the staircase. “Let me put it this way, we don’t presume anything when she is in our Realm. Just stay watchful. Now let’s go get ready.”

  We walked upstairs together. She kissed my cheek and went to her own room, leaving me questioning again.

  I took off my clothes and threw them on the bed. I thought about what Madame Cecilia said.

  Why would they entertain someone from the Dark Realm? It doesn’t make sense.

  I looked into the closet and said aloud, “But nothing makes sense anymore.” I moved my clothes around and said, “I don’t want to wear any of this! Mother’s green dress…yes!”

  I knocked lightly on her door and then opened it. ”Mother, it’s me.” She was applying lipstick. “Alixia, you’re not dressed yet?”

  “I know. That’s why I am here. I was wondering if I could wear your green dress.”

  She smiled. “Yes, that would be just the right dress for you to wear this evening.” She went to the closet and brought it out.

  I took off my robe and slipped on the dress as I walked over to the mirror. It was perfect. Mother put her hand on my shoulder. “You’ve grown into a beautiful woman, Alixia. Here, let’s fix your hair.” I sat down and she started brushing my hair. “How did your lesson go?”

  I told her what had happened, about disappearing and how Madame Cecilia was surprised at my ability.

  “I am amazed at you, too. You have accomplished so much in a short time.” She looked at me in the mirror. Are you more accepting of your immortality?”

  “I really don’t have any other choice, do I?”

  “Alixia, please.”

  “Okay, I’m sorry, but you know…” I stopped with my grievances when I saw the look of concern on her face. “I have to get my shoes. Thank you for letting me wear your dress.”

  I sat on my bed and slipped on my heels. I thought of Charlotte and wondered if she would cause trouble tonight. I wasn’t worried, though because I knew Phillip would be there. There was a knock on my door. “Alixia, hurry along.” Mother said. “I will be down in a minute.” I said as I looked into the mirror one more time. I took in a deep breath.

  Mother and Madame Cecilia were waiting for me as I came down the staircase. “You look very nice tonight, Alixia.” Madame Cecilia said as we went out the door.

  “Merci.” I replied.

  When we got into the car, I sat between them and could sense their nervousness. Madame Cecilia said, “Alixia, I want you to stay close to your mother and me tonight.”

  “I will, don’t worry.”

  Gautier

  Our driver pulled up to the Gautier mansion. It was well-lit as we walked to the front entrance and knocked on the door. One of the staff greeted us. He took us into a grand room where soft piano music was playing. Charles was mingling with his other guests, but when he saw us, he came over right away. He took Mother’s hand and said, “Lucida, Cecilia and Alixia, welcome.”

  “Thank you, Charles.” Mother said as she quickly pulled her hand back.

&
nbsp; I glanced around the room. I could see about twenty-five guests looking at us. Madame Cecilia suddenly moved closer to my side, as did Mother. She leaned in and whispered, “She’s here.”

  I gazed across the room. A woman with her own entourage was coming toward us. She was beautiful, not dark or cunning looking as I had expected. Her blonde hair flowed past her shoulders. Her complexion was pale, not in a sickly way, but almost angelic.

  Charles stood between us in a protective stance. “Alixia, this is Madame Levesque.”

  She extended her hand to me. I took it. I could sense she was trying to read my thoughts. She gave up when she realized she couldn’t gain access into my mind, but I sensed something from her.

  She was the one!

  I let go of her hand and glared at her.

  “Alixia, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

  “What do you mean? We’ve met before! You’re the one who attacked me at my home in Baton Rouge!”

  Her blue eyes became ice-cold and her face hardened. The angelic appearance faded. She knew I was in her head. She took a step back from me. I reached out for her. Suddenly, Phillip was there and jumped between us. “Ladies, I see you have familiarized yourselves with each other.”

  “Yes, we have.” I said, still looking at her cold eyes. I could hear all of them in my thoughts, warning me to stop. Mother held my hand tightly and I could sense her disapproval as Charles tried to defuse the situation. “I apologize, Charlotte. You have to excuse Alixia, as she is still learning the protocol of being an Ambrosine.”

  She looked amused at everyone’s protection of me. “I understand, Charles.” She replied in a siren’s voice. “The child does need some help with handling herself in a respectful manner toward others.” She was trying to provoke me and I knew it. As she waited for a response to her comment, I could sense her disdain for our family. Madame Cecilia squeezed my hand. She was in my head.

  Alixia, this is not the time for an outburst! Apologize!

  No!

  Madame Cecilia, let go of my hand and said, “I apologize for my granddaughter’s behavior, Monsieur Gautier. We will leave now. I would like to express our regrets for disrupting your Gathering this evening. I will call on a couple of family members to make sure things stay secure tonight.” She eyed Charlotte.

  “That would be appreciated.”

  As we walked away, I felt her trying again to invade my subconscious. I looked back at her. She wanted me to hear her last thought…or I should say threat.

  We’re not done yet, Alixia.

  I smiled at her and left the room.

  After we arrived back at our mansion, I received yet another lecture on how to conduct myself as an Ambrosine. They both were still angry, even though they knew that Charlotte Levesque had attacked me.

  “Alixia,” Mother said, “you never show your anger toward a High Council member. It’s just not the way we handle ourselves at a Gathering.”

  “I get it, okay! I’m going to my room. I’ve had enough lectures for one night!”

  I sat on my bed, angrily kicking off my shoes.

  They weren’t even listening to me. They know she threatened me, but it’s still my fault because I didn’t follow some stupid protocol?

  I slipped off the dress, put on my nightgown and got into bed. As I reached for the light, I heard a tapping on the balcony door. I got up, went to the door and moved the curtain back.

  “Phillip.” I opened the door. “Bonjour.” He said as he stepped in and kissed my cheek. “Well, you made quite a stir this evening, didn’t you?” He said amusingly.

  “I know. I heard about it all the way home. But thank you for protecting me, even though I didn’t need it. I was holding my own with her.”

  “Oh, yes you were, I could see that.” A smirk appeared on his face. “You have so much yet to learn about the families’ protocol and about Charlotte Levesque.”

  “So, tell me, what should I know about her?” I went to sit on the bed. Phillip followed me and sat next to me.

  “I don’t know if I should.”

  “Is it another secret?”

  “It’s not really a secret; it’s just something that no one talks about.”

  “Why?”

  He rubbed the side of his face eyeing me with reluctance. “Let’s just say, it was a situation that happened to the Ambrosines a few centuries back.”

  “What happened?”

  “Uh…I don’t know if I should be the one to tell you this. It should come from Madame Cecilia or your Mother.”

  “Phillip! I promise I won’t say anything. Just tell me! I can’t bear any more secrets. Please?” He looked at me with his deep, velvet eyes, still feeling unsure.

  “Come on, Phillip, just tell me.” I took his arm.

  “Okay.” He shifted a little to face me better. “Charlotte is an Ambrosine.”

  I jumped up. “She’s an Ambrosine?!”

  He put his finger to his lips, trying to quiet me.

  “Alixia, please! You’re going to wake up the household.”

  “Sorry.” I quickly calmed down and lowered my voice. “Go on…”

  He looked at me as if he wished he had never brought up Charlotte’s name. But he knew now that he had to finish what he had started.

  “All right then, no more outbursts?”

  I nodded.

  “Okay, going back to what I was saying, Charlotte gave up the Ambrosine name to go to the Dark Side of the Realm with the person who changed her.”

  “Who changed her?”

  “Marcel Levesque, the head of all the families of the Dark Realm. He and Charlotte met on a ship bound for France. The way the story was told to me, she was taken in by his power and his love for her. By the end of the voyage, she was ready to give up anything for him. She turned away from the family and married outside the Realm because he offered her the one power she craved the most—immortality.”

  “She wasn’t immortal then?”

  “No, she was born an Ambrosine, but didn’t bear the mark. She was always obsessed with that power and thought that birthright belonged to her. So, when she met Marcel, he fulfilled that false prophecy for her and changed her by taking her soul to the Dark Side.”

  I shifted. “Now I see why everyone still receives her. She’s an Ambrosine. But, Phillip, I don’t understand, why did she attack me?”

  “I don’t think it was an attack.”

  I stood up. “Why doesn’t anyone believe I was attacked?”

  He looked at me curiously. “Because she is Ambrosine. No Ambrosine has ever harmed one of their own. That’s not in their beliefs. But as for her threat toward you tonight, that I heard. Just be watchful over your family Realms. When it comes to the families from the dark side, they can still go after the innocent ones.”

  “I will.” I sat back on the bed.

  He must have been in her mind, too.

  “Good. Well, I better leave. I just wanted to see if you were okay.” He kissed my forehead and walked across the room toward the balcony doors.

  “Phillip?”

  “Yes?”

  “Could you stay for a while longer? I just need you to hold me tonight and keep me safe.”

  He came back to me with a half-smile on his face, scooting in beside me on the bed. Then, as he put his arms around me, he said, “Anytime. You know how I feel about you.” I nodded and he held me tight. I fell asleep, feeling protected again from all the darkness that was out there.

  The Date

  While I was waiting at the train station for Marcus to arrive, I thought about how much I cared for him and I feared the day I would have to give him up because of what I am now.

  Gabriel interrupted my thoughts by opening the car door. I looked toward the platform. The train was just arriving. I walked over to watch each passenger depart from the train, one by one. I tried to hold back my excitement, but when I saw Marcus, I ran toward him and wrapped my arms around him. I could smell his cologne and feel the smoothness
of his shaved face as his lips eagerly met mine. We were both lost in the moment.

  “I missed you, Marcus.” I whispered softly as he held me tighter. “I missed you, too.”

  Gabriel put the last piece of luggage into the trunk and we were on our way to Bourbon Street to his uncle’s restaurant. Marcus sat close to me, with his arms wrapped around me like he would never leave my side again.

  “Alixia, you’re warm. Are you running a fever?”

  Now the lies and secrets start with him. I wish I could tell him the truth.

  But instead, I said, “Yes I know, my body chemistry seems to be running a little warmer lately. I don’t know why.” I smiled at him teasingly. “Or it might just be the excitement of seeing you again.”

  “I hope it’s the latter.” He kissed me.

  Gabriel pulled up in front of the restaurant and followed us inside, carrying Marcus’ bags. Marcus’ uncle came out from a back room, and greeted us with an inviting smile before leading us to our table. He told Gabriel to leave the bags in the back room.

  “Anything you want tonight, it’s on the house.” His uncle said as he smiled, putting his hand on Marcus’ shoulder.

  “Thanks, Uncle Louis.”

  After giving the waiter my order, I gazed around the room. I noticed Gabriel standing in the shadows by a wall, watching over us. I glanced to my left; I had to take a second look. Phillip was at a table in a far corner. He lifted his glass to me and smiled. I felt my cheeks flush and I quickly turned to face Marcus.

  During the meal we talked about everything that was going on back home. I tried not to focus on Phillip, but it was difficult. I knew he was trying to get into my head and be part of the conversation. I glared at him, and got into his head.

  Stop it! I’m warning you!

  He looked my way, gave me a full smile and shook his head no. I blocked him out.

  Marcus took my hand and said, “Would you like to dance?”

  “Sure.”

  We walked out onto the dance floor. He took me into his arms. The band played a slow, soft melody. He tenderly whispered, “I wish I could be with you always, Alixia.” I felt his heart beating as our bodies swayed in time to the music. I pressed closer to him with the same want, but knowing it could never be.