“No, Lucent only wants his version of Hell unleashed,” Dad said.
Papa acknowledged his son-in-law with a nod. “We agree we can’t trust him. Let’s move on. Madeleine, Rowan, Winona, Reagan, and I will meet in the command center. Jackie—” he turned to face his love “—I need you to contact Cecilia again. In case Lucent can’t, or won’t, help us, she may be able to. We’ll need her wisdom no matter what. Actually, I have a feeling we’ll be calling on her often.”
Cecilia, Reagan’s great-grandmother, was their protector from beyond, and they needed her. Remembering their last communication, Reagan looked for a reaction from her mom. She struggled with the power it took to summon Cecilia. But they’d have to find a way. After all, how could they fight demons without angels on their side?
Still, the ceremony took a lot of energy. Last time, Mom had suffered the ill effects for weeks. She’d been working with her sister and Nana since to strengthen those summoning skills. Reagan knew she should check in with her mother and see where her head was. There were many years she kept Reagan from the rest of the family, afraid of their powers. Since the war was imminent, it was imperative for everyone to learn more about their skills and strengthen them.
“Of course,” Nana said. “But we’ll need Winona and Reagan when you’re done in the command center.”
Papa nodded.
“What about me?” Jessica asked.
All eyes turned toward the soft voice.
Reagan looked at Winona and Madeleine. Both gave a small nod, and Reagan knew it was time.
“First, there’s something we need to tell you all,” she said, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “Jessica, would you like to begin?”
“Amélie was like a mother to me. Without her…” Jessica hesitated, her hand trembling and her voice shaky. “My mother died right after I was born, but Amélie raised me as her own. Donovan, her son, was born just a few weeks before. He was so much like his father. Like our father.”
Realization started to set in, and Reagan could see it on the faces of the people around her.
“I’m Rafe and Dyani’s daughter,” Jessica said, removing all doubt.
Cheveyo put a hand to his heart, and Winona wrapped her arms around him.
“Amélie relayed her story to us before she died,” Reagan said, trying to ease the burden by taking the lead. “Rafe found Dyani and had a spell placed on her so she’d forget who she was. After a while, he placed her in Amélie’s care. The women quickly discovered they were both pregnant. By this point, Madeleine, Rowan—”
She halted at the sound of Ricardo clearing his throat. She motioned him and Sasha, who was standing alongside him, into the room. “I’m glad you could both join us. As I was saying, Madeleine and Rowan, along with Sasha and Ricardo, had left at that point.” After the words came out, Reagan regretted them and avoided looking at Madeleine for fear of seeing shame and regret etched on her face. “Amélie devoted herself to Dyani and their babies. She hoped it would change Rafe, but—”
Jessica jumped in before Reagan could finish. “Nothing could change him. Nothing will. Not the love of a woman or his daughter. We were pawns in his battle. If there was ever a part of his soul touched by good, it is gone.”
For a moment, the only sound in the room was breathing. Reagan couldn’t imagine ever giving up on her parents or her family, yet she didn’t hear one ounce of indecision or hope in Jessica’s voice.
“Amélie shared a vision with Winona and me of the day Jessica was born. It was like watching a movie; every detail was so crisp.” Images bombarded Reagan’s mind, and she tried to describe them. “Dyani was in a lot of pain.” Screaming echoed in her head, and she squeezed her eyes shut and tried to push it away.
“Why don’t I take over for a moment?” Winona asked, placing a hand on her sister’s shoulder.
Reagan nodded, grateful for the reprieve.
“As Jessica came into this world, Dyani bent forward and reached for her. A medicine woman was there, but Dyani pushed her away and pulled her daughter from the womb. Still connected by the cord, Dyani brought Jessica to her chest. In that moment, a bright, white light, almost blinding, illuminated the room. When Amélie’s vision adjusted, Dyani lay lifeless, and Jessica was placed in Amélie’s arms.”
Since being relieved of speaking, Reagan had watched the reactions of everyone in the room. When Winona mentioned the blinding light, Madeleine inhaled sharply, and her gaze seemed distant. Reagan made a mental note to check in with Madeleine later. There seemed to be more to her reaction than continued grief.
“Amélie is the only mother I ever knew,” Jessica said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
Sam turned to his girlfriend, the girl he demanded Reagan risk her life—all their lives—to save. He pulled Jessica close.
“There were several more visions from Amélie,” Reagan said, ready to take the reins again. “Jessica was nothing like Amélie’s son, Donovan. He was always by his father’s side. With each battle, Donovan became more ruthless. Amélie was afraid of him. She’d long given up on Rafe, but…” Reagan turned to Madeleine. “He told her you were dead. She thought she had nothing else to fight for, nothing but Jessica.”
“This white light, can you show it to me?” Cheveyo asked Winona, reaching for her hands.
“I’d like to see it, too, if you don’t mind,” Madeleine said.
“Please,” Winona said, reaching for Madeleine.
Everyone watched as the three closed their eyes. Reagan remembered with intense clarity the images her sister was sharing, but wondered why Cheveyo and Madeleine wanted to see that vision above all others. It was a blinding light, even more intense than walking out of a dark theater on a very sunny day. What could either of them be looking for? Or, did they each want to see their loved one’s faces one last time?
Madeleine and Cheveyo opened their eyes at the same time. While Cheveyo smiled, Madeleine appeared confused and distant. Her eyes were glassy, and she seemed worlds away.
“My granddaughter has graced us with an unbelievable gift: a beautiful young lady with amazing power. She will be crucial to our success,” Cheveyo said. He turned to Madeleine. “And your sister kept her safe. I will always be grateful.”
She nodded, but her face didn’t change.
“It is more important now than ever to call on Cecilia. She already knows all, and she should be the one to reveal more.”
Riddles. Reagan never wanted to hear another one. Everything felt like doublespeak, especially when Cheveyo was involved. What she wanted were clear-cut answers without drama or ambiguity.
“If you know something, why not tell us now?” Reagan asked.
“Patience, my child,” he responded.
She wanted to scream. All she’d done was wait for answers. Worse, after everything she’d been through, she didn’t appreciate being referred to as a child.
“Reagan, would you show me the vision?” Nana asked.
Happy to feel useful again, Reagan took Nana’s hands and projected the image.
When they disconnected, Nana spoke directly to Cheveyo. “I think I understand. When my mother died, there was a blinding light. I was young, and I imagined it to be Heaven opening up for her. But, in that moment, I felt a rush of power like nothing I’d ever known.”
“Dyani had great power. I made sure of it. I had only just begun to teach her about it when she disappeared. When she died, she passed that on to her daughter. Much like your mother passed it on to you,” he said, motioning to Nana.
Reagan’s brain was firing with possibilities. “So, is Jessica the sixth?”
When they had done their spell to conjure Cecilia, they needed six with power to complete the necessary ritual. Cheveyo had stepped in, but would six women be even stronger?
“Cecilia will tell us for sure,” he said.
“I think my sister also passed me hers.”
Everyone turned to face Madeleine with shock and confusion plastered on
their faces. No less so for Reagan. She didn’t see that one coming.
“She was weak and struggling, and I knew the end was near. She grabbed hold of my hands so firmly I thought she might break some bones. Then, there was a similar light, and her hand relaxed. She was gone. Like Nana described, I felt a rush. I can’t quite explain it. I thought I was going crazy until you shared what happened with Dyani and Jessica.” Madeleine rubbed a hand up and down her arm. “But it doesn’t make any sense. I don’t come from a powerful bloodline.”
“Okay, I’ll admit I need a brief refresher to be completely caught up. What does all this mean?” Papa asked.
If Reagan could’ve high-fived him, she would have. Finally, someone else who was trying to cut through all the innuendo and get to the facts.
“There is a sword, one enchanted with angel blood. Legend says three swords were forged in Heaven when Lucifer was banished. It was a safeguard against evil rising, for it was the one thing, besides the supreme power, that could destroy the Devil and his demons. Two swords were entrusted to an archangel. One was put on Earth and given to men of highest regard, most likely priests. However, only someone with angel blood can wield it. Its power would kill an average human.” Cheveyo recited the words as he stared at Reagan.
“How do you know this?” Her mind went into overdrive. Was this the key to defeating Rafe? Angel blood?
“Cecilia has visited me many times in dreams, passing along information we will need,” Cheveyo said.
Reagan wanted to keep pushing, but Madeleine was faster.
“If such a sword exists, Rafe would’ve left no stone unturned to find it.” She paced the room, her gesticulating hands as much a part of her speech as her words. “Are you suggesting both Jackie and Jessica have angel blood? Does that mean Reagan does through the bloodline? What about Winona? Then there’s the prophecy. It says two, one of night and one of flame, will bring about Rafe’s downfall. And what about me? Why would my sister be able to do what Dyani and Cecilia did?”
After the onslaught of questions, all eyes turned to Cheveyo.
“There is much we do not understand,” he said. “However, I do not doubt this sword’s existence or our need for it. Cecilia will be able—”
“Sounds like we have a starting point for a plan. Now, it’s time for action,” Madeleine said, her voice gruff and her irritation clear.
Papa reinforced her announcement and reminded everyone where to go. “First, though, let’s eat dinner.”
Sounds of chairs scooting back and people shuffling around filled the room. Mom came up and hooked arms with Reagan. Hunger pushed everyone toward the kitchen. Little was said as they gathered around the table; questions kept them quiet. Some very ambitious pack member had made jambalaya, and the fabulous aroma took her mind off everything else, which was no small task. She and Winona sat with Madeleine, Rowan, Sasha, and Ricardo, while most everyone else congregated at another table.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Jessica asked.
Reagan scooted over to allow room. “No, please do. Where’s Sam?”
“He’s talking to your dad.”
Looking over, Reagan could see her brother and father in a corner talking. It still hurt to see how much they’d bonded since Sam’s rescue from Rafe. Steven Cooper would always be her father, no matter what magical spell Cheveyo cast to ensure she had the power she needed to defeat Rafe. Biology and magic might mean the difference in a battle, but it didn’t change her heart. Steven Cooper was more than blood; he was her dad.
Shaking off her concerns, Reagan realized Jessica was still standing. “Please, sit down with us.”
Jessica complied and quiet settled around the table.
Then, Madeleine spoke up. “Thanks for being so good to my sister. From everything she told me, you were the one who made her feel like a mother.”
“She was my mother. I understand that Dyani gave me life, but Amélie taught me to live. It was clear early on that I wasn’t my brother. He craved death and destruction. Even as a young boy, he’d kill animals for the joy of it, while I’d save bunnies in the forest and bring them home as pets. Rafe gave up on me, and often threatened to send me away or worse, but Amélie always stuck up for me. I called her Mama, but he never did. I hold no love for her son, and neither did she.”
Reagan couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like to watch your child become such a monster. She looked at Rowan, knowing he had to watch his brother turn into one. She put her hand on his leg under the table. He reached down and intertwined his fingers with hers.
“Amélie and I didn’t really understand our powers. She could touch people and calm them, and she sensed others like us even when in human form.”
Madeleine took in a deep breath, staring away from the group. “She was amazing. When I left—” She choked on the last sound and took a quick sip of water. “I really thought she’d be strong enough to have an effect on Rafe, and more importantly, her child. Then, I thought she was dead.
“What about you, Jessica? Were you able to figure out any of your own powers? Cheveyo made it sound like your mother, well, Dyani, passed them on to you,” Reagan said.
“I could do weird things. In one battle, I wanted to stop my brother from killing some hikers. They hadn’t done anything but wander into the wrong part of the forest at the wrong time.” Jessica looked up, her eyes glazed over, and she seemed far away. Probably reliving the moment. “I squeezed my eyes shut, no longer able to watch, and I kept imagining holding them close. Out of nowhere, there was a high-pitched howl, and my eyes flew open. I saw Donovan beating against the air around the hikers as if he couldn’t get through. It gave them enough time to get away. Then, he turned on me. He beat me severely that night.”
Reagan’s mind flitted from one piece of information to the next. She wondered what she and Jessica could do together, since Reagan had performed similar feats to those described. Making a mental note to have Jessica work with Nana, Reagan focused on the other revelation. Amélie seemed to have a power similar to Winona’s; they could both affect emotions through touch. Reagan considered how many different skill sets flowed through the room. There wasn’t much time left before the prophecy came into play—only three more months. So much training would need to happen in that time, in addition to vampire negotiations and a sword hunt.
“I’m surprised Rafe didn’t try to use your powers for his own purposes. What happened with Donovan must’ve gotten back to Rafe,” Winona said.
“Rafe does everything for his own purposes. At one point, he brought in a man. I don’t remember his name, but everything about him creeped me out. He worked with me, but the things he wanted me to do…” Jessica shuddered.
“Nana will work with you. Cheveyo, too, I’m sure. They’ll help you see your powers as a gift. We’ll need our gifts to be working in harmony to defeat Rafe. As cliché as it sounds, the world depends on us.” Reagan hated thinking of it like that because it increased the pressure. But, that’s exactly what she faced. Failing would mean the end of the world as she knew it.
Suddenly, the food she was so eager to devour no longer held any appeal. She pushed it away.
“So, where do we begin? Training or strategy?”
“Training,” Madeleine said, pushing back from the table. “If we aren’t ready, all the planning in the world won’t matter.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Reagan didn’t realize Papa was near until he put in his two cents.
“Rowan and I will start planning. Madeleine, will you head up the training part? Jessica needs to train for combat and with Nana. Reagan and Winona will train in both areas as well.” When he finished, Rowan stood and followed Papa toward the door.
Although it wasn’t the best time to be sensitive, Reagan couldn’t help but wonder when he’d think she was ready. She’d been training for a while, and he still wanted her to put in countless hours with Madeleine and Nana. Would he ever trust her? Would he ever look to her with t
he same confidence he bestowed on Madeleine, or even Nana?
ↄↄↄↄↄ
After dinner, everyone started breaking up to head in different directions. Then, an alarm sounded.
“Rowan, Ricardo, and Sasha, come with me. Everyone else, stay put.” Papa raced out of the room with his requested backup close behind.
Reagan regretted every time she’d prayed for adventure and to get out of her small town. If only she could go back to boring and predictable.
Madeleine paced. Reagan could see her friend’s need to leave. “Come on,” Reagan said, grabbing Madeleine’s hand. “Let’s join them.”
They raced down the corridor and into the command center. Flashing red lights and continued alarm sirens filled the room.
“Someone has penetrated the north entrance. Our camera there has been disabled, and our guard isn’t responding. Someone, we assume our guard, pushed the alarm,” Angelo said. He was one of the regulars in the command center. Reagan rarely saw him anywhere else.
“So, are we just going to sit around and wait for this intruder to come to us?” Madeleine asked.
Jed, Rowan, and Ricardo all swung around at the same time.
“I told you both to stay put,” Jed said.
“She should be here,” a voice boomed.
Reagan turned toward the voice. An older man, Reagan guessed he was in his late eighties, if not older, stood before them.
Madeleine cocked her head at the stranger.
“Do you not recognize me, ma chérie?”
“Dad?” After her barely breathed word, the alarms and lights stopped. Everyone in the room seemed frozen.
“Oh, my girl,” he said, holding his arms open.
Madeleine rushed into them.
A few men ran into the room, guns raised.
“Stand down!” Jed said.
On command, the men lowered their weapons but formed a circle around Madeleine and the man.
Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series Page 35
