Angel Incarnate: Second Sight (14 page)

Chapter 19

Mortriel and Samhael
both returned to Hell at the same time. After passing the gatekeeper, they made
their way to Lucifer’s chambers to inform him of their meetings.

Lucifer was wearing
black satin pajama bottoms with a matching smoking jacket.

With her blonde hair in
a single braid, and dressed in a white cotton nightgown, Mehri bolted for the
bedroom as soon as Mortriel walked through the door.

Lucifer grabbed her
hand and asked her to stay. “You’re in no danger. We’ll listen to them, and
then I have another matter to discuss with you.”

She nodded, and then
took a seat in a chair as far away from Mortriel as possible. Mehri wasn’t
afraid of Samhael, but Lucifer’s son was volatile, and even though his father
had warned him about hurting her, she still didn’t trust him.

Samhael told Lucifer
that Richard was on board with their plans; Mortriel conveyed Malakiel would
also be willing to help them eliminate the angel-bloods.

“I don’t know why we
don’t just go to Aeden and capture Aura now. There is no reason to wait,”
Mortriel insisted.

“You will stay away
from Aeden.
 
We don’t even know if Aura
is there. Bren is well aware of your involvement in the deaths of the
angel-bloods. Need I remind you about what happened in Purgatory?”
 
Lucifer asked.

Mortriel removed a few
grapes from the bowl on the coffee table, and tossed them into his mouth before
plopping on the couch.”

“Umm,” Samhael cleared
his throat, trying to get his friends attention.

Mortriel looked up, and
seeing his father’s frown because his dirty boots were again resting on the
soft leather, he sat upright and stretched his legs. “All the more reason we
should strike now.”

“I’ve decided Samhael
will take Mehri to Aeden. My sources tell me Aura’s best friend, Ryan, is
involved with a small group of troubled teenagers. I’m certain with the right
type of clothing; she won’t have any trouble fitting in.”

“You want me to leave?”
Mehri gasped.

“There is something I
have been keeping from you. Regrettably, your son Byron is dead; he was killed
by Paul and Adam forty years ago.”

“Why did they kill
him?”

“They believed he
murdered my sister. It was a ridiculous notion; Loralei was a powerful angel,
and Byron did not have the means to kill her. Samhael and Mortriel were
responsible for her death.”

 
“Why didn’t my son come here?”

“The Guild used
angel-fire to kill him, and his body turned to ash. There was nothing I could
do for him. That’s one of the reasons I have chosen you to go to Aeden. I’m
sure you will want to avenge Byron’s death.”

Mehri’s eyes widened.
What are you thinking? If anyone discovers I
am your wife, there will be a target on my head.
“I have no special
powers,” she argued. “What if the angel-bloods try to kill me too?”

Lucifer caressed her
cheek. “Do not fear; I will make sure you are well protected before I allow you
to leave.”

His words offered her
little comfort. She had not been on earth in years and knew nothing would be as
it was. She stared at Mortriel. In Hell, Lucifer could protect her from him.
What would happen once she left his sanctuary?

Lucifer kissed her
lightly on the forehead before turning his attention to Samhael. “Does your
daughter still work for the priest?”

“Daughter – I wasn’t
aware you had any children?” Mortriel said.

“I have done my best to
keep her identity a secret. She lives in a small cottage just outside the
boundaries of Aeden. The information she has gathered for us has been
invaluable. From what I understand, she is already acquainted with Aura’s
priest friend.”

“Excellent – Mehri can
stay with her. I’ll expect you to be available while she adapts to her new
surroundings.”

“As you wish,” Samhael
said, “though I doubt I’ll be needed. Stella is aware of our plans. She’ll take
every precaution to ensure Mehri’s safety.”

“Why do you always
choose him over me?” Mortriel demanded.

“You allow your
emotions to get in the way of your judgment. Samhael is more level-headed. I
can’t risk the Guild discovering Mehri’s identity. You may choose to return to
Purgatory, stay here, or go to earth and recruit more mortals for our special
guard. You have my permission to promise them anything -- most of them won’t
survive the process. Any who live, will be given wealth and power beyond their
wildest dreams.”

 
“I’m meeting with Richard tomorrow. He knows a
pair of brothers who may be eager to help us. It’s possible they have friends,”
Samhael said.

“I want you to be
discreet,” Lucifer warned. “If the Guild catches on to our plans, they will
kill the Abyvir before they draw first blood.”

“The cabin I have
chosen is a few miles beyond the Utopian city limits. It is surrounded by
hundreds of acres of woods, and should be an ideal place to hide them. I doubt
the Guild will bother to look there. They tend to allow Richard’s father to
govern his own people.”

“Do not underestimate
Paul and his friends. I made that mistake a long time ago, and am still paying
the price. There is no need to accelerate our plans; we will take our time.
 
If we are fortunate, and the Abyvir survive,
we’ll schedule their first attack in a week’s time. They should be under your
control by then.”

“Richard has asked that
his sister and her family be the first victims. Then, he wants his brother,
Caspian, out of the way. If the other angel-bloods in Utopia don’t conform to
his wishes, they too will be eliminated.”

“I’ll leave the details
to you. This will send a strong message to the Guild. We may not be able to
hurt them, or their children, but we can destroy their friends and create chaos
in the colonies.”

He patted Samhael on
the back.

“You can come for Mehri
in the morning after you’ve met with Richard. The vials of blood will be
waiting for you. Once she is settled, you can begin to administer the hound’s
blood to our volunteers. Most of them will perish immediately, but those who
survive will need to be watched closely. I’m certain my son can make
arrangements with some of his friends from Purgatory.”

 
“I’ll do whatever you ask of me,” Mortriel
said. He hadn’t seen his father smile in a long time; it was a sincere gesture.
One way or another, Mortriel was determined to earn Lucifer’s respect.

“I’ll walk you out,”
Lucifer said.

They shook Lucifer’s
hand and maneuvered their way through the catacombs until they were at the main
gate.

“Are you angry with
me?” Samhael asked, as soon as they were clear of Lucifer’s chambers.

Mortriel placed his
hand affectionately on his friend’s shoulder. “Not at all; you follow orders
just like the rest of us.”

“Speaking of the cabin,
it will need a thorough cleaning,” Samhael said.

“Don’t concern yourself
with that; I still have a good friend in Utopia. I’m sure Grendel will be more
than happy to spruce up the place.”

“I wasn’t aware you
were still in contact with her. Has she forgiven you for turning her into a
hideous monster?”

Mortriel chuckled.
“Grendel was a powerful angel before I cursed her. I promised her one day I
would remove the curse, so she won’t do anything to upset me until that
happens. I know you trust Richard, but it doesn’t hurt to have another set of
eyes and ears in the colony.”

“I’ll deliver the
message if you like. I’m headed that way.”

“Surely you aren’t
going to crash Caspian’s wedding -- not with the Guild there?”

“By the time I arrive,
the reception should be over. I want to get Richard motivated as soon as
possible. I don’t like depending on someone else, regardless of how much I
trust them.”

“I may join you, and
then go to Purgatory. My father said to stay away from Aeden, but he said nothing
about going to Utopia.”

“That isn’t a good
idea. Aura may not recognize you, but if Paul is still there and sees you,
he’ll know you have friends in Utopia, and that could hurt our future plans.
Don’t forget Eve is Esra’s granddaughter; she is a powerful seer too.”

“Aren’t you worried
Paul will see you?”

“I was in Utopia
yesterday. Dressed as I am, the governor and his family will think I’ve come to
congratulate the bride and groom. If the Guild is still there, I’ll wait with
Grendel until it’s safe to leave. Should I plan to meet you in Purgatory?”

“No – I’ll only be
there long enough to check on the prisoners. I’ll take Father’s suggestion and
begin to search for more volunteers for our special guard.
 
We can plan to meet back here in the morning
to collect the hound’s blood. By the time you have Mehri settled, Richard
should have an answer from the two brothers.”

 
Before they passed through the gate, Mortriel
stopped and placed his hand on his friend’s arm. “Just be careful. If you see
anything suspicious, get out of there. You don’t have the powers to take on the
Guild, and their children.”

“Understood – you’ll
find I am a patient man.”

“If everything goes as
planned, the angel-bloods will soon be nothing more than a bad memory.”

“Not soon enough,
“Samhael said.

They embraced, and then walked
through the gates -- Mortriel going in one direction, and Samhael in another.

Chapter 20

One of the servants
followed Meredith into her bedchambers, but the governor’s wife quickly
dismissed the young girl. She expected Henry to accompany her into the house,
and when he stayed in the garden, she was beyond livid.

How dare he defend that horrid woman after what she did to
me; I’m his wife
.
Just because Eve is married to Paul, is no
reason for her to receive special privileges. One way or another, she will
regret embarrassing me in front of the entire colony
.
I’ll speak to Richard; he’ll know what to do.

After she wriggled out
of the wet gown, Meredith deposited it into one of the trash cans. She walked
to her closet and found a long, sleeveless, black crepe dress.

She placed the tiara on
her dresser; it would go to the jewelers in the morning to be repaired. There
was no sense in looking for the missing stone; someone had probably already
stuffed it into their pocket.

Meredith removed the
pins from her hair, as she stepped into the shower, damning the Guild and their
children.

My mother was the evil one; she was responsible for my
father’s death. One day, I will clear his name. Richard will inform me about what
happened when I left the reception. I see no reason to go back.

The warm water began to
work its magic, and Meredith allowed all of the tension to leave her body.

I’ll deal with Eve and her brats another day
.
Later,
I’ll demand an apology from Henry. After forty years of marriage, I know how to
get what I want from him; tonight will be no different
.

She turned off the
water and reached for a towel. When her robe was secure, Meredith stretched out
on the bed, and then called for the servants to bring her a flask of wine.

As soon as Desiree
entered the guest room she shared with her mother, she started ripping off the
wet gown. Most angel-bloods didn’t wear make-up, but she never went without it.
Looking into the mirror, the mascara -- which was supposed to be water-proof --
left black streaks on both cheeks. “Look at me, Mother; I’m hideous,” she
cried.

Charisse sat on the bed
and glared at her daughter.

“You have humiliated me
in front of everyone. What were you thinking calling for Richard? Did you think
no one would notice? I realize you never wanted this marriage, but you could
have refused Caspian’s proposal. Now, the entire colony will be convinced you
are having an affair with your husband’s brother. No one will trust you again.”

Grabbing a handful of
tissues from the dresser, Desiree began to erase the mascara. “I don’t care
what they think. I only agreed to this wedding because Meredith pressured me.
Richard loves me, and I love him, but his mother has convinced him to marry
Renatta because her family is rich.”

“Do you think she
didn’t want Caspian to marry you for the same reason? Meredith used to be my
best friend, but she changed after she gave birth to Richard. Frankly, I don’t
trust either of them.”

Desiree’s mouth dropped
as she turned to face her mother. “How can you think such a thing? Richard has
been nothing but kind to you.”

“Are you going to
change, and join your husband at the wedding celebration?”

“No – he needs to
apologize to me.” She dropped the tissues into a wastebasket and sashayed into
one of the blue wing chairs next to the bed.

“How can I be expected
to see those people again, and act as if nothing happened, after Caspian pushed
me into the fountain? We agreed there were to be no children. How could he go behind
my back and allow those brats to ruin my wedding?”

“How can you be so
cold--hearted after seeing what those poor children have been through? Meredith
struck Eve’s daughter; did you expect her not to react? If anyone should
apologize, it should be Meredith, and you. I think we both know that isn’t
going to happen. Go into the bathroom and wash your face while I try to find
you something to wear. The party will be over in a few hours, and you need to
return to your guests.”

“I’m not going back
outside, and that’s final!”

“Have it your way – you
usually do. But know this – if Caspian has your marriage annulled because he
suspects you of cheating with Richard, he may demand a hearing to have you both
exiled.”

“Henry would never
allow his son to lose his powers and be sent away.”

Charisse laughed.

“Richard does not have
the control you think he has over his father. Caspian is loved and respected by
the Utopians and the Guild, and so is Henry. Neither of them will do anything
to jeopardize that relationship. You do realize the governor’s position is an
appointed one; Paul chose Henry to succeed his father. You may believe Richard
and Meredith are calling the shots, but you are sadly mistaken. Now, I’m going
to say goodbye to Henry, and then I’m returning to Paris. I suggest you make
things right with your husband. If you decide to stay in your room -- I won’t
make any excuses for your childish behavior.”

Desiree ran into the
bathroom and slammed the door. Charisse picked up her daughter’s wedding gown
and threw it on the bed before leaving the room.

She is just like her father. I should have warned her about
him years ago, and then maybe she wouldn’t have gotten involved with Richard.
God help her if she doesn’t wake up to see how evil he is. All I can do is
offer advice
.
It’s her life; she will reap what she sows.

She didn’t see Meredith
on her way out, but Charisse did stop to have a word with Henry before she
left. “Desiree is too embarrassed to return to the reception; she is expecting
an apology from Caspian.”

“I doubt that will be
forthcoming,” Henry said as he emptied a glass of Merlot.

“No – my daughter
should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry you had to witness such poor
behavior.”
 

Henry began to chuckle.
“I’m used to bad behavior from Meredith and Richard. We should put this behind
us, and enjoy the rest of the party.” He handed Charisse a glass of champagne,
and poured himself another glass of wine.

“I can’t stay; I have
to get back to Paris,” she said. “I’ve told Desiree to fix things with Caspian;
this is no way to begin a marriage. If this union doesn’t work out, feel free
to send her home.”

She kissed him on the
cheek, and with a snap of her fingers, Charisse disappeared.

 
Pity,
Desiree isn’t more like her mother. I hoped her marriage to Caspian would last,
but she obviously has feelings for Richard. Maybe it’s nothing more than a
brotherly affection; Heaven knows he doesn’t have many friends
.
 

After downing his third
glass of wine, Henry poured another as he pondered the fate of his son’s marriage.
 

The mood of the crowd
had lightened after the departure of Meredith and Desiree. With the band
playing, many of the guests joined the children on the dance floor. Though the
orphans seemed less afraid, Bren warned them to stay clear of Richard and
Nathali.

After a few hours, the
residents started to leave the reception. Rita and Jessica left to walk around
the city with Joshua, and his friend Will.

Caspian hadn’t spoken
to his father, or Charisse, so he wasn’t aware his bride would not be returning
to her reception. Instead, she would remain in her bedroom -- pouting like a
spoiled child. He didn’t care one way or another. He had a conversation with
Paul, and decided to join Axel when he left on the mission to locate the
angel-blood families.

After being sworn in as
members of the guard, Caspian and Axel were given rings to communicate with the
Guild if they were ever in danger.

Paul offered a short
list of those families who had already been identified. The guardians would
begin their journey in Florida.

“We’ll meet once a week
for an update. There is enough housing in Savannah and Aeden for those who want
the protection of the Guild,” Paul said.

“What if they refuse to
come with us?” Caspian asked.

“All we can ask is that
you try. Perhaps if we inform them about what happened to the other
angel-bloods; it may be enough to sway them into seeking shelter with us. I
realize this is your wedding night. You could wait until morning, and then
begin your quest.”

“You have done me a
tremendous favor,” Caspian said. “Now, I have a legitimate reason for leaving.”

“Very well – collect a
change of clothes, and be ready to leave within the hour. Your party seems to
be winding down; it’s a pity Desiree chose to ignore her guests.”

“I should never have
allowed my mother to influence my decision to marry her. You heard Desiree call
for Richard. At least I won’t be forced into spending the night with a woman I
have no feelings for.”

“These things have a
way of working themselves out. I’ve heard absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

“That may be true in
most cases, but I don’t believe it will apply to me.
 
I have no doubt my bride will seek comfort
from my brother tonight. I thought I would be upset, but I’m actually
relieved.”

“If you need anything
while you’re gone, the rings will allow you to call for us. Adam and I can
easily find your location. You are performing a great service to Heaven, and
your efforts will not be forgotten. I should start rounding up my family; I’m
certain the children are getting tired. We’ll see each other again, soon.”

Paul shook both of
their hands, and then headed back to the table where Eve was waiting.

Aura was standing next
to one of the fountains when the pungent odor filled her nostrils. She hurried
past a couple, nearly knocking them over. After apologizing, she slipped her
sandals off and carried them as she ran towards the country, unaware that
Richard was watching.

“Stay here until I
return,” Richard said to Nathali.

“Where are you going?”

“Just stay here.”

Richard didn’t give his
daughter a chance to argue; he spotted Aura and hurried to catch up to her.

Aura traveled down a
dirt road until she came to a row of dilapidated homes. The wooden steps were
rotted, the front door was barely hanging on a single hinge, and most of the
windows were broken. After seeing the condition of the homes, it was hard to
imagine anyone living there.

Her eyes quickly
scanned the area until she saw a young male further down the path.
 
His shoulder--length blonde hair was blowing
in the wind, but Aura couldn’t see his face clearly because he was turned at an
angle.

Why is one of Lucifer’s disciples in Utopia? Is he looking
for the angel-bloods Bren and Tracy rescued?

The suit he was wearing
was tailored and expensive looking. Aura hoped he would turn around so she
could see his face, but he disappeared, leaving behind a faint, black mist.

Richard saw Samhael
just before he vanished.
 
We weren’t supposed to meet until tomorrow.
Why would he jeopardize being seen by the Guild? I hope Aura didn’t recognize
him.

“I’m surprised to find
you in this part of town?” Richard asked.

“I thought my sister
and her friends might have come this way, but I was mistaken.” It wasn’t like
her to tell even a tiny lie, but under the circumstances, she didn’t feel
comfortable confiding in Richard.
 
Troubled by the fallen angel’s visit, Aura’s mind was a thousand miles
away.

Lucifer wouldn’t risk having one of his followers be seen by
Paul and Adam unless he had something to gain
.
First he
visits Aeden, and then one of his fallen angels comes to Utopia; that can’t be
a coincidence.
I’ll feel better when
the children are back in Aeden. I know my father trusts Henry, but Richard has
a sinister side, and after their actions today, I believe Meredith and Desiree
are following his same shadowy path.

“Are you alright?” The
exasperation in Richard’s voice, and snap of his fingers, brought Aura out of
her reverie.

“I’m sorry – sometimes
my thoughts distract me. What were you saying?”

“I doubt my brother
would bring your sister to this part of town. It’s rumored the hags and
Enchantors who live here, were once angels who have been cursed. Most of the
Utopians avoid this area.”

Aura’s brows creased.
“If they aren’t trustworthy, why does your father allow them to live so close?”

“This small village is
not protected by our wards. Some of these people have been here since my
grandfather was a boy. They stay to themselves, and as far as I know, they’ve
never hurt anyone.”

Aura started fidgeting
with the pendant around her neck. “I should get back to the reception. I don’t
want my parents to worry.”

“You’re perfectly safe,
but I could walk you back if you like.”

“No, thank you – I
think I can find my way.”