MIDNIGHT DIVINE (The Helio Trilogy Book 1) (42 page)

The corners of my mouth
turn up, and I gaze over to Jack. His beautiful green eyes soften. “We’re glad
your home, Sunshine.”

Home.
It’s the most unexpected and unfamiliar feeling. A
feeling I didn’t know I longed for or needed. I moved to Red Meadow emotionally
closed off, reckless, and craving to change my life. Instead, Red Meadow
changed
me
. I let myself love
and be loved. I allowed others to guide me and stand resolute by my side, and I
found I couldn't always save myself. Most importantly, I realized that
true
family is not always blood, and
blood
is not always family.

With the discovery of my
angelic nature and the purpose behind my creation, my freedom's become forfeit.
Now more than ever, I'm determined to change the fate my mother's planned for
me. I'll become a force of nature she never expected. I'll protect my
family
and my
home
with my entire being, even if it destroys me. The days
where I lived for the thrill of my own freedom have long departed. Now, I'm
forced to fight for that freedom. One thing's for certain, I won’t have to
fight alone.

It’s been
five
days since Jack and my father rescued me from
Lucian’s torture in Sheol. I've found ways to distract myself during the day
from dwelling on my stay there, but there's been no relief while I sleep. After
a
night of screams coming from my bedroom, Jack
requested to stay with me during the night.

The first night was awkward
between us. Jack had laid on top of the covers like he used to and held my hand
as we slept. It was liberating to have his calming presence stifle my memories
from surfacing. The second night was less awkward, but the constant tingle and
magnetic pull between us made it harder to fall asleep. The third night Jack
stayed with me, I insisted he get under the covers with me. With winter setting
in, it was even colder for our higher body temperatures, and I refused to light
a fire since my return because it gave me flashbacks. Plus, I needed him to be
closer. I wanted him to wrap his arms around me and hold me tight through the
night. And he did.

Today was Thanksgiving Day and
my
fifth
day home. We both had entirely too much to eat,
too much to drink, and exhausted ourselves with hours of tackle football with
our friends
—which became interesting once Beckett extended the field to the sky
. I climb into my bed with Jack, and we watch the snow
fall on my balcony in silence. He caresses my hair until he thinks I'm asleep,
then kisses my temple with his soft lips. “Goodnight, Sunshine,” he whispers.

A tear slips from the
corner of my eye. I've missed this man so much. After he died from the Queres
Beleth injected him with, I didn’t think I would ever see him again. I've
missed his touch, his kiss, his affection. But Solas is out there somewhere, and
I need to find him. I need to confront him and apologize for being a factor in
his fall. I need to see his face and make sure he's ok. My relationship with
Solas may be changed forever, but I'll always hold a special place in my heart
for him.

gh

I open my eyes to Jack’s
beautiful face beside me. I'm wrapped in his arms
with
our legs entwined. Sliding out of bed, I grab my robe
and slide it on
to watch the sun rise through the French doors
. The snow's stopped, and the world is so quiet it seems to have paused.
The sun begins to break through the trees in the distance as it rises, and I
catch a glimmer of gold on top of the table outside. I step closer to the
French doors, squinting against the glare. The object is
not
gold. I
open the doors and slip outside. Deliberately placed in a soft mound of snow on
top of the table is a black envelope with my name
scratched
across the middle in gold. I glance around the
terrace to see if anyone's watching me. I pluck the envelope from the snow and
dust it off. Turning the envelope over, I tear it open to reveal a single
folded
,
pale parchment with golden flecks. Unfolding the
letter, my sense of optimism turns to sorrow.

My Dearest Ivy,

    I've
been a fool. I regret the mistakes I've made in the past. Loving you was never
one of them. It's been my mission from the beginning to prevent the Darkness
from reaching you. It's clear to me what I must do now. I'll stay below and
slay your enemies as long as I can, but if I fail and Darkness comes for you,
face it stoically. Don't let it defeat you. Fight. Let the unquenchable
strength of your spirit prevail and the Light within you blind your enemies.

     I
understand now. I was never your destiny. Don't be frightened or sad I won't be
returning. Please
,
don't search for me.
Your existence will continue to push me through the brightest day
s
and the darkest night
s
. You'll forever remain a permanent imprint on my
heart and my essence. I've been awakened, and now I have no misgivings of your
future. It's not me.

Eternally
,

Solas

Jeremy Roeseler, your
continued support and love have inspired me to pursue my dreams and live life
to the fullest. I love you.

Angela Hill, thank you
for your unwavering enthusiasm and knowledge that encouraged me bring this book
to life.

Also, a huge thank you to my Beta Team, Bryawna
Hogue, Sophie Krywult, Katie McFayden, Christina Sabovich, and Brenna Wilson
for taking a chance on me.

Valerie
Roeseler is a devoted mother
, author,
and workaholic with a degree in Advertising, Graphic
Design, and Print Production. She lives in Texas with her compassionate
husband, chatty toddler, and water-loving English Pointer. She devours coffee
and protein shakes, as they are her life’s essence, and is an enthusiast of
art, music, literature, adrenaline, and hair dye. When she is left to her own
devices, she tends to forget that sleep is a necessity.

www.valerieroeseler.com

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er