“She called out for help before her transformation and I could not deny her.”
“He did,” I affirmed. “I had to keep it secret because I didn’t think you would believe me, or understand.”
“You’re right. I wouldn’t have,” she admitted. She then turned back to Michael with a pained look in her eyes. “Why didn’t you ever come to me? I called out many times.”
“I know you did, my dear child, and it made my heart ache. But I could not answer because there is an order to things that even I cannot break,” he confessed.
Alaine sadly nodded. “Did you send Emma the dagger?”
“I did.”
“And you sent me the amulet and suit?” she questioned.
He nodded.
“Thank you,” she said appreciatively. “Those gifts saved her life. She probably wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them.”
“I only did what any father, or grandfather, would do to protect those he loves. I wish I could have done more, but like I said, my hands were tied.”
“I understand,” Alaine said.
Michael’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “I’m so proud of you. You rose above all of the darkness in your life, and still became a beacon of light for all those around you – touching so many souls.”
“I only try to do what is right,” she said.
“You’ve been doing what is in your heart, a heart which is pure and unselfish,” he acknowledged with pride. He then turned to Samuel and extended his hand. “Samuel, it is a pleasure to meet you. I realize things happened a long time ago, but I want to personally thank you for taking care of Alaine and Emma.”
“I love them with my life,” Samuel replied, with a simple bow of his head.
“I know. And you are highly regarded.”
“Thank you, Michael,” Samuel said.
“I have a mission to take care of, so I must bid you farewell. But be assured this will not be our last meeting,” he said to Alaine.
“I will be looking forward to our future encounters,” she said, hugging him again.
“Good bye, Emma. Congratulations to you both. I will be seeing you around,” he said, winking at me.
“See you, grandfather,” I giggled.
He laughed, and in a flash, dissolved into a million sparking gold flecks.
Alaine threw her hands up, holding the sides of her head as if they were going to explode.
“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Oh my God.”
“He’s unbelievable isn’t he?” I said.
“This whole moment has been unbelievable,” she said, turning and squeezing me in a hug.
She then linked her arm into Samuel’s, ushering him to head out toward the reception. The guests began to follow, but when I turned around Lia’s eyes were fixed on mine.
“Oh no,” I exhaled.
“Emma,” she respired, her face filled with disappointment. “There are some major things you’ve been keeping from us.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. But there are things about my new life I didn’t think you would understand,” I tried to explain.
“I’m your best friend, and best friends share secrets. They stick by each other through thick and thin… no matter what.”
“We are your best friends,” Jeremy said, stepping next to her.
“You both are the best friends anyone could ever have, and when this is all over, I promise I will explain it all to you.”
“Promise?” she asked.
“Cross my heart.”
“Alright. ‘Cause I’m trying to make sense of it all. First, there was that big, handsome guy who popped up before vanishing into thin air, and then you were over there calling him grandfather, and Alaine mom… I’m going to need some affirmations soon or my head will explode.”
“Yeah, we both will,” Jeremy added.
“And you will. As soon as this whole celebration is over,” I promised.
“Okay,” she said, hugging me. She grabbed Jeremy’s arm and pointed. “To the ballroom, where the food is! Take me now.”
Jeremy rolled his eyes, and then led her down the pathway of rose petals.
JUST AS KADE AND I made our way toward the pathway, I gasped, feeling a rush of heat twist in my stomach. It felt like a warning.
“What’s the matter?” Kade asked.
“I don’t know. But I feel like something bad is about to happen.”
A faint smell of a sweet smokiness caught my nose.
“Fallen,” Kade whispered, and as soon as he spoke, his beautiful hazel eyes went black.
“Emma, stay behind me,” Kade said, stepping in front of me.
“Oh, how sweet,” Azzah’s words dripped with disgust. He and Bane appeared in the corner of the open space.