Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) by Linda L. Creel

matter.”
    Paul
agreed
to
notify
Arthur
to
gather
the
Commissionfor a hearing. They would address Jayden’s
annulment at the same time.
    When Will and Joshua came down for breakfast,
Rita told them of their plan to go to Utopia. “We need to
make a stop first, and then we’ll meet you there.”
No one asked where they were going and they didn’t
volunteer any information.
     
Jane decided to join Acadia and the other girls when
they went shopping.
     
Alannah asked, “Do you need some retail therapy
too?”
     
“I think we are all in need of some retail therapy,”
Jane laughed.
     
She was certainly feeling better. Acadia’s company
was good for her.
    After
breakfast,
Aura
and
the
others
left
to
go
shopping. She whispered to her sister and Jessica, “Be
careful.
I know you can handle those creatures, but I still
don’t know where Richard or Natalie are.”
“Don’t worry. I doubt either of them will give us an
excuse to kill them,” Rita said.
     
Jessica laughed.“One could only hope.”
    Paul and the others left for Utopia, while Rita and
Jessica prepared for their own mission.
Aura was sure
Aidan was somewhere searching for Jeziel.
    She almost felt guilty for not telling him
about
Alorrah’s news. Still, he had seen the same visions showing
Jeziel conversing with Samhael.
He never considered that
she had fallen, despite leaving with the fallen angel.
    Aura certainly wasn’t going to trust Aidan until she
was sure about his loyalty.
There was something about his
relationship with Jeziel that she didn’t understand. Her
priority was keeping Alannah safe.
Somehow she thought
finding Jeziel was a bigger priority for Aidan.
    She wasn’t about to let him or anyone else interfere
with her plans to bring Alorrah and Alexis home. She would
do it alone if she had
to.
She was just beginning to
understand the powers she held in her hands.
    If Aidan chose the path to darkness, it would not be
a path she would take.
She hoped she was wrong, but she
would watch him for any signs he was being tempted;
especially a change in the color of his eyes.
She knew how
close Alannah was to him, but even she was starting to
distrust him.
That made Aura sad because no one had suffered
more than her daughter. She would die to protect her.
    She used to think Aidan shared the same feelings,
but not anymore.
Christmas Eve showed her that Jeziel
came before Alannah. Aura would never forget that.

Chapter 10
    Richard was outside Mahlyssa’s home thirty
minutes later. He stopped at the front door so his arrival
could be announced.
    When Mahlyssa came to the door she looked at
Richard.“I wasn’t expecting you to return so soon. Have
you come for my little guest?”
“No, I’m here about something else entirely. I hope
he hasn’t been causing you any trouble?”
    “Of course not, he’s quiet at the moment.”
“He is unharmed?”
    “I can assure you he’s fine. I gave him a sleeping
draught, nothing more. He is actually entertaining at times,”
she smiled, as she led him to the study.
    Mahlyssa had children in the house and it was for
their sake she kept Richard’s visit discreet. “How long will
my guest be staying?” she asked.
“Not too long, a few weeks at most, but I have other
business I need to discuss with you.”
    Mahlyssa was wearing a long dress that covered her
unsightly body.
Her face was hidden behind a scarf which
coveredher head and neck. “I’m listening,” she said, as she
motioned for Richard to take a seat.
“I will be requiring your assistance again.”
“Are you bringing me another guest?” Mahlyssa
smiled.
     
“No, my daughter is in need of a new identity and I
know you’re capable of altering someone’s appearance.”
“Those types of spells are extremely difficult to
perform.”
     
“I am prepared to offer you a substantial reward for
your help.”
    “I have more money than I need.”
“Money is not what I was prepared to offer.”
“What could you give me that would make me
attempt