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

such a dangerous task?”
     
“I could give you back your appearance.”
    Mahlyssa stood.
Her face reddened and her lips
pursed in rage.“How dare you! My father left me with this
cursed body.
She removed her scarf, revealing a face that
was distorted and hideous. Richard jumped back. He hadn’t
seen what Marcus had done to his own daughter. Mahlyssa’s
skin was scarred as if burned by fire.“This was my reward
for being loyal, she said, dropping the scarf to the ground.”
    Richard
recovered
his
composure. “I have the
power to remove your curse and make you the woman you
once were,” Richard insisted.
“Perhaps a small
demonstration will convince you of my sincerity.”
“Lies!” Mahlyssa shouted.
     
“I can assure you it’s the truth; if you would be so
kind as to hold out your hand.”
     
She hesitated for a moment; then did as requested.
    Richard used the incantations Samhael taught him.
He knew Mahlyssa would be unfamiliar with the language.
He barely understood it when Samhael told him. Mahlyssa’s
hand changed instantly. “Now do you believe me?”
    “Change me now!” She begged. “I have been
trapped in this body for forty years. I’ll do whatever you
ask.”
    Richard hated rewarding anyone, but he had no
choice. She was one of the last Enchantors that he had some
control
over
and
while
Samhael
could
undo
spells,
he
couldn’t erase the mark of angel-fire. Mahlyssa would have
the knowledge, but he was sure she would never give up the
secret under any circumstances.
“How do I know you will be loyal to me after I
change you?”
     
“How do you know I will not change your daughter
back?”
     
“It seems we both have something to lose if we
betray each other,” Richard laughed.
    He spoke the rest of the incantations and Mahlyssa
changed before his eyes.
She was once more a stunning
blonde with Kelly green eyes. Richard could see why Virgil
fell in love with her. She was as perfect a specimen as he
had ever seen.
“Where is your daughter? I will change her now,”
Mahlyssa said.
    “She is not with
me, but I’ll return with her later
today. I trust you’ll be here when I return? I would hate to
reverse the spell again.”
“That won’t be necessary. I have always kept my
word.”
    “That’s true. Oh there is one small detail I forgot to
mention.
She has a scar on her left cheek.
It was made by
angelfire. I trust that won’t be a problem?”
Mahlyssa raised her brow.“Angel-fire - was it made
by one of the Archangels?”
     
“It was made by one of their descendants. Will you
be able to disguise my daughter or not?”
    Mahlyssa thought for a minute.
“There is a way, but
I’ll need a few hours to gather the supplies. Bring her to me
this afternoon. I’ll be ready then. What does your daughter
look like now?”
“She has long auburn curls and black eyes.”
    “If you want to
be convincing, I suggest we make
her hair blonde.
As for her eyes, with the proper mixture I
can change them to blue.”
“I agree blonde hair and blue eyes will be a dramatic
change for her.”
    “I can only alter her voice slightly, but it should be
enough.
Also you’ll want to take any jewelry from her that
might be recognized.
I can alter her outward appearance,
but you will have to instruct her not to use
any body
language which might reveal her true identity.”
“Of course,” Richard said. “I’ll take my leave now
and return this afternoon.”
    “Excellent. I promise you will not be disappointed.”
She called for one of her servants to show Richard to the
door.
When the young girl looked at Mahlyssa, she almost
cried.“Mum-the curse is broken.”
    Richard vowed if Mahlyssa ever betrayed him, she
would not be the only one to suffer.
It was clear she
regarded
her
servants
as
family,
giving
him
a
slight
advantage.
Of course, there was always the news of Myra.
Richard
would
keep
her whereabouts
a secret,
until
he
needed her assistance again.
    After Richard left, Mahlyssa returned to the