"Good afternoon, Queen Katherine," the white cloaked councilwoman in the middle says. "I hope you are feeling better.""Yes, I am." I nod, standing next to Dominic with Zack on my other side. "Thanks to the Archangel."Her mouth curves into a smile. "I am aware," she says. "The Archangel has informed you that we have important business to discuss?""He did," I answer, biting my lip. Dominic takes my hand and softly rubs the top with his thumb."Very good," she says, leaning to the councilman on her left, whispering something I can't make out before looking back up. "I will get right to the business at hand." She folds her palms on her lap. "We have observed that the Prince and Princess have succeeded in mastering their new abilities.""To some extent, yes," I answer, forcing a smile. "But we won't know the extent until their full Seraph transformation."The councilwoman nods. "Agreed." She leans forward. "That is why time is of the essence.""I don't understand," I admit, swallo
I tighten my grip around his waist, relishing the steady beat of a strong, loving heart. This man is the only person that will remain a constant in my life, and I can no longer depend on how our family used to be. I should have thought about it before now, or at least anticipated some kind of change. I blocked it somehow from my mind, deceiving myself that the demons would stay away. But all the signs were there. I'm sure Dominic knew. Maybe he thought I did too? And now, Samuel and Laila will be taken from me, from us, forever..."Hi Mama!" Laila calls out, walking toward me as Zack and Victoria enter the room. They smile, giving me a quick nod as they head toward to the table. Samuel is right behind his sister, more reserved, his face going bright when our eyes meet.I pull away from Dominic and wrap my arms around them both. "Hey you two," I say as Laila tightens her grip around my waist. "Oomph! What's this all about?""We don't like it when you're not feeling well," Laila adm
I look over at Samuel, beaming with delight, and my heart warms. My eyes dart to Laila sitting next to him, the look of devastation no longer shadowing her features. She's leaning close to her brother, face lit up with a smile, no doubt influenced by his enthusiasm. I just hope it's not one-sided."Laila," I call out to her, "how are you feeling about all this?"She looks up at me, expression clearing as if not wanting her eagerness to show. "I'm fine, I think," she admits, pulling her eyes away from mine, "If Samuel wants to go, then so do I. We have to stay together.""Yes!" Zack cuts in, elated. "In fact, you should think of this as a type of boarding school." His eyes go wide. "Like you're at Hogwarts."Nice spin.I glance over to Dominic, torn. I don't know if I should be relieved that our children are suddenly okay with leaving us or sad that they actually want to. His eyes meet mine and narrow, thinking about something as he strokes the scruff on his chin."Your uncle make
Samuel straightens up in his chair. "You mean when we're both using them at the same time?""Exactly," Zack answers, tearing off a piece of his garlic bread. "And, from here on out, you will no longer be referred to as, 'the twins.' You are now, the Gemini.""That's weird," Samuel says, taking a drink of milk. "Why would they do that?" "Well, for one thing," Zack pushes his salad plate away, "The Hierarchy Realm places great importance on astronomy," he looks up, "and the stars, especially the symbolism of the Zodiac." His eyes dart back and forth from Laila to Samuel. "And the significance that you were created from a half Seraph Queen and a full Seraph Warrior...""I don't get it," Samuel interrupts, shaking his head.Zack chuckles under his breath. "It's extremely rare. So rare that you and your sister are the first ever twins born in the Angelic Realm. That's symbolic on its own, not to mention your abilities are already beyond what anyone, even the Hierarchy Realm, could hav
Samuel slowly nods, obeying his father and pulls away from Victoria. She screams and latches her arms securely around him, eyes wide and shaking her head. Samuel squirms, performing a Butterfly Twist, his moment so quick, so precise as he frees himself from her grip and lands next to Laila. He looks down, watching the palms of my hands tremble as I try to keep Laila's head steady. Dominic shifts, giving Samuel more room and then nods, keeping his weight on Laila as she thrusts and growls at Pastor praying in Latin at her feet. Samuel blinks several times, reluctant and reaches out, wrapping his fingers around Laila's hand. His jaw suddenly drops open, and I gasp, seeing only the whites of his eyes. Laila looks up at her brother and laughs, the face of pure evil staring back at him as she coughs, sending a thin line of black smoke directly into his mouth. "You will be ours too, boy!" A deep, gravelly voice escapes Laila's mouth. Bubbly white foam drips from Samuel's open jaw as hi
What just happened? I slowly open my eyes, blurred by something warm running down my face, but I can't see. The room is too dark. I attempt to lean up and grimace as another jolt of pain shoots up my back. Nausea hit my gut, and I try to breathe through it, gingerly reaching up and wiping away the sticky wetness. I have to blink several times to focus, holding up my trembling hand when I finally I see it. Blood and lots of it, dripping from my palm and trickling down my fingers. My vision begins to wobble as bile threatens deep in my throat. I bring my head back on the chapel floor, drained and weakened, but I need to keep going. I have to stop Dominic. I have to get my family, but the silence is intoxicating, numbing my body and I'm drawn to it. Another flash of light appears from behind me, and I sluggishly turn my head, startled to see three enormous men dressed in all white, standing in front of my husband and daughter. "Dominic!" I whisper, failing to get up as I cry out i
Dominic glances up at me, confused. He read my thoughts. I give him a small grin, and his brows push together, puzzled so I let him off the hook."I'll explain later," I say in my head, and he nods slightly, focusing back on Pastor's words of prayer. I, however, cannot.Careful to block my thoughts this time, I continue to let my mind wander as Pastor Ezekiel continues with his cleansing ritual. Did it really happen? Did I somehow fall asleep? Could it have been a test or something so sacred only I could witness? That's certainly how it felt. I sneak another glance, looking for cuts and bruises on anyone's hand or arms, but no one is injured, no one is even out of place. Did the Cherubim Angels really use some kind of time travel to fix everything and place us back where we started? I guess it doesn't matter now. I'm just so grateful.Pastor finishes and steps back, pulling me out of my thoughts, and I smile up at him. "It is done, Your Majesty." His face lightens up. "You
Indescribable, breathtaking colors break through the white light, revealing a vibrant green meadow, heavily flowered in purples, pinks and yellows. Their sweet fragrance permeating the air as they sway in unison with the light, warm breeze.I'm barely aware of the 'ooh's and awe's' coming from my family, completely mesmerized by this new, incredible world before me. My eyes dart in every direction, hardly knowing where to go to next as I take everything in, fascinated by even the smallest blade of greener than green grass. Glancing up at the sky, birds are soaring in spectacular hues of orange, red, purple and blue playfully swooping all around as they sing their song in a sky so blue words cannot describe. Every shade, every tint, every pigment is more vibrant than the next, so drenched in color it feels alive. Up ahead, an enormous gold, shimmering wall sparkles in the sun's rays like magic, casting shards of crystal beams as we walk towards it. I'm so overcome, my eyes begin to
His forehead is lined in concern, pinging my gut and I watch his expression grow more serious. "It was not a dream, Love," he whispers, glancing down at my waist. I let out a cry and sit up, throwing the covers off of me.There's no blood, it's gone... there's not even a trace."Oh, Dominic, did I?" I can barely say the words. "Did I lose the baby?" "Our baby is fine." His smile widens and my breath hitches, the smell of sweet rosemary swirls between us as he softly kisses my lips. "you do not need to worry.""Really?" I whisper, astonished. "Really, honey?"He nods. "It is over, Love." He moves closer, gathering me in his arms. "You are safe." He kisses my cheek. "And so is or our baby." His arms pulls me closer."But how? I-I was bleeding." My body shivers, remembering. "Oh Dominic, there was so much blood.""I know, honey." He nods, gently rubbing my back. My eyes go wide. "The twins?" I pull back. "They were there...they saw everything, they saved me, I think they even
"Hello, Kate," a woman's voice calls out, and I sluggishly blink, pulling my heavy lids open to total darkness. "Did you enjoy my little gift? I sharpened the blade myself."I reach out, groggy and drunk, touching the edge of a blanket on my chest. "Yes, you are still in bed," the woman says. "But now it's time to wake up!" she shouts, yanking me up by the arm as a hard slap stings the side of my face. I yelp, more alert and duck my head awkwardly in the blackness. She laughs. "They have sedated you. This is going to be a cake walk." The lamp next to the bed suddenly switches on, blinding me, and I sluggishly shield my eyes. "Who are you?" I ask, the back of my head falling hard against the headboard as I lower my hands.I see her dress first, black, long and skintight, hands propped on her hips, hair and face still breathtaking. Olivia. Her lips curl up into a slow smile as soon as I look into her new black eyes. "Surprised to see me?" she winks, "Why yes, I can dream wa
He slowly nods. "Yes, I could tell it in her expression. I could feel her anger."My eyes go wide. "What if she tries to do it again?" I blurt out."She cannot." He shakes his head. "I have been sealed," he says, and I let out a breath of relief.Dominic holds me in his arms a few moments longer, and I look back up, "The councilman, he was sent to protect the twins from her too, wasn't he?""Mmm, hum," his voice resonates in my ear. "The Hierarchy Council knew they would be especially susceptible to her.""Because of their visions?" I ask.He nods. "And their dreams.""If they can kill a demon, they can certainly kill a witch," I smirk."It is not that easy," he says. "It is forbidden for a Seraph to kill another Seraph." I pull away and look up, "Even if she tries to kill them?" Dominic glances down at me. "Yes.""What would be her reason? Why would she want to hurt the twins?" I ask."Power," he says."Power for what?" "No one is sure, but the Hierarchy Council has
"Not at all, Victoria, it's okay," I assure her, attempting to ease her guilt. "I know Dominic had a life before me." I push back my chair and stand. "So, if Olivia stayed, she must have met her husband a few years after Dominic left?" "Yes, her husband was already a Warrior for the Seraph Realm, but eventually, Dominic took his place.""Why?"Victoria shrugs. "Dominic was more skilled and introduced new strategies to fight the demons.""Oh...," I whisper, suddenly impressed as I make it out in my head. "And Olivia's husband was sent to the Hierarchy Realm then? "That is correct." Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Demons can't touch this place, it's too holy. "Did he come here for more training?"Victoria nods. "Yes, among other things. Henry was injured pretty badly in battle and was in need of physical and mental rehabilitation.""Olivia must have spent a lot of time with him.""Indeed.""How long were Olivia and Henry together before he had to leave, do you know?""Ma
Still panting, he quickly recovers and lifts himself above me, focused as he begins to slowly move his hips, thrusting himself in and out. His blazing hand cups my breast, and he leans down, teasing my nipple with a firm tongue. My body tightens. "Harder," I whisper, so close to euphoria I pull him down, arching my hips before wrapping my legs around his waist. He continues to hold back, keeping himself from going any further. He's knows I'm on the edge, and he knows how to drive me crazy."Dominic, please!" I whisper, trying to pull him closer but he stops and moves lower, tossing the blankets back before pausing between my legs."Not before I get a taste of you," he whispers, pressing down on my legs as he leans in and runs his warm, slick tongue gently over me, sucking and moaning before doing it again. "So good," he murmurs, his breath like fire. He raises himself back up, his length drags along my thigh, wet and firm. I tremble, reaching out to wrap my arms around him as he
"This place," he ignores me, eyes darting around the room. "It is not our realm...it must be having an effect on me, on us. Maybe even the children."I squeeze his hand, but he's lost in thought, agonizing. I can't let him take the blame. He needs to know the truth about her. I reach up, pulling his face toward me and we lock eyes. "The only thing affecting you is Olivia's fucking witchcraft!" I blurt out."Kate!" he shouts and yanks himself away. "You mustn't speak like that!""It's true!" I plead. "The twins know it too!" He glares at me, fury in his eyes, and if he weren't my husband, I'd be frightened. "They are mistaken! And so are you!" "No!" I shout, standing up to him, "Olivia, she's cast some kind of spell. There's no way you would have allowed her to kiss you otherwise."His face clears, nostrils flaring with each breath as he stares down at me."I wanted to wait," I whisper. "I wanted more time to prove it, but we don't have time." I move closer to him. "Laila is
Laila whimpers, and my eyes go straight to hers. I have to be strong. I won't let this woman hurt my children or tear my family apart. "Listen to me, honey," I squeeze her hands tightly. "I promise no one will come between your father and I," I say, trying to reassure her, "In the meantime, do your best not to worry about this right now and get some sleep, okay?" She nods, wiping the wetness from her eyes. "Samuel told me the same thing.""Samuel knows?""Yeah."I take in a breath, scanning the room and lean in, "Okay, but let's keep this just between the three of us." "We will." She sniffs. "Samuel and I have a plan, anyway." I turn my head to the side, eyeing her. "What kind of plan?""I'll tell you in the morning.""Laila," I whisper, moving closer, "are you and Samuel planning to enter Olivia's drea...?""It's the easiest way, Mama," she interrupts. "Dreams are more truthful than real life.""I don't want you two getting involved." I say, brows pushing together. "I c
From that point on, I watched Olivia closely. Her eye movement, her facial expressions, anything that might reveal that I'm completely wrong about her, and she's just an innocent woman, waiting desperately for her husband and children to return. An hour went by and nothing. Olivia was cordial, considerate and even friendly toward me as though she were a different person or, somehow aware I was on to her, I can't be sure. When dinner was over, Olivia invited the four of us to stay for a couple of days to help the twins settle in, and we agreed. It was a nice gesture, and I appreciated her generosity.After dinner, we toured Samuel and Laila's rooms, located on the second floor of the castle, directly next to one another with an adjoining door. The twins couldn't wait to show off all the books, gadgets and games they discovered earlier, dashing back and forth while Olivia smiled with pride. She did it all. She completely customized everything to their individual likes, even down to th
I catch a glimpse of Olivia, standing with Zack and Victoria as she stares in my direction, but not at me. She's fixated on Dominic with an expression of yearning, no-it's more like pure lust. I can feel the blood rushing to my face, hot with anger as I glance up at Dominic. His eyes focused on hers with such intensity, I jerk away and gasp, trying to keep my composure. "Kate," he says, reaching out to me, his connection with Olivia broken. "Are you all right?"I glance up, surprised by his expression, suddenly draped in love and concern and I stumble, tripping on my dress. "Yeah," I answer, taking his hand, strong and tight as he steadies me."C'mon, you two," Zack calls over his shoulder, hand in hand with Victoria, "Didn't you hear? It's time for dinner," he says as they follow Olivia into the hallway.Dominic lets go, and I smooth out my dress. Its champagne colored beads glistening under the brilliant light of the sparkling crystal chandeliers."As always, you are a vision,"