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Chapter 278
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Leesa stepped slowly out of the shadows of the trees onto the grass at the east end of Brennan Field. She had shared her dream and her concerns with Dominic back in the library. The wizard had been unable to come up with any alternative plan, and knowing he would not be able to dissuade Leesa from trying to rescue her family, he had reluctantly agreed to go along with her vision, trusting that it would either unfold as she had seen it or that they would be able to improvise somehow should the need arise. He had not been happy about it, though. Leesa was too valuable to risk—if he lost her to the xenorians, he would never have another apprentice.
As Leesa walked out onto the field, she recalled the two previous times she had been here. Most recently, she had watched Rave and his volkaane friends disappear into the woods along with Stefan and two other vampires as the unlikely allies set out to hunt the super vampires created by the black waziri Josef. Before that, she ha
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Leesa's Advent Chapter 279
Was some future other than the one she had seen in her dream about to unfold? She hoped not, because she had no backup plan. She forced the fear down. She was not counting on the strength of her magic. If that had been the case, she would have let Dominic try to defeat Jones. His magic was by far the more powerful.“Not really,” she said. “I’m actually pretty new to all this magical stuff. But I can’t let you threaten my mom. That’s not fair—and it’s certainly not right.”“Fair and right are concepts that do not apply where our sacred mission is concerned,” Jones said. “We serve the larger good and take a longer view of our work. If a few innocents must suffer—or even perish—so that we can further our mission, then so be it. The sacrifice is well worth it.”“Or so you delude yourselves,” Dominic said disdainfully from behind Leesa. “As your kind have done
Leesa's Advent Chapter 280
“I’m not,” she said. “Yet I have all of those inside me.” She smiled. “You might say I’m a regular United Nations of magic. I am a wizard, thanks to Dominic, who chose to impart his powers to a female rather than to a male as is customary, in an effort to protect me from his enemies. The grafhym came from my mom, who was pregnant with me when she was bitten, and the vampire from being bitten by one who wanted to make me his consort. Stefan stopped his bite when he tasted the grafhym taint in my blood, but clearly I absorbed at least a bit of his vampire essence.” She unconsciously rubbed her neck with her fingers, feeling the tiny scars left behind by Stefan’s fangs. “The witch part came most recently, from a witch who secretly used her powers to infiltrate my mind.”Leesa moved over and took Rave’s hand. “As for the volkaane part, Rave’s magical heat has been inside me more times than I can c
Leesa's Advent Chapter 281
Shortly before midnight, an oversized horse-drawn carriage emerged from the gate of an ancient mountain castle. Six sturdy steeds, each one black as the night and bred for this exact purpose, propelled the carriage forward. Thick, specially reinforced springs supported each axle near the wheels, but even so, the vehicle still sank noticeably to the rear. Even this late in spring, the night air here in the mountains was brisk, chilled further by a light wind that blew across the barren landscape from the north. Partially veiled by a thin layer of clouds, a three-quarter moon spilled pale illumination over the road, providing barely enough light for the driver to see by. Two servants from the castle rode atop the carriage. The driver was young and sturdy; the other appeared much older. He sat huddled in a worn woolen cloak, his eyes fixed forward in a vacant stare. He knew this late night journey could hold nothing good for him. Behind them, an empty wooden casket was strapped t
Leesa's Advent Chapter 282
Dominic and Balin had been watching. Still, nothing was going to bring her down from the high she was feeling right now.“No problem,” she said. “I completely forgot you guys were here.”“Me, too,” Rave said.Balin grinned. “It kind of looked that way.” His voice turned serious. “I hope you will not be tempted to try this on your own, though. It’s still not safe.”Leesa returned his grin. “Oh, I’ll be tempted all right. But I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to control myself—as long as we can schedule some time like this every couple of days, that is.”Dominic exchanged glances with Balin. “Barring any unexpected developments,” he said. “I think we can probably manage that.”Leesa’s grin widened. She had a feeling this was going to be a really fun summer.The next day, Leesa and Cali sat on the wide deck of th
Leesa's Advent Chapter 283
ONE OF THE PLACES Leesa and Dominic had been using to practice her magic was a large state forest about ten miles south of Middletown. The huge forest—several thousand acres in size—contained an almost infinite number of spots offering complete privacy. On the very small chance that someone or something might notice Leesa’s magic, the forest was far enough from town to make any connection to Weston College unlikely. Unlike the parks in Massachusetts and New York where they had practiced in the past, these woods were near enough to visit several times each week.They parked the SUV on the dirt shoulder of a narrow two-lane road and hiked a quarter mile or so into the forest. Dominic took the lead, with Leesa and Cali following behind.The woods teemed with life: birds flitted to and fro among the leafy branches, and rabbits and squirrels rustled through the underbrush. Speckles of sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above and danced on the fores
Leesa's Advent Chapter 284
Dominic said that it might be her own magic healing her, so if her power could do so much unbidden, why couldn’t it do the rest if she directed it to? She knew it must be more complicated than that—otherwise Dominic would have shown her how to fix her leg already. She closed the book.“I think I’ve got it,” she said, deciding not to mention her leg right now. She could talk to Dominic about it at another time. “It seems a little too simple, though.”Dominic smiled. “The concept is fairly simple,” he agreed, “but the implementation is not quite so easy. Go ahead, give it a try.”Leesa placed her hand over the scrape on Cali’s arm, putting her palm as close to the wound as possible without actually touching it, the way the book instructed. She silently mouthed her trigger word, “breathe,” to enter the everywhere/nowhere state and then concentrated on picturing Cali’s arm heal
Leesa's Advent Chapter 285
SINCE SCHOOL ENDED two weeks earlier, Leesa had been staying with her mom and brother in their Middletown apartment. Her mom was fully recovered from any effects of the long ago grafhym bite—indeed, she was now able to joke easily and freely about the one-fang vampire that had caused so much trouble for the family. Without the worried and haunted expression that had perpetually darkened her face, Leesa thought her mother looked at least five years younger. Bradley’s recovery was even more amazing than their mom’s, if that was possible. He was pretty much back to his old light-hearted self after his harrowing ordeal as a captive feeder for the vampire Edwina. He had regained all his weight and now looked tan and strong.For the first time in way too long, Leesa truly felt like she had a family again. Things had been getting better ever since Professor Clerval had cured her mom with blood from a one-fang, but now that Leesa was actually living with her mom and
Leesa's Advent Chapter 286
Judy took another moment to try to absorb everything Leesa was telling her.“So that’s how you two get places? He carries you? I was wondering about that.”“Yeah, and it’s the absolute coolest thing, too. Way better than driving or taking a bus.”Judy turned to Bradley. “And you knew about all this?”Bradley nodded. “Not at first, but Leesa eventually shared it with me.”“I didn’t tell you,” Leesa said to her mom, “because I didn’t want to worry you while you were recovering. I was so happy to have you getting back to normal that I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.”“I understand—I guess.”“You can’t tell anyone any of this,” Leesa said. “It has to stay a secret. But I wanted you to know.”Judy’s face took on a rueful look. “Who am I going to tell? People
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Leesa's Advent Chapter 727
Serena awoke to the sound of birds chirping and the smell of fresh coffee brewing. She rolled over lazily, reaching out for Raphael, but the space was empty. With eyes still closed, she frowned. Where is that man? That man had probably been out of bed since the crack of dawn, beside himself with nerves for today’s big event, she thought regretfully. They were to be married today. Their lives intertwined for all of eternity. What man wouldn’t have cold feet at the prospect? And they’d known each other such a short time, too. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times, and frowned again. She had awakened in the safe house. Last night, she’d killed a man in her own home, and knew she could never go back there ever again. She didn’t care how good the Brethren’s cleanup crew could restore her home. It would never erase the vivid memories and horrors of what had happened there. She and Raphael would have to find themselves a new home, together. Until such time, this place would be it, th
Leesa's Advent Chapter 726
It’s going to be a long day without Raphael, Serena thought, as she washed and dressed. But she carried on. With so many loose ends to tie up, final checks to be made, people and places to coordinate, she scarcely had time to think about anything else. Except for her father. In the quiet moments between the bedlam of planning a wedding, she reflected upon him and her heart ached. She had arranged for a nursing home staffer to drive him and his wheelchair to the Chapel of the Holy Cross for the wedding. They didn’t usually allow weddings there, but somehow, Raphael swayed their decision. Kemuel promised to wheel her father down the aisle beside her, and she loved him instantly for that. But her dream was to have him walk her down that aisle. A sob caught in her throat, and she quickly shook her head to whisk it away. None of that nonsense, Serena. Don’t be greedy. At least he is alive and here to be a part of it all. As the day waxed on to evening, Serena felt unsettled. She hadn’t s
Leesa's Advent Chapter 725
Raphael spent the next few days cloistered with Serena, away from everyone and everything, like a honeymoon before the wedding. But every morning he made creative excuses to tear himself away from her for a little while and work with Fred. To make sure she didn’t visit her father, he dropped her off at her shop first so she could plan a small wedding with Callie and catch up on the mountains of paperwork.The healing sessions with Serena’s father went spectacularly, and with Raphael’s charisma, he convinced the nursing home staff to keep any improvements secret from her. They thought it romantic that he came to help with his fiancée’s father’s rehabilitation. Everyone there rooted for him, amazed at his miraculous awakening. All of the therapists worked their tails off during his therapy sessions, wanting to see their severely stroke-damaged patient beat the odds and walk his daughter down the aisle.On the morning of the fifth day, Raphael got Fred walking without any assistance.“Co
Leesa's Advent Chapter 724
Raphael grabbed her hands. “Do it!” he demanded. He placed them on his temples and spoke to her through their bonded connection. She felt every thought he had had of Sirona over the years straight to the present down their threaded connection. She heard every thought he’d had of her, including every word he had spoken while holding her in his arms at Dr. Chappo’s estate. He sent her everything that filled his heart and soul about her, and finally, at last, she knew.She knew. And knowing was everything to her. He gently brought her hands away from his face, kissing her fingertips as he eased them down, and she took a few steps backward, looking at him as if for the first time. No one before had ever felt about her the way he felt about her, let alone express so strongly all he’d expressed when she’d lain dying in his arms.“You’re in love with me.” She gasped, astonished. Tears welled again in her eyes, but this time, for a very different reason.“Yes.” He took a bold step toward her.
Leesa's Advent Chapter 723
A bundle of nerves, that’s what she’d turned into. Since leaving her father’s, Serena had been nothing but a bundle of nerves, rehearsing over and over again what she would say to Raphael up on the Rock. Looking all around her now, frightening memories kept popping into her mind, making her think that at any moment, Steve or Wheezer were going to jump out and nab her. Unfortunately, she had gotten to the summit way too early, and now paced like a caged bobcat. It had to stop. The bad guys are dead, Serena. Think positive, and let go the past. So, finding a suitable rock to sit on, Serena decided to do a little meditation to soothe her worried heart. “When I see him, I’ll know the right words to say,” she notified the birds. It may sting for a bit, but it’s for the best.****Raphael showed up at the base of the mountain with time to spare, and noticed Serena’s Jeep already parked. Perfect, he thought. He checked his pocket for the millionth time, making sure the ring box hadn’t fallen
Leesa's Advent Chapter 722
Raphael watched Serena leave the nursing home from behind one of the bushes in the front. She seems in good spirits, he thought. Only when he saw her disappear down the street did he dare to venture out of his hiding place. He walked into the nursing home and headed straight to the reception desk.“Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Sikes.” He smiled amiably at the receptionist.“Wow, two visitors in one day. Fred’s a lucky guy. Sign in right here, please. You’ll sign out before you leave. Take this badge so we know you belong here. Room 103 is down the hall, make a left, and he’s at the end on the left.”He looked at her name tag, and winked. “Thanks so much, Judy.”Walking down the hall, he found himself fidgeting with the badge in his hand. Am I actually nervous? Hell yeah! Raphael, the man, is about to meet the father of the woman he loves. Raphael, the man, is about to ask for this guy’s daugh
Leesa's Advent Chapter 721
Great! Just great! There’s a leak in my bedroom ceiling. Wait a minute, that’s not right. I’m not in my bedroom. I’m locked away in Dr. Chappo’s house. She remembered more. Being bound to a gurney, her body broken and dying. But I’m not lying on a gurney now, and I actually feel great. How could she be dying and still feel great? And what’s with the rain shower on my face? Slowly her eyes fluttered open, and she gasped.It was raining. Angel’s tears. Raphael’s tears, to be exact.She lay in his arms, and from the way he shuddered and sobbed, she thought maybe he didn’t know she lived. To be honest with herself, she’d only realized this fact just a few moments before. Iridescent wings were outstretched and trembling though no breeze made them flutter so.She gently raised her hand to caress his cheek and whispered softly. “Shh…there now, Raphael, shh. It’s all right. I’m ok
Leesa's Advent Chapter 720
Raphael noticed a knob on the box. It made sense to dial it to its lowest setting. He followed the tubing to its clamp on Serena’s side and decided to completely clamp it off. Now, no more blood could flow. But he still needed to get the needle out of her arm. He found gauze and tape on the tray stand and proceeded to extrude the catheter from her arm carefully so as not to injure her. He replaced it securely with the gauze and tape. His hands shook. I can’t fall apart like this right now! He quickly shrugged off the threat of paralyzing fear.“Hey, Raphael, this guy says his name is Steve. Isn’t that the name of one of guys who assaulted Serena?” Gabriel asked.“Yes, yes it is,” he said through gnashed teeth. Rage filled him and he clenched his fists, trying to gain some semblance of control. “Bind him, tightly. Make sure he can see Dr. Chappo. I’d like him to see what happens to assholes like him when they choose
Leesa's Advent Chapter 719
Searing hot pain shot like lightning throughout every inch of Serena’s body. Well, every inch she could feel, which left her very disturbed indeed, because she couldn’t feel anything past her waist. She could barely breathe without severe pain ripping through her chest and back. She knew what that meant—broken ribs. But what about her legs? Where were they? And why did her wrists feel shackled? Oh, dear God! What’s become of me? Her shallow breaths quickened. Her heart raced and fought for freedom behind her aching chest. Tears burst through her closed eyes and flowed untapped down the sides of her face.A voice sliced through the whooshing sound in her ears. A voice she knew all too well, and had come to despise with every molecule in her being.“Uh, Doc, I think she’s coming ’round. What do you want me to do?” Steve asked.“Hmm? Oh, nuffin. Nuffin, Seeve. Jus’ keep watchin’,” Dr. Chappo sl
