Chapter 9

 

Alex took her last bite of dessert, and she deliberately drew out the moment. She studied her fork as she rolled it over in her fingers, watching the light from the chandeliers and the fireplace behind her reflect on the metal surface. It made her think of the reflections in the water, so many faces and so many memories. Thinking of all the past lives that were saved gave Alex the resolve she needed to see the faces of the future protected and safeguarded too.

She looked up at Gaius and saw that he was finished eating and patiently waiting on her. Alex took his hand in hers, then glanced to her left at Ganymede. He inclined his head, giving her silent encouragement to stand and speak to the over three hundred immortals who were gathered to support her.

Alex placed her napkin on the table, then stood slowly. Gaius rose by her side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He tapped on his glass with his fork, and all within the massive dining hall turned their heads toward them. Gaius glanced down at Alex, and she smiled tentatively as she took the floor.

“Friends and family, Gaius and I are thankful that you are all here with us tonight. After all the recent battles of late and the changes within my mortal family, you have unwaveringly stood beside us and offered your love and support. Know that your love is keenly felt and deeply appreciated, as the landscape before us continues to shift.”

“When Keres fell in the Colosseum, so too did silence – an eerie silence that held left a thread of discord in me, my husband, and our angelic fathers. In the days after that battle, Gaius and I became increasingly aware that, although the plots associated with the game Jannairus set into motion seemed at an end, there was still something more on the horizon calling to our hearts. A vibration, if you will, signaling disharmony in the days ahead,” Alex said a bit more quietly, as her eyes roamed over the Nephilim.

“And in considering that feeling, that vibration, I wanted to look to the future to see what loomed just over the horizon. But such was not the Lord’s plan, and He communicated through Ganymede that I could not look ahead, for we were all still too raw from our recent battles. Nevertheless, we all know when we find a door closed to us, there is always a window of opportunity somewhere nearby. And we found that window in the past.”

“Tomorrow, after breakfast, we will go into the past as we did once before. We will look for memories that tie to this feeling of disharmony and disquiet that many of us are experiencing within our hearts and minds. And because Ganymede and his brothers cannot articulate the origin of this feeling, we know from experience that it involves their Fallen brothers,” Alex stated, as evenly as she could.

She felt the immediate trepidation and worry that flowed from her brethren’s auras as they listened to her words. Alex continued on, wanting it all said and done.

“When we searched previously for the memory of how my soul perished, I was able to locate the information within what I saw as the lake of memories. You all know this, for I told you about it in detail. But now that my powers are much broader, so too are my waters. You know this, as well.”

“What you don’t know, is that I have recently learned that my mind and spirit can also travel into our fathers’ waters. I can search in the true depths, and find information that is needed to safeguard and protect our kind. That is actually what we will do tomorrow morning, and why I need everyone here to hold on to my aura.”

Many an immortal drew in a sharp breath or furrowed their brows over Alexandria’s words. They looked at the members of the council scattered among the throng, hoping what they were hearing was not true, only to be met with looks of quiet resolve. Auras surged in Alex’s direction, and she felt their desire that she not attempt such a feat.

“Listen to me, please,” Alex said gently. “I want nothing more than to see all of you alive, healthy, and safe. And in searching for what is coming, I will hopefully be assuring your continued protection. We can do this together, and I need all of you. Know that our angelic fathers will also be with us, for everyone is needed this time.”

Alex paused, waiting with baited breath to see if her brethren would go along with the plan. Still, she saw many heads turn to stare at her fellow councilmen, as they mentally searched for an alternative. Alex watched Titus and Iain share a long, wary look before they stared at Gaius. Gaillard and Heath did the same, each man appearing deeply affected and concerned by her words.

“Gaius,” Titus began, breaking the pensive silence, “is there no other way, brother?”

“There is not,” he said simply.

“And the angels will be with us, while Alex’s spirit travels far, far away?” Iain asked, as he slowly twirled the stem of his wine glass through his fingers.

“Indeed, they will be holding to her, just as we will. Let me share a bit more with you, and then, I think, you will be able to make your peace with what is planned for tomorrow morning,” Gaius stated.

He began to share a great deal of what the council had heard from Alexandria and him previously that same day. Gaius gave the assembly a clear picture of how the children of the Fallen’s understanding of his wife was changing over time, and how their assaults were adapting to their perceptions of her abilities and talents. He also related what had taken place in private since the final battle with Keres, as he and Alex became increasingly aware of how her Light kept the Fallen from truly seeing her.

No one said a word after he had finished his remarks. Gaius continued to slowly glide his hand up and down Alex’s arm as he let their words sink in, saying no more until someone indicated they were ready to speak. It was Noelle who proved ready to break the silence first. She pushed her chair back and stood from the second dining table.

“Alex, Gaius, I am deeply concerned, as I can sense we all are. I know that you want to protect us, sister, for it has always been so for your soul. And we want the same for you.”

“I have also felt that something was off a bit after Keres fell. So, I can understand why you want to search for its origin. If you have Ganymede’s support in this endeavor, if he feels it is something you can do and survive, then who am I to refuse him or you. You have my support and my aura, sister. Always,” Noelle said, sniffling a bit. Ansel handed her his napkin, and she quietly thanked him as she wiped the tears from her face.

“Alex,” Heath said, rising from his chair next, “you will not shoulder this alone. We will never walk away from you or abandon you, sweetie. Especially, when you are willing to take such bold steps to see to our safety and well-being. We’ll be right beside you tomorrow, and every day after. And, Gaius, we’re here for you, too. I know this cannot be easy for you.”

Gaius smiled and inclined his head, voicing his thanks quietly.

Iain stood next, and then Titus and Conleth followed. More and more rose, promising their support and auras to the effort. Alex and Gaius both thanked their brethren, and breathed a little easier once the necessary words had been spoken. Alex leaned into his side, thinking the day had been too long for her liking. Far too long.

Gaius sensed her waning energy and mentally promised Alex that they would turn in soon. Upon hearing their private dialog, Ganymede stood and lifted his hands. The chatter around the dining hall came to an immediate end as everyone turned their eyes toward him.

“Children, I know that this journey is not an easy concept to wrap your hearts and minds around. Let me say then, what you already know – that I could never sacrifice my own child for any purpose. I would not let Alexandria attempt this, if I did not know that she would return safe and whole. So, let us all rest a little easier in the knowledge that she will be with you tomorrow, and every day henceforth as our Lord has promised.”

“Daughter, perhaps you and Gaius should turn in soon. You will need to be well rested for the morning, and I think a few extra hours of sleep would not be a bad thing.” He smiled, letting his calming and restorative energy flow around the room. It touched every immortal within Aeoferth, including the angels who were physically with them for the evening meal.

“Thank you, Father. I think we’ll do just that,” Alex said, grateful for his help.

Gaius gathered Alex’s hand in his after she hugged Ganymede and Haniel. He began to lead her from the room, knowing it would still take a while to make it through the throng. After another twenty minutes, they were able to walk out of the dining hall and turn toward the stairs with Cara at their side.

 

After the warm, shared bath promised to her, Alex lay across the bed on her stomach looking over the photo album her family and friends had given her earlier in the week as a belated birthday gift. Each loved one had created a packet of ten or more pages, covered in candid photographs. They had penned the date, along with their thoughts and perceptions under each picture, so that Alex could remember and savor each shared moment.

Her fingers were lightly tracing one photo of her walking between her parents, when Gaius came out of the watercloset to join her. He stretched out beside her, propping his head in his hand. Alex felt something cold touch her arm, and she glanced down to see that he had placed her mobile on the covers between them. Alex smiled as she looked up into his eyes.

“You told me while in the water that you wanted to hear their voices tonight.”

“Yes, I did. And you listened,” she said.

“Of course I did.” He smiled. “Do you want me to dial them now?”

“Okay,” Alex agreed.

Gaius started with her parents, placing the mobile on speaker so that they could both hear their voices. Jameason answered first, as he most often did. He asked them how their day had gone and then chatted with Alex for a few minutes about a little bit of mischief Dudley had gotten himself into that day. Alex chuckled at the Labrador’s escapades.

She heard her parents both lift receivers and soon all three at the Manor House were on the line. Gaius asked them to wait a moment, and he then called each of her brothers and Jack. When he had everyone connected, Gaius placed the mobile back on the bed.

Alex asked Wallace and Emily how Grace was, and she listened with a gentle smile as they described the day they had experienced with the newest Groaban. Alex then asked Helen how she was feeling as she progressed in the early weeks of her pregnancy, and Helen assured everyone she was feeling fit as ever. She jokingly told Alex that she could pour her aura over her anytime she wished, so that she continued to avoid the dreaded morning sickness she had thus far not experienced.

The whole family laughed softly at Helen’s words, and then Alex turned her attention to Jack and Lauren. She asked how the work in the New York shelters was progressing, and if Jack’s family would be traveling to the city for a second Thanksgiving celebration. He told Alex it was already arranged, and that his parents were so excited to experience it all again. Jack told her Walter and Brenda had asked about her and Gaius, and that he had told them their friends were faring well overseas.

A moment of silence ensued, prompting Lady Juliana to speak.

“Sweetheart, what of your day? How are things there at the castle?” she asked gently. She had noticed immediately that Alex was asking about everyone else’s day, not talking about hers. And from past experience, Lady Juliana knew this meant her daughter was clinging to the small, normal occurrences of their day in order to help her through a supernatural day of her own.

“We’re all fine, Mother. The council met a few times today, and I’ve had a couple of practice sessions with Ganymede.”

“What did you practice with Ganymede?” Wallace asked, thoroughly intrigued by the idea.

“He just wanted to hone a few of my skills, Wallace. But I really cannot go into it over the phone,” Alex said regretfully, wishing she could share it all.

“And the council met more than once?” Conner asked, hoping there was more that she could share.

“We did. We had a lot to discuss, and it was very good to talk through all that Gaius and I have been working on of late. When we’re together again, Conner, I can share more with you, I promise.” Alex gently touched Gaius’ chest, trying to make direct contact with his body and aura as she carefully chose her next words.

“I need to ask for your prayers, though, for tomorrow and the days ahead. We are planning to look for specific answers in the morning, and that could very well compel us to leave England again for a time,” Alex said quietly. She searched Gaius’ eyes and he smiled and slowly nodded once. Alex knew that he was in approval of what she was sharing with their family.

“Look for answers, Alex?” Jack said slowly. “As you did once before?”

“Yes, something very much like that, Jack,” she confessed.

“Gaius, you’re going to be right by her side, I know,” Jack said, not able to keep the worry from his voice.

“Where else would I be, Jack?” Gaius chuckled, reaching out to smooth a hand over Alex’s hair. “I’ve told you all many times, she is not leaving my sight. Especially, in such moments as these.”

“Thank you, son,” Lord Errol said solemnly. “I’m so glad you both called us tonight, for I think I understand what Jack is referring to.”

“So do I,” Wallace said heavily. “You better take all care, squirt. I mean it.”

Alex began to laugh at his stern tone, and she heard him blow out a heavy, frustrated breath through the phone. “I’m not laughing,” she fibbed, as she bit her lower lip to squelch any more laughter from pouring forth.

“Yeah, tell me another story,” Wallace said, and Alex heard the smile in his voice. “Oh…,” he sighed, “Gaius, you guys call us tomorrow night and let us know you’re alright, okay? Even if you can’t say anything more, just let us hear your voices.”

“We will most certainly call you. Do not worry, for Alex will have many by her side, including Ganymede,” Gaius reassured them.

“And you,” she chuckled, grinning at him.

“Yes, and me,” he smiled, leaning over to kiss her forehead.

“I think we should all let you rest now,” Lady Juliana said, understanding now what her daughter was facing the following day. “Call us as soon as you can tomorrow, Alex.”

“Yes, Mother. I love you all,” Alex said a bit more quietly.

She listened as each voiced their love and prayers for a successful and safe day ahead. Alex noted that her brothers and Jack stressed the word safe, and their care made her smile return. Gaius said goodnight, then ended the joint call.

Alex moved away briefly to place the photo album on her bedside table, then she checked on Cara and the fireplace while she was up. She turned off the remaining few lamps that were on, then crawled under the covers beside Gaius. As she snuggled against his side and shoulder, Alex noticed immediately that he had shed his pajama pants while she had her back turned to him.

She tilted her head back to look into his eyes, seeing the mischievous glint that shone clearly in the light from the fireplace. Alex could only shake her head as he turned on his side and drew her into his arms.

“Can I help you, Mr. Marcus?” she asked innocently.

Gaius laughed aloud before he could stop himself, and then it was his turn to shake his head. “Can you help me? I do not think you have ever phrased your words in that way.”

Alex chuckled softly and leaned in to kiss his neck.

“I promised someone in the pool today that we would have time to love one another later. And it is later,” he said, groaning softly from her aura traveling into his chest as her lips moved there.

“Yes it is,” she agreed, sweeping her lips across his heart.

“Sweetheart, look at me,” he said softly, and Alex turned her eyes up toward his. Gaius ran his fingers into her hair and kept her gaze directed at him. “I know you and I have had a very emotional and very taxing day, and I know that just that much, if not more, is ahead of us tomorrow. We will both have to be so strong, not only to get through the journey, but for each other, and our brethren. They are all greatly concerned at the moment, and rightly so.”

“The place where your mind and spirit will travel is not a place Ganymede can go easily. He can stay above the waves, but he cannot go into them without the Lord’s consent. So you must find the will and a reason strong enough to force yourself back out of your father's waters so that you can come home to me. You must want us and our life together enough that the water cannot take you away. Do you understand what I’m telling you, Alexandria?” he asked, his voice taking on a hoarse tone, as he whispered his desire to her.

“I do, Gaius. Nothing can keep me from your side. No demon, no memory of a demon, nor their children, would ever prevent me from coming home. I promise you, I’ll fight until my last breath to make it back to you,” Alex vowed, as her eyes grew moist with her emotion.

She matched her lips to his, but he turned her instead and settled her beneath him. Gaius braced his weight on his elbows and smoothed her hair back, staring intently into her eyes still. Alex waited, sensing he needed to say something more.

“Alex, I know you will fight, just as I will hold on to you. But I need tonight to show you what lies in my heart and soul for you. I need to feel your touch, just as much as you need mine, so that I can be calm in front of the others tomorrow, bear this, and let you go for a time. Let me lead us tonight, alright, my love?” he quietly asked.

“I’m all yours, Gaius,” Alex whispered.

It was a pledge that she had given him many times when his emotion seemed to well in his heart, and also the words he had teased her with on more than one occasion. But that night, Alex heard no playful banter on his lips, only the deep-seated need for his wife to remain by his side. And in that moment, she only wanted to belong to him, not a vast assembly looking to her for answers and reassurance that they were all going to come home at the end of the day.

Alex reached up to cup Gaius’ face and smooth the slight traces of his tears away. She smiled tenderly at him and nodded her head. “I’m all yours, sweetheart,” she said again, and watched as he lowered his lips to hers.

He held her with such gentle strength and passion, that Alex had to work diligently toward maintaining her silence. His lips and hands moved across her skin until she was calling to his mind with her surrender, yet she knew that Gaius was only beginning to show her what lay within his heart. Alex sighed heavily as she gave herself over to him completely, letting him have every part of her body, mind, and soul.

When she cried out softly, Gaius moved back up to capture her lips with his again, and Alex wrapped her arms around his body to keep him close. They slowly became one, and she began to breathe in time with him as his lips stayed on hers. Again and again, she felt herself splinter apart as Gaius gloried in all that she was sharing with him through her touch and aura.

As Alex felt his surrender upon him, she whispered her love into his ear repeatedly. She held him close as they found fulfillment together, and she gasped softly from the intensity rolling off of their power around the room. Gaius’ lips found hers again and Alex kissed him deeply, as she wrapped her arms around his waist. She began to lightly stroke his back, not wanting him to move for a while. He seemed to need the nearness as well, and Gaius did not move away from her for quite some time.

He wiped away the tears she did not realize she had shed, and kissed his way across her face. For many minutes, they simply ran their fingers over each other’s face, staring lovingly at one another. She smiled up into Gaius’ eyes, and looked on as his grin widened in response to hers.

Alex sighed when he gently rolled to his side and took her with him, keeping her firmly held against his body. She closed her eyes and whispered her love again, hearing the words tenderly repeated. Alex rested every part of her being there against his heart and drifted off feeling safe and loved.

Gaius felt her hand slide away from his chest and he looked down to watch her sleep. He did not move, only lay for almost an hour as he took in her every breath and the slight blush that crept across her face. He wondered if Alex was dreaming about the love they had just shared, and the thought made him smile.

Finally, Gaius closed his eyes so that sleep could take him. He prayed with everything he had within him that Alex would return from the journey. He told the Lord that though he knew he was strong, he could not suffer her loss twice. Gaius asked that such a tragedy never befall them again. Never.