Chapter 39

 

For over thirty-four hours Alexandria slept, her body desperate for the recuperation and stillness. Rohan, Sabina, and Elrick dropped in every so often to check on Gaius and bring him food. Archimedes, John, and Ahadi also stopped by to sit and talk in quiet tones with him while he ate and Alex slumbered. And at one point, Rohan even brought Than in, so he could see Alex had not abandoned him as she rested from all she had lived through.

Than said little, only silently gazed at her and then thanked Gaius and Rohan for allowing him to know Alexandria was alright. Gaius inclined his head, the two men meeting one another’s perceptive gazes for several moments. Rohan finally patted Than on the shoulder and led him from the room.

 

When Alex did at last stir, she groaned from the soreness in her limbs and body. The sound woke Gaius, and he turned on his side to face her. He watched her eyes flutter open, and he smiled as she blinked repeatedly to clear the sleep away.

“Good morning,” he said, lifting his hand to glide his fingers through her hair.

“Good morning,” she whispered, and then settled her hand on her throat as she massaged it. Her words had sounded dry and strained, and Alex grimaced from the tenderness she felt along her neck too.

“It’s Wednesday morning, love. You have been asleep since you came home Monday night,” Gaius explained, knowing she would want the information.

“Goodness!” she breathed.

“You needed it, so don’t be alarmed.” He smiled as he watched her brow furrow and her nose wrinkle.

“The others took care of you?” she asked, feeling sure that they had.

“What do you think?” Gaius played, pulling her a little closer to his chest.

“Yes,” she chuckled. “You smell so good,” Alex sighed, breathing in his scent. “So like home.”

“I am your home, just as you are mine,” he said tenderly, and then wrapped both of his arms around her.

“Yes, and I’m not leaving home again,” she mumbled.

Gaius chuckled over the pout he could hear in her voice. “Would you like to take a bath with me? I think it would help to ease some of your soreness away.”

“And a massage?” she asked hopefully.

“Yes,” he laughed softly, “I have every intention of doing just that. Are you ready to leave the bed for now?”

“I’m ready.” Alex nodded and leaned away from his chest.

Gaius told her to lie still as he went to the bathroom to start the warm water flowing. He returned a few minutes later and gathered Alex in his arms. He helped her take care of her needs, and even brush her teeth before he settled her on his lap in the warm bath.

While he massaged his way across and down her body, Gaius told Alex of the conversations and visits the others had initiated with him while she slept. When Gaius mentioned that Than had asked to check in on her, Alex felt tears fill her eyes. She laid her head against Gaius’ chest and sniffled a little as she tried to rein in her emotions.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” he whispered and kissed her forehead. “I know everything that happened, for our fathers shared it all while you were there. And I know how you stayed true to me and to us, though Asterron had vastly different plans for you and Than. I love you and I trust you, no matter where you must travel or what you’re called on to do in this ageless struggle between the two sides. I love you,” Gaius said again as he rested the side of his head against hers.

“Than only really scared me once,” Alex whispered. “We were in his study and he reached out for my face so quickly, it frightened me. I thought I would have to call on my Light to fend him off, and thereby tip my hand far too early.”

“And yet, what did he say? He said he was trying not to reach out to you in the way he wanted to. And for Than, that was quite a remarkable moment. I know he scared you, and my heart felt like it sank to my feet when I witnessed the memory, but your words were already holding him at bay. You did very well, Alex.”

“And,” Gaius added, as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her a little closer, “I love what you said to him at the end of your mental journey together.”

“What did I say?” she asked, not knowing to which words he was referring.

“Oh, you told Than that your husband would see you reaching out to another who needed you, while still staying true to him. And you said that there would never be another soul for yours, other than mine. Those words, my love, were beautiful and exactly what I needed to hear at the time as well.”

“I do love you, Gaius, more than my own life,” Alex said solemnly.

“As I do you,” he replied, nuzzling her gently.

He held her for several minutes before he reached for a bottle of shampoo. Slowly, Gaius washed Alex’s hair and then bathed her body, smiling as she giggled when he crossed over a ticklish place. Alex offered to bathe him, but he politely refused, telling her she could another time when she was stronger. Only when they were both clean and the water was growing cool, did he ask her to release the plug.

 

Gaius sent word to Rohan that they were almost ready to join the assembly as he dried Alex’s hair. Breakfast was being held just a little longer until they were ready, and he knew she would be happy to be among their loved ones again. This time, with no pretense that there was any discord between Gaius and herself.

Alex asked to wear one of Gaius’ long-sleeved t-shirts, and he smiled as he selected one from their luggage and then slipped it over her head. She thanked him for his continued care while he held her up so she could slip into her jeans. After several minutes of patient support, Alex was dressed and ready to rejoin their brethren.

Gaius opened the door, then came back over to where she sat perched on the side of the bed and lifted her in his arms once more. Alex offered no protest, only leaned against his chest as he carried her downstairs and to the dining hall. Gaius decided to place her in a chair without delay, and then let their family approach her there. Alex patted his hand as he straightened away from her, in silent thanks.

No one waited for an invitation or words of encouragement, they simply formed a line and came to Alexandria. She was hugged and her forehead lightly kissed, as one after another offered her their love and happiness that she was home once more. Alex shed silent tears with many, and held to them as much as her weak arms would let her.

When at last the line came to an end, Rohan brought Than over to where she sat. Alex invited him to take the chair to her left at the table, and he smiled as he accepted. Gaius also offered him a smile as each took their place on either side of her. Ganymede and Haniel moved into chairs across the table from the three, ready to lend their support in whatever way they could.

Than lifted his fork and knife once he had taken a portion of food passed his way, and then realized no one else around him had yet to do the same. He looked to Alex in question and she explained that they normally gave thanks for their meal and fellowship. She told Than that he did not have to participate, but he said he was there to learn. So, he took her left hand in his right and Rohan’s with his left as he bowed his head. Alex arched an eyebrow at Ganymede, only to see him wink at her before he also bowed his head for John’s blessing.

Alex ate her first portion and then her second while she and Gaius talked with Than about what he might want to see or do that day. But when Alex filled her plate full a third time, Than looked over her head at Gaius in question. Gaius chuckled and assured him she had a healthy appetite after such engagements, and that she would be fine.

“I’m right here,” Alex said, shaking her head at the two as they openly discussed her.

“Sorry,” Than said, pressing his lips together to squelch his broad smile.

Alex looked up at Gaius to see his innocent smile. His eyes were alight with mischief, though, and Alex felt her own smile grow in response.

“Rascal,” she said under her breath, and Gaius laughed loudly then and leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

“I love you,” he chuckled as he straightened in his seat.

“And I love you.” She smiled, losing the battle to be stern with him.

Than watched the two of them, their easy banter and relaxed conversation coming so easily. He was only accustomed to interactions laced with hidden agendas, side plots, and treachery from his own kind. His eyes traveled over the long table and everywhere he looked, Than saw the same. Everyone talking in low tones, some laughing, others quietly soaking it all up, but no one trying to cause harm to another.

“Than, are you alright?” Alex asked softly as she lightly touched his hand.

“I think so,” he said, feeling suddenly so adrift and overwhelmingly sad.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she offered.

“It’s just…” He stopped speaking and coughed softly. “Well, you sat at my table, and you heard and saw what went on there. It wasn’t like this.”

“No, it wasn’t. Everyone was looking to gain advantage or outmaneuver the person sitting beside them, weren’t they?” she observed.

“Always,” he sighed. “I feel like a fool sitting at that table, or others like it, for so long and not realizing…”

“Than, stop,” Alex said, her eyes growing moist while she watched him berate himself. “It’s what you told me after Asterron and I had our confrontation, and you should now do the same. Just stop and breathe. We all have forever to see this through, including you, so there is no need to tear yourself down this morning, when you’ve only just begun to build yourself up.”

Than exhaled and shook his head. His jaw flexed as he tried hard to contain his emotions. He watched as Alex lifted her hand and sent her aura lightly cascading over his head as she stroked his hair. Again, he felt flooded by warmth and not pain as her Light touched his darkness.

“Nothing worth having comes easily. I know that fact well after all that I’ve overcome in the last two years. But you are not alone in this effort, just as I was not. You’ve got all of us and our fathers ready to help in whatever way we can. And you’ll find Ganymede, Haniel, and their brothers to be far more patient and kind than the rest of us. That half-human thing kinda makes us a little more fallible.” Alex smiled and watched as Than smiled with her.

“Thank you,” he said, and then let his eyes meet Ganymede’s.

“All will be well, son. Do as I said before we left your home, and give yourself permission to feel whatever comes to the surface. You are worth saving, as all souls are,” Ganymede said, while he smiled benevolently at Than.

“I understand.” Than nodded and then drew in a deep breath.

“Than, our council will be convening after breakfast, but we may want you to come in and take a seat at some point. Would that be acceptable to you?” Gaius asked. Gaius watched the complete shock register in Than’s eyes before he slowly nodded his agreement. “Very good,” Gaius said.

Gaius took a platter in hand then that was being passed along in Alex’s direction. She thanked him and took a fourth serving, chuckling over Than’s observation as she did so. Alex shrugged her shoulders, and then proceeded to leave nothing on her plate.

 

When the meal came to an end, Elek, Gaillard, and Iain asked Than if he wanted to accompany them to the stables while the council began their meeting. He accepted and left with them, while others began to clean the dining hall and kitchen. Gaius stood and lifted Alex back in his arms, though she told him she wanted to try to walk upstairs to a large gathering room they were headed for. He just gave her an incredulous smirk and kept her close to his heart as he scaled the stairs.

Upon entering the spacious room on the third floor, Alex noted that there were twenty-five chairs already positioned in a circle. She wondered over the number, but trusted that all was well in hand.

Gaius brought her with him to the leather seat he chose for himself, and let Alex sit between his legs. She immediately leaned back against his chest as his arms wrapped around her waist. He rested his head alongside hers while the rest of the council and their fathers took their seats. Only when Ganymede began to speak did Gaius sit up a little straighter.

“Children, brothers, this morning brings with it a hopeful and peaceful silence, the likes of which we have not felt for some time. A large number of our lost brothers have met their end, as they continued their perpetuation of evil, all while seeking to quench their thirst for more power through Alexandria. Yet even with this silence, there is still Abaddon to consider.”

“The truth pertaining to this threat, this abomination that has so recently ruled your lives, has been made clear to all of your fathers and to me. The Host now knows that Abaddon had one other whom he confided in, who was not present at the battle waged two nights ago. His name is Danyul, and unlike all the other Fallen we have dealt with, he has no offspring. He is a power in his own right and has never fathered a child, for he fears that sharing any part of his power would weaken him. But that does not mean that he doesn’t covet ours,” Ganymede said heavily.

“Your lesson at Aeoferth was spot on then, Father,” Alex said, turning her head to the left so she could see him. “At the end of our sparring session, you asked me what I had learned and the last thing I said was – that I should never, ever think it’s over and let my guard down too early. For my eyes might betray my senses, if I am not still vigilant and cautious. But I had hoped it was over,” she sighed.

“Where are Abaddon and Danyul now?” Gaius asked, ready to see them ended as well.

“Gone to ground,” Haniel said heavily. “Many of our brothers are seeking them as we speak, but they know we are searching. And for that reason, it is the Lord’s wish that your fathers remain close still. No immortal child will be left unguarded as long as the threat remains.”

“And there were no more? No more Fallen for us to account for?” Rohan asked.

“No, son,” Eremiel stated confidently. “Abaddon and Danyul are the last two involved in this plot.”

“So do we go back to England around the Groabans for the upcoming holidays, or remain here, far away from them?” Ahadi asked, hopeful that Alex might not miss any more time away from her family before the deadline came to pass.

“I don’t think I can go home, Ahadi,” Alex said softly, causing all heads to turn in her direction.

“Alex, why do you say that?” Gaius asked gently.

“If there are still two out there, hungry to take me, then I won’t go near my family. I refuse. And then there’s Than. He is so raw still and in need of support, that I can’t very well fly away and leave him behind. And I say leave him, because I’m not sure he’s ready to be around my family without putting them in danger. So no, I’m not going home,” she said, shaking her head.

“Yes you are, daughter,” Ganymede said softly, and he extended his hand to her.

“Ganymede, I love you and I thank you for what you’re trying to do. But no, sir, not this time. I won’t place my family in jeopardy, ever. I chose this life, they did not,” Alex said, trying to remain firm as the tears began to come.

“Let me explain my statement, dear,” he said as he lightly squeezed her fingers. Alex nodded and he continued. “Much took place from the time you fell asleep Monday night until this morning. Haniel and I have visited with your family at the Manor House, Alexandria, and had an extensive conversation with them.”

“You did?” she asked in surprise.

“Yes, we did,” Ganymede said, with a gentle smile tugging on his lips. “We met with all of them, even Jack, whom I brought over from New York, and we explained exactly what has happened over the last month. They understand fully the challenges you have faced of late and why you have been absent from their lives.”

“And,” added Haniel, “they also understand what might yet lie before you as we still search for Abaddon and Danyul.”

“Then they will understand why I won’t be home for Christmas,” Alex said solemnly.

“No, they expect you home for Christmas,” Haniel countered, reaching out for her right hand. “You and your family will be safe with the Host near, Alexandria. And we would never suggest that you return to England, if there was even the slightest chance we could not keep you all safe.”

“I see,” she said, looking down to her lap as she thought about what one like Abaddon or Berith would do to Grace or her mother. “And Than?” Alex asked, looking back to Haniel.

“Than is welcome to come along, if that is what he wishes. Or, he can remain here with Elek and some of the other immortal children,” Haniel said calmly.

“Do you really think he can be around them and not cause harm? I want to believe the best about him, but this is all so new and startling for Than. What if he regresses at the dinner table and he lashes out at Jameason or Mother?”

“I don’t think he will, Alex,” Gaius said, and turned her slightly in his arms so she could see his face. “He has quite an uphill battle to wage within himself, but Than is fighting against the darkness in earnest. I can see it in his eyes, and so can you. And with me on one side of you and Rohan on the other, we’ll keep him in line.” He smiled and nodded his encouragement.

Alex laughed softly at his words.

“We will all keep him at arm’s length from your family, if need be,” Nikolaj said, with a smile of his own.

“Alright,” agreed finally Alex. “If everyone else has faith that we can keep them safe, I’ll go back home for the holidays.”

“Very good,” Ganymede said approvingly. “Your family has full knowledge of everything, as I said before, Alexandria. And that means that they also know of Than and the miracle taking place here. They have told Haniel and me that Than is welcome in their home. And just think what that example of family will teach him.”

“Mother and Father are really okay with this? And Wallace, with Grace being there?” she asked, still needing to hear the words one more time.

“Yes, even Wallace,” Ganymede chuckled. “In fact, both of your brothers seem to think that they could keep Than in line themselves, if need be.”

Everyone in the room did laugh then over her brothers’ impossible headstrong nature.

“We can do this together, sweetheart,” Gaius said, and pulled her a little closer as he settled his head next to hers again. “Trust us, and let us take you home. You’ve so little time left with them.”

“Okay,” she whispered, and closed her eyes for a moment just to breathe in time with him.

“I have just called to Elek and asked him to bring Than in,” Ganymede said and watched Alex in Gaius’ hold while he spoke. “We can only extend the offer of Christmas with the Groabans to Than. It will be up to him to choose his path.”

“Ganymede, I suspect before this is all over, we’re going to have another Iain on our hands,” Rohan sighed, and then smirked at Gaius.

“Be quiet,” Gaius chuckled, sitting up straight again.

“Oh, come on. I can see it as plainly as you can,” he laughed.

“Rohan, let it go,” Gaius said, smiling broadly at his brother’s jest.

“I think he’s right,” Elrick said, chuckling too.

“Well, it’s good that we have Evelyn to count on. It will give her a new diversion,” Nikolaj teased.

“Alright, now. All of you stop. Don’t even think to point Evelyn in his direction,” Alex said, shaking her head in disapproval. “I like Than too much to do that to him,” she muttered cheekily.

Gaius shouted his laughter, as did all those around them. Even Archimedes was laughing so hard he had to wipe a happy tear from his eye, while they all tried to regain some semblance of composure. They were still lightly chuckling among themselves when Elek knocked on the door.

Ganymede called him inside and he entered with Than. They were welcomed to the gathering, and Alex knew then why the two extra chairs were placed within the circle. She also thought to herself that Gaius had planned ahead of time for her to remain close to him, and that made her smile.

“Than, Elek, welcome,” Ganymede said.

Both men inclined their heads, but said nothing as they waited for the angel to lead them.

“We have just finished making plans for the next month, based on our knowledge of present and future events. At this time, Alexandria and Gaius will be heading home to England for one of the last Christmas seasons she can openly share with the Groabans. The council and all who wish to go with them, have been specifically invited by my daughter’s mortal family. They want everyone at home for the holidays. And, Than, that now includes you, son,” Ganymede said encouragingly.

Than’s brow creased significantly and he turned his eyes to Alex. He noted that she was safely cocooned in Gaius’ arms, and he almost smiled over the protective hold Gaius had on her. But then he thought of all that had happened in her life of late, and he completely understood Gaius’ desire to keep her close.

“Than, I know this seems sudden, but for me, being with those I love most gives me utter contentment and peace,” Alex said with a smile. “You’ve seen a sample of that since arriving at Elek’s home, and you have the open invitation to remain here with him, if you would prefer to stay close to your own home for now. But I would love to show you what the holidays are like with my mortal family, if you’ll come. They are really good people, and they know about you already. Ganymede tells me they’ve specifically extended an invitation to you.”

“You want me to come home with you, Alexandria?” he asked, still trying to sort their emerging friendship out in his mind.

“Well, you are home with me right now, technically.” She grinned and he began to relax a bit from her banter. “But England is my first home. And my parents, brothers, and their wives will be there. You’ll have to put up with some of my extended family, though, who I’ll give you sufficient warning about.”

Light laughter rolled through the group again, and Than angled his head at Rohan to gain understanding.

“One word: Evelyn,” Rohan muttered, and Than’s brow furrowed once more. “We’ll show you.”

“Stop it,” Alex chuckled, and then looked back to Than. “What do you say? Trust me still, and come with me?”

“I do trust you, Alexandria,” he said solemnly, his expression growing quite serious. “And yes, I’ll travel with you all. I’ll go to England.”

“Thank you,” Alex said and smiled tenderly at him.

“Why are you thanking me? It is I who should be thanking all of you,” Than said sincerely, looking around the circle. “You haven’t once made me feel less than yourselves, and you haven’t tried to hold me accountable for all I’ve done to wreak sheer havoc in your lives. I knew that Alexandria could see me in a different light, after witnessing her journey with Kronis; but as to the rest of you, I thought surely by now one of you would have taken me aside and had words with me. I’m honestly in shock a bit here.”

“Oh, don’t worry then. Alex’s brothers will have words with you, if that’s an issue,” Benen said, smiling at Than. “They’re a wee bit protective. You’ll see.”

“They will welcome you,” Alex countered. “And we know that this is all still a lot to take in. So as Gaius said when we arrived, we’ll just take it a day at a time. If you need to come back here, or if you want to go to any of our other properties to be with smaller groups, all you have to do is give us the word.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Than said quietly.

“It’s anything but,” Alex replied sincerely. “I know firsthand that great change, means great sacrifice. But you can make it through, if you’ve got a strong network of support around you. And you have all of us, Than. Every last one, and I mean that.”

“And she’s the leader, so if Alex says it, you can believe it,” Elrick said, grinning as he gave her a wink.

Than finally chuckled a little as he let his eyes roam over the council. Those whom he had always thought of as the enemy without question. And now, he was listening to their banter, flowing easily and lovingly, with no expectation of reward or gain. It was, he told himself, perhaps what a family was supposed to look like. And that thought led him to another.

“Alexandria, I have a question for you, if I can ask it now?” Than said as he leaned forward and propped his elbows on his legs.

“You can ask me anything, Than. What do you need to know?”

“When my father ran his sword through you, and you then threw him over your shoulders and began to fight him, you were saying words about his wife that he murdered. Banafrit. And I know now that she was Anot’s mother. Can you tell me or show me what he did to her?” Than asked, and then took a deep breath in as he steadied himself for more truths about his father.

“I can show you the memory, but it’s not easy to see,” Alex said sadly.

“I need to see. Because I have a feeling that he did the same thing to my mother, Liszka. I was seven when he took me from her, and like Anot, I also tried to go back once to see her. But I was told she had fallen from a horse and sustained injuries she couldn’t recover from. That was a lie, and I knew it was when I heard the tale. My mother never fell from a horse, not once in her life. She was too skilled. Will you show me what he did to Banafrit?” he asked in a tight voice.

“Alright,” she whispered. “Let’s do as we did before. Let me shelter your mind, and bring you into mine.”

Alex opened her mind to all in the room, and specifically wrapped Than’s consciousness in a halo of her Light to protect him. She told her aura that he was not a threat, but a new friend to be safeguarded. Her Light complied and warmed Than, yet did not seek to stamp out the darkness within him.

This time, Than saw that he was on Alex’s mental courtyard with not only an image of her, but with all the others who had been seated in the circle. Than looked overhead and saw that her Light was no longer doming the Library, but sitting in what looked like oceans on three sides of the structure. The same gentle breeze was still blowing and now he could clearly hear birds off in the distance. He took it all in and then turned his eyes down to Alex.

With Gaius holding her right hand, Alex reached for Than’s palm with her left. A scroll came to them in the hands of the same, short scribe. He placed it on the stones before them, and inclined his head before he took his leave. Everyone moved then to complete the circle, and it was Ganymede who gathered Than’s free hand in his. When the circle was unbroken, the scroll unfurled.

Than looked on as he saw the entire memory of Alex landing in an unfamiliar home, her fingers gliding along hieroglyphs that spoke of violent and debase crimes. She moved down the hall to explore rooms, only to see Asterron walk past her. Banafrit was next to enter, and they walked behind her as she readied herself for the looming confrontation.

Alex looked away from the memory this time and watched Than instead. He was clearly having trouble, and she reached out for his hand even there. Than did not look away from his father as Asterron moved from behind the desk to strike out at Banafrit, but he did lace his fingers through Alex’s as he held on for dear life.

Every malicious word, every strike the demon leveled against her body, played out before their eyes. But it was Banafrit’s question that seemed to resonate most with Than.

“I once loved you,” she wheezed. “Why? Why take my child and my heart?”

“Because you let me,” he sneered, and then proceeded to batter her to a point that she could never recover from.

They heard Asterron tell the servant, Kosey, to take Banafrit to the place Anot was never to go near, and drop her on the front step. As the trembling servant moved to take her away, the memory faded and they were all once more in the courtyard. Than turned from them, and walked over to the rock wall. He braced his hands there and just stood in silence with his head hung.

Alex started to move toward him, but Gaius shook his head.

“Give him a moment alone, love,” he whispered.

No one said anything during the time Than stood apart from them. They waited patiently and silently. When at last he turned back, his eyes were red and he was working hard to maintain his composure.

“One last question before we leave this place,” Than said quietly.

“Alright,” Alex replied.

“You told my father and his brothers that you knew of the meeting that had taken place at my home months ago, and that they had planned to sacrifice their own sons and daughters to obtain you. I was there at that meeting. I remember Gomory starting to tell us what he and Herrick had learned about you, when Asterron sent us all out. Tell me what they planned. Please, I have to know.”

Alex glanced over at Ganymede and he nodded, giving her permission to share it all. Alex looked back to Than, and gathered his hand in hers once more.

“There are two memories of your father and his brothers related to that conference which I can share with you. And as it was with the memory of Anot and me together on the field of battle, these will be full of hurt for you. I can’t spare you the pain, but know that we’re all here for you after you see what they said and did.”

Than said nothing, only nodded his head that he understood. Without further delay, the scribe walked to them and placed two scrolls on the stones in the middle of their ring. They all joined hands, and were immediately standing in the same large den where Alex had met with the Fallen and openly defied them.

Than stepped closer to Alex and kept a tight hold on her hand as he listened to the initial words from the Fallen that he had already heard in person. He saw himself sitting close to Anot, but the two were not speaking. As Gomory’s theories regarding Alexandria began to tumble from his lips, Asterron sent the immortal children far from the room. Than took a step forward, hungry to hear it all.

He watched himself pass by as he left, but then Than turned his eyes back to Gomory who picked up right where he had left off with his theories. On and on he speculated as to why none of them could see Alex clearly while she was in battle, and how her human family was the key to getting her to walk to the other side. Berith then proposed more bloodshed and death to help change Alex to be what and who they needed her to be, just as he had with his own daughter, Keres.

And then Than was listening to his father propose that the Fallen let their children play. That they devise a game and make Alexandria the prize. But in doing so, they would willingly sacrifice their own.

“It will mean a sacrifice on our part, for Ganymede and the others will surely present themselves again and fight for this little whelp, but it will be well worth it for us. We lose a few sons or daughters and in return, we claim that which we once lost. I think the trade is worth it. I have another son,” Asterron said, and smiled while he uttered the vile words.

Than gasped loudly, and he raised his free hand in the form of a fist to cover his lips. The scene shifted then to the moments after Keres fell. The Fallen were celebrating the battles as a success on their part, not mourning the loss of their own at all. He remained rigid beside Alex as Asterron laid out the plans for the supposed last battle.

And while Asterron talked of the nightmares and violent images he would purposefully send into her mind to drive her over the edge, Than paled, for he knew his father had used that exact strategy against Alex her first night at his home. The scene moved through Asterron’s pledge to tuck Alex into bed at night and read her a bedtime story, if that was what she needed to let him in. But the last words Than heard were of the way in which they all planned to use her body once she was truly theirs to dominate.

As it all fell away, Than backed up a step and he turned to Alex. “I need to leave here. Now!” he said desperately, and she immediately let everyone’s connection to her mind dissolve. She gently released her hold on Than, and opened her eyes there in Elek’s home to see Than sitting across from her.

He stared at her for a long, silent moment and then he was on his feet. In a few strides, Than was standing before her, but Gaius rose just as quickly and placed Alex behind him. Everyone else gained their feet without delay to restrain Than if necessary. Than began to shake his head at Gaius, tears clearly pooling in his eyes.

“I’m not going to hurt her. Far from it. Please, Gaius, step aside. I only want to apologize. Please,” Than said as his jaw clenched tightly.

Gaius studied Than’s eyes carefully before he took one small step to the left.

“Than, you do not have to apologize to me. We’ve been through this.” Alex smiled, but he was shaking his head still.

“Yes, I do. I was a part of that! Everything he said, I was a part of it! He told me to lure you in, and I did. He told me to keep you by my side, and you never left it. I knew he was sending those nightmares into your mind that first night, and what did I do? I came into your bedroom to comfort you, on his orders, knowing that he wanted me to do more. How can you look at me?” he gasped.

Alex felt tears gather in her eyes and she took the last step necessary to pull him into her arms. Than lowered his head to her shoulder and began to cry in earnest.

“Shhh, Than, don’t do this to yourself. I’ve never faced what you have – hundreds of years of having a Fallen one dictate my every movement. I can only imagine what you’ve lived through, and I am the one who’s sorry for your pain. Sorry that we couldn’t save you when you were only seven,” she confessed as she cried with him.

“I’m sorry, so sorry,” he breathed, pulling her closer.

Alex’s aura poured over Than, seeking to warm and comfort him, though it still adapted to the darkness and did not try to eradicate it. No, for Alex and her power knew Than was well on his way to doing that all by himself. She stroked his hair and whispered words of encouragement in his ear, trying to help him through the storm.

When at last Than was able to raise his head, Alex cupped his face and used her thumbs to wipe his tears away. She watched him pull his lower lip in with his teeth as it trembled slightly. Alex shook her head and smiled sadly at him.

“Than, you never hurt me, not even in your study. You are not at fault for your father’s plans. You are not,” she whispered vehemently. “For he could have just as easily sent you to kill me on the Arabian plain, instead of Anot, and then all of this would never have come to pass. Let’s focus on the good that has come from it all. I met you, and you met me, and together we will all help you find your way.”

“But do not give Asterron any more power over you. Do not, Than. If you spend your days mired in what was, you will never break free of him. And you are too strong to let that current pull you under any longer. Do what Nakhti charged Anot to do, and he, therefore, charged me – ‘Be brave, be wise, and be kind. Make us proud, wherever you roam.’”

Than lost the battle to hold onto his composure again and he began to cry as he stared into Alex’s eyes. Ganymede stepped forward then and drew Than into his arms, trying to give him more strength and aura to pull from. Alex stepped back to Gaius and wrapped an arm around his waist as he settled his arm around her shoulders.

Everyone remained standing as they watched Than hit a very low point in his journey. He was struggling so, and most in the room were openly crying with him. Rohan finally pulled Sabina into his arms, so he could help her through her own torrent of tears that were steadily flowing.

Ganymede gently patted Than’s back as his tears lessened. Ever so slowly, Than lifted his head from Ganymede’s shoulder and he stared into eyes that were so different from his father’s. Ganymede cupped Than’s cheek and nodded his head in understanding.

“I know, my boy. I know it all, and I see it all. And Alexandria is right – you have already lived through perdition. But your future does not have to be what your past was. Break free of it, Than, and know peace and acceptance. You can do this.”

Than nodded his head in return and drew in a deep breath. He paused and did so again, then looked sharply at Ganymede.

“Her mental construct carries the scents of your aura,” he said softly.

“It does, for her power flows from me. And,” Ganymede added, “I was with Alexandria the entire time she was at your home. I never abandoned her, or left her alone in that struggle. If you will allow it, my brothers and I will mentor and shelter you as well. You need never be without support, wherever you roam.”

“Right now, I don’t want to roam. I want to stay here, with all of you. Or England, or wherever you go,” Than added.

“Then by all means, come with us, son,” Ganymede said and smiled.

A loud gurgling sound cut through the silence, and Alex blushed heavily. She placed a hand over her stomach and pressed her lips together as Ganymede and Than both looked down at her.

“Sorry.” She shrugged, while Gaius pulled her closer and smiled.

“Are you really hungry after all you ate at breakfast?” Than laughed as he exhaled, staring at her incredulously. “You didn’t eat that much while you were at my home.”

“I was a bit nervous there,” Alex said, hoping the statement would be enough to explain the difference in her appetite.

“My word,” he breathed, and then looked back to Ganymede. “One day at a time, right?”

“Yes, that is a sound plan. Now, let’s adjourn for a time, so Alexandria can eat,” Ganymede chuckled, “and then I think we should take a little time to rest before we prepare to fly to England. Gaius, do you want to fly there tonight or in the morning?”

“I think in the morning would be fine, if that’s agreeable to everyone. Alex needs a bit more rest before she sees her family.” He smiled, looking down at her face and noticing that she was already in need of a nap.

Everyone voiced their agreement, and they began to slowly move in Than’s direction. One by one, they extended their hands to him. Sabina, Ahadi, and all of the angelic fathers gave him an affectionate hug. He accepted each offering of friendship and forgiveness that was given to him, with humility and gratitude. And Than thanked Alex and Gaius again for their understanding.

 

As they descended the stairs headed for the kitchen, Gaius swept Alex back up into his arms. She smiled and laid her head against his heart, closing her eyes to rest momentarily. Gaius felt her go limp in his arms as he reached the last step and he looked down to find her sleeping peacefully.

He turned back and began to climb the stairs again, pausing as Rohan glanced down to see why Gaius was reversing his path. Rohan just shook his head and said they would see them in a while. Gaius chuckled and headed to bed with Alexandria.