The Divine Redemption Trilogy: Her Grace

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COPYRIGHT 2012 FALLEN INFINITY BOOKS /THE DIVINE REDEMPTION TRILOGY: HER GRACE / FALLENINFINITYBOOKS.TUMBLR.COM /HILDATHERESE.TUMBLR.COM / FACEBOOK.COM/HILDATHERESE / @HILDATHERESE / DO NOT COPY DOCUMENT
The Divine Redemption Trilogy: Her Grace
Rhea Shakespeare had never truly belonged to Hallbrook, England. Even if shed live there
since she was a little girl she felt out of place in the shut out town that still believed in the British Monarchynot that she thought there was anything wrong with being a princess. She wanted to be a princess at some point. But maybe the reason she felt out of place was because there was more to Hallbrook then meets the eye. And as she meets two people destined for greatnessthe truth of her being is revealed. Could Heaven have a bigger plan set out for her? Could falling in love deny her from redeeming her divinity? The real question is, when the time comes for the Great War to begin again, will she protect what she never knew, in place of the truth?
FALLEN/INFINITY/BOOKS/COPYRIGHT/2012
Part 1
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he brought them out of their distress. Psalm 107:28
Prologue
A single moment in your life can change the course of your future. Gramma Kelly always told me that. She also told me not to go sticking my nose on other peoples business because it wasnt good for anybodyespecially the person that would get themselves involved, which she always meant as me. I would probably cross out all the bad experiences in my life, like when I was eight and Corey Brian who had cute brown eyes and a baby face threw dirt at my faceapparently we were going through a rough break and he didnt want anything to do with me since he met Annabelle Allen who was by far the most perfect girl in Hallbrook Preparatory Academy. But that was the thing about Annabelle Allenshe was a Duchess. And royalty was at the top of the hierarchy whereas commoners as myselfwere not. Not that it mattered. Seriously. Hallbrook was one of those small country towns in England that was inhabited by blue bloods royalty. All my life, Ive lived in Hallbrook and it was pretty much all I knew. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being married to a prince whod sweep me off my feet and take me to his black horse. Black because to me, white was too pure, and that was what the prince was. But Hallbrook was the white horse, a place so pure of its originality that the younger generation had wanted to escape it. There were medicine women described as witches or demonessdespised by the townsfolk because they lived near the edge of Paradise Pasture. They were scolded at for their beliefs in Angel and Demon folklore. Apart from that, Hallbrook was the only town that knew about advanced devices like the iPhone4S but refused to get their hands on it. We had WiFibut some things had to be ordered and delivered, or youd have to go to the city. And I didnt know anyone whod left Hallbrook. Yet. Mum and Dad were scholars of literature. Mum was independent, who wrote about History and Arts, she wanted to go to Hallbrook because of its rich history. No one could deny that Hallbrookwhich used to be Stratfordthe same Stratford that William Shakespeare grew up at, lacked history. Dad always lived in Hallbrook, but moved to study in London where he met Mum. They lived in Hallbrook until twenty years ago, for reasons I couldnt fathom. But the reason was pretty straightforward. My life was full of literature because of my mother and father. The Queen, Elizabeths second cousinKing Raphael Old Man Raph to Hallbrookers was appointed Hallbrook. But something was different about Hallbrook, instead of owning it as a Duke, Hallbrook became its own monarchy. And maybe thats why it was so ostracized from the rest of England. Hallbrookers didnt complain, old man Raph was kind, and generous. Small as our town was, I never actually met him. Gramma Kelly used to tell me all the time that my Grandfather Vladimir, was friends with King Raph and they made a pact that his son will marry the first daughter of my Grandmother and Grandfathers children. That meant it was me. Every girl would want to be a princess at some point in their life. To own pretty horses, have a big room, own plenty of gorgeous, glittery dresses and have people adore you all the time. But I got over the idea of being a princess when I was nine, because some things were just too good to
be true. The thought of actually being a princess wasstrange. Hallbrook was a place of old beliefs. People believed in the divinity of the monarchy, of the power of God and the power you could give to Satan. I was raised an atheist. Ironic, living in a town like Hallbrook. The churches had stained glass windows depicting the monarchy and thedivinity of blue bloods. They believed so much in the monarch, of George the first handing down his bloodline to King Raphael and his children. Royalty was the Authority. That was the cardinal law. Somewhere in law, I thought that commonerspeople such as myself, shouldnt be able to interact with royalty, apart from shaking hands and telling them about how thankful you are to them. But the pact my Grandfather Vlad made with King Raph makes me think for all the normality in my life, why was it that this year would have been different? Why the eighteenth year of my life? I never really realized why my Gramma always told me that one moment could change my future. Not until the day after my eighteenth birthday. Because at the end of the tunnel, when you find the gates of the Kingdom, you meet the war.
1. Rhea.
Six thirty, seven thirty, seven forty-five. My alarm rang cuckoo loudly every time I tried to press the snooze button. I couldnt really sleep the night before, I felt myself tethered to a dream that I felt was so vividbut could hardly remember. Maybe because it was close to winter and winter always left me restless. My windows were all foggy and a I breathed I could see the coldalmost-winter air, in front of me like smoke. The worst thing about Hallbrook was that when it was close to winter, it wouldnt give you some little patches of sunlight, instead it would make itself known with all the rain and cold air. I knew that if I looked into the mirror, Id see the same thing Id seen before I went to bed, with little differences. Same pale kin, flushed grey eyes and annoyingly-wavy-bed-hair. I couldnt complain with what I had. Maybe if I pinched my cheeks, my skin would look lesssee through. Because I knew that the thin blue veins would be slightly visible. Never did I compare myself to the girls in Hallbrookwhich were partly royaltyand could get away from the alterations theyd made to their uniforms to suit their body type. I used to love tiaras and glass slippers, but true royalty could apparently be horrid girls who talked about you like you werent there at all. Gramma Kelly always told me, that if you had the right attitude, it didnt matter what you looked like. She was always wise, so it would be wise to follow her advice. I pinched my cheeks to add a little color in them, I knew it would work, the cold did that. I had deep shadows under my eyes from my lack of rest and I wished for the millionth time that I wouldnt be performing todaythat I mean, because I had to play the part of Juliet Capulet in Shakespeares tragedy. Gramma always told me that I got the artistic part of me from my fathers side of the family. I would have agreed to it completely if it werent for the fact that my
last name led to high expectations from my family, and low expectations from the rest of the world who thought my last name was a liea fluke. Rhea Shakespeare. Whether anyone believed it or not, I was the first daughter in the line of William Shakespeares family. So Will Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway of Stratford were my ancestors. Ingridmy best friends mother always said I was a big fish out of all the little commoner fish. Because of course, I was a Shakespeare. Mrs. Burton always told me that it gave me an advantageespecially because of all the blue bloods that went to Hallbrook Academy. I went to the same high school where his-royal-highnesses Prince Gabriel, Prince Michael twinsgo figure, and Princess Helen, went to. The hardest thing about going to school with blue bloods was thisthe competition. I couldnt complain about it either. It wasnt their fault that Id gone to school with them my entire life but never actually gone face to face and communicate with them. It wasnt their fault that they were born into royaltyjust like it wasnt their fault that everyone had such high hopes for me. I couldnt complain. Everyone knew there was a girl whose last name was Shakespeare and to themit was my parents changing my last name because they were literary freaks. There was no point in ever correcting themI could show them the family archives, pull up the Shakespeare family tree or even recite almost every given play Shakespeare had without fail. Through the doubt, theisolation of the town and the beliefs of the peopleHallbrook wasnt a place I was sure Id fit in. Ever. I hated being a Shakespeare and I would have changed my last name into my mothers which was Rivers, but I wasnt eighteen yet and wouldnt be eighteen for another two months. It wasnt the connection to the Shakespearean family that I disliked. His amazing, yet all-too-tragic tales of Othello, Hamlet, The Twelfth Night and of courseRomeo and Juliet. According to all the people I knewand that included my two best and only real friends as well as the acting group I occasionally hung out withthey all thought that whatever talent I had, came from my Shakespearean side. They were always giddy when we were doing Shakespearean plays when we still went to Hallbrook Prep, they always thought I knew every single thing to know about Shakespeare. I sighed as I looked at the mirror and saw the same face, the same thick lashes and dark hair. The same pallid face. I reached inside my oak wood dresser and took Hallbrook Academys uniform. Both the uniforms of Hallbrook Prep and Hallbrook High were fairly the same with just small differences. Hallbrook Prep was a black checkered dress with a long-sleeved white shirt with a peter pan collar and a silver ribbon to go with the under-shirt. Hallbrook Academy however, replaced the dress with a black checkered-skirt and the long sleeved shirt with a vest and a blazer, and of course, the ribbon for the under-shirt. Uniforms annoyed mebecause they reminded me of a Correctional Facility, even if Hallbrooks uniform was a lot more posh, rather than those foul orange jumpsuits. Maybe ownership was the reason I disliked uniforms so much, because the emblem of the British Monarchy with the two lions and the unicorn were emblazoned on the breast pockets of the uniforms. As well as the whole town. After Id gone to
the bathroom, brushed my teeth and roughly combed my hair using my hands, I ended up facing my full length mirror. I was about to tie the black ribbon around my neck when my alarm went off again making the irritating cuckoo-sounds. I finally pressed the snooze button when I realized it was nine oclock. CrapI was going to be late to the performance. When I woke up this morning, there was a slight feeling of recognition from my dream before. A dream that I couldnt remember. I would have thought twice about it but I remembered the reason why I couldnt be late for school. Ms. Brown was fond of me, maybe it was because of my last name or maybe she actually thought I could act what she wasnt fond of waswhen people were late to class. Or even worst, when they were late for a performance. Rhea! Oh, for crying out loud George, go check on her! Shes going to be late again! Ah, I sighed. There was the familiar voice of my mother. Of course she wouldnt be in the kitchen making me pancakes, she would be in small room with her computer whilst typingor brainstorming new ideas for her new book. Mum wasnt at all famous but she wrote simple history. She deciphered old sources for school textbooks and things like that. Her last name probably got more Oohs then her writing did. Mary Shakespeare. Sometimes I thought mum would feel as bad as I did when people only recognized me because of my name. Mare, Im cooking! My father screamed from downstairs. I could hear the sound of the metal clinking with each otherthe tongs on the stainless panand the clanking of bowls as theyre set on the table. If I opened my door I knew the scent which would engulf my nose, burnt bacon and over-cooked pancakes. Dad was usually the cook, but when he had off-days, he would have the occasional off-month. The Royal Library of London denied him use to Hallbrooks private archives. He thought theyd give him a break since his family line put some documents in the archive. Ever since last month, hed been burning the bacon and over-cooking the pancake. I wish Gramma was here. I thought steadily to myself as I walked out the door. Morning Dad I said and he was reading a black book with yellowed papers. The Taming of the Shrew. He nodded to me and I knew he wasnt about to talk to meat least not right when he was studying. Mum and Dad wished I would be a Literature worshiper. I was the third in my year, from the two royal asses. Okay, they werent asses. I just have never met them before, Prince Gabriel and Prince Michael kept to themselves and their circle of nobles. The royals were sent here, the children of Dukes and Duchess and Lords would be sent to Hallbrookit was practically the epicenter of nowhere, tucked in the fringe of Britain enough that their children wouldnt have to suffer from a media circus. That was why Hallbrook Academy was top-notch, because royalty was about eighty percent of the student population. George! ARE YOU STILL OUTSIDE? HAVE YOU TAKEN RHEA TO SCHOOL!? My mother screeched loudly. I could her typing drastically. GEORGE!? My mothers chair did a wooden screech like she just did and I could her heavy footsteps.
Oh, fufor goodness sake. Rhea, sweetie youre mothers coming. Could you please pretend youve been ready. My dads blue eyes winked toward me. Mum was never really angry at Dad, but he hated to argue with herespecially when they were both stressed out. They got married nineteen when they discovered each other in a Literature Convention in Hallbrook itself. Theyd been married for so long that I could call my forty-year old mother and forty-three year old father medieval. I looked at my fathers tired expression, even if he had deep eye-bugs, he still managed to look happy. I nodded toward him, grabbed a piece of toast and swung my black messenger bag around myself running lightly towards the front door. George, I heard what you said to our daughter. Im not an idiot! Mum said playfully to my dad. I groaned. Mum constantly found ways to show me how much her and Dad loved each other. She tip-toed towards him and kissed his lips. Ugh. I turned around before I saw the whole show and heard my mother sigh. I turned back to see what the fuss was about. Mum always showed when she was upset or wanted people to notice her. Shed make an overrated sigh until they paid attention. She gave me an encouraging smile. I know youre nervous. Meeting one of the Princes! Who was it again? Gabriel or Michael? Oh I dont care, just show them your normal charm and be a Shakespeare! I groaned but gave a weak nod. Dad drove me to school on the normal pace and it didnt take long but he had to slow down, the roads were icy and I knew that it was about to snow. When I got off, Dad gave me the same encouraging smile that Mum had, If notjust bigger. Playing one of our ancestors characters (even if Id already done it numerous times) was amazing. Me, playing it with royalty. Well that was apparently special. Half the girls in Hellbrook tried out for Anne Boleyns role. I admit I was jittery. Id seen the princes on T.V. and though they were twins, they looked nothing alike. Gabriel had sandy blonde hair and though there was barely sun in country England, he had color in his skina family trait from their Spanish side maybe. And thats what their mother Queen Esmeralda was, Spanish. Michael had black hairlike his mother and the same color skin as Gabriel. They both had blazing blue eyesall the siblings had. Even Princess Helen, who was regarded as the younger version of Helen of Spartaoops sorry, Troy. I began to feel myself shaking. I was supposed to kiss one of the two Princes. Sure as hell that wouldve got me going. They were hotno, no. They were beautiful. Every girl wanted to be with the princes even if It was a long shot. Id finally gotten to the drama department when I bumped into somethinger, someone to be exact. I was holding my Advanced Lit and Advanced Arts textbook which fell into the ground, the rest of the notes which Id stuck in fell everywhere. I began to curse, knowing that I hadnt apologized to the figure Id bumped into. That person crouched beside me and I could hear him
grinning at me, seriously. I was thinking to myself. Ryan Lawrence, if thats you Im about ten seconds close to donkey-kicking you straight out of Hallbrook to the damn Caribbean sea. I prepared myself for yelling at the person when I looked up and locked eyes with the most beautiful creature in my life. Again, I dropped my books and my jaw fell down. His blue eyes held mine and he was grinningno smiling at me, his cheeks were rosy enough to consider him blushing even if Id realized it was just because of the cold. Thank Heavens for this cold! I knew I would be blushing insanely if it wasnt this freezing. Sorry. He finally said, breaking eye contact with me. This was the first time Id probably realized it. The twin Princes shared the same facial features, the same straight nose and full lushyes, lush lips. They both had high cheekbones and looked so friendly, they also shared the same blue eyes. Hypnotizing blue eyes that were as blueor bluer than Gramma Kellys sapphire stones. Iuh, no, no. I mean, yes. I cursed again then realized he probably wasnt used to swearing. Sorry, pardon my French. I picked up my books and he was grinning again. Wouldnt he stop grinning! The first time Id actually been face to face with pure royalty and I look like an arse! Oh, je crois que ce n'est pas franais he said when I finally stood my ground. My hands were still shaking. In front of the most gorgeousor one of the two most gorgeous guys in this part of England! (Not that English boys werent totally acceptable). I made a note to myself that I would compare both American Boys to English boys later on. Sorry? I began to think about what he said. He said something in straight French. Shit. Shit. The fact that he spoke to meand in FRENCH! Made my knees tremble. I said I dont believe thats French. He laughed and put his hand through his black hair, ruffling it. This was Michael. Im Romeo. He put his hand out to mineobviously for me to shake it. He was still smiling at me. STOP SMILING! I wanted to shout at him. Suddenly I began thinking about what he said again. I, umthats not your name. Are you okay? Do you want to go to the infirmary? I asked, I felt my worried tone coming on so I decided to stop talking. I meant Im playing Romeo. Ive seen you around. He smiled again, a lot more widely if that were even possible. I helped pick you as Juliet. Youre perfect, especially for her role. Youre perfect. His words echoed through my ears. Shit. Shit. Dont pass out, or spew all over him. DONT EVEN HYPERVENTILATE! I was saying to myself over and over again.
Michaels smile began to fade and I wondered why. He was about to turn away when he said quietly Careful, youre friends finding the right time to scare the mickey out of you. He smiled sadly. It made me sad too. Obviously idiot. I told myself. Sad people made me feel sad too. He whispered, so quietly that it might not have been trueSee you later.
2. Rhea.
Ingrid youre such a bloody psycho! I squeaked at her for the last time. Youre friends finding the right time to scare the mickey out of you. Prince Michaels voice echoed in my head. Ingrid wrecked our moment, pathetic as it was. But I was laughing now; she scared me so bad that I almost forgot about my encounter with the prince. At least now I understood what Prince Michael meant. Ingrid laughed psychotically, But I got you didnt I!? And you always get me Rhey! Wont you let me have a little fun once in a while?! she wiped a tear from her eye and began to laugh more. Ingrid Burton was my best friend. She had really blonde hair and really blonde curls. She was also the cutest person in the world. She always had rosy cheeks, pretty hairstyles and awesome Barbie dolls. Now that we were grown up obviously, her having the most awesome Barbies came to an advantage, she could dress herself as she wouldve dressed Barbie and knew exactly what made her look bloated or too skinny. She was a goddess. She was also going to play Rosaline, who was Romeos also known as Prince Michaels first love who just mingles, while I playing Juliet, will be heavily infatuated by an encounter which begins the beginning of a starcrossed-lovers-affair. We have to hurry though, Holy Crap! You scared the mickey out of me! I said, still shocked by my best friend. I realized that I had also repeated what Michael said about Ingrid scaring the Mickey out of me. I smiled at the thought. Hmm, Ingrid slowly said, Speaking of anything holy. Might I say, it was about time that Princey walked away. I think he mightve seen me waiting around. He probably thought I wanted his autograph. she said jokingly. Ingrids family believed in the monarchy. And old magic, and boy did the royal family know that. Her father had gotten a restraining order from the London Court to never be able to enter the sanctity of Hallbrook Palace to prove how serious it was. Neither Ingrid nor I knew why her family had a restraining order from the palacebut we assumed it was because maybe one of her family members were stalkers. But Ingrid wasnt like that. She didnt believe in the old magic. It was the reason we were best friends. But still, judging from the hot-eye-to-eye contact that I, Ingrid Burton, witnessed that there may be something going on there. She winked at me and nudged my shoulder. Is there something going on there? Are you gonna let ol Grandfather Vladdies pact to take place? You
get Michael and I get the big brother and well rule side by side? She gasped, and for a moment stopped laughingthen the hysteria returned, You gotta admit, Rhey. Its a pretty brilliant plan. I didnt say anything. It was a cute plan but it was also just one of those Ingrid-Rules-TheWorld plans. She always tried to lure me into one of her new boyfriend schemes. Ingrid always had a different boyfriend. She got bored easilyexcept for the past few months. Shed been dating one of my ex-boyfriends and as weird as it wasit was one of those things that never worked out in the end so it never actually felt weird. It was only weird whenever hed flirt with me in front of her. Luckily for me, she didnt mind because she always told me: Honey, two can play at the same game. What about Ryan, you gonna ditch him for Gabriel? His pride will be so hurt. I joked back, nudging her elbow. She waved her hand off and stopped laughing, somehow, I entered an unwanted topic. We broke up, dont ask. Again? I asked, and cursed myself silently. I probably shouldnt have asked, but then again, her and Ryan had been breaking on and off for the past two months, which probably was hers and hismost serious relationship. Look, lets get back on topic, my point is I tried not to groan, I hated it when she brought it up. For a while, it was flattering, but now it was like a continuous buzzing noise that was on repeat in my head. Ingrid, you know that was just a stupid joke Gramma Kell tells me to joke around. When I said the words aloud, I looked at my friend, and saw that she was looking back at me. Ingrid had creases on her forehead and she looked as if she were trying to add something up in her head. It was disappointing, how my whole life my Gramma always told me I was destined for a sort of royal redemption. I felt my back bone tingle, sort of like a small electric wave of recognition, but it was gone as soon as it came. Hey, from the look plastered on your face before, you were as infatuated with Prince Michael as my dad is with Johnny Walker. Again she joked around, but her dad literally was a drunkardever since the incident with the restraining order. He seemed nice. I said, shrugging. I guessed. she said, You looked hypnotized. Ingrid winked. His eyes kinda got to me. I said shyly, hiding my face with my hair. It was true, I couldnt reallyreact, properly to a Princeespecially when he looked at me with those eyes Ingrid sighed. I know what you mean. Grace Williamsyou know Gracie?
The fifth former? I asked, wanting to know if it was the same girl I thought of. Yeah, her. I heard from Sammie that she confessed to Prince Gabriel yesterday. He turned her down and you know, Id be pretty sad but she was furious afterwards. You know how the William Sisters can get. Ingrid was right. The William Sisters were: Charity, whod left the school. Faith, who was a sixth former like Ingrid and I and their notorious little sister Grace who was by farHallbrooks biggest boyfriend changing girl ever. Their parents came from a long line of nobles which was pretty much another way of saying they were filthy rich, and the sisters were just filthy mean. Their minds were as twisted as they were beautiful. Which they were. Its not like she can do anything about that. Whats there to get angry about? She asked, he said no. Life goes on. Exactly. I knew youd say that. There was a long and quiet pause as we turned right towards the Auditorium. It was raining out again, the heaviness of the rain weighing down on the plants making soft thudding sounds whenever they met. I wrinkled my nose. I hate this weather. I told my best friend, whose thoughts seemed elsewhere. Dont we all? ~*~ Rhea! Ingrid! Youre both late! Miss Emily Clarke, our drama teacher looked frantic as Ingrid and I entered the back entrance to the Auditorium. Hallbrook Academy was a massive school with plenty of different buildings for each department. The worst part was, how far each building was from each other. The main part of the school was an old building, the Great Library was there along with the Great Hall where all special functions were held. It took Ingrid and I all of seven minutes to get to the Auditorium which was the furthest away from the main building than any of the other departments. Miss Emily Clarke, who preferred us to called her Emily or Miss Emily had her hands motioning everywhere. She wore an eggplant colored headband that made her curly browngreyed hair go everywhere. She wore less of her eccentric-clothing and changed to a more a pinstripe suit that matched the color of her headband. Apart from the different clothes, her eyes that were usually a calm icy-blue were popping out, making them look dull and less appealing. You both need to change! Especially you, Rhea!
Ingrid and I scattered but Miss Emily caught up with me, telling Ingrid to go and she had both hands on my shoulders. Im really sorry Miss Em. I said, knowing shed already forgiven me but I hadnt even apologized. One thing she hated most was when people were late to performances, and I hated to have such a thick head, but she never said anything when it came to me. Rhea, will you promise me that youll put a hundred-and-fifteen percent today? Miss Emilys voice was shaky and it was one of those off-moments when anyone would see her nervous. This is a very important moment in the history of Hallbrooks Performing Arts Department and I believe, for you. She smiled at me nervously, I just wanted to hug her but I didnt. Ill do my best, as always Miss Em. When have I failed you? I asked her, giving her my best Im-not-nervous smile. Inside, my stomach filled with butterflies flitting into an empty abyss. She returned my smile, unnerved now, and clearly glad to hear what Id said. I didnt want to fail her. She believed in my talent even before I put my last name on the sign-up sheet. I had everything to return to her. She let me off, shedding a little tear. I was the second act. Romeo & Juliet, one of Shakespeares most famous plays was the performance at hand today. The performance was cut into three sections. Yesterday it was played by Faith Williams who just had to show up, young, innocent and free. Today was my performance, the part where Romeo meets Juliet and they begin their sad love affair. Tomorrow would be the finale, which was another Juliet entirely, tomorrow would be the death of Romeo and his Juliet. The performances were broken into three parts because of the exams and each part was about an hour long so it was good. I guess. I let out a long breath. I signed-up for the play, even if Id already done it a couple of times in Nursery and Primarybut they wouldnt have counted for the End-Of-Term Exam. The teachers contemplated on giving us a written exam until a certain Prince also signed up. The fancy script on the parchment against all the other messy and un-aligned writing shone it its own way: Michael of Hallbrook. And so a star was immediately born. It was the first time the Royal Family had participated in something that would form a media circus, but of course, the Performing Arts Department were ecstatic. I was confident in playing Juliet until I learned he would be Romeo. But of course I already knew hed get it. It was troublesome, trying to tie a corset on your own. My costume was a long, blood-red dress made of velvet. It was the dress for the costume party that Juliets family would host. Where of course, shed meet Romeo.
Ingrid ran to my aid, tying the corset tighter than I could wish. I had trouble breathing by the time I wanted to tell her to loosen it up. Great, I thought to weakly. When Im in front of the prince itll be so obvious that Im about to faint. I put both my hands into a fist, and tried to take a deep breath. Bad idea. You okay there, Rhey? Ingrid said, laughing. She stopped playing around with my dress and was now adjusting her wig. Shed pulled her pretty blonde hair up and now wore a big wig which was about two shades darker than her natural hair color. The wig had ribbons everywhere, pulling together the intricate braids that made the wig big. The wig, about ten inches in height, would have looked ridiculous on everyone else but looked good on Ingrid. When Id finally gotten over the fact that the corset was not going to loosen upmaking a note to myself that Id have to throttle Ingrid for tying a Gordian Knot on the corsets back, it was impossible, to breakI decided to slip the blood-red dress on, not even working on my hair. I was losing time. I ranno, tried to run, having trouble breathing with the corsettowards the long stretch of full length mirrors that hung back in the change rooms. The only thing that separated the girls and the boys was a big wooden wall, we could still hear them talk and I heard Ryan joking about something stupid. I shook my head, not wanting to break my concentration of keeping calm. There were a lot of other girls, some dressed as maids and some dressed in pretty and quirky outfits. All the clothes were bright and suit each of the girls. They all looked at themselves in the mirror with awe. I heard someone gasp, and then there was a unison of gasps. It was like a chorus! What? I asked, What happened? Aw, Rhey you look like a princess. Like not Princess Helen or something but you know, those princesses we see in movies and such. Ingrid gave me a smile. I hadnt looked at myself yet but when I did, I gasped with surprise too. The thick velvet of the dress was heavy and plainly annoying, the corset pressing into the back of my spine making it feel itchy but my skin was whiter than it had been any other time and my freckles stood out scarcely and looked silver in the dim lighting. My grey eyes didnt look as crap as they did in the morning, they looked ready. It was what my eyes looked like whenever I was about to perform. My hair against the red velvet stood out darker than it always had it was glossier andif it were possible, reflected the faces of those who looked at me almost that I didnt even need to turn and see who they were. The golden specks that came out of the dress were bright as I moved and the long sleeves made my arms look long and elegant. I shook my head and turned to everyone who was still staring at me.
Bloody hell, Rhey! What did you do you in your previous life to earn you a cleavage that nice. A tiny voice squeaked. I turned and saw Sammiethe third in our trio, her brown hair covered by a wig that looked like Ingrids but it was black instead of blonde. My cleavage did stand out, hence the stupid corset. But I could barely breathe. The giant cross necklace glinted on my skin as I put it on. It was cold and hard against my skin. Sammie, you look great. I said, complementing Sam. Okay no. she said. Ever since I got the role as Juliet, shed been nagging. It was her dream to be an actressI was still undecided but SamanthaSammie to the rest of uswas sure she wanted to leave Hallbrook and go to Hollywood. She said she knew Id get the rolebut it still disappointed her. Sam was originally American but her parents moved to Hallbrook when she turned nine, she said she didnt regret it, but she said England was different from America. I wanted to be Juliet! Not pathetic Lady Capulet. she spat out the name of Lady Capulet like it was poison. Her shoulders dropped. How will Jarrod notice me now? Youre hottheyll notice you before they notice me. Youll see, Jarrod will easily spot you! I said soothingly to Sammie. She always worried about boysthere was never a lack of boys there as hersuitors, would be the right word, but she only had eyes for Jarrod Harperthe son of the Pastor. Theyd only been in Hallbrook for four years and Sammie evaluated everything Jarrod did. Check out the bright side, sunshine, Ingrid began Lady Capulet was a pretty good woman, such a cougar, so she was hot. But Juliet would have gotten nowhere without her. Sammies dress was a deep purple. Miss Emily thought that purple was an alluring color. Her dress had a plunging neckline, unlike mine that was more of a low-cut squared front. She looked older and much more regaleven more with her dark hair. It made her eyes look bigger, her lips plumper. She looked really intimidating. I wanted to be Juliet. She said pouting her lips at me. You look amazing though. Break a leg out there okay? Make us proud. She finally cracked a smile which I returned back. Whilst we prepared ourselves, I heard the applause and knew that soon it would be my cue. I watched the beginning of the performance yesterdayfirstly, Miss Emily would welcome the audience and introduce herself, the actors for this performance, then the crowd would applause and then the performance would begin with a read-off from the previous performance. There was plenty of rustling when Id heard someone say Oh, sweet mother of all things sexy. It sounded like a familiar voice then I realized it was Ingrid. I was the only one left in the small roomall the other girls that were still changing had rushed away. I wondered what all the commotion was about but I heard him. His soft voice leaving me breathless.
Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, Too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn. Michaels voice was soft and alluring. So alluring, that I couldnt get away from my seat fast enough. When Id met the Prince in the morning, he sounded so friendly and utterly normal besides the fact that he spoke in a language that I couldnt. But as Michael performed, his voice was focused and balanced but still managed to make a girl run up and kidnap him. I felt like I was in a tranceand I imagined half the girls felt the same. RyanIngrids on-and-off boyfriend, was playing Mercutio. He looked pretty good, his dark hair flopping over his forehead. Jarrod was wearing tights, something I thought Id never see. Looking at him, It seemed clear that Miss Em got her way. Ryan was smiling the sweetest smile, it was the kind of smile that robbed girls of their undies before they had a chance to even say Hi. Jarrod was grinning, his brown eyes inviting. Damn Players. Well, I slowly thought to myself whilst staring at the three actors, there goes my dignity! If love be rough with you, be rough with love; Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down. The crowd applauded Michael, Ryan and Jarrods performance and the lights went dim. The students behind me were all excited from seeing Michaelall the girls and some selected guys, and they were awestruck. I wouldnt have known that it was my turn on stage That it was the time for Romeo and Juliets meeting. I took a deep breath and ruffled my hair. It was time to enter. The background musicClaude Debussys Rverie played in the background. The hairs on my arms began to stand, though they were covered. I was always nervous, even if I knew that Drama was my strongest subject. I sighed, covered in a mask were four boysone of which was Michael. The boys were gaping at meit was a look I knew well. Whenever I dressed up for a play they stared at me like they couldnt believe I was there. I had to admitI actually looked good like this so I felt a little smugeven when Michael began to talk and my knees began to shake: O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night Like a rich jewel in an Ethiopes ear; Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear! So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows. As yonder lady, oer her fellows shows. The measure done, Ill watch her place of stand. And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love until now? Forswear it, sight! For I neer so true beauty until this night. As in the play, Juliet, meaningI wasnt supposed to do or say anything except for play cat and mouse with Romeothe gorgeous Prince Michael himself. My legs were shaking but I felt the side of me that took over whenever I was in a group of large people. I didnt know what it was but as soon as I saw the crowd my subconscious called a bet with me, practically saying Game on to Michael with my eyes. Michael wore the lion headed mask. I could see the lustful look in his eyes. It was the same gorgeous shade of blueelectrifying and magnifying. Like there was some sort of secret behind those eyes. I stared at him for long enough before he winked at me, Im sure he was also grinning behind the mask. I felt a shiver run up my spine. Focus, Rhea. Focus! I was in a group with Corintha pretty girl with red hair who was playing Rosaline, Grace who was an extra to her dismay, Ingridmy ladies maid and of course, Mamma Capulet, Sammie. We all moved in the stage, gliding in our dressesI was serious now. No more games, or bets. Even my subconscious stayed out of my head. For all I was concerned, Gramma Kelly, Mum and Dad would already be there, watching their daughter playing cat and mouse with a Prince. Then it was my turn to shine. The spotlight would head over to me whilst the music would begin to fade. The light moved to me, making me squint at the sight of it. Remembering the embarrassment that came with the role if I failed tugged in the back of my head, I stood straight and began to act shy, secretive. The Montague Boys who gate crashed the Capulet Party were mucking around. I took a deep breath and readied myself for my lines. Tybalt who was played by Donovan Jacobs, the Earl of Hunts, had to take his mask and cloak off and began to argue with an over-pillow-stuffed boy who had thick pink blush on his cheeks to make him look like the obnoxious Master Capulet. It was Jeremiah Toms. Again, it surprised me how much of Great Brits royalty would audition for the roles as soon as one of theirs entered the limelight. Donovan played Tybalt pretty well. The anger in his face was actually believable. He then spoke his lines: Go to, go to; You are a saucy boy: is't so, indeed? This trick may chance to scathe you, I know what: You must contrary me! marry, 'tis time. Well said, my hearts! You are a princox; go: Be quiet, or--More light, more light! For shame! I'll make you quiet. What, cheerly, my hearts!
My fatherJeremiah looked ready to pounce at Donovans orders but he did nothing except for say his lines aloud: Patience perforce with wilful choler meeting Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting. I will withdraw: but this intrusion shall Now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall. The lights went off and became two spotlights, one at me and one at Michael. He nodded so that only I could see and I took a small breath of air as I heard him speak. My subconscious decided to come back now and began to swoon at the sight of him. Oh, shit! If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. When Michael said tender kiss I wanted to immediately put my hands to my lips, to touch those full, lips. Ohmigod! I was just standing there like an idiot! Rhey! Youre up! Sammie whispered harshly though I could barely see her. She was right though, I looked to the crowd that was waiting for me. I knew I could never forget the lines. Not those lines. Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss. Michael gave me a shining million-euro smile. I was sure that if I was a Williams sister who wore thongs, mine wouldve fallen out by now. He stepped towards me and grabbed both my hands. His hands were warm and soft. For a second I felt likewhat was that in my head? Recognition? Something tugged at the back of my mind. It was likeI shook my head inwardly and decided to forget it. Paying all my attention back to the play. Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too? Michael said, it was almost like a whisper. His blue eyes were locked on mine and I could feel the stare of a hundred people. Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer. I didnt know if my voice was loud enough for him to hear. But I saw it, myself, in the shining blue reflection of his eyes. They burned deeply and I could see memy cheeks burning brightly pink. He grinned a little and put his acting face back on. Does he like to see me almost hyperventilating? I literally have just met this guy and he already finds me amusing! O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do; They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.
Let lips do what hands do; In Romeo and Juliet, it had meant that they were to kiss. But seeing as he was the PrincesomeoneI guessed it was someone from his familyhad put their foot down and said that because he had three different partners for the three different times for the playthe closest they would get was a kiss on the cheek or on the hand. I held his warm hands, twining my fingers with his. As soon as we let go, he picked up my palm and kissed the back of my hand. The gasps from the crowed was priceless! I saw Michaels face before he turned to face them, he found this amusing. Like it was just a little game for him. Maybe it was but the feel of his hands on mine, his lips on mine sent a spark to my head. The feeling of a memory retreated into my mind. I saw tall white spiresa gorgeous meadow, the sky a gorgeous shade of blue edged with pinks and purples. FeathersWaitWhere was this!? I snapped back to reality before letting out a big sigh: Had Michael just created a fantasy!? Sigh.
3. Rhea. Everyone got off the stage. This very short intermission would be my last scene until tomorrowthe last Juliets part of the play. Romeo, meaning the prince would be off sulking, showing everyone how depressed he was because his love for Juliet was like a big universal joke on them. I had to change dresses again, but the dress was much better and easier to breathe in the first time so I guess it would be easier for me not to pass out from those deep blue eyes. Ugh! Are you swooning over him again?! I caught myself thinking about the Prince and stopped, adjusting the dress for the final time. It was a beautiful thing, soft and made of satin with no sleeves and a V plunge. It flowed beautifully every time I moved and I couldnt help but think that it looked like a wedding gown. I wondered if Miss Emily would have gotten married onceI mean, duh, she wasnt married now but what if she was about to be? It was her exact frame type. I shook the thought out of my headit was a stupid thought. As I came out of the little cubicle for where girls changed clothes, I felt my legs begin to shake. It was dumbhes just...hes just another boy. Right? I mean, Ive been around tons of boys beforeIve had tons of boyfriends. Not. Ive had three actuallyKoby, who was a useless boyfriend as he was a useless cook, Ryan who now dates Ingrid and Leonardo DeCaprio. My god, I have nothing to say about him. Hes just all around awesome! I was putting the dress from the party scene back on its hangersoon the Drama Department would finish setting up the balcony and Michael would already be getting ready to come out and begin acting.
Mhmm. Someone moaned from behind me. I nearly gasped because I was so surprised. I was by myselfat least I thought I was. I made my way to the covered area behind me, it was dark and there were all kinds of drapes around the place. I pulled them down and there were two bodies, twisted together and moving in unison. The girl had her hair in a messy ponytailit was probably neater before, she had one hand down his pants, the other I think, was clawing his back. The guy had his hands wrapped around her waist, carrying her over him and they were kissing like maniacs. The light couldnt let me see their faceseven when I pulled the drapes down there werent enough lights for me to see who it was. All I knew is they werent part of the play. I was about to step back when I stopped hearing the moaning. Stop. Whoever you are, stop right there. The voice was familiarstrangely, a part of me felt...alight...like it found something important but I hadnt heard the voice before so I shrugged the thought out of my head. It was dark where they were and if you were a simple passerby you wouldnt even realize they were there unless you listened to their ragged breaths. Who are you? the husky voice asked. Rhea. Was all that could come out of my mouth. Rhea Shakespeare? a really high girly voice asked. As in Juliet Capulet, Rhea? she was laughing now, amused somehow. Yeah, thats me. Be quiet. The guy said to the laughing girl. He didnt sound too amused by her. I heard a whiny humph and she didnt say anything for a while. I just stood there like an idiot. UmI have to go, because Im going on stage soon. Sorry for I didnt really know what to say? Sorry for walking in on you while you guys were about to do it? Sorry for walking in on you guys while you were hooking up? Sorry for disturbing you. Great. Short, simple. I liked it. Wait. Rhea, do you know who I am? he asked. His voice was far from husky now, his breathing slightly more even. Not really...er, I wont tell anyone that either of you are here. I said putting on a promising tone. Daughter of Heaven and Earth. The voice said, when he said the word Heaven, God...I feel like it could be right there. His deep voice was so darned alluring! Sorry? I asked. Okay...what did Daughter of Heaven and Earth mean? With a sad sigh I realized how much I paid more attention to his voice than what hed actually been saying. It felt different to be watched and it made my curiosity rise. Of course Id be curious as to who he was! I couldnt see him yet he was obviously staring straight at me.
I was thinking of your name. Thats what It means right? Daughter of Heaven and Earth. Oh, wow. Uh, I actually didnt know that. You sure about that? Wow. I must be the most horrible person to converse with. Google it. He laughed. Crap. Even his laughter was sort of melodic and gorgeous in a weird sort of way. Rhea!? Are you back there? Its time!!!! Someone screeched. If she werent my best friend I would have wringed Ingrids neck by now. I didnt know why but I was pretty annoyed at the fact that I couldnt see my strangerwait? My? Never mind. I looked plainly towards the darkness. Go. He said, and as I turned away but Id heard him say this: Dont forget to Google it.
Prince Michael was already hiding behind one of the pillars and I was already in the balcony. Why stupid Juliet didnt see Romeo before, I wouldnt have guessed, but I could see Michaels black hair shining in the light. Originally this is the scene when Romeo and Juliet hook up. I wasnt sure what I would do, because the play is split up in three different days because of our term exams, and I was Juliet today while Gracieto my great dismay, was Juliet tomorrow. I groaned. I wanted to be Juliet just because of Michael. Ay me! I said. Juliet was supposed to be thinking about her hatred for the fact that Romeo was her enemy. She speaks: O, speak again, bright angel! for thou art As glorious to this night, being o'er my head As is a winged messenger of heaven Unto the white-upturned wondering eyes Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him When he bestrides the lazy-pacing clouds And sails upon the bosom of the air. Michael looked from the crowd to me. This would be our first sightingthe dress change must have worked wonders because he looked...what would be the right word? Awestruck. O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet. For once I didnt hate the words. It was true, for me I guess. If there was a guy who could take me out of Hallbrook, Prince or no Prince I would deny my father and refuse my name, and I would give up being a Shakespeare for just that thought. I sighed. We spoke the next few lines,
me being in love with someone Id just met, and then Romeo forgetting all about Rosaline as if the girl never happened. As if Juliet were the only light that ever existed. Sweet, so would I: Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow. Because of Michaels situation on being a Prince, there were a few precautions. Instead of us kissing the way we were meant to, he just kissed my hand. Which tingled like crazy and I knew that my cheeks burned brighter. He gave me the sweetest smile, not a grinnot one of those smiles boys give you when they know something you dont knowit was the sweetest smile. Wow. To think that I didnt want to get out of bed early for this was beyond me! Shakespeare for once I actually love you! Michael began the end of our act, which would be completed by him and Gracie tomorrow. At the moment, I was looking at him from the drapes behind the balcony. I could feel the blood rushing through my veins and pumping through my body into my chest making my heart beat fast. I couldnt possibly like Michael...Id just met him in the whole seventeen years wed been at school together for crying out loud! But whats not to like? He was so gorgeous it almost hurt to look at him. Sleep dwell upon thine eyes, peace in thy breast! Would I were sleep and peace, so sweet to rest! Hence will I to my ghostly father's cell, His help to crave, and my dear hap to tell. The spotlight dimmed. And the crowd raised into an applause. Ms. Emily came out and Michael was gone. Before I knew it, she was about to give her speech. The crowed still unsettled clearly, they loved what they saw. Thank you so much Hallbrook! The second half of Romeo and Juliet is now over although as you may very well know, the final act will be held tomorrow at the same time. Parents who are yet to purchase tickets please do so at the school office and if youve any further inquiries please dont hesitate to see me. She smiled sweetly before continuing, Now, I announce the actors and actresses for this mornings acts! She called the names out and I had to wait in line. The main characters would be called last. Ryan Lawrence who played Mercutio! Ryan walked to the front, a massive grin stamped on his face. Bastard. Samantha Evans for being Mother Capulet! Sammie sighed and put a smile on her face before walking to the stage. Ingrid Linton, for playing the Nurse! There were wolf whistles followed by Ows when Ingrid came out.
Here we go. Moment of glory. I finally knew I was next so I waited my turn patiently until I felt a light tap on my shoulder. You were great out there. The voice sounded exactly like the voice in the back of the stage, I turned, he was closer than I expected. All I could see were his blue eyes staring into mine. I gasped a little out of breath at the sight of Michael. He had thick black lashes, longer than mine and his thick eyebrows were ruffled together as if he were trying to figure something out. Th Thanks your highness. I bowed my head down, I did I little curtsythank goodness I didnt trip, I would have...those eyes were so...hypnotizing. Michael frowned. Michael. Yes, Prince Michael. I kept my head down, jeez. If he looked at me any longer Id die of utter humiliation. Why was he still looking at me?! Was there something on my face? Theyre calling you up. He said finally. Rhea? Rhea Shakespeare as Juliet? Ms. Em sounded like she was about to have a heart attack. She hated two things: lateness and people who disobeyed her. Much as she liked me, if I didnt get up there shed surely be pissed and Id be royally screwed. Shivers. Shivers. I stood up not meeting his gaze but his arm tugged mine back. His hand was still warm and ever so soft, I didnt have time to put a cardigan on even if it was freezing cold. But he still held me back. I was aware that I was just looking at him and I could feel goosebumps rising on my arm. He smiled a little and let go of my arm, for a second he looked as if he were going to turn and leave but he stood there and shrugged off Romeos jacket, it was navy blue with gold buttons and golden swirls on the shoulder. He put it over me, his breath was close and warm. Go. Hmm...why was his voice so...familiar? Crap...Rhea, of course its familiar, youre talking to him My thoughts were trailing off, damn! RHEA SHAKESPEARE! Ms. Em was having a breakdown. I ran to the stage nearly tripping, I heard a girly voice snicker. I bowed down, and mouthed Sorry to Ms Em. She smiled though I came late, Michael, Prince of Hallbrook. Michael came out, the white tunic was bigger for him but its bagginess made his arms look broader, more muscular even, the light was so bright that his black hair made his skin look pale white. His blue eyes stood out most, he was smiling. He had a dimple. Huh, whod wouldve guessed? I thought to myself. This is the cast of Part 2 of Romeo and Juliet. I hope you all would come to the next following parts! Bravo! Bravo!
Everyone stood up and looked at us all. I looked at Ingrid and her jaw was open wide, she looked at me with disbeliefSammie too. Huh? What did they know that I didnt? Everyone else was oblivious but looked at the crowd, I could feel someone just staring at metheir gaze burning into me. I looked at Prince Michael but it so clearly wasnt his eyesstill, even if it were for a fraction of a second, Michael caught my gaze and before I could look away, he winked at me. I sighed. Next period I had Trigonometry. And I thought my day was going so well.
Her Grace will be out on most e-Reading devices on

December 12th 2012. This will be the final preview until its release date, I hope you enjoy and purchase the book when it finally comes out! Thank you! Also, a very Happy Birthday to Marisol Diaz, whos awesome and the reason why Ive released another sample of Her Grace! Because it was her birthday I decided to release yet another sample from the spin-off series of The Divine Redemption titled The Dark Alliances. The books release date is yet to be announced but heres a sneak-peek of the first book in the TDA series: Awakened.
These sneak-peek chapters from The Divine Redemption Trilogys: Her Grace as well as The Dark Alliances: Awakened and any associated content is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1968. All rights are reserved by the owner of this work [Hilda Reyes and Fallen Infinity Books] and any unauthorized copying, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copyright is punishable by law. Punishments include but are not limited to: A fine of up to $150,000 for each work infringed where Infringer pays for attorneys fees and court costs. The court can and may issue an injunction to stop infringing acts and the court will impound illegal works. The infringer may also go to jail. All Rights Reserved 2012.
T H E
D A R K
A L L I A N C E S
Awakened.
Theresa Mansfield has lived a life of loneliness. Not knowing what it was to have a mother and losing her father to his work, she strives to live independently. But what she doesnt know that she isnt supposed to be alone. Because there is more to Tessa than meets the eye. When she decides to take a wrong turn one night, she is awakened by the world she was meant to live in. But the wrong turn may have just cost her that lifebecause she becomes something completely different from what she was born into. A whole new world opened to her with countless opportunities and she is hunted. With her new allies, the feelings in her heart and the pain of losing someone important. Can Tessa trust her new allies? Will a single person stop her from making the right choice? And out of all the questions the biggest is: Will love be her strongest weakness?
FALLEN/INFINITY/BOOKS/COPYRIGHT/2012
Prologue I was being chased. I was seriously being chased.
My footsteps were hard on the cold ground and I was quickly losing my breath. I knew that Ive been running for more than ten minutes without stopping, and I really needed to stop. My vision was blurring but I knew whoever was following me was fast on his feet, it was actually an unnatural sort of fast but I that was just a quick thought. I was still running from around the corner and I saw a church ahead. My instinct told me to run towards it but I didnt, instead I took a quick left into a dark alley way. That was a stupid mistake, because up ahead were just bricks. I stepped back until my own back was pushing up the brick wall, the street lights were flickering on and off making my stupid situation even harder. Why in the hell would you stay out after curfew, Tessa?! Why didnt you just go home!? I asked myself, though I knew what the answers were. There were quick noises in the surrounding buildingsa snickeringand then a light thud that hit the ground before me. The man was cloaked in black from head to toe, he even wore a fedora hat making him scarier than he actually looked, he wasnt actually running. I didnt think he ever was, panicked, I started to look for an escape that I knew would never be there. On the painted blue bricks, I saw my shadow, but I saw nothing of the person before me. I have dreamt so long of meeting one who looked like our creator. She was a vision in sight. he said, his voice mysteriousand slightly nice, in an odd sort of way. You are human though, and young. This will be hard to explain to my master. Whwho are you? I ask, when I finally manage to find my voice. It matters not, Miss Mansfield. he says, and looks up. I see a flash of white teeth, and eyes so blood shot that it wasnt anything any normal person would see every day. When he walked towards me and I took steps back, he smiled even more. It was something seriously wrong and justnot right. How do you know me? my voice said, I was surprised I didnt squeak, but my legs were shaking and for some reason, the weird guy could see it. Grinning wider, scarier. I didnt think that the essence would be so tempting. Im afraid I must break my Masters order. Just now. In all my two hundred years Ive never dreamt of feeling like myself again. Within a split second his hand was on my neck, the other on the small of my back. I got a closer look at him. His pallid skin was almost the colour of white paper, his blood-red eyes turning black all over, his veins coming out of his face, the sharp, shark-like teeth that grinned through his thin, pink lips. He was otherworldly. He was demonic. And that was when I tried to scream.
But that was when he bit me, cutting of my scream because of the pain.
One.
Some things scratch the surface while others strike at your soul. Gianna Perada
We should save her. a soft-but powerful voice said. Id tried to open my eyes. Flutter them a little, but when I tried, I winced in pain. I was bleeding, I was cold and It seriously hurt to move. But it was sort of beginning to numb. For a second, it was all dark, but the darkness was soon replaced by a tunnel of light. It is not your time yet, young one. A voice said. Whoever said itor whoever I thought said ithad a voice as soft as the strum of a well-tuned harp. I loved harps. Were definitely saving her. Did you just see that? Jase, pick her up. She obviously cant move and Don here looks just a little squeamish. the same powerful voice ordered. The numbness was actually gone now, and what it was replaced with was adrenaline unlike anything Id ever imagined before. I was lifted up. I knew, not because I could see. But because I felt nauseous, dizzy and about to hurl. I used the last of my strength to open my eyes. I didnt see much. More like a shadow, and a sort of halo-of-light that surrounded the shadows head. I felt muscles tighten around me, holding me far from them but holding me enough that I wouldnt fall. Wh? I try to say, but was cut off by a big voice, deep and growling. We should leave it to die. Shes been bitten, shell be one of them in a few hours and well end up having to kill her or send her to another Coven. What we need to do know is to find out why that Night Walker was following her in the first place. The voice said, even in my worst state I knew that this was the voice of someone who tried to get power, even when the orders had been sent. Isis said that we have to save her, so we save her. End of story. the second voice was kind of nice. In a weird way, he sounded kind of protective. Nonot protective, more guarded. Safe. And his order seemed to shut-up the other guy. I pressed my lips together and let the numbness take over.
~*~
Hey, are you awake? a voice said. Familiar, but I didnt quite remember where.
Fluttering my eyes open, first my vision was blurry. I couldnt see anything but a dim light, then when my vision started to clear, I saw a heart-shaped face of a girl with pale skin, gold eyes and honey-blonde hair. She was smiling at me with her small teeth and bow-shaped lips. She couldnt have been more than fifteen or sixteen, but when I looked closer she had deep circles under her eyes and creases on her forehead. This made her look older, and somehow powerful. Where am I? I asked, silently cursing myself because I sounded like some sort of confused patient. But maybe that was what I actually was. Youre in St. Johns Cathedral. We helped you after youpassed out. She seemed to be thinking of something else and I tried to remember what had gotten me here. Wherever here was. I wanted to ask her a million questions but Id first wanted to adjust my sight and try to remember where I last was. The room was small, cold and built with grime stone, the ugly dark ones that reminded me so much of cemeteries. There were no windows, two doors and about three pieces of furniture. A small vanity table, a side table and a really small dresser. The only thing that was taking up so much space would have been the bed, but then I returned to my thought Hold upno Windows!? Am I underground? I ask her, I notice that my voice is suddenly shaky. Yes, you are. Is there something wrong? Are you feelingdifferent? Hell yeah! Im a claustrophobic-asthmatic-semi-psychotic seventeen year old! I cant stand underground! I wanted to scream to her, but I just nodded. I feel veryenclosed. Hmm. Thats not good at all. She says, not sounding pleased, like she didnt get the information shed wanted. She was pretty, like really pretty. She wore plain black clothes from top to bottom and the top was sort of a leathery-type of armour that kind of looked like a glittering vest. Somehow, she looked both dangerousthe type of girl youd see with biker guys carrying pocket knives and the type of girl who was just rocker chic. Im Isis Archer. she finally says after a moment of awkward silence. Tessa Mansfield. I say, offering my arm to her. She just looks at it and after three seconds, I drop it feeling awkward in my presence. I couldnt take it anymoreSo, what happened to me? What do you think? she asked, like she was waiting for me to explain to her what happened. I thought. And then thought. And then thought again. But nothing came, and I took a deep breath. I dont remember.
Touch your neck. She commanded me. I did. I actually didnt know why she wanted me to touch my neck, but there was nothing there. The feel of my skin was smooth with the occasional bumps from my baby moles. Theres nothing there? She looked surprised then she ran over, and looked from me, back to my neck, then back again. She didnt say anything after that, but Isis simply ran out and left me alone. I guess I was somewhat happy. But there was also that big part of me that wished that she stayed and told me what was going on. After four minuteshey, I know it wasnt longI closed my eyes. I was still pretty tired anyways. For a moment my body felt so heavy and I mean like a ton of bricks were sprawled on top of me, I felt beyond coldlike I was numb and frozen at the same time. And then I felt warmwarm and happy. And floating, in blackness. She only looks normal because she was human once, yknow? Shes like them now. We cant do anything about that. I remembered the voice. This voice in particular, was the voice that said that I should be left for dead. When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded. There were six figures surrounding me. One of six, smiling. One of six, I recognized immediately. The me that was claustrophobic didnt stop with the underground and the small room. I started to panic. Of course I didntor triednot to let them see what was going on with me. I didnt want to make myself seem scared. I wanted to show them I was bravebut they were making it pretty hard. They all had the same expression, though they all looked completely different and unrelated. I was thinking of a million things to say, Isis looked at me like she was waiting for me to actually say something. Hi? It speaks. Someone said. I hated that they said It, because it was so rude. I furrowed my brows together and looked for who said it. It was a pretty girl with shoulder length blonde hair. Be quiet, Ame. Isis said. So that was the girls name. Ame. Everyone, this is Tessa. Tessa, this is everyone. Why introduce us to it? Tell us why we even have to come? That was the voice that I remembered. The mean one that told them to let me die. He had a brawny body and a tough looking face along with a deep tan. You, he says, nodding his head towards me, why did she make us come here, since she wont tell us? Dont make it speak again. I was about to speakbut I realized there was a crossbow behind one of the teenagers. The tip of the arrowthe blade, looked sharp and it winked at me as if it knew what
would happen if I spoke out of place, so I pursed my lips and kept my mouth shut. I looked for answers from Isis, who nodded. I didnt know what her nodding meant. Tessa, can you tell me what you remember last? I thought. The last thing I remember waswalking home. Walking home. But there was something there, a sort of mind block. I thought harder, and knew that if there was still something wrong with me, Dad would get me to see Dr Altman again and take double therapy sessions for my ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour), Parasomnia and Dyslexia were hitting up again. The anti-psychotics were horrid and I did not want to go back to them. I was just walking home. I say to them, but none of them believed me. I could say that I saw it from the disbelief of their faces but it was the weapon that made me realize that I was somewhat a threat for them. I stayed out past curfewmy father would have gotten mad but thenI dont remember. Its clearly lying. For the sake of all things holy, Brandon will you shut up? someone says. He sounds grumpy, but it was the voice of the person who carried me. It was a nice voice, calm and reassuring but he did sound a little cross. If she were lying do you think Isis would have let her live this long? I felt my eyes narrow at the boy called Brandon. His eyes were glassyfull of anger. Isis, you asked us here. Why? Because I want everyone to know that the mark that makes her one of theirs isnt there. She doesnt bear it, therefore she is my guest until I say otherwise. No one touches her, and you all must treat her as yourequal. Cross the line and Ill strip you of your runic marks. She turned to look at all of them but whatever runic marks were, they all looked scared out of their faces and give a straight nod. Brandon was the last to comply and finally Isis sighed. You can all leaveexcept you Jason. I get all the baby sitting duty, dont I? it was the voice again. So there as his name. Jason. I saw a slight shift in the corner of the room. He was standing there just waiting in the darkness. Ill bite. But not literally. He said, grinning. Close your eyes. Isis commanded. Imagine a tunnel of extravagant light. Find yourself. I had no idea what sort of yoga-meditation she was doing. Truth be told, Isis looked far from a hippie, so I didnt know why she wanted me to meditate. Meditating was the last thing on my list. I hated to meditate. It was Dr Altmans favourite thing to do on Thursdays, just after our pep-talk. But I did what Isis said, closed my eyes and though
of light. And then it blinded me. I had literally needed to squint to get past everything, kept walking, unaware of my real self. Then I saw mewell sort of meand I had to think that I actually didnt look like an idiot for once. My skin was luminous, my hair waswell it was glossy, the nice and glossy that Id wanted it to be. But my eyes scared mebecause I didnt have eyesthey were like white sockets, empty of their contents. I nearly screamed but another figure came to but both hands on my other, ethereal selfs shoulder. She was looking at the other me with such love and pain that I didnt know who she was cause I was still blinded by the fury of the light. It kind of hurt for a little whilea lot more than I thought possible. But the woman looked at methe frame of her body, her face. Her eyes. They were the mirror of mine. This woman was my mother. Mom? I ask, and then became surprised. I didnt speak! I opened my mouth but nothingnot a word came out. But she seemed to understand, and she just smiled to me. It occurred to me that she was pushing the blind Tessa Mansfield towards me. The blind Tessa put her hand up, as if to hi-five me, I put my hand on hers, and then she was gone. And I was back with Isis. Mom? I whispered. I saw Isis shake her head with sympathy. Is she what you saw? I saw myselfand my mother I was still confused, but I remember every detail. The gracefully steps of the monster, the sharpness of his teeth when he bit into my neck, the euphoria I felt until I went numb. And the voicesnow I understood what they meanthow they meant it. I remember everything. That was the point of the exercise. Isis said calmly. Are you seriously kidding me? I saw my mothera woman Ive only seen in pictures! I remember being bitten by some cannibalistic freak! Tell me what the hell is going on! I shouted at her but she still stands calmly. The shadow before me shifts, but Isis turns as if to stop him. I wonder how dangerous Jason isif he was as armed as the rest of those people who looked at me like I was a monster. Maybe I was, maybe I was a monster because I practically survived the bite of a cannibal. Relax, please. Iwe saved you for a reason. Ill relax when you tell me what the hell is going on!? You were attacked by a vampire. she says. Her face like stone, serious and unmoving, just staring at me with the same glass eyes as Brandon hadbut with no, or little disgust.
I dont want to believe her, I want to think that shes insane, but I remember how it felt. It wasnt painfulat least not at the end. I did think of it as euphoriclike I was cut off from the world. I was gone from my mistakes, from the paranoia, the anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. The visits to Dr Altman, my fathers constant forcefulness on me becoming a proper lady and not following my mothers footsteps. All the expectations were gone and I felt light and floating. Until I felt like I was dying. Her story made sense but a sane person wouldnt exactly accept that. She could be crazylike me, or she could be pretending to know what she was talking about so that she could trick me into saying I was crazy so that I would be sent to an institution. But Isis was serious. And she wanted to help me. I wanted to help me.
_______________________________________ ___
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The Divine Redemption Trilogy: Her Grace

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The Divine Redemption Trilogy: Her Grace

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Prologue I was being chased. I was seriously being chased.

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