Seduced by Darkness (The Seduced Saga)(36)

Rose stepped forward and waved a hand, releasing a golden light around Ryder. "His heart is pure. He is not the man he was. I vote to release him and allow him to repair the damage he's caused to others."

"Very well," the Queen said. "Ryder, if you vow to cause no harm to Nephilim, you are free to go and find your own path in this life."

Ryder bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."



We were all ready to leave Italy and return home. War, starvation, torture… it can take it out of you.

We arrived home to Elysium decked out in Christmas decorations. Ana's new wings were a hit amongst the students, and that helped pull focus off of what had happened with the rest of us.

Professor Shaw and Brad came out to greet us and I hugged them both. "I haven't seen you two in ages," I said.

I missed my best friend.

"World travel, man. We're getting so many amazing stories," Brad said. "But it sounds like you've had quite the journey yourself."

I let my wings unfurl and they both sucked in their breath. "You could say that."

Sam came up beside me, holding Ana. "Hi, guys! It's so good to see you!"

Professor Shaw hugged Sam and held Ana while she tugged at his glasses. Brad just stared at the three of us. "So all three of you are, like, angels?"

"Nephilim," I said, "but, basically, yeah."

"Your life is intense," he said laughing.

We walked into the mansion and made tea while we talked around the old wooden table in the kitchen. "What are your plans?" I asked. "You’ll be sticking around awhile, I hope?"

Brad shook his head. "We're starting a new show. Taking Brad's Blog live. Professor Shaw is one of the producers."

"That's great!" Sam said. "I'm so happy for both of you."

"When are you leaving?" I asked.

"In a few days," Professor Shaw said. "We figured we'd stay for the big Christmas party the kids have been planning and then leave right after."

"You know this is always your home whenever you need a break," I reminded them.

Toby and Serena came skidding into the kitchen, Serena's large white cat, Angel, at their heels.

"Drake! Yo! You're back." Toby hugged me and I hugged him back.

"Hey, buddy, how's it going? You staying out of trouble?" I asked.

"You know it, dude. Serena's been teaching me to do more with my powers. It's wicked."

We all laughed. "Great. I'm not sure we can handle you doing more with your powers, but I'm glad you're making friends."

Serena smiled shyly. "He's helped me with some of my fighting too. I think it's helping. Derek would be happy."

"I'm sure he'll be really proud of you," Sam said.

"I think these two are falling for each other," Sam said to my mind.

"Young love. Serena's good for him. Let's hope he's good for her too."

"She's been lonely for a long time, since her parents died. So had he. I think they are good for each other."

I smiled as I looked around at my closest friends. My family. We'd made a beautiful life here for ourselves and our child. I put an arm around Sam and pulled Ana onto my lap as she munched on a cookie Professor Shaw snuck her.

Family.





THIRTY FIVE





Your Voices





ROSE





Let her have your voices.

— William Shakespeare, Othello




THE GAME ROOM had been converted into a Christmas wonderland. A huge Christmas tree decked in silver, red and gold with twinkling white lights filled one corner and candles gleamed in the night, casting shadows over holly and mistletoe. Christmas music played in the background, and kids from Elysium were dancing, talking, laughing and drinking eggnog and spiced cider and eating every variation of Christmas cookie the kitchen helpers could imagine.

"Do you think she'll come?" I asked Derek for the hundredth time.

"I hope so," he said, squeezing my hand.

I needed to see Jasmine, to know my little sister was okay. And I wanted us all to be together when I announced my news.

I sipped at my cider and watched the door. Derek's parents were there, talking with Father Patrick.

Sam and Drake were laughing as Ana used her wings to dance.

Even Beleth had shown up, and you could tell just by looking at him that he was smitten with his grandchild. She had him wrapped around her little finger.

I had just about given up when Jasmine walked in, her hair a short blue bob. When she saw me, she smiled and walked over, tears burning my eyes.

I held my arms open and she walked into them. "I've missed you," I told her.

She squeezed me tighter then let go. "I've missed you, too. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize," I said. "I'm just so glad you're here."

"I do have to apologize," she insisted. She looked so much older already. I couldn't believe it. "After everything that happened with Mother, I just couldn't face you. I wasn't mad at you, I was mad at me. I trusted her. I trusted her over you and I almost ruined everything. It's my fault you almost died. It's my fault… Blake."