Fallen Stars

Chapter 8

The sun shines through the small hole under the locked steel door. The room is surprisingly large for it's use, yet I've never felt more contained. The shackles around my wrists have rubbed my skin, leaving blood and blisters after my attempts to break out. I should have known the Caden would have shackles and doors I couldn't break through.

Cassandra must be so confused, if only I had had the time to tell her what really happened, she might have stood a chance. I just couldn't taint the beautiful soul inside of her with the darkening truth. A bang on the door brings me out of my daze, and the opening of the door is followed by a large muscular man.

"Well, well. It appears my cats have dragged in quite the nasty rat." The man says as he walks around the post I'm shackled to.

"It's probably not the first time it's happened if you're in charge." I say, trying to see the man's face clearly in the dark cell.  He turns towards me, prepared to strike. Just before his fist comes in contact with my jaw, he pauses.

"I won't hit you. I'll leave that to Cassandra. Once she realizes what you've done, I can imagine it'll be worse than what I'm capable of. Did you really believe she would never figure out what she really was?" He says, getting closer to my sweating face. His eyes are an all-consuming black abyss.

"I told Cassandra what she was. I may have stretched the truth a little, but I was not going to let her come within your reach. Why do you think Lilith and I left seventeen years ago?" I say, nearly spitting as the last words leave my mouth. A punch comes my way before I can say anything else. Leaning over, blood spews from my bottom lip.

"Her name is not to be spoken here. The traitor is being taken care of, and if Cassandra cooperates, that means spending the rest of her life in a cage. And if she doesn't, well," A half smirk crossed the man's face, "You know what happens."

He turns to leave, but I'm not done.

"Wait," The man turns around to look me in the face, "I hope you had a lovely vacation in hell, Abaddon." I say with a wink.

________________________________________-

I'm in a room with wallpaper the shade of blood. Golden chandeliers hang from the ceiling, lit with candles. Rugs cover the dark-wood floors, and most of the furniture seems to be made of the same wood. Across from me sits Rykan in a large medieval-style chair. I haven't spoken to him since reaching our destination, a large mansion in the deepest reaches of the forests of Connecticut. White tea sits on the small table between us, mine growing cold.

"So, Caroline, are you ever going to speak to me? I mean I could do all the talking, but that would be quite boring, don't you think?" Rykan says as he places his empty tea cup on the table. He scoots his chair closer to mine, making me queasy.

"My name is Cassandra." I say, barely above a whisper. If I don't start complying soon, who knows what would happen to Blake and my mother. Rykan stands at hearing my voice.

"Ah! She speaks!" He walks behind my chair, and puts both hands on my shoulders. A sensation travels through my body, similar to what I feel when Blake and I touch, but somehow this feeling is darker. Unwelcome. He pushes hair over my shoulder, and leans down close to my ear.

"Someone's been lying to you, my dear Cassandra, and don't look so shocked when I tell you it isn't me." His fingers travel the length of my neck, and back down to my shoulder. "Your little boyfriend Blake Grant hasn't been very truthful, you see." Rykan makes his way back to his chair and sits down. Grateful he is no longer in my personal space, I take a deep breath.

"Cassandra, you were told that your father was the angel Michael, correct? And that he just happened to 'fall in love' with your human mother?" Rykan uses air quotes and a sarcastic tone when speaking of my parent's relationship. I slowly nod my head, afraid of what he might do if I don't.

"Well, I regretfully inform you that that, my dear, is not the case." Rykan leans forward, placing his elbows on his knees.  "Do you know anything of your mother's family? Have you ever met any of them?" I shake my head.

What does my mother have to do with any of this? Her immediate family died when she was young, and she is no longer in contact with her other relatives, or so she's told me.

Rykan laughs.

"Have you not figured it out yet, love? Your mom is not who you believe her to be. She's not human. Or she wasn't always."

______________________________________________

Firelight shines through the dark curtains surrounding the dusty windows, the dark hallway surrounded by spirits. The House is filled with screams. Lilith crosses the path of one of her many children, smiling as it grasps her hand. Abaddon approaches her in the ember-lit foyer.

"Sister, a letter for you." Abaddon gives her a white envelope and waits for her to open it.

"Aba, this may be private. Have you seen Him recently? Has he been requesting me?" Lilith asks while holding the letter behind her back.

"No, it seems as if he has lost interest in you. For now." Abaddon turns a corner and goes elsewhere in the House. Lilith runs up the stairs, letter in hand.

Once in her quarters, she quietly pushes a chair against her door. Without bothering with searching for her letter opener, she opens the letter herself.

Dear Lily,

I understand the predicament you're in, I will have difficulties also. Escaping Adramelch will not be an easy task for either of us, but I will not let our child reside in the House of Night. Although I'm sure you know I would do anything for you and our unborn child, I cannot come to your rescue. I will send a dear friend of mine in my place, and he will ensure your safety on Earth. Lily, I could lose my wings. My life. No one will know of your child. I will take care of this, if you can promise me that you will take care of our child. Give this letter to Blake and he will get it to me, as usual. Blake will help you if you need anything.This will be our last correspondence. I love you, Lily. I always will.

Love, Michael