Chapter 20
Emma’s POV
Alexandra rushed us into the house and immediately went to grab blankets for me. Larus came down the hall, “Hello Emma, it is nice to see you again. I wish you were here under better circumstances though.”
I nodded, “I do too. Thank you for letting me stay here.”
“It’s not a problem at all… Now, where has Alexandra gone off to?”
I laughed, “She went to get blankets for me. It was cold outside but I am good for now.”
He shook his head and waved for me to follow him into the kitchen, “It won't hurt to have a cup of tea then will it.”
“No it won’t.”
I followed behind him and sat at the counter while he flowed around the kitchen to put the hot water on. Alexandra came rushing a few seconds later, wrapping me with blankets, “I think I am warm enough now, Alex.”
She was about to say something then froze. After a few seconds she sighed, “Damn it.”
Another soul is dying.
Larus poured out the cups of tea, “I can take it if you want.”
She shook her head, “The soul called out to me. I can handle it… You better not let her out of your sight though.”
She leaned down to talk to me, “I have to go. Larus will keep you safe.”
I smiled, “Go on. I am fine.”
Alex left the kitchen and I heard the front door close. Larus laughed and set down a mug in front of me, “That girl is so protective of you and she doesn’t even know it yet… Anyways, do you want to go exploring through the house or something? It is your house too for the time being so you can go wherever.”
That sounds like fun.
“Only if you give me a tour.”
Larus smiled, “Perfect! Right this way then my lady.”
I followed Larus throughout the hallways I haven’t seen yet. He took me into the huge library he had and the indoor pool room, that wasn’t really like a pool at all. It was more of a lake with waterfalls and trees with flowers all around it. I look down through the water seeing movement shining in the gentle waves, “Are those fish? How is the water so clear?”
Larus nodded, “Fish and turtles. It is cleaned often so you can swim in it, if you would like.”
I examined it further, “How deep does it go?”
“About 15 feet in the middle but it is shallow around the edges.”
I shook my head, “When Alex said it was a pool, I thought it was an actual pool.”
He laughed, “You haven’t seen anything yet. You still have the art room and the sun room to get through. Then, maybe I will let you search through the attic for a bit.”
He took my upstairs into a huge room with paintings hanging all over the walls. They ranged from beautiful nature landscapes to galaxies and quite a few of them were of Larus too. I looked over the details in awe, “Who painted all these? You?”
“Oh hell no! I don’t have the talent to do this. My maker was a big artist.”
His maker…
“Where is he now?”
His face changed instantly to hurt, “I am not sure actually. He was taken by the angels many years ago… I don’t even know if he is still alive.”
I gasped and gave him a big hug, “I am so sorry! I shouldn’t have said anything!”
He shrugged, “It’s fine dear. How about we go to the sun room then the attic?”
I released my hold on him, “Perfect.”
He doesn’t seem to like hugs either.
The sun room was located towards the top of the castle and was made up of windows. There were a few tables and chairs with plants next to them happily growing in pots. It was still nighttime so you could really see the stars through the glass. Larus then guided me into the attic which was filled with antiques and artifacts. I dug through a box finding a long beautiful white gown, “Where is this from?”
Larus laughed, “I forgot I had that. It was from one of the higher angels. She gave it to me as a gift when I fought in WWI… Come to think of it she said my mate would enjoy it. Too bad I turned out gay.”
“You fought in WWI!?!?!”
He looked totally unfazed, “Yes, all the souls were dying too fast. We found it easier to live with them. Also, the angels wanted to war over faster so we fought too. Anyways, you can keep the gown if you want it. It will just sit in a box up here.”
I shook my head, “Larus, I couldn’t. I have no place to wear it.”
Larus grabbed an empty box and took the gown from me, placing it in the box, “Too late. This box is all the stuff you are going to take home. Now get back to snooping through my old stuff.”
I shook my head and went through more and more boxes and trunks. I was pretty much caked in dust from all the old items that haven’t been touched for years. I lifted yet another box, revealing a long wooden case. Curved into it were detailed wings and Larus’ name. I carefully unclasped it and looked inside at a long, silver sword.
This looks like the sword that angel had.
Larus’ voice floated from behind me, “I was wondering when you were going to find that.”
My fingers skimmed over the L engraved on the handle, “It’s an angel sword, right?”
“Yes, it was mine many years ago.”
“Why don’t you use it now?”
He laughed, “My dear, that is an angel sword you are talking about. It’s one of the most lethal weapons in the whole universe. While it is less lethal to us. One slice can kill you instantly. I decided against using it because it makes death so simple… I suggest you keep your hand away from that blade.”
I closed the case, “Oh… yes that would be smart.”
By the time I had gotten through half the attic hours had passed and my box was full of stuff. We walked back down to the kitchen seeing it was pretty dark. I yawned, feeling pretty tired.
Wait… Alex should be back by now.
“Larus, where is Alex?”
Larus froze in place for a few seconds.
He is probably talking to her.
His face changed to worry as he changed into his evil, “Please… not again.”
I stared at him, “Tell me. What is wrong?”
He took a deep breath, “She isn’t responding to my call.”