Eclipse shrugged. “One of Michael’s doings.”
Though he didn’t know the logistics required to make a mortal immortal, Eclipse understood Michael’s reasoning. It was in the interest of safety. Last thing they could afford were humans traipsing through the mansion, turning over every fifty or sixty years once they’d reached their maximum lifespan. This way, they would forever remain in service to angels, and no one was the wiser.
“So why this year?” Orianna asked.
“Couple of reasons.” Eclipse glanced over at Obsidian and hisereswa. “Penelope requested it.”
He didn’t tell Orianna that Penelope had asked because she knew this was going to be the last holiday she would have with Winnie. Though she’d been threatening for some time now, the time had finally come for Winnie to leave the mansion and go back to her human world in California. This was one last celebration before Cimmerian pulled the whole wool-over-the-eyes with her memories and sent her back out into the world.
“Penelope was human. Makes sense she’d want to celebrate those traditions.” Orianna smiled, sliding her hand over his forearm. “I’m glad I’m here with you.”
Eclipse leaned over, met her lips with his own. “Me, too.”
“I wish my mother would’ve wanted to join us.”
Dropping his gaze to his glass, Eclipse nodded. They had invited Elizabeth down for the meal, but she’d kindly declined the offer. Ever since her arrival, she’d remained in her private quarters, theheurospseeing to her every need. Though she seemed somewhat content to be living closer to Orianna, it wasn’t all roses and sunshine for her. They’d had to intervene a couple of times to calm her nerves because being in a new place had set her off. He figured the drugs weren’t helping, but getting her settled in required they not change too much else. They’d yet to reveal the fact Amber was dead, and since that was Elizabeth’s main concern, it was likely Orianna’s mother thought they were interfering with her daughter’s mission. But until Orianna decided to tell her, Eclipse knew it wasn’t his place to intervene.
The sound of sterling silver clanking against crystal drew everyone’s attention to Obsidian, the various conversations dying down around them.
“Myereswahas asked that I say a few words.” Obsidian glanced from one face to another. “While I wish all theamsouelotswere here with us now, there is still a lot for us to be thankful for. It’s been a difficult year for us, and I don’t expect that to settle in the near future, but I do hold out hope that we will all soon be together as we’re meant to be.”
A soft rumble of agreement came from the peanut gallery.
“As long as we continue to have each other’s backs, there’s no doubt in my mind, this family will continue to expand and grow, exactly as it was meant to be since inception.”
Eclipse nodded when Obsidian looked his way.
“Today, we shall celebrate all we’re thankful for in the tradition of the humans. And tomorrow, we’ll resume our quest to protect those same souls from the evils they don’t see.”
“Hear, hear!” someone shouted.
Glasses clinked together in cheers, but Eclipse’s attention shifted to Orianna. He smiled at the female who had completed him in ways he’d never expected. Reaching for her, he cupped the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss.
In the ancient language of angels, Eclipse said, “Forever my heart is yours, sweet love of mine.”
Orianna’s eyes glittered. “What does that mean?”
“Rough translation?” He pressed his lips to hers once more. “I will love you forever,sezari.”
“Ditto.”
“Let’s eat!” someone shouted, which ignited a chant of the same.
Eclipse grinned. He found it interesting how much emphasis the humans put on this meal for which they gathered together once during the year in an effort to give thanks for all they had. It was a holiday to be celebrated for them, but for Eclipse and his family, this was a daily ritual, something that Obsidian had held up for centuries, ensuring they never drifted too far apart from one another.
For them, it was just … normal.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Cimmerian asked.
Orianna wasn’t sure who his question was really directed at. Reidar or Penelope. Perhaps both.
After they’d finished the Thanksgiving feast, a.k.a. the morning meal, everyone had remained in the dining room, swapping stories and jokes, laughing and drinking. All while Winnie had sat beside Penelope, completely oblivious as to what was coming. By the time everyone made their way to their private quarters to sleep off the alcohol they’d imbibed and the food they’d put away, there was a sense of contentment throughout the mansion.
Now that night had fallen once more and everyone had come down to see Winnie off, there was a sorrow that had choked out all the cheerfulness.
Truth was, Orianna had been surprised to see Winnie at the Thanksgiving feast. During her time in the mansion, Orianna had seen her least of all, and those times she had been in her company hadn’t exactly been pleasant. According to Penelope, Winnie had long ago decided she wanted to go home, and the only reason she remained was because Reidar continued to stall. Despite the fact everyone had attempted to make Winnie feel at home, the woman had refused their kindness, latching on to her unhappiness and clutching it like a lifeline. It had gotten to the point everyone had begun to avoid Winnie the same as she had them.
So, it seemed a good thing that they’d decided it was time for Winnie to go home.
