“I know, honey. I’ve suspected it for a while. Amber’s no longer of this world.”
Orianna sobbed. “No, Mom. She’s not. She’s… Amber’s in Heaven.”
Tears formed in Elizabeth’s eyes, and it was then the older female reached for Bijou. Of course, the sentiment was enough to have tears forming in Bijou’s eyes, as well. She ached for their loss, much as she did her own. She remembered when her mother had passed, could still feel that dull throb within her heart. She doubted it would ever go away, no matter how much time had passed, but she had realized that accepting it helped. Knowing that those you loved were in a better place didn’t erase the pain, but it eased it somewhat.
“She’s been cremated,” Orianna explained. “I’m having her brought here and we’re going to spread her ashes. That way she’s with us always.”
Tears continued to drip down their cheeks, all three of them, as they sat together, trying to come to grips with the facts.
“Thank you, baby,” Elizabeth turned her full attention to Orianna. “I know I had no right to ask you to do this, but … thank you.”
Orianna nodded, then got to her feet.
Bijou wasn’t sure what to do, but she got the feeling Elizabeth needed some space.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Bijou told her.
Elizabeth nodded, the motor on her chair coming to life as she started moving toward the balcony doors that overlooked the grounds below. There was nothing they could see because of the cloak the angels kept over the mansion, but that never stopped Elizabeth from staring out into the darkness.
“Thank you for staying,” Orianna said when they stepped into the hall. “I didn’t mean to burden you with that, but … well, I know my mom’s close to you. She’s going to need a lot of support.”
“I’m here,” Bijou said. “For both of you. No matter what you need.”
Another tear fell down Orianna’s cheek. “Thank you.” A sad smile formed. “That means a lot.”
Chapter Forty-Nine
While Orianna took her mother up tothe fourth floor via the elevator, Eclipse opted for the stairs.
Ever since hisereswahad relayed to him her encounter with Amber in Heaven, he’d been waiting for this moment. Although Orianna seemed at peace after having visited with her sister, he knew the same was not the case for Elizabeth, who was now mourning the passing of her child. He couldn’t imagine how difficult it must be and prayed no one had to go through it. The loss of a loved one was hard enough, add to it that of a child … he couldn’t fathom it.
Now, as he stepped through the doorway on the fourth floor, which was nothing more than an attic with a couple dozen dormer windows interspersed along the various branches extending off from the center, he watched as mother and daughter moved toward the south side of the mansion so the north wind would be coming from behind them.
Eclipse had already delivered Amber’s ashes to the windowsill after Echo and Naos had gone to Kansas to retrieve them. The soft sound of footfalls signaled him to those who’d come to join them. Bijou was leading the way, Penelope and Obsidian behind her. He had expected that to be all, but more came, Reidar, Miklós, Søren, Oliver, then more of thefiestreighand several of theheurospfilling in the empty space as they formed one long line behind the two females, all there to support their family member.
He had briefly considered lowering thedhiraso Elizabeth could see beyond the darkness but had opted against it. It was in place to ensure they were concealed from the demons, and since they’d yet to have a breach on the mansion, he was hesitant to tempt fate. But it wasn’t necessary, because Orianna could now see clearly out into the night, and she had the ability to give her mother the same sight. A simple touch upon her temples would clear the way.
So, as they all stood silently behind the two females, Eclipse said a silent prayer to the heavens, thanking the Almighty for offering these females the closure they needed. It wasn’t as they would’ve preferred because Amber was no longer of this Earth, but it was more than they’d had for quite some time. At least this way, there was the potential for moving forward. The wounds would never heal completely, but over time, perhaps they would ease to something bearable.
When Orianna’s tears began to fall in earnest, Eclipse stepped up behind her, wrapping his arm across her chest and pulling her into him. He was there for her, would always be, no matter her need. When she stepped forward, he did so as well. Another step and she was opening the windows wide, allowing the night to come in.
It wasn’t Orianna who delicately touched Elizabeth’s temples, but Penelope. Obsidian’sereswastepped up and placed a gentle hand on Elizabeth’s frail shoulder, then touched her temple with her other hand.
Elizabeth inhaled sharply as Orianna opened the urn, then held it up to the night, allowing the perfectly timed gust of wind to swoop in and carry them off, the remains of her sister drifting up and outward. A heavy sob racked Orianna, so Eclipse took the urn, set it aside, and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly. No one said anything as they remained like that for long minutes.
Time became irrelevant as still no words were spoken, but they weren’t necessary. Perhaps Elizabeth didn’t realize it, hadn’t noticed the wings that had expanded from one end to the other as the angels surrounding her provided a protective barrier behind. They could not change fate or affect free will, but they could provide comfort and strength in one’s time of need.
With a nod of his head, Eclipse dismissed the others, wanting to give mother and daughter a few moments alone.
The dawn came and the house went into quiet mode as usual, the universe continuing to spin despite all that had gone down during the night.
Eclipse found Orianna in their private quarters, sitting on the bed, legs out in front of her, hands clasped in her lap. She was leaning back against the headboard, staring into space.
“You all right?”
Her eyes shifted to him and a small smile formed. “I am now. I was thinking about a bath.”
From where he was, moving toward the bed, he willed the water on in the bathroom.
