Chapter 28
Savannah's POV
“Savannah, how come you're here?”
“My dad convinced me to come. I panicked slightly after you told me about the request. Any news?”
“I sent back a letter to deny the request. There's nothing else.”
“I told Martha to deny it too.”
“Okay. That's all we can do. They're safe, Savannah.”
“I know, I'm just worried.”
“You've done everything to prevent them finding your father. Now let's get to work. It'll take your mind off of everything.”
Zamyr was right. I was happy that I could use my magic for help and not for destruction. It was already dark when he stopped me. I could've gone for another hour or two without stopping, but nobody else was working.
“We got a reply from the angels.”
“What did they say?”
“They're puzzled about our refusal. They mentioned briefly that the witches refused too. They want to know the reason.”
“Damn! Why can't they just leave it alone?”
“Because they don't understand our reasoning.”
“What happens if we accept?”
“The scouts will come and search the realm. When they're done they'll leave.”
“How can they come here? I thought only soulmates can cross the veil to a different realm?”
“Yes, but angels are different. They created the veil; therefore they can cross it as they please.”
“What? Then I can do that too?”
“No, because you're not just an angel. Your witch half prevents you.”
“But I can cross it to the witches' realm without difficulties.”
“That's true, but when Heaven and Hell was created the angels made the veil twice as strong as anywhere else. It makes it impossible to cross it unless you're a full blooded angel or a demon.”
“Then how could Iris cross it?”
“That's up to you to find out.”
“Okay. Let's invite them. That way we can divert their attention from us. I want to meet this Gabriel to see who I’m up against.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, but I’m only giving them tomorrow. My offer will expire at midnight.”
“You’re playing with fire, you know that? Angels hate ultimatums.”
“Then this time they’ll meet their match. I refuse to back down. I’ll visit Martha and let them know I changed my mind.”
“Be careful, please! Don’t push their buttons too much or you’ll burn yourself.”
“No promises.”
Safe to say that Martha could no longer comprehend what was going on when I told her I changed my mind. When I told her I needed to mask myself to look like Iris, she officially lost it, but didn’t pressure me to answer. Next morning I got a reply. They were coming to look for my father. The cloaking spell was working. A little after 9 am the scouts arrived.
“My name is Ezekiel. Unfortunately, Gabriel couldn't come. So the rumors are true. Iris had a baby. You look just like her.”
“I’m Savannah and yes, the baby survived the massacre. Now, before you start I have some rules. If someone says no, you won’t push them and accept the answer.”
“How noble of you, but that’s not how things work.”
“It is now. If you don’t like that you’re free to leave.”
“Little girl, you don’t know who you’re up against. We can restrain you before you blink.”
“Then why don’t you try it?”
“Don’t challenge me. I don’t want a bloodbath. Now, do we have access to all the homes?”
“On my terms, yes. From what I’ve heard you’re quite desperate to find the prince. I don’t think that you’re in a position to refuse.”
“Fine. Nobody has ever challenged me like this before. Scouts, spread out!”
“Savannah, are you out of your mind?”
“Don’t sweat it, Martha. They won’t do anything, they’re too desperate to find their lost prince. They’ll accept everything. I needed to test how willing they were.”
“You know something about the prince, don't you?”
“Yes, but nobody can know.”
“I respect your decision.”
“Thank you for your assistance. We couldn't find the prince.”
“Of course, Ezekiel. Tell Gabriel it's a shame I couldn't meet him.”
“I'll tell him.”
“Oh, by the way, why are you searching all the realms when you found a trace?”
“I'm not at liberty to say that.”
“Have you ever considered that he doesn't want to be found?”
“His parents are worried about him. They haven't seen their son for almost three decades. They want him back.”
“Hmm, I see. Anyway, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
“I have a feeling you're saying that out of courtesy. Nice to meet you too, Savannah.”
They were finally gone. I waited a bit and then dropped the mask I created. I didn't find anything new, only their desperation. I couldn't risk going back to Zamyr until he called or texted. The scouts might still be there. Not long after their leave, I got a text from Zamyr. I said goodbye and I was back in the fae realm.
“Was everything okay?”
“Yes, though Gabriel conducted a really thorough search. They arrived a little after 9 am.”
“Then I know why he couldn't come. They were suspicious. Ezekiel arrived a few minutes after 9 am too. They're desperate to find him.”
“They definitely thought something was up. I think we're safe now and not on their suspect list. Your plan was brilliant.”
“Ezekiel knew what Iris looked like.”
“I don't understand why you had to mask yourself.”
“My dad said that I look just like his mother. They couldn't see the real me.”
“Oh, wow. I didn't know that. I haven't seen them in person. I only recognized your father because they sent out his portrait.”
“We can relax a bit now. They don't know where he is. Now let's get to work. This castle won't build itself.”
I went home on Sunday. I told my parents everything. Now things finally could go back to normal. I didn't need to constantly worry that the scouts would find us. The following week was uneventful. I teached in the school, visited my parents then went to Maddie's house. Zamyr was once here, once in his own realm. When he was here, we were talking. I was glad that I gave him a chance. We were working well together. I was starting to fall for him. Hard. I could feel that he already loved me. I've been practicing every day with my mom's help. She was teaching me all the spells she knew. Casting them came to me like breathing. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the calm before the storm. It was too quiet. No news about the angels and their plans. I kept these thoughts to myself.
“Dad, is it true that the angels created the veil between the realms and can cross it as they please?”