Page 20 of The Fallen

?She laughed as if she had been waiting for Marie to ask that question. “I've been around a long time, my dear. Longer than most people would expect, given my appearance. I change with the times. Sometimes my name changes, and sometimes even the way I look. I have to keep it fresh, you know? But I know all the angels. At some point, they all have to visit me,” she said, holding her hand up to examine her nails. She seemed tired of the conversation already.

?She took in Marie's expression, finally noticing that she was confused about what she was saying.

?“I am the last living siren, sweetie, one of the originals. My mate, Baraqijal, the angel of astrology, taught me many things, parlor tricks and such. But I desired something more – how shall I put it – permanent. The other women were such simpletons, but not me; I wanted the gift for myself.” She leaned toward Marie with a wolfish grin on her face. “So, I persuaded him to give his life, so that I could have an eternal one. All he required was for me to bear him a child and I had no problem with that. It was his dying wish, after all. Now, I am immortal and have acquired all his powers,” she said leaning back.

?“What powers?”

?“The usual... I have psychic abilities, like predicting the future. I can give and remove curses if I want to. Most of the time I really don't want to,” she smiled. “I have other gifts, but I'm sure you don't want me to bore you with the details.”

?“Are you an oracle or something?” Marie asked.

?“Ha! Angels were around long before oracles were thought of. They were created in direct correlation with Heaven. Take what you will from that. Anyway, my gift is sometimes cloudy, depending on the weather, but it's better than nothing. But that's not important; right now we need to talk fast because Brenton is about to come out of his trance.”

?Marie didn't understand why it mattered, but she didn't question it. Helena was all about the mystical and mysterious, from what Marie could tell. She probably took pleasure from confusing people.

?“There is something coming, Marie, and I sense that you will be the key to ending this war. I trust Brenton and your mother have filled you in on our little dilemma. I know for sure he still hasn't told you why he came to find you,” she said raising her eyebrow.

?Marie was about to speak, but Helena spoke over her. “Don't worry about answering. I've already been through his mind and I know why he hasn't told you. I will let him tell you in his own time. When he does, try to be rational, hon,” she smirked. “More importantly, you need to know that someone is trying to break the fallen angels out of prison, which would be catastrophic. You must prevent this from happening.”

?Helena got up and walked around the room touching plants and furniture. Marie watched her every move. She inhaled deeply as she went, and the plants moved with her. They responded to her like little soldiers.

?“You are a special one, Marie. There are things you can do that even your mother knows nothing about. You need to focus on tapping into those hidden talents to win this war.”

?“What hidden talents?”

?“It is not my place to share that with you. This is your journey, your path; you must follow it and learn in your own time. Any extra information I give you now will ultimately change the course of your future, and the future I see for you right now is the best one to succeed.

?Soon you will meet your mentor and he will teach you everything you need to know. After that, you and Brenton will have to travel and gather the remaining angels to prepare for war. You must find my daughter, Nacole; she will be a great asset to you, as she has acquired my gifts. Once this is done, it will all become clear.”

?She stopped and closed her eyes. She was still, peaceful. After a minute, her eyes shot open, and then she sat down on the edge of the fountain. Marie didn't want to ask what that was all about.

?“Will you fight with us?”

?“Oh no, this is not my fight. I'm in neutral territory. I stay out of the way and I am granted immunity. But since this war will likely take away some of the things I've grown fond of, I will help where I can.”

?Marie put her head in her hands, sighing despondently. She wondered where Brenton was, worried. Helena also hadn't told her how she was going to help with the block.

?“In time, be patient. I'm trying to help you because you lack prescience, I don't. If you would prefer, I'll send you on your way. I will be happy to oblige,” she said, scowling.

?She must have read her mind. This was starting to get annoying. She hadn't learned how to invade someone's thoughts, but everyone was taking turns breaking into hers.

?“I didn't mean ...” she started.

?“It doesn't matter. Something is coming sooner than you think and I fear it will be hard on you; but I know you will succeed.” She squinted, studying Marie for a second, and then asked, “How is your father, by the way? Is he still in the dark?”

?Marie was confused. She didn't know how to answer. Of course, her dad didn't know what was going on, but Marie felt like there was a double meaning behind the question.

?Helena finally looked toward the door. A second later, Brenton walked through it. Helena gestured to the seat next to Marie and he sat down immediately.

?“You enjoy my little slide show, Brenton?” she asked.

?He simply nodded.

?“Well, let's get back to business, shall we?”

?She got up from the fountain, walked to the other side of the room, and waved her hand over the plants that climbed the wall. A vine broke free and wrapped itself around her arm. She pulled a single leaf from the vine and the plant recoiled.

?She closed her eyes and began singing a chant over the leaf. Marie and Brenton sat very still until she was finished. She squeezed the leaf into a ball and brought it to Marie.

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