Resurrection: A Historical Adventure Romance Novel (Legend Book 3) Page 2

  Silence fell between us.

  I could see him desperately trying to find a way to make me see, make me understand his view. I wouldn’t allow it.

  “Alexandria, I have been searching for a way to rid you of it. I never wanted it!” His voice was raw with emotion. “I do love you. I love you so much, and I need you.” Strong arms wrapped around my shoulders. “My love, I need you. But I swear I have been searching every avenue to free you of this.”

  “Why, Avalon?” I sobbed into his chest. “To me?” I was so tired of being pulled by extreme emotions. My mind snapped, and I ceased my tears soon after I started.

  I stepped away from him. “I will complete the statue. Once I am finished, I will leave. You will find a way to lift this from me. It will be the last thing I allow you to do. Do you understand?”

  I was so cold. I had to be.

  His eyes swam with tears, his face crestfallen and decimated.

  “Alexandria …” His voice hitched. “Are you leaving me?”

  I spoke from my head, ignoring my heart completely. She would only bring me more sorrow should I follow her. “Yes.”

  He was able to compose himself but just barely. His chin trembled. He pushed hands through raven hair.

  Clearing his throat several times, he let me go and stepped back. “As you wish, Alexandria. Thank you …”

  Present day …

  Avalon had left without another word. The rest of my time spent there was for work only. I took my meals in my room, and I didn’t answer his requests to speak. I did allow myself to sit on the balcony and cry myself to sleep to the sounds of a lamenting violin.

  The day I left for good, Avalon didn’t even say goodbye.

  M did it in his stead.

  Handing me an envelope, he gave me a tight smile. “Here you go, Ms. York. It’s all there plus some.”

  “Thank you for everything, M.”

  I had already said sad goodbyes to Orla. I had also stopped by the barn and hugged Cam.

  “Of course.” M nodded. “Take care of yourself.”

  “I will.” With a tight smile, I got into my car and started rolling down the drive.

  I knew I shouldn’t look in the rearview mirror, but something pulled my eyes behind me.

  Avalon stood in the center of the drive, staring at me, chest heaving.

  Our eyes met.

  I didn’t turn around.

  I felt so empty. Loneliness was a feeling I needed to welcome as a friend. I couldn’t run to Avalon this time.

  I held the wedding bands hanging from my neck as tears spilled down my cheeks.

  Could I survive without him?

  Or would I go back to Lancer and be the model future he so desired for us?

  TWO

  Avalon

  Hollow. Empty. Void.

  Alexandria left me, and this time, it was on her terms. She wanted to. Not that I could blame her because I lied to her. My longing for her, for what she had to offer, shrouded my attempt to explain our situation.

  I dealt this hand to myself, and in turn, I had to be the one to make it right. I was certain Lancer had meant to give her the means to break away from me. Fists tightened around my cup until I heard the clink of glass breaking. I glanced down and noticed the blood dripping from my cut palm.

  Pulling the wound closer to my line of view, I watched as I healed. The bleeding ceased, and the skin closed to a pink line. By morning, there wouldn’t even be a hint of a scar.

  Yes, my soul was intact now, but the curse was not broken. Not even by an inch.

  I heard M clear his throat by the door of the music room where I was sitting lost in thought. I hadn’t been myself since Alexandria had packed up and left. I could still see her eyes as she looked back at me standing on the gravel drive.

  “Yes, Merlin?” I dropped the healed appendage to my lap and offered a tight-lipped smile.

  “Sir, I have gone over your list of guests for the reveal party. I just need your approval.”

  I motioned for him to come closer, and I took the paper from his hand to glance over it. “It’s fine. Send the invitations.”

  “Shall I invite Ms. York?” His voice was careful.

  “Of course. She is the guest of honor.” A bitter streak ran through my core. “She wouldn’t dare not come. She has a reputation to uphold.”

  M folded the list and stowed it away in his vest pocket. “Vivian called. She is on her way back.”

  I just stared ahead at nothing. “Very well. Thank you, Merlin.”

  I couldn’t see the look on the shorter man’s face, but I felt his remorse. He was just as guilty of this sin as I was. “I have yet to find an antidote for the blood bond. I will be consulting with Vivian as soon as she gets back.”

  His words broke me from the trance. I felt my eyes narrow on him. “Good. I certainly hope you come to a conclusion soon.”

  My voice held a warning.

  “Of course.” Merlin exited the room, leaving me to dwell in my memories.

  I closed my eyes and saw her face. I let my head fall back against the chair, lost in the sounds of her whispering my name. She haunted my mind, my heart, my body, my soul.

  “Alexandria … you cannot run away …” In a rage, I sprung up from the chair. In a blind rush, I threw the already broken glass against the wall. It shattered. My chest heaved as I tried to calm the beast that now raced freely through my blood.

  I rubbed my face and screamed into the silence.

  Perhaps, I had been precipitous in thinking I could hold such a secret against Alexandria. I began to pace.

  No.

  I had done it to protect her.

  But I didn’t do it—Merlin had without my consent.

  He had to fix this, no matter what the cost.

  I needed her back.

  I loved her with my last breath.

  I would not allow Lancer to ruin this again.

  “God, please. Show me the cracks in my defenses. Strengthen my resolve. Give me the words to make her see.” I walked to the large stained glass window, pressing my forehead against the cool glass. “I cast my fears unto you.”

  I was in my library going over documents when I heard Vivian bellowing from somewhere down the hall. Merlin must have told her what had transpired in her absence. I removed the glasses from my face and pinched the bridge of my nose. This wasn’t going to be pleasant.

  I counted down from five, and before I could get to one, she stormed around the corner, glowering. If I hadn’t known she was a priestess, I would have thought a demon entered my home.

  “What have you done?” She fumed. “Care to explain what you even kept from me? I told you that allowing Merlin to conjure anything to help you in this matter would ultimately bite you, Avalon!” She slammed her purse down on my documents before her hand swatted the top of my head. “I left for just three weeks, and this is what I come back to? A mess? Must I always clean up after you and Merlin?” Vivian paced in front of Legend, arms folded over her chest.

  “I am sorry this has all transpired, Vivian. I should have told you.” I played with the pen in my fingers nervously.

  She shook her head, wagging her index finger at me. “No, you should have been honest with Alexandria the moment she learned of her fate. Now you have jeopardized everything!”

  “Merlin is working on a way to lift the bond.” I stood, worried I’d be beaten if I sat trapped behind my desk.

  “You don’t get it! There is a bond now. A permanent one. One that cannot be erased.” With a loud sigh, she resumed her pacing.

  My eyes narrowed on her. “What do you mean permanent?”

  “Must I explain everything?” She gave an exasperated sigh. “She bonded herself to you, to your soul, when she drew her hand across that blade. Her blood is what awakened your soul, Avalon. Her blood is the reason you are whole.” Vivian pinched her nose. “That stupid contract Merlin created can be reversed but at a very high price. The bond now placed between the two of you�
��she could lose her damn memory and still feel like she is missing a part of herself.”

  My thoughts were racing. So there would have been a binding between the two of us either way? I contemplated my next words carefully and inhaled.

  “I fear I’ve lost her, Vivian. She doesn’t trust me. I can’t blame her either.” I gave her a sorrowful gaze. “I feel so empty without her.”

  “As she will feel empty without you. Good Lord …” Vivian hurried over to me and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. “I told her once she took her role with Sinfonia, there was no going back. She never asked details, though.” She frowned. “I suppose that is my fault, as well. Alexandria was adjusting so well that I assumed she knew the implications. We will fix this.”

  “I still should have told her.”

  With a nod of her head, she took my hands. “Come, he is here.”

  “Did he come willingly?” With a snort, I followed her out into the hallway and down to the White Room. Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and white upholstery and gold accents made the room appear brighter than it actually was. It was a rarely opened room. Sheets covered some of the chairs and tables, only giving hints of the luxury beneath.

  On the far side of the room, looking over a marble statue of an angel stood a man in black. Black shoes, black pants, black trench coat. I’d know that aura anywhere. I stood a few feet behind him.

  “Galahad?”

  His head swiveled and amber eyes lined with mine. A small smile tugged the corners of my lips.

  He wordlessly turned and strode toward me. I reached my hand out to grasp his, but he knelt before me with his head bowed.

  “My lord, please forgive me for leaving your service all those years ago without warning. I ask humbly that you pardon my quest.”

  I arched an eyebrow, shooting a look at Vivian.

  “Of course, Galahad. You have seen heaven and since returned. I always knew that was your destiny. It is why your seat in the ‘Round was set before you were born.” I took his shoulders in my hands, urging him to rise. “It is good to see you, old friend.”

  With a wide grin, he lurched forward and caught me in a hug. I didn’t stop him as I slapped his back. Galahad had been loyal, so much more so than his father. Leaning back, I studied the white collar wound around the man’s neck.

  “A priest? Pray tell me, what I should call you?” I teased.

  Galahad smirked. “In this life, my name is John, Father John Alexander, professional exorcist and demon extraordinaire.”

  Laughing, I shook my head. “Did you have to be American?”

  The younger man snorted. “Don’t blame me for that. Talk to her. She found me.” His head motioned to Vivian.

  “It doesn’t matter what country he’s from so long as we have him here.” Vivian tossed her blond hair over her shoulder curtly. “Now that we have all been reunited, I would like to get to the task at hand.”

  “Of course. John, I need you to tell me what these mean?” I turned my wrist over after rolling up my sleeve and showed him the intricately laced tattoos that graced my skin.

  The priest moved closer, taking my hand in his as his fingers traced the symbols. His jaw clenched then he glanced up at me. He blinked and tilted his head.

  “These are divinity symbols.” He traced the wings gracing the inside of my wrists.

  Vivian made a choking noise.

  Merlin glowered at her for being so obvious.

  “What does that mean?” I looked back and forth between John and the tattoo.

  His brows furrowed, pinching his expression. “These are divine symbols. They are Seraphim signs. How many are there?”

  “I have one on each wrist, over the tops of my feet, and one on my left ribcage. Why?” I wasn’t following him.

  John sighed, stepping back. Scratching his head with a shocked expression, more questioning than anything, he chuckled.

  “What is it?” Vivian demanded.

  “Your Majesty, you’ve been anointed in a totally different light. These marks are given by God Almighty himself. He’s given you a sword, shield, and now armor.”

  I squinted at him.

  Had he lost his marbles?

  I examined his angular face and almond-shaped eyes flecked with gold then turned to Vivian. Standing next to Merlin, she was holding the sleeve of his shirt.

  “What does this mean, Vivian?”

  She lifted her chin higher as if proud of me and spoke in a quiet tone. “It means in this lifetime, Avalon, God has granted you everything you need to end this curse. Your Majesty.” She lowered herself before me as Merlin took a knee. I turned and saw that John had done so as well.

  Staring at the angel wing symbols, I swore I saw them flicker and shimmer.

  Just what kind of power do I wield now?

  “Is it a weapon?” I asked, looking at my other wrist.

  “Oh, it’s so much more than that, Avalon.” John rose to his feet again with a cocky grin. “It’s our ticket to victory.”

  That was all the encouragement I needed.

  “I need to learn how to use it.” Excitement rushed through my veins. “Do you know, John? You are the one who has been to heaven and come back to tell.”

  He laughed a lighthearted sound. “First things first, you must master the understanding of each symbol and what it represents.”

  I slapped him on the arm. “Well, don’t withhold information from me. Spill, man!”

  “You bear the five wounds of Christ, Your Grace.”

  I felt my eyes grow wide as John hit me upside the head with that information. I wore the badge of heaven. I bore the symbols that represented the man I thought had abandoned me.

  “Why me?” I couldn’t comprehend this. “What have I done to deserve such an honor?”

  The gravity of it all was entirely too much to bear. I wanted to scream, to shout for joy.

  “He isn’t concerned with what you have done, but what works you will do.” John clasped his hands together. “Some may regard it as a heavy task. You have a very difficult walk ahead of you, Avalon.”

  “Then I shall never falter in my charge forward.” Conviction gripped my heart like a vise.

  “I am happy to hear it. Now, where is your shield? I’ve heard a lot about her.” The priest glanced around the room, looking at Vivian, then at Merlin, and finally rested his golden orbs on me. “Where is the girl?”

  My stomach felt like lead again. I didn’t want to speak about what had happened between us. I didn’t want to remember the way I had lied to her. I couldn’t handle the memory of her face as she questioned me—as she questioned us.

  I had her. I held her in my arms, and she and I had been one. It was as embarrassing as it was hurtful to have to admit the reason she wasn’t here was because of me and my lies.

  Merlin stepped forward to explain. “There has been a bit of a mix-up, Father Alexander.” I saw the expression on John’s face as Merlin walked closer. The suspicion was clear. Galahad had a discerning heart in the past, and in this life, he seemed to have an increasing measure of that.

  “What sort of mix-up?” John positioned himself across from the sorcerer. He wasn’t defensive, but he wasn’t inviting either.

  “His Grace and I... Well, just me... I took it upon myself to enter Alexandria York in a blood contract. I am trying to find a way to break it, but my options are rather undesirable.” Sea-green eyes stared evenly at John behind thin-rimmed glasses.

  “A blood contract?” The priest’s head swiveled back to mine. “Do you have any idea what you have done?”

  “In Avalon’s defense, he didn’t order this. I did it of my own will.” Merlin held up a hand to stop John’s conclusions.

  “Why? You know the implications!” the American’s voice roared through the room. John groaned, rubbing his eyes with the pads of his fingers.

  “In their defense, due to the nature of the sword, Sinfonia, and reforging Avalon’s soul to Arthur’s—there is a soul bo
nd.” Vivian spoke up.

  “There are three types of blood contracts.” John held up three fingers and stared at me. “First is the contract between a human and God. This requires nothing but loyalty. The second is a contract between two souls in a ceremony of divinity, such as what occurred between you and Alexandria. A lesser version would be a marriage.” He hesitated, letting each digit fall as he counted down, leaving one finger up.

  “And the last?” I swallowed hard.

  “The third is the contract between a human and a demon. This contract requires a soul. The death of one or both parties.” John glanced over at Merlin. “And I am sure you are aware that Merlin isn’t just a sorcerer but also a half demon.”

  I nodded.

  Merlin was only half human. The other half was a demon.

  Rumors said he was born of magic, and a young woman had been chosen to carry him to term. The moment he came into this world, she died. Another stated that Merlin was the son of the Devil himself who came upon a woman and made a deal to carry a half-demon child.

  One day in my throne room after a pilgrimage, he knelt before me. Merlin acknowledged his inhuman countenance and confided in me that he was indeed created from the womb of a human and black magic. I suppose he expected me to toss him out. A magician in the court of a Christian king already marked us both defiled in certain nobilities’ eyes.

  But I couldn’t.

  He had never done anything but support me and encourage me. He had always done things for the betterment of my nation and for my knights. Never once had I seen him lash out in anger or abuse his powers.

  He raised me like a father would a son.

  “Merlin is my friend. He would never do anything to harm me and especially not Ms. York.” I balled my fists. “What does that mean since he is only half demon? One soul versus two? What does that mean?”