Winter's Fall Read online

  Contents

  Winter’s Fall

  ONE TEAM PUBLISHING & FILMS

  DEDICATION

  Acknowledgements

  Epilogue Recap from Book 1

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Epilogue

  Demonology

  Scarlet’s Playlist

  Winter’s Fall

  ALESSANDRA JAY

  ONE TEAM PUBLISHING & FILMS

  Published by One Team Publishing & Films

  Brandon, Florida, USA

  www.oneteam615.com

  Copyright © Alessandra Jay, Edgar Alan Cole 2019

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  REGISTERED TRADEMARK-Edgar Alan Cole, 2014

  Printed in the United States of America

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of the book.

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their control. If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher and neither the author or publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.” The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  DEDICATION

  To Grandma,

  I miss you so much. Everything I do I do for you. I love you, Abuela.

  R.I.P.

  Acknowledgements

  To Will,

  You saved me and I will forever be grateful for you.

  My favorite Call of Duty partner forever, I love you.

  To my Brooklyn family,

  Thank you for teaching me one of the most important lessons in life.

  There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude.

  I love you all, so much.

  To my family/council,

  This would not be here without you. And I will always be thankful to have you all in my life. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your patience. I love you guys, more than ever.

  Epilogue Recap from Book 1

  An Angel’s Warning

  Charlie

  My hand flies to the spot in my chest where I was struck with a blade and killed. It feels sore. But there is no puncture wound, loss of blood, or even a bruise to show the horrific proof that my life has ended. I sit up, with fresh tears escaping my eyes as I think of all the people I've left behind. All of the plans I had for my future, the growing love Lucas and I were developing, and the terrible fact that my best friends may also be dead.

  I blame myself. I’ve read hundreds and hundreds of books that had similar situations. I should have seen it coming and should have been prepared. If I would have left the moment I had the chance, maybe I could have gotten a hold of Lucas or Evan. Someone. Anyone. The optimistic part of me finds the silver lining, which is the fact that I'm an orphan. At least my parents won't have to go through finding out their daughter is dead.

  Not that they care. Why would they? They left me.

  Slamming my hands on the ground beneath me in an act of frustration does nothing to help. I take a deep breath and count to ten. It’s something my therapist instructed me to do in situations where I let my anger get the better of me. It’s a directive that all foster kids go to therapy. Most don't stick with it, but I did. I liked having someone to speak with and share my thoughts. That is, until I went to Syracuse. When I met my roommates, particularly Scarlet, I felt I didn't need the therapy sessions any longer.

  The sound of a bell in the distance echoes through the gigantic stone spiral staircase in front of me.

  Where am I?

  I get to my feet, still rubbing the spot in my chest where that evil caster pierced my life away with his sword. I walk slowly up the stairs, following the sound of the bell. As I get closer, I notice the light getting brighter. Only there are no windows or lanterns. I walk up the stairs at a more brisk pace, looking down at my feet, and don't see the person standing at the top of the staircase. I run directly into the back of a small and frail woman, almost causing us both to fall.

  “I'm so sorry.” I apologize to the dear old woman. She nods and returns to her position. I look up to see a line formed in front of her of about twenty or so people of all races and ages.

  A man is holding a baby a few spots ahead. Next to him is a toddler holding his hand. A tear trickles down my face as I think of what tragedy could have happened to this poor man and his family. Just as I am about to ask the elderly woman for information, I notice someone or something approaching the group from afar. We all focus on its approach as it gets closer and closer. An incredibly handsome man dressed in Roman-like attire lands in front of our group and I stare in awe at the enormous wings that grace his back. They are pure white with flecks of gold throughout its flawless feathers. He bows his head with a lovely smile on his perfect face.

  “Welcome to Paradise. Follow me for further knowledge of your path.” He gracefully turns around and begins to lightly walk forward.

  I quickly fall in step with the other people in the group and take a moment to view my surroundings. As I look around in curiosity, the first direction I look is up. High above us is a sky, almost identical to the one on earth. But this one looks pristine, clear of earth’s toxic fumes and pollution.

  The ground we’re walking on is stone gray with patches of soft and bright green grass here and there. I look around and see a vast array of trees and ponds of various sizes located sporadically around the surrounding areas. As we walk further in, more people appear around us, or so I think.

  Once we get closer I realize they’re not actually people, they’re angels. They all walk around with their wings out on display. Most of them seem like they are busy with important errands or responsibilities to accomplish. There are no grimaces or hostility to be seen. It’s all peaceful and calm.

  Excep
t, I notice two angels who seem to be having a heated discussion. One of them is a woman who appears to be in her thirties, with bright red hair which falls in beautiful curls down her back. Her wings are a light gray color with gold dust in the feathers, causing them to look even more enchanting.

  The man she is frowning at is even more handsome than the angel leading my group. He looks closer to my age than the woman does. He’s tall with a perfectly sculpted body. His thick straight blond hair is up in a natural combover that is raised in the front. I can see his full lips from where I stand. His wings are pure white but have a neon-like blue hue to them, making them look like lightening.

  Again I’m not paying attention to where I’m walking, so when the group stops walking and I don't, I run into the old woman once more. She smiles at me again and returns to face forward. But I must have made a ruckus because as I look up, the angels who appeared to be having the disagreement are staring right at me.

  “Charlie?” the woman says breathless.

  I don't know how I can hear her so clearly when she’s across the cobblestone field. And I don't understand how she knows my name, but both her and the gorgeous man race to my side. The woman grabs me out of the group and pulls me towards a more private area behind a tree. The moment we are out of everyone’s sight, the female pulls me in for a tight hug.

  “Oh, Charlie. What happened?” she asks with much concern in her tone.

  Too confused to answer her, I reply with my own question. “How -- how do you know my name?’ I stutter with nervousness.

  “Honey, can’t you tell? I'm Scarlet’s aunt.” She says simply.

  I must have the look of pure astonishment on my face because they both smile at my innocence. Now that she told me her relation to Scarlet, I can see it in her features. They have the same dainty and flawless bone structure. And now I can see where the red tint in Scarlet’s hair comes from.

  “I'm Callie. And this is Theo. He’s, um, close to our family. Can you please tell us what happened to you?” she asks with concern.

  Still stunned from actually meeting two angels that know me, it takes me a few seconds to recover and catch my breath. “Um, Mack and I were being held hostage by some evil casters. Mack fainted but then woke up and knocked down the two casters who were holding us hostage. Scar tackled Lenora and that’s the last thing I saw. I ran out to leave the cave, but something felt wrong. I didn't want to leave them without at least trying to help.” I say, recalling the moment as tears fall down my face. I have to clear my throat to continue.

  “Just as I was about to turn back, Scarlet came running out. She said Mack passed out again but she was still alive. We were about to leave for help when a man in a robe walked in and stabbed me in the chest. I don't know if Scarlet got away or if they also killed her.” I say, fearful about the fate of my friends.

  “That was very brave of you, Charlie. I'm sorry you had to go through that.” Callie says, bringing me in for another embrace. “As for Scarlet’s safety, we’re not exactly sure at the moment. But we do know that she is alive. We both would have felt it if she was here,” she says, filling my heart with joy.

  “But… how do you know?” I ask amazed, as I wipe the tears from my eyes.

  Theo clears his throat and responds to me mysteriously, “We’ll tell you everything soon.”

  “Theo was trying to commit a sin by falling to earth so he could help her and the rest of you. But it’s not his time to go yet. I came to stop him.” She admits, giving Theo a pointed look.

  He shakes his head in frustration. “Well, someone needs to go. She needs us.” He says with desperation in his tone. Callie sadly nods her head in agreement.

  I’ve never been one to keep my mouth shut so I break the silence. “Why can’t one of you help her?” I ask, clearly confused.

  “We all have our path. Theo’s time isn't here yet. Soon, but not today. And I can’t interfere with her life. Not unless she is on the brink of death.” She says, surprising me.

  “What? Aren't there guardian angels for stuff like what we went through today?” I ask in frustration.

  “Well, yes. Of course there are. But to become one, you must: A: Prove your case as to why it should be you, and B: Volunteer yourself to be a warrior of the Gods and Goddesses. Although Scarlet does have a calling for a guardian, not many angels are racing up for the job. Scarlet’s situation has a lot of tough circumstances. When you're someone’s guardian you must be connected with them and around them at all times. Angels will be sent to help, but not yet. Someone must volunteer to guard her until then.” She explains.

  “What would happen if Theo would have gone before you stopped him?” I ask, trying to fill in the blanks.

  “I’d lose my wings and my passage back to the Divine realm.” He replied gravely.

  “Could anyone volunteer?” I ask, as my mind runs a million miles a minute.

  “Yes.” Callie answers quickly. She doesn’t realize what I'm thinking of yet. But Theo does.

  “Oh, no, no, no. Charlie, I don't think so.” He answers, without giving me the chance to ask.

  “Huh? Don't think so about what?” Callie asks the both of us.

  “She wants to volunteer.” He says instantly.

  “What? No way.” She begins to ramble. “Unless -- well, maybe.” She paces back and forth in front of the tree where we are standing.

  “You can’t be serious, Callie. She literally just got here.” Theo says, trying to convince her otherwise.

  “Yes, Theo. But maybe that is ideal. She knows Scarlet more than any other angel up here. She’s dating a caster who can help her when she crosses back into the mortal world. She’s read an immense amount of books about our worlds, which are actually not too far from the truth. We only have to clarify some things for her. And she’s an orphan, Theo. It’s an open and closed case.” She explains her reasoning.

  “But she has no training. She doesn't know how to fight, and she clearly needs help protecting herself.” He says, forgetting how raw and hurt I'm feeling.

  “And who better to teach her than you?” She says, crossing her arms.

  “We can train her in a week, prepare her for her descent, and fill her with the knowledge she needs to know about Scarlet’s true path.” She presents her rationale to him one last time.

  “When she returns to Scarlet she can pass along a message from us and can prepare her for what the prophecy really means, and our side of the warning.” THAT got Theo's attention.

  He grabs the front of his hair as he thinks to himself. Callie takes the moment to warn me about the fine print.

  “Charlie, you must understand there are some things that change if your request is accepted. If you go back, you cannot reach out to your foster family, you cannot return to college, and you cannot show yourself to mortals. Are you certain about your decision to volunteer?” She asks for confirmation.

  My foster family never cared about me much. And if I have to give up college for a chance to return to my friend and boyfriend, then I'm okay with that. Mack is a mortal, so I'm really going to miss seeing her. But this gives me a chance to be useful. I can help my best friend through her journey and I can embrace and feel the love of my boyfriend again.

  The thought of Lucas’ touch is enough for me to rapidly answer.

  “Yes. I'm sure.”

  “Fine. Okay. Yes. I'm in.” Theo announces, after my proclamation. Callie claps her hands and jumps up and down.

  “Come with us, Charlie. Let’s go over what and how you're going to plead before we bring you to the High Court to ask for permission. The sooner we get their blessing, the sooner you can return to help your friends.”

  Callie takes my hand and leads me through a wide forest to a small cottage. As we enter through, I take a moment to ask a question I'm sure Scarlet is going to want to know.

  “Callie? Why are you trying to help Scarlet and her mother isn't?”

  A warm smile graces her beautiful face as she gently leads me
to sit on the brown leather couch.

  “We can explain everything, Charlie. Make yourself comfortable and we’ll start with the day Willow fell to earth and found Scarlet’s father.”

  Chapter 1

  Impatiently Waiting

  Evan

  It’s been one week. Seven full days of heartbreak, tension, and paranoia since Charlie's death. I’ve never seen Lucas so dead inside. Not even when he lost his first love. And she really ripped his heart out.

  So much so that he swore off falling in love for nearly 80 years. Then came Charlie and he fell hard for her, really hard. Since the day we buried her he’s only spoken to Mack.

  I guess he feels she understands him most. But he’s wrong. Losing Charlie was brutal for us all. And the fact that I have to confirm her death to Scarlet when she finally wakes is going to be just as horrific as when I had to tell Lucas.

  Mack hasn't been the same either. Walking around as if there is someone coming for her. She randomly sobs from the heartache of losing a friend, and she declines every single party invite that comes her way.

  This is no longer the Mackenzie we used to know. Derek has been trying everything he can to console them both, but nothing has worked. The only actual conversation I have with either of them is on Scarlet’s progress.

  Which is close to nothing. I haven't left her side since we found her. Lenora was almost successful in her attempt to murder my Anima Partem. But she failed and it took everything in me not to kill her myself.

  That witch should be dead.

  Instead, she sits in the rarely used dungeon that occupies a cave close by the Elders’ Estate. A total of ten highly trained demon hunters guard the cave at all times. You can hear her crazed cackles some nights echoing throughout the peaceful forest of Eden.