Chapter 5

"Discover"

-1-

The murky water swirled red the minute the soiled rags settled to the bottom. I picked up the wooden stick in the corner and poked at the rags, ensuring every side was touched by the water. The blood seemed to be washing out, but it reached a point where it looked like the rags were just sitting in their own filth.

“What are you doing  ?,” Soul asked from behind me.

I jumped at the sound of his voice. I hadn’t even heard him come in.

“I-I’m sorry I was just trying to . . . help,” I admitted

After I retold my side of the story to others  in the house they decided they believed me.  I was untied and allowed to bind back my wings. I was left downstairs in the parlor by myself for the night while the others cloistered themselves upstairs . 

I had   noticed a pile of bloodied bandages in the corner. Figuring I had caused most of the trouble I had attempted to wash them in an empty wash basin.

“You can’t poke at them. You have to stir,” Soul told me taking the stick. “ And you have to add soap. . . I imagine you don’t do much laundry.”

“I don’t do laundry at all,” I said, ”But, only because I don’t have time.”

That wasn’t completely true. I had always had people to do it for me.

“ One of our friends, Pius is a doctor,” Soul said. ” He said my mother has internal bleeding and  I have a contusion. I won’t be able to travel to Eden with you for a couple of days--,”

“Well, I can’t exactly travel right now either,” I said.

The arrow through my wing had damaged the muscle and it would take a few days for it to fully heal. I knew that cosmetic damage of a useless appendage was nothing compared to what I had done to Soul and his mother.

“Again, I am very sorry,” I said,” I didn’t know . . . I was just so angry--,”

“Let me show you where you can sleep until we can leave,” he cut me off.

 He didn’t want to hear my apologies---none of them did.

He took me up 2 flights of stairs and through a small doorway to an attic. Along the way he picked up an aromatic incense burner off a small table.  Soul pushed open the attic door and I got a strong whiff of something dead.

The room was the one I had seen from the outside. The slaughtered sheep still lay in the middle of the room.

“Where are we ?,” I asked gagging on the air.

Soul lit the incense and set it in the corner of the room. It only barely helped with the smell.

“This is my studio. I’m a luthier by trade,” he explained.

He opened a large wardrobe and I saw rows and rows of glistening string instruments. Most of them were violins, fiddles and violas. Larger instruments like basses, cellos and guitars were pushed in the back.

“I really like string music.” I offered, “Do you take lessons ?”

“No.” He answered picking up the only black and white violin. “But, I can play.”

He tried to put the violin on his shoulder but, he only grimaced in pain from lifting his arm., he smiled sheepishly and put the instrument down and walked across the room.

“There is this.” He said

He was standing in front of phonograph in the corner of the room.   Soul took his time setting up the player  and soon soft music filled the tiny corner of the room.

He opened up a closet, pulled out a cot and then dragged the sheep carcass into the closet.

“What exactly did that sheep do ?,” I asked

“ The strings are made from their intestines.  . .Violin making isn’t as wonderful as you might assume,” he answered shyly

I was disgusted, but nodded my head and sat on the cot.

Everything about him was low key. He never held my gaze for more than a second and his voice got softer with each word in the sentence.

I listened to the music trying to figure out how I got here.  Soul was still struggling to fit the dead  sheep into the closet.

“So, you have lived here. Concealed away for your whole life ?,” I asked him.

“Mostly,” he said, ”It’s not so bad. The Demon Prince in charge of the nearest village is pretty lenient and helps us out.”

The Demon King had divided Elysia among his 7 sons to rule over however they saw fit. The Princes were considered the utmost authority in Elysia, why hadn’t they told us of Soul's existence ? Was dabbling in the human realm popular among demons ?

Soul went to the corner and adjusted the phonograph so the music was clearer.

“I’m sorry about earlier--,” I began

“I will heal,” he said

“Not that—I mean well, that but, also I am sorry I kissed you.”

My face grew faintly hot.

“It was  . . . unexpected.” He said

“It was improper. I am not that kind of girl. I just—I feel like we have met. Sometimes I get these strange feelings and dreams. I know,  it’s nonsense--”

“What do you mean ?,”

“It’s like I can sense things happening to me.  Things I shouldn’t be able to. Like I sensed my brother’s death.”

“Like a sixth sense ? Is that strange for an Angel ?,”

“Yes, of course,” I said,” Don’t you know that  ?”

“I know more about Demons from what my mother tells me.  I mostly read on Angels.”

“What do you know about humans ?,”

“Nothing spectacular. My mother rarely speaks about it. I’m really no different than any other demon but, that doesn’t stop them from making me an outcast.”

There was a change in his calm demeanor, he sounded upset. Soul reached into the closet and gave me a set of black wool blankets before leaving the room.

 

*** 

-2-

I was less than welcome in Soul and his mother, Thea’s home. I stayed out of the way and secluded in the studio. The only time I had to observe the people in the house was  during meal times. I was introduced to  no one and never made eye contact.

The house and the instrument making studio upstairs belonged to Thea. She had purchased it with help from the Prince. In the house lived 5 other Demons whose wings had also been sheared for one misdeed or the other. They were a small clandestine family, they had been living together for years.

It was another four days until Soul and Thea were feeling better and we were able to travel. Thea had some internal bleeding and was still very sick but, did not trust  me enough for her son to go to Eden alone. It was a fair decision.

She was able to secure a chariot and it took us across and over the mountain range and towards Eden. The closer we got to home I felt more relaxed but, I could tell Soul and Thea were on edge.

The palace looked so marvelous from the birds eye view, I never noticed the pristine architecture of the roof. Home never looked so good.

 We landed into the back lawn of the palace and I led Soul and Thea towards the entrance and past the security.  They had both dressed in their nicest outfits, so I imagine they respected the Palace de Tuileries somewhat.  

Thea was striking for a woman her age, she wore a flowing long black dress with a sparkling silver shawl.  Her eyes were lined and her hair was tied into an intricate bun. Soul wore a  a gray silk baroque patterned vest and silver tie chain over a cheap looking necktie.

 I walked our guests briskly through the palace and right to my father’s private chambers.  It was near noon and I was sure he would be in his office.  After knocking, I opened the door a bit and stuck my head in.

Relief washed over his face at the sight of me.

“Father, I am not alone.” I said quickly

I opened the door  more to allow Thea and Soul in. This was completely unallowed, it wasn’t exactly proper to let others into his private office. Let alone Demons.

“Rin, what is the meaning of--,”

“Father, listen to me. We have been deceived. This man here is the half-human and  this is his mother, they mean no harm. I’ve talked with them and we may have the killer all wrong.”

Father was silent.

“How do you know these people aren’t lying to--,”

“I know. I just know.” I said. “We think our informant killed Gabriel to provoke us.”

“Your daughter said you received photo evidence of your son’s death. I can tell you we don’t own a camera at all,” Thea said.

“And you name is ?,” Father asked.

“I’m sorry ,sir,” she said,” I am Thea Lyre and this is my son, Soul. Listen to me. Your so-called informants name is Reginald, right ? Well, he is our defector. He and I have a sorted past. Let me see  him and guarantee  he will admit his plan and the murder to me.”

“And why is that ?,” Father asked

“You must understand the power of a women over a man ?,” she continued.

I was struck by her confidence but, I knew father loved it. 

“Come with me then, but only you.” Father said, “I will take you to him. Rin stay here.”

I nodded and stayed in my place as Father and Thea walked down the hall flanked by two of Father’s guards.

Soul and I were left alone. I led Soul out of Father’s chambers and we stood in the hallway silently.

 “You mentioned a grave . . . for Gabriel ?,” Soul said after a while.

“Oh, yes. Of course,” I nodded.

He followed me as I showed him to the East Gardens.  In the distance, I saw Seraphim picking stray flower petals off the ground by the statue.

“Rin!,” she shouted when she saw me, letting the petals fall to the ground.

I all but ran towards her and we met in the middle of the gardens in an embrace.

“I was afraid you would never come back,” she said.

“I said I would,” I told her.

 We hugged again and I kissed her on the cheek.

It wasn’t until I released her from my hug that  I remembered who else  I was with.

“Soul, this is Seraphim,” I introduced.

"Pleasure," he smiled, extending his hand to her.

They shook hands and she made a knowing glance. I had made a few sketches of the face from my dream and showed them to her. I hoped she wouldn’t tell Soul I had been having dreams about him, I hadn’t even told him that.

“What brings you to the palace ?,” she asked

“Official business, it is very private.”  I explained for him.

“I think I will go and pay my respects ,” Soul said.

He walked towards the statue leaving Seraphim and I.

“I missed you,” she said to me.

“So did I,” I said.” I hope you know I love and care about you. I promise to never leave like that again.”

She smiled.

Being around Soul’s life those few days had scared me. I thought of how it could  be for me living all by myself without my large network of family and friends around.  I imagined never having a real friend or anyone just to have fun with. I realized all the people in my life I took for granted.

In the distance, Soul had taken his violin out and was plucking a few chords of a sad song for the statue. We both turned and watched him. I knew Seraphim must have questions about him but, she knew better than to ask.

“It’s near tea time,” Seraphim noted.

“ I could use some good tea. Be sure to  bring a cup for our friend.”

She nodded her head and went to the kitchen. She came back with a trolley of tea service and sat it by the stone  benches.  Soul had yet to finish his song so, we started without him. The violin provided some much needed background music.

After a while Soul joined us for tea and sat next to me. He concentrated hard on my hands and seemed to be trying to mimic the exact way I drank my tea.

“ I am so sorry for your loss,” Soul said, “The engraving said he is the only son. It must be hard losing the heir of your family name. Does that put you in a prime position for your father’s place ?,”

“Hardly,” I said,” I am the youngest of 12.”

“So, what does that make your future ?,” he asked

“Whatever I intend for it to be.”

We finished our tea and then I reluctantly sent Seraphim on some errand so, I could check on my Father and Thea.

I had no idea where Father had taken her so we waited in Father’s office.

 “Do you ever get lost in this place ?,” Soul asked

“No,” I said, ”It is home.”

We sat on the chairs in the office and within a few minutes Father and Thea came into his office. They were both very silent. Thea had her arms wrapped around herself and father’s brow was creased.

“What happened ?,” I asked.

They were both silent and then father spoke.

“It seems the Lyre’s were correct. The man who told us of the crime turned out to be the perpetrator. We found the murder weapon on him. . .  He admitted to burning  the body.He will be executed,” Father said,” We will have a public hanging for the murderer of your brother.”

“Father, that is too cruel,” I interjected.

 In my lifetime we had never executed anyone, not even thought of it.

“That man lied to my face, killed my only son in cold blood and threw him away like trash! I’m sure he would have killed you next, Rin. Don’t be so naïve as to think he deserves any kind of forgiveness,” Father said coldly.

I could hear some impatience in his tone.

“I do not approve of this,” I said.

“I don’t need your approval,” Father responded

“I knew this man . . . cared for this man.” Thea said,” And I agree with the punishment. Let it be a warning.”

My words were powerless. There was a long pause in the room, I began to wonder if Father was going to cry.

“I suppose we should be going,” Thea began as she cleared her throat.

“Nonsense.” Father said,” You may stay the night if you wish. We have some open rooms.”

“Please, stay. After all the trouble,” I added.

I set them up in a room in the Northeast Rotunda, explained my door was always open and then headed off to my own room.

I took a proper bath, changed clothes and laid on my bed, still in disbelief over the events had taken place. I was in a place between sleep and awake when I heard footsteps into my room.

“Soul ?,” I called sitting up,”Thea ?,”

I looked up to see the Melchoir Dark standing by my window.

I froze. I felt vulnerable with him watching me in my bed and pulled the duvet over me while I sat on the edge of the bed and looked him in the eye.

“What are you doing here? ,” I asked, “Do you have an invitation ?”

“No, I don’t. But, I seemed to have missed you the other day and I never got an answer about my offer.,” he said matter of factly.

“Go away,” I ordered him.

“Is that a no ?,” he asked

“Yes. I’m sorry but, I am just  not interested.” I told him,” I have had a long day and I--,”

“I see.” He said, ”I will find you at a better time.”

Before I could speak he was gone.

***

-3-

The next day we introduced Thea and Soul to Mother. I was sure Father had spent the night explaining everything that had happened to her. She was reluctant but, Mother shook Thea’s hand and offered to take her to see Mother’s personal physician.

Soul was eager for a tour of the palace so, I took him around while his mother went to see the doctor. Soul had spent much of his life in the small valley by himself, everything  amazed him.

I decided to take him to the musical hall and instrument depository—I imagine he might enjoy that.

“What would happen if I came to live in Eden ?,” he asked as we wandered down the hall.

There was no precedent of a Demon living among Angels. Of course he was only half.

“The goal of an Angel is to care not hate,” I said,” I admit the existence of someone like you is scandalous but, we would never throw you out of society like the Demons did. . . atleast I’d like to think.”

 When we made it to the large oak doors, I pushed them open and we were in the backstage. Hanging from the walls were hundreds of instruments.

“Beautiful,” he sighed. “Who makes these ?,”

“I . . . I don’t know,” I realized

I pushed through the velvet blue curtains and we stood in the middle of the stage.

Soul cupped his hands over his mouth and produced a loud and even note with his voice.

It was pitch perfect.

“The acoustics are amazing,” he smiled,” I cannot believe you live here.”

“I wish you would stop saying that,” I admitted.

“I apologize.” He said.

He walked over to the large harp sitting in the corner and began to play a few notes.

“Do you play ?,” he asked me

“No.” I said, ”I took art lessons instead.”

He nodded his head as the soft plucks filled the stage.

 We stayed in the music hall much longer than I wanted to but, he seemed to enjoy watching the instruments like we were in a museum. Amazingly, he could play nearly everyone.

After a while I knew I could no longer keep him company. I wasn’t a tour guide and I had duties to attend to.

“I have a meeting to attend so, I must leave. I will try and see you before you and your mother take off. I will send Seraphim to show you around the rest of the day.” I said

He nodded his head but, seemed too engrossed in the flute in his hands.

I made my way down the stage steps and towards the exit.

“Rin!” He called

I turned to see he was still standing on the stage.

“Yes ?,” I shouted to him.

“Rin. . .” He repeated

“Yes ?,”

“Rin . . . I think I would like to court you,” he said.

I was expecting it and not expecting it at the same time.

“I-,” I said.

“I don’t believe in love at first sight,” he said, ”But,  I felt something with you  and I think you feel it also.”

He was speaking the words I had been waiting to hear but, I was not going to be an easy catch.

“What a scandal. A Demon courting an Angel .”

“I am only half Demon,” he reminded me,”And if what I have heard is true . . . there has never been an instance of a Demon so charming and so kind.”

“You think highly of yourself,” I teased

“Oh, no I-I didn’t mean it like that--,” he said self-consciously

“Courting me will be very hard with you living so far away.” I said before he could finish

“ . . .I would atleast like to try it out.”

An unexplained smile came to my lips and I beckoned him to come to me.

Soul jumped off the stage ad began to walk carefully towards me. And with each step he took, my smile began to grow.

---

In before the insta-love comments.Yes, it's insta-love but, it's cosmic insta-love !