As we stood by the door he took the large white rose decoration out of my bun. I snatched it back from him and let it fall to the floor.

 “One more song?,” he pleaded as I opened the suite door.

“We don’t have time,” I said

He was already starting in on the strings as I gently pushed him out the door and shut it behind me.

The song slowly faded as I heard him make his way down the hall.

Once he had left Seraphim and I were in more than a giddy mood. I walked back to my bedroom to take a quick sip of wine before leaving. When I was back in the sitting room Seraphim was holding a sealed white envelope.

“A servant left this,” she said.

The seal on the letter belonged to my father. I quickly opened the letter.

 Rin,

Please meet me in my private sanctuary of the Northeast Gardens  for a last minute talk.

Your Father

I sighed and folded the note. I did not speak much with my older half-sisters but, I knew Father  had talked to them before they were married. Of course I would be different, what I was doing was unorthodox and new territory.

 “ Meet me downstairs,” I said to Seraphim,” I am going to have a talk with Father.”

She nodded her head with a knowing smile as I left the room.

As I headed for the gardens I walked by Gabriel’s room and I felt the pang of him not being here. My only comfort was that he had known Soul briefly . I did what I always did when I walked past his bedroom—closed my eyes and walked quickly. I don’t know why I did that but, I did.

I walked to Father’s private chambers and out the door leading to the Halo Gardens. The  Halo Gardens were  a private outdoor santuary for my father. He had it landscaped especially for him with dark green grass and tall willowy trees. In the back there was a pearly gazebo with a wooden swing inside. When I was a little girl, father would take me to the swing every Saturday without fail. Sometimes we swung for hours, other times for only 5 minutes.

I made my way into the sanctuary and carefully stayed on the concrete footpath to make sure I didn’t dirty the dress. I entered the gazebo and found I was the first  to arrive.

 I carefully sat on the swing and holding on to the ropes for support I swung a little. For the first time today, I had the feeling of butterflies in my stomach

 I heard footsteps and my mind began to race as I imagined what Father would say when he saw me all dressed up like this.

I looked up expecting to see  Father but, saw someone else. 

A short, pot bellied man  in a  tawdry  bright green trousers and vest.  Over his starched white shirt he wore  a diamond pattered ascot. He entered the gazebo with confidence. A porcelain mask of a distorted  human face covered his own. The mask had a very long blushing nose and pursed big red lips.

He  walked towards me and  I stood up defensively. Standing in  my dress only made the space in the gazebo  smaller.

“Who are--,” before I could get the words out, the man pointed  a shining copper pistol at me.

***

-2-

I bolted from the gazebo, running out the back. He came after me,  gun flailing  and I was forced to run in the direction away from the palace. I ran deeper into the woods, holding my dress up as the heavy fabric much as it would allow. The woods were the last place I should have been going but, I had no choice.

My white heels dug into the dirt with each step and I felt like I was going to trip but, I kept my balance.  The man was agile for his size and gained on me.  He was grunting like a wild animal with laughter and I heard him readying the magazine chamber.

I kept going, the fear fueling my adrendaline-- I was determined. I was running for my life and for my future. Visions of Soul finding me dead propelled me forward .

I took sharp turns, clawing at the trees, throwing sticks behind me, hoping to get the man off of my path. The ground was becoming unsteady and I  finally tripped, falling hard into the dirt. I felt  my ankle twist violently out of place.

The masked man walked up on me, a maniacal animalistic shriek  of delight came from under the mask. He just stood over me . . . waiting for the chase to continue.

With my good ankle I kicked him hard in the crotch and then pulled myself up. Using all the adrenaline I had I continued to run despite my injury. My heel caught in my beautiful dress and I heard it rip. Tears sprang to my eyes as  I felt the pain of my twisted ankle and I knew it was about to give out. 

The kick seemed to just infuriate my attacker more. He was right behind me closing in closer than before, his grunts more persistent. 

 “Please !,” I shouted behind me,” Please stop !”

Finally, my ankle gave out and I slammed into the ground again in excruciating pain. Uncontrollable hoarse sobs came from my mouth as I pleaded with him to leave me alone. I dug my fingernails deep into the ground and I dragged myself as fast as I could across the rocky terrain to get away.

“Please! Please ! Have Mercy !,” I begged. “Mercy ! Please!”

The man easily caught up and put one foot on the small of my back, crushing me to the ground. I nearly passed out from the pain of my breaking spine.

The chamber clicked, the bullet ripped through my back and into my heart, leaving me speechless.  Blood sprayed on to my face and stained my 

dress before welcoming me to my death.

------------ 

-3-

I could forget the stories Mother had read to me as a child.I had no need for them.

This was a real fairytale; a place of happiness, a heaven that I was soon going call my home.

And Rin. My beautiful Rin was just the perfect part of my fairytale.

I knew it was impulsive that I fell for the first girl I ever really knew but there was something about her. She had the best education, she was strong, smart, powerful and yet she seemed to like me. Love me.

And I her. I had given her my heart fully.

This Angel captivated me. She forced me to become a better version of myself.

And today we would be bonded forever.

I was still learning the halls of the palace and I wondered aimlessly looking for the ceremony hall. It was only by some luck that I had found my way to Rin’s window without ending up in a dungeon.

After nearly a half hour I found my way into the room where our wedding would be held. A few of Rin’s brother-in-laws and male cousins were already in the room milling around.

“I’ve been looking for you!,” Rin’s cousin, Quincy shouted taking my shoulders and leading me down the aisle. “Don’t get me in trouble for losing you.”

“I’m sorry, I got distracted,” I laughed

 I surveyed the other  men in the room.

I only remembered Quincy á Daumier because he helped me figure out a 12 piece suit earlier this morning. Quincy  was married to Rin’s paternal cousin Sia.

Then there was Marcus de Trouffaut, the betrothed of Rin’s older half sister Tanya. Of course now I could not remember which marriage Tanya was a product of or what Tanya even looked like.

Even with the months of our courtship I was still yet to know all of Rin’s family and their order of importance. I studied the family paintings in the public salon but, it all never stuck as it should.

Quincy placed me in position at the front of the room where I was sure everyone would be staring at me until Rin stepped in.

 I paced around in my spot, my mind racing at how surreal this was going to be. I placed my violin on the seat nearest to me. I had planned to hold on to it for good measure but, decided against it. It was time for me to stop leaning on such things all the time.

I was an autodidactic violinist. As a child I listened to my favorite songs over and over until I could mimic them perfectly. Anytime I heard a new song, I had to figure out how to play it myself. Music had become a substitute for companionship. I could sit in the studio for days without talking to a single person as long as I had an instrument in my hand.

Within a few minutes the orchestra came in  and I watched enviously as they rehearsed and warmed up. I had always been somewhat of a solo player and I wondered what it was like to play in the company of an orchestra.

 Soon the musicians were playing the comforting, but dull background music. Within minutes the wedding  guests sauntered in.

I waved briefly at my Mother and our friends who had decided to come. Other than that I  kept my eyes on the floor, it was easier for me not to look anyone else in the eye.

As the clock struck the 12 PM mark I snuck glances at the back of the room, waiting for Seraphim to come in and give the orchestra the signal to begin playing Pachabel.

 At 12:05, I was getting a little worried, but one of the Tuileries men to my left joked with me about Rin coming to her senses. I  smiled it off but,  it wasn’t like Rin to be late.

 I guess  if she had to pick one day it would be today.

At 12:25, I finally saw Seraphim in the back, she looked positively radiant in the deep red satin dress. However, her eyes were vacant, her red lips were in a pout and a slight shake of her head  told me everything I needed to know.

My beloved wasn’t coming.

________________________ 

“NO ! I want them all locked away and questioned--,” Soul argued

“--Then you will join them!,” Quincy shouted

“Aren’t we all overreacting-- ?,” Marcus interjected

“---There is no such thing!,”

I stood in the corner of the room terrified of the intensity the discussion had taken. No one seemed to be worried about Rin going missing. They were all too busy fighting over who to blame.

Father, Lady Ilena ,Soul, Thea  and any other family member who had squeezed into the parlor were embroiled in an intense argument. It was hard to believe just minutes ago, all us ladies were in this parlor, joking while we fussed over hair and make up.

 It hadn’t taken us long to figure out Rin went missing.  I was the last one to speak to her, yet no one seemed to be questioning me about that. I knew my opinion did not matter, but I did agree with the Tuileries who all believed a Demon had taken her.

After all, we had executed one of their own.

Of course that Demon deserved it. He killed Gabriel.

Most of the Tuileries men wanted to lock all the Demons guests in attendance up  in the dungeons until she was found. Of course, that meant locking up Soul, his mother and their friends too.

The arguments only got louder and I heard a soft knock on the door. The others were too busy to hear it so, I went to open the door. Standing in the doorway was statuesque, handsome blonde Demon. He had to be at least 7 feet tall,  with the large cloudy gray eyes so characterstic of his kind, the large raven wings protruding through his dark tailored suit had tinges of auburn at the tips

The room silenced as the Demon took a few steps into the parlor. His large wings brushed over me--they smelled of sweet amber and felt soft and warm.

“CASSIUS !,” Soul  shouted, breaking through the crowd towards the Demon. “What have you done with her ? ”

Soul pushed his way until he was standing  in front of the Demon.  Soul was all but, dwarfed by the large, domineering Demon's stature.

“I have done nothing.” Cassius said in an even deep voice,” I came here to defend the Demons in attendance. I was sure you were all getting your little conspiracy together--,”

“I don’t believe you,” Soul said, “You are all angry because I wish to marry her, because I lo--

“Enough,” Father cut Soul off.” Let Cassius speak.”

 “Thank you, sir.” Cassius said,” I was sent to this wedding on my father’s behalf as a diplomatic gesture.  I am the only one of my family who has really no problem with you, Soul. You know that. My invitation included 2 other Demons and a human demon. We have been together the whole time and made conversation with guests the whole time. They are our alibi.”

 “I don’t take your word.” Soul spat.

I had never seen Soul act this way. There was so much rage and anger in his eyes. He was usually in such a good spirits.

“You know me, Soul Lyre.” Cassius continued softly,” I have granted your mother favors. More than the King or my other brothers would ever allow. I have been your only ally.”

So, he must be one of the Demon Princes. Melchoir Dark’s brothers.

The Demon’s voice was stern yet, sincere and he never left eye contact with Soul.

“No more finger pointing.” Lady Ilena chimed in,” Perhaps she is just lost. Let’s just find my daughter before it is too late.”

“I agree, Madame.” Cassius said,” Let my men lead the aerial search of the perimeter. If you would grant that to us?,”

Lady Ilena nodded her head and the Demon turned to leave. Within seconds, I heard the thunderous claps of wings taking off.

-4-

Everyone else split off to search the palace grounds again and Soul asked me to take him back to Rin’s suite to retrace what I had witnessed. I took him to the sitting room and relayed the same story I told everyone else. I gave her the note, we agreed to meet in the parlor with the rest of the wedding party and she left.

“I was the last one to see her,” I cried. ”What if they start to think I did it ?,”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Soul said crossing his arms.

I was beginning to fear he thought I did it.

He went out to the balcony and scanned the Gardens.

I spotted the Demon, Cassius in the sky, he moved gracefully  despite his size.His wings  outstreched, he looked so mysterious and beautiful. Cassius changed directions abruptly and flew straight towards the window. He landed with a loud clap on the balcony railing.

He balanced on one knee on the balcony railing, his fist holding him up for support.

He made direct eye contact with Soul, but remained silent.

“ . . . I found her,” Cassius finally said, his head bowed.

Soul and I ran down the stairs and outside where we followed Cassius’s lead. Flying overhead, he lead us deep in to the woods until I saw  something in the distance. I ran ahead of Soul  to see her blood stained dress.

“No.” I said, putting my hands over my mouth. I was  frozen in my tracks

Soul ran to the body and picked her up. Dirt was all over her dress and arms. Whatever happened, she had fought I could tell.

“Rin.Rin. Please. . . .please . . .p-please.” he begged. He lifted her and  pressed his lips to hers.

I reached for her hand and I could feel it was already cold.

“She’s gone.” I said, tears streaming down  my face. My vision was overcoming with spots.

“No,” Soul said.

Soul turned his attention to Cassius, who was standing a considerable distance away. His head was down and his wings were folded around his body, like he was praying.

“Tell no one about this !” Soul demanded his eyes wild.” You never found her.”

“I don’t answer to you, boy.” Cassius responded.

“Please,” Soul pleaded.

Cassius was emotionless as he surveyed the scene.

“Lucky for you I don’t mind not playing apart in your affairs.”

With that he flew off.

“Soul . . . we have to tell someone,” I reminded him.

“No.” he breathed,” No . . . I refuse to lose her. Not like this.”

“Soul,” I said putting a hand on his shoulder, “Once an Angel is dead they cannot come back.”

“Come now, Seraphim” He said quietly, “We both know that’s not entirely true.”

“What do you mean ? No, Rin told me--,”

“Rin tells you a lot of half-truths.” He interrupted,” She keeps you in the dark, there are many things you don’t know.”

“She would never--,”

“She would. All of the Angels do it. They give half-truths to all of the human souls. Not to be vindictive but for your own good.. .  It is just their way. ”

He gently placed her body on the ground and smoothed her hair back.

“Like how that tea she has you drink is made from the Mnesyome River and helps you lose your human memories.”

I couldn’t believe it.

“No,” I said. Were there really memories I could have ?

“Don’t look so down,” he said, his tone was still very distant “It is an act of mercy on the Angels part. You can’t miss what you can’t remember. ”

 “What else ?,” I asked, “What else did she lie to me about ?,”

“We can get to that later.” He said, “Right now  you have to help me  bring her back.”

-5-

Rain was falling, rain fell everywhere, the haunting pitter- patter was light against the window. A chilling breeze swept through and my body shivered. 

I slowly opened my eyes  and blinked myself into consciousness.  My vision was blurry, I had been crying.

I  was lying on a n enormous bed,the size of two king sized beds pushed together and elevated 5 feet off the ground.

My arms ached, they were bound to the top of my headboard with a metal bar, another bar was at my ankles. As my vision came into focus, I came to the horror I had no clothes on. My wings were spread out on display, the warmth of them was the only thing protecting me from the chilly room. My hair was thin and straight and covered most of my breasts.

I looked to up see I wasn’t alone on the bed. At the foot of the bed was the figure of  a girl sitting cross legged.  My eyes cleared and up close the girl looked awful.

 She was scarily thin, her petite  body was nearly emaciated,  she had long dark blonde hair, but it was so thin I could see her scalp, she even had quite a few bald patches. She was dressed in an unhemmed beige slip spotted with stains.

“Hello ?,” I said and the girl turned towards me.

"Hello." she whispered.

I made eye contact with her large pearly  blue eyes. Her eyes were so unnatural,  there was no pupil in them at all. As if a beautifully covered marbles had been inserted into the whites of her eyes. The girl looked nervous but, she seemed sentient enough as her strange eyes took in my image. 

“Where are we ?,” I asked

The cloudy blue eyes wondered back and forth at a quickening pace.It was clear she was seeing me.

“Where are we ?,” she said.

“I don’t know.” I said, “Do you know ?,”

She stared at me for a while

“Do you know ?,” she asked me. It looked like it pained her to speak these words. I noticed several of her teeth missing.

I shook my head what little I could. I felt extremely tired.

The cool breeze was getting to me and the girl just stared at me. I heard the faint sound of her stomach growling.

“Are you okay ?,” I asked suddenly realizing she was in worse condition than I was. I hoped I wasn’t looking at my future.

“Are you okay ?,” she asked

I was getting frustrated.

“I’m not playing I need help. Can you untie me ?,”

“Can you untie me ?,” she responded.

“But,you aren’t tied up,” I pointed out.

“You aren’t tied up .” she repeated

I gave up on talking with her. Maybe she didn’t speak the language I spoke or something. I began to retrace in my mind how I got there when the door opened and with no warning  Melchoir Dark strode in.

It had been a while since I saw him in daylight. He was usually sneaking into my bedroom at night.

He charged up to the bed with a smile on his face. He grabbed the girl by her thinning hair and dragged her off the bed so hard it left  blonde strands in his hands. She fell to the floor in a pile and he took a hold of her hair again.

“Doesn’t this feel nice ? Don’t you love it ?,” He taunted her as he dragged her by her hair to the corner and practically threw her against the wall. She curled up in the corner with her hands on her head. I heard her faintly whispering the words Dark had just spoken.

He then walked up to me and sat next to me on the bed. My insides curled up in repulsion.

“What have you done?,” I asked, “Am I in Elysia--,”

“Elysia ?,” he said, ”Oh, come now Rin. That is so formal. Call it the Underworld or better yet . . .call it Hell. I like the way that sounds. That’s a word the humans taught me.”

“I can’t believe you did this,” I said

“Neither can I.” he replied

“Where are my clothes ?,”

“With your useless body,” he explained. “ Shades are always  nude. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”

Shade.

So it was true.

I was a shade.

 A ghost.

 Which meant  . . .

I was dead.

 Except, I was still conscious and in whole form.

I noticed the sword in his hands.

“So, you intend to rip my shade to shreds. If you can’t have me no one can ?”

“Relax, angel. Cronus is only reserved for one person.” He said wiping the sword, with the bed sheet” This is a ‘I can have you situation’. You wouldn’t join me, not even give me a chance so I had to force you.”

He stared at me his eyes were dead.

“Who is the other girl?,” I asked,” A former  piece of your collection of beautiful things ?,”

“Never.” He said,” I call that thing  Echo.”

“Thing ? She looks like a person to me--,”

“Echo ? Not really.”

“I don’t think that is her given name,” I said.

“It’s not but, I really don’t care to remember what it’s other name is.”

He opened a small chest on the bed side table. It was filled with gold coins. He picked up a coin and threw it at the girl. It hit her shoulder and she turned towards Dark.

“Echo ! Tell Rin how you like being called Echo. Tell her you don’t deserve a real name because you are a useless piece of shit,” Dark commanded in a teasing voice.

“I . . . I-I’m a useless piece of shit . . .,” she said in a barely audible whispered.

I was absolutely disgusted at his treatment of the girl, but I was seeing a pattern.

“She echoes everything she hears,” I said, “ How is that possible ? How do you make her do that ?”

“It is late.” He said getting up,” There are many things, I can tell you later.”

“I’m not done with you--,” I said as he headed for the door

“Now, it is my turn to make you wait,” he taunted

“DARK!,” I shouted."DARK !"

He walked to the door and turned down the lantern.

“Welcome to Hell, darling.”

 -----

The plot thickens !

So, little fact. When I first dreamt up this serial, this was supposed to be the first chapter. . .