Free Broken Wings (Hidden Wings Series Book Two) by Cameo Renae

Soon after, things started to happen. The man suddenly fell into an abundance of wealth, and while others around him contracted disease and sickness, he and his family remained healthy and well. He also knew when someone wanted to hurt or steal from him, because the Bloodstone would glow bright red, alerting him of their closeness. He believed that the stones held strong magical powers.
    “Rumors began to spread about the magic of the Bloodstones, and many outsiders tried steal them, so he hid them away, and told no one of their whereabouts. Not even his wife or his children. The man took the secret to his deathbed. But it’s been told, that right before he died, he was visited by an Angel. And it was to that Angel, that he whispered the secret hiding place of the Bloodstones.”
    “Wow. So how did you get it?” I whispered.
    “ As you probably know, I was also adopted. Right after birth I was taken from your grandmother, and secretly whisked away to a family who was chosen to raise me. They loved me as much as any parent could love a child, and gave me a happy, fulfilled life. Eventually, they both passed from illness.
    “But it was the day before my eighteenth birthday that I received this gift. W hen I returned home from school that afternoon, I found a small box placed atop my pillow. I questioned my parents, but they said they knew nothing about it. My mother had been home all day, and she said there were no visitors. But, someone had gone into my room and placed it there.”
    “When I opened the box this necklace was inside. Later, I found a small handwritten letter neatly folded and tucked into the bottom of the box. I read the letter a million times, memorizing every single word. It was from my father. My birth father.”
    She paused for a brief moment, and stared blankly at the amulet, still rubbing it between her fingers.
    I didn’t move and remained silent.
    “The note read...
    My dearest Alaine,
    I am so sorry that I have never had the pleasure of meeting my beautiful daughter in person. Please know this: I have always kept a watchful eye over you. Now that you will be turning eighteen, I wanted to present you with this gift. It is a small token of my love, on the day before your transformation.
    Do not be afraid of your gift, and as much possible, keep it secret. Human minds will never be able to comprehend it, and human hearts will be envious. One day, I will send someone to explain, but until then, remain steadfast to your own heart and discernments. They will, at most times, steer you in the right direction.
    The adornment is a Bloodstone of Christ, one of the rarest and most sacred of all amulets known to both men and Angels. This stone will give its wearer protection, power, and health. Wear it always my daughter, for there are many evils that abound in your world.
    There is a small mark on the back of your neck, which is the mark of your descent. Keep it hidden, especially from those who ask. Knowledge of this mark could lead to death.
    My wish is that fate will one day bring us together, for it has been a weighted burden upon my heart. There are many troubling and perplexing circumstances which have kept the distance between us, but always know this… I love you, and have always loved you, my beautiful Alaine.
    Keep safe,
    Your Father ”
    She stopped and then suddenly snapped from her trance.
    “So , you’ve never met your real father?” I questioned.
    “No,” she said sadly.
    “Do you know his name?”
    “No,” she repeated . 
    “I can’t take this from you,” I said, unhooking the chain from my neck.
    “Yes , you can, Emma. I am giving this to you as a gift, from a mother to her only daughter. This is for your seventeenth birthday gift. I am no longer in need of it, but you will need it, especially where you are going,” she said. She refastened the amulet to my neck, and then took me in her arms and hugged me tightly. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her back.
    “Thank