Free Descent (A Hidden Wings Novella: Prequel) by Cameo Renae Page B

ever need me.”
    Alaine’s eyes flooded with tears. She kissed her precious daughter on the forehead, breathed in her scent, and handed her over to the midwife.
    She carried the child to Samuel, and placed her in his arms. His eyes sparkled as he stared at his daughter’s beautiful face. He leaned down and pressed his lips on her cheek, whispered something into her little ear. Then, he gave her one last kiss goodbye.
    Abigail headed toward them, and Samuel carefully handed her the child. She turned one last time to Alaine, but Alaine was curled up, sobbing. Her heart was breaking, her body aching.
    Samuel sadly gave Abigail a nod, so she quickly took the baby---so innocent, so oblivious to the dangers of the dark world around her---and fled into the night.
    T he next few months were very difficult for both Samuel and Alaine. Alaine was hard to console at first, but it was Samuel’s constant love and commitment which helped to pull her together. 
    Although their daughter was now in the loving care of Victoria and Christian, there could be no physical contact and very limited correspondence. This was to assure that the Fallen would have no leads or connections to the Wise family, and keep them safe.
    But Abigail Reed did find out the name she was given. Her name was Emma. Emma Wise. The day Alaine learned Emma’s name, it took residence in her heart and mind, and there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t think about her.
    Her heart ached knowing she would miss watching her grow, cutting her first tooth, taking her first step, and saying her first word. But if all that heartache meant that Emma would be safe, then it was worth it.
     
     

 
     
    Chapter Ten
    The Tragedy
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Samuel:
    My inner voice was warning me that someone had found out about my relationship with Alaine. I just hoped with all my being that they didn’t find out about Emma.
    I had no doubt that Alaine could take care of herself, especially with her gift of invisibility. I taught her everything I knew about Angels and the Fallen, and how to recognize the signs when either was near. That gave her an edge, and a fighting chance of survival.
    But our daughter was helpless. There was no way a ny mortal who surrounded her could win a battle with an Immortal, or live to tell about it.
    But I was curious. Why would they send two of their best to collect me ? I wasn’t afraid to die. Death had no sting, especially to many of the Fallen who wished for it.
    I no longer wished for death.
    I had finally found happiness, and found the one my heart had been searching for my entire existence. The one I wanted to share the rest of my eternity with…regardless if we were star-crossed lovers sharing one forbidden love.
    “Samuel.” My though ts were broken as Abaddon spoke my name.
    I nodded and let them take me.
    W e entered the porthole into the Underworld, a place I never pleasured in returning to. Desolate. Dry. Dead. The ground was parched, and steam rose from large crevices within its surface. Not one sign of life. A colorless, foul, cursed world, much like most of the hearts that dwelt here.
    Althou gh I was one of the Fallen, I preferred to stay in the mortal world as to not become too accustomed to this one. Regret of past decisions was a heavy weight to bear, and I was doomed to spend an eternity carrying it.
    As Abaddon and Apollyon flew me east towards Montem Mortis, the Mount of Death, I realized I was in grave danger. This was the place traitors and those who disregarded the laws, were brought for execution.
    I couldn’t help but notice the corpses of all my Fallen brothers on the rocks below. Bones of some I knew personally. Some who stood up against this senseless war and wanted it to end. They were executed because of it. This leadership was tyrannical: wanting to make war when there was no cause for one.
    Hum ans had a choice. It was something given to them. We, on the other hand, did not.  
    We soared