Refracted (The Celadon Circle Book 2) (31 page)

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Authors: Nicole Storey

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“I do have news,” Gabe said. He motioned to the empty spot beside Ivy on the couch. “Please, Aamon, sit down. As far as we know, she is okay. Lucifer won’t harm her – he needs her to help him fight this war.”

“But he will, especially if she refuses to do his bidding!” Aamon took a deep breath. Quinn could tell he was trying to pull it together but the demon’s eyes moved wildly around the room, jumping from one person to another. “You know Jordan,” he said to no one in particular. “She’s strong, independent. Can you imagine her reaction when Lucifer demands she give her blood, shed her morals, and help him take over the universe? He’ll have to resort to violence. She won’t give him a choice.”

He sank onto the couch, limp and lifeless. Quinn could imagine the demon slipping between the cushions. Ivy put her arms around her father, shushing him like one would an upset child. She had taken on the role of parent.

“You’re forgetting one thing, Aamon.” Nathan spoke from his place near the door. “Jordan is a
Paladin
with powers second only to God. If Lucifer pushes too hard, she’ll reduce him to a crimson puddle at her feet.” He turned to their uncle, who was clearly shaken by the talk of torture. Case’s hat had turned into a misshapen lump of material he twisted back and forth in his hands. Nathan took it away before he could ruin it completely and then curse half the night about the loss of his most favorite object. “Let’s not look for trouble where there may not be any. We have enough to deal with as it is.”

When Gabe had their full attention, he pulled at his collar and took a sheet of paper from his pocket. He glanced at Xander, then cleared his throat twice. Quinn wondered why he was so nervous.

“Well, um…as you all know, Yasen has been searching diligently for any notes on
Paladins
that he might have in his possession. Today, he found something.”

Gabriel unfolded the paper with clumsy hands. Dread settled in the pit of Quinn’s stomach.
God, we don’t need any more bad news
, he thought.

“I wrote down the information and think it would be best if I read it verbatim. These words were written by my Father.” Gabe cleared his throat once more and began.

“There cannot be Good without Evil. It is a delicate balance that must be maintained. At times, one grows greater than the other. It has become increasingly more difficult to recover that balance when it is lost. Every event in our past has led up to this moment – this incredible war.

“I knew Jordan would face many trials and tribulations and would need guidance. I sent for one of my most trusted angels, and Samuel did come. I requested of him the greatest sacrifice an angel can make; I asked him to fall. Samuel agreed and went to Earth. Per my instructions, he waited for a specific vessel – a woman who was corrupt, for she had lain with a demon and sold her soul for riches and fame. Samuel possessed this woman and passed his grace to her unborn child.

He remains on Earth, for his job is not yet finished.

“On the night the child was born, a demon arrived to claim the woman’s soul. Her son’s birth, and her death, happened within seconds of each other. Eventually, the child came to live with Evil but does not hold evil within his heart.

“I explained to Samuel that one day this boy will come to him for answers. He will know what to say when that time comes.”

Gabe stopped reading and the room suddenly came alive again. Everyone spoke at once.

Who was the child?

What did it all mean?

Uncle Case whistled loudly and called for silence.

“Is there more, Gabe?” he asked.

The angel nodded, his eyes travelling back to the page. In a shaky voice, he concluded,

“
The child shall be known as Xander. He is the first
Paladin
, Jordan’s equal, and the only one capable of saving her soul
.”

And the prophecy says:
The
Paladin’s
soul must be lifted from darkness by her equal in order for her to descend. Only then can the war be ended.

Acknowledgements

It takes more than an author with a keyboard and an idea to complete a book. In regards to
Refracted
, it took an entire village – and my part was made much easier by these wonderfully talented, caring individuals. I’m so blessed to have you in my corner, and honored to call you my friends. Love you bunches!

To Donna Bossert: thank you for the late-night phone chats when I couldn’t find my way from point A to point B. Your insight, humor, and brilliant ideas kept me from a padded cell and fashionable jacket with buckles down the back.

To Leland Dirks: many thanks and hugs for your unyielding support and help with my work. You always believe in me, even when I don’t.

To Grace Guerra: my books would be ideas and nothing more if it weren’t for your encouragement and love. Thank you for being the sister I’ve always wished for.

To Team Refracted: I couldn’t ask for better beta readers! Your patience, honesty, and enthusiasm are what kept me focused and motivated. Jeannine Verderosa, Grace Schrieffer, Donna Bossert, Grace Guerra, Courtney Rhoda, Mandy White, Sherry Molteni, Mandy Moore, Sandee Barry, and Cheryl Morton, I hope we have many more adventures together!

To the Books Untamed Posse: thank you for your love, guidance, and friendship. I’m blessed to be included in this writing circle.

To Gary Ray Anderson: words can’t express how much I appreciate your support. Thank you for sharing my books with others.

To Mark Johnson: thank you for naming my antagonist. “Illyria” was perfect for a beautiful angel with murderous streak. LOL!

To Yvonne Hertzberger: I’m stubborn, I know. Thank you for your time and wisdom.

To Sean Sweeney, Rich Meyer, and Terry Simpson: I love you guys! Thanks so much for your support, humor, and big hearts.

To Silviya Yordanova: as always, thank you for the amazing cover art. You never disappoint!

To Hubby and our Children (of the corn): times will always be hard for us. Thank you for never suggesting that I go out and get a “real job.” I love you to the moon and back!

And last, but
never
least on my list, to my readers: thank you for giving my books wings to fly.

Until next time,

Nicole

June, 2015

About the Author

Nicole Storey lives in Georgia with her amazing husband, two prodigious children, and three spoiled cats. When she isn’t travelling to distant lands with potty-mouthed pixies or fighting demons, she conspires with angels to keep the world safe from Evil.

Nicole is an award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of juvenile fantasy and young adult urban fantasy books.

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Thank you for reading
Refracted
(The Celadon Circle Book Two). If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review where you bought it and also on Goodreads. (
https://www.goodreads.com/
).

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Nicole greatly appreciates her readers. You can connect with her at these links:

Website and Blog:
http://www.nicolestoreyauthor.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/nicolestoreyfans

Twitter: @Nicole_Storey
https://twitter.com/Nicole_Storey

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5155575.Nicole_Storey

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Storey/e/B005J8CKPG/

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Other books by Nicole:

Grimsley Hollow Series

The Chosen One
(Grimsley Hollow Book One)

Eve of the Beginning
(Grimsley Hollow Book Two)