Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Beauty and the Beast or it's characters.
However Cassiana and Jordan are mine.
The Cassiana Chronicles
Chapter 1 – A Hope For The Future
Prologue
My name is Cassiana. I was born below in the tunnels, but went to live above some
years ago. It was a sudden, unexpected departure. And I left many puzzled people
behind me, including Father, Vincent and Devin. Especially Devin. Only Narcissa
knew the real reason for my going above. Narcissa and I are of a kind. We both
see and know things that others do not. Things that have been and things that are
yet to be are laid out for us to read. Mostly it is a gift, although sometimes and
unwelcome one.
I saw what would come to pass if I stayed below, and so I left, and forged a new
life for myself above. But I never forgot.
Recently I had a visit from a stranger. Someone I'd only ever met in my dreams.
And now, as a result of that visit, I'm going home again. Home to pass on
messages, and hopefully to bring hope and light back where there is only darkness
and grief. Home to my family, and the only man I've ever really loved.
The woman entered the park and looked around, familiarising herself with her
surroundings. Nothing much had changed since she last stood there. On the
surface things were the same, but she wondered what changes awaited her
below. Smiling to herself she continued on her way. There was no real need
for her to wonder. She already knew everything that had happened in her
absence, to the place she still called home. She'd seen it in her dreams, and in
the inner part of herself that always knew.
Stepping into the drainage tunnel she picked up a piece of rock and tapped a
message on the pipes. She knew it would be relayed immediately to Father's
chamber, and could just imagine the expression on his face when he heard.
She settled herself to wait, knowing exactly who Father would send to meet
her. Very soon she heard footsteps, and found herself holding her breath as
she watched the iron door slide open to reveal a cloaked figure. He was
taller then when they'd last met. But with his unique looks there was no
mistaking him. Besides, she could never forget those piercing blue eyes.
"Vincent!" She exclaimed, a joyous smile spreading across her face.
"Cassiana! Is it really you?" He said, his voice almost a whisper.
"Have I changed so much Vincent, that you no longer recognise me?" She asked.
"I would know you anywhere. It is just that your visit is so unexpected. We had
not idea. But it is fortunate that you are here now. Devin is also visiting us."
"I know." She said.
"Ah yes, your gift." Vincent replied, nodding his understanding. "Is Devin the
reason you are here?"
"No, although it will be wonderful to catch up with him again. I have another
reason for being here, but that can wait. I'm longing to see Father and everyone
again."
"Then we should go. Father I'm sure is pacing his chamber in anticipation of
your arrival. But Devin doesn't know of your return. He is above. Doing
whatever it is that Devin does when he goes above. He has been gone all day."
Cassi could hear the concern in her companions voice, so she replied. "Don't
worry about him Vincent. I know that he'll be fine. He'll be back for dinner."
"Your gift allows you to know this?" Vincent asked.
She nodded. "Can I lead the way to Father's chamber. To see if I still remember
how to get there."
"Is there any doubt?"
Cassi laughed. "Humour me Vincent. But feel free to tell me if I do go wrong."
"We both know that is not even remotely possible, but I will humour you.
Lead on then, Father awaits us."
They walked in companionable silence. Cassi expertly finding her way through
tunnels which were as familiar to her as the back of her hand, even though she
had not travelled them in many years. And it was cassi who finally broke the
silence, just before they reached Father's chamber.
"How is your son Vincent?"
Vincent didn't miss a step, buy she felt his eyes on her as he replied.
"He is very well."
"Good. His mother will be pleased."
"His mother's dead." Vincent snarled. His pain evident in his tone.
"I know that. But you of all people should realise that death is not the end. We
just move on. It's not the easy being left behind though, is it Vincent?"
He did not answer, but the tears in his eyes spoke volumes.
"Father's chamber is just ahead." Cassi said, changing the subject completely,
and then adding almost to herself. "I'm so glad I do still remember."
She turned to Vincent before continuing. "Are you able to go in, or shall we
wait awhile."
"I am ready." He said.
Cassi smiled and hugged him. "You go in first, so I can hide behind you and
remember everything as I see it again."
He nodded, but when he started forward she called his name, then waited until
he was facing her again before she said quietly.
"Though lovers be lost. Love shall not. And death shall have no dominion."
Vincent froze as he heard her words, and it was after all, Cassi who entered Father's
chamber first.
As Vincent had predicted, Jacob Wells was indeed pacing, and muttering. He
always muttered when he was worried Cassi remembered fondly. He didn't notice
her standing in the door way watching him, he just muttered every few seconds,
obviously awaiting her arrival. Finally she took pity on him and spoke his name.
The old man raised his head, and with surprising agility he crossed the chamber to
meet her.
"Cassiana. How wonderful to see you again. Let me look at you. You are well?"
She gave him a reassuring hug. "Don't worry Father. I'm not here because I'm ill.
I just needed to come home for a while." The real reasons for her visit were for
Vincent's and perhaps Devin's ears alone for the moment.
"Where is Vincent? Did he not meet you?"
"I am here Father." Vincent replied as he entered the chamber. "I did not leave
Cassiana to traverse the tunnels alone, but I could easily have done so. She lead
me here."
Father chuckled at this piece of news. "I'm glad you still remember us my dear."
"How could I ever forget. You're my family and these tunnels are my home."
"Then why did you stay away so long."
"I had my reasons Father. But I'm back now."
"You are staying then?" Father asked, his eyes eagerly searching her face.
"For a while." Came her quiet reply.
"Bah, now you sound like Devin. Did you know that he is visiting us also?"
Cassi nodded.
"Where is he Vincent?" Father asked, turning to his other son. "I haven't seen
him all day."
"Above Father. Cassiana informs me he will return for dinner." Vincent
responded, with just a touch of humour in his voice.
"You have seen him then?"
"No Father. The last time I saw Devin was the day I left to live above." Cassi
replied, a hint of sadness in her voice, which only Vincent's sharp ears detected.
But he held his tongue, he was still reeling from Cassiana's earlier words outside
the chamber.
"Then how do you know...Ah, of course, old fool that I am, I was forgetting your
gift."
Once again Cassi nodded saying. "I am aware of every important event that has
happened here since I left Father. Images come to me in my dreams while I sleep
and in my thoughts while I am awake."
"It is indeed an extra-ordinary talent you possess Cassiana. One to be used well and
not squandered, I think." Father replied, although his understanding in this area was
limited.
"I try Father."
"Of course you do. Now how about some tea."
"I will go." Vincent replied rising.
"Sit down Vincent. I'll do it. I might bump into someone who remembers me."
Cassi interrupted.
"If that happens, you will strike up a conversation and the tea will never reach us."
Vincent observed, a wicked gleam in his blue eyes.
"I will not let you wind me up Vincent Wells, so there." Cassi replied, sticking her
nose in the air and sweeping regally out of the chamber.
The sound of Vincent and Father's laughter followed her along the tunnel, and a
warm feeling spread through her entire body. She was home, and she was safe with
her family. Her real purpose for visiting could be pushed to the back of her mind,
not forgotten, just lying dormant, for a short time at least.
Far below, in rarely used tunnels, a lone figure stood, her head raised, her sightless
eyes seeing everything.
"It is time child." She said. "It is time to tell what has been hidden, and what needs
to be said. Welcome home."
On her way to the kitchen, Cassi felt the words of her old friend, and smiled
nodding her head slightly in acknowledgement. She had been foolish to think that
she could delay her quest here below. As Narcissa had said it was time. Many
people's happiness rested on her shoulders. It was an immense responsibility, but
one she welcomed. It was time. Things did need to be said, and they would be.
On entering the kitchen chamber she saw the impressive figure of the tunnels cook
peeling potatoes at the long wooden table. They had never met. He had joined the
tunnel community after she had moved above. She of course knew of him, but
strangely had never been able to connect with him in any way at all. He was an
honest man though she was sure, and a very stong ally of Vincent's.
She cleared her throat to alert him of her presence before greeting him with a
simple, "Hello William."
He looked at her blankly for a few moments before realization showed on his face,
and he said. "You must be Cassiana." It was a statement not a question.
She smiled warmly. "News always did travel fast on the pipes."
"Still does." William added, immediately taking to the young woman standing
before him. "And always will do if Pascal had any say in the matter. Is there
something I can get you?"
"Could I have some tea, for myself, Vincent and Father, please. I would make it,
but I'm sure things have been changed around since I was last in here." Cassi replied.
"They have." William said bluntly. "But if you want to help, you could continue
with the potatoes while I make the tea myself."
"Ok." Cassi said, and got to work.
As Cassi was leaving the kitchen chamber with the tea things a few moments later
she felt a slight tingling in her back, just like someone was running their fingers
down her spine. She smiled and turned back into the chamber saying.
"Could I take another cup please William? I do believe that Devin has returned
from above."
William, being William, did not ask how she knew this, just raised his eyebrows
slightly as he handed her a cup.
As she made her way back to Father's chamber, Cassi let her mind drift back to
the last time she had seen Devin Wells. It was more years ago than she cared to
remember, but she did remember. However hard she tried to forget, the years
always rolled back and the memory of that last day below returned to haunt her.
The passing years had in no way diminished the pain she felt on the day she had
cruelly wrenched herself away from everyone and everything she had ever known
and loved forever, or so she thought until a few days ago when a visit from a
stranger had changed everything once again.
Having reached the chamber, she didn't immediately enter but stood watching its
occupants. And as all three had their back to her she could spy on them
undetected. A faint smile touched her lips at the thought of Father's face if he
knew he was being spied on again. Many years ago he had been furious when
some very disgruntled people had complained that she, along with Devin had
been spying on them. As if thinking about him had acted like a magnet, her eyes
were drawn towards Devin, who at that exact same moment turned so that his
face was visible to her. She gasped, the onslaught of emotions at seeing him hit
her like a blow and she took a step back into the shadows so he wouldn't see her.
She took a few deep breaths to clear her mind, so it was some moments before
she realised from the stunned look on Devin's face that they had been talking
about her. His next words confirmed this.
"You mean she's back. She's here?"
Now that her earlier emotions were firmly in check, she felt confident enough to
step forward into the chamber and answer his questions herself, with a simple,
"Yes I'm here."
He whirled around at the sound of her voice. And they stood looking at each other
for what seemed like an eternity before Devin spoke.
"Cass." He said, the wonder in his voice audible, and tears filled his eyes as he
came towards her, took the tea things out of her hands, placed them on a nearby
stack of books, and gathered her into his arms, saying as he did so. "Welcome
Home."
It was m ore than she could have hoped for, and more than she could bear. With a
sob she put her own arms around him and whispered. "Thank you." Knowing he
would understand the meaning of those two simple words.
In all the times she had tried to see this meeting in her mind the outcome had never
been made known to her. So she had expected Devin to be resentful, hostile even,
when he saw her again. But all she felt from him was happiness and love. That he
could still love her after all these years filled her with a joy so deep it left her
breathless, or could that be the outcome of having Devin's very physical presence
so close to her.
On the other side of the chamber Father looked at Vincent, raised his eyebrows
and inclined his head slightly to indicate that perhaps they should leave.
Vincent was just about to nod his agreement, when out of the corner of his eye he
saw the slight figure of a woman standing by the staircase leading up to Father's
library. He turned to see who had entered the chamber without announcing
herself, and his eyes widened in shocked disbelief. It was...not it couldn't be...
The woman smiled at him and faded.
"Catherine!" Her name exploded from his throat, and he slumped into a nearby
chair.
Two of the chambers occupants rushed over to him, believing him to be ill. The
third just smiled.
"You ok Vincent?"
"Are you ill my boy?" Father and Devin both asked together.
"It was Catherine." Vincent gasped. "She was here, over there." He indicated with
his hand. "She was standing by the steps."
"Are you sure?" Devin asked.
"Of course I'm sure." Vincent snarled, rising from the chair to agitatedly pace the
chamber. "I know what I saw Devin." He continued glaring at his brother.
"Maybe you saw what your heart wanted to see Vincent." Father replied quietly.
Vincent turned to face him and actually growled at the old man, who didn't so much
as flinch. But Devin jumped up and stepped between his father and his brother. He
didn't for a second think that Vincent would hurt Father, but he knew that his
brother's sense of guilt at the growl alone would be so great, he felt it prudent to
step in when he did.
The sight of Devin standing before him seemed to calm Vincent slightly, and he
took a deep breath saying.
"I'm sorry Father, forgive me." He paused and waited for Father to give his
forgiveness before he whispered quietly. "I did see her."
Cassi chose this moment to step forward and link her arm through his. "What
Vincent says is correct." She said. "Catherine was here."
Although she smiled up at him, her words were more directed at the others. But
it was Vincent who spoke first.
"You saw her too?"
"Yes, I was expecting her."
"You were expecting her?" Vincent gasped.
"Yes." Cassi said again. "Perhaps we should talk Vincent."
"Perhaps we should." He replied.
"Your Chamber?"
Vincent nodded, then looked over at Father and Devin. "If you will excuse us
Father."
"Of course. Of course." Father responded, not at all sure what was happening.
"What do you make of that?" Devin asked after Vincent and Cassi had left the
chamber.
"I don't know Devin." Father replied. "But I think that the reason for Cassiana's
visit below is far more complex than we had imagined it to be."
As Cassi and Vincent entered his chamber Mary rose to meet them. She had been
watching over baby Jacob, who was whimpering in his crib.
"He's hungry." Mary said as she saw Vincent casting anxious glances at his son.
"I was just about to take him for his meal."
"Then please do not let us hold you up Mary. This is Cassiana. She is visiting for
a while."
"Pleased to meet you. I've heard so much about you." Mary replied, as she lifted
the baby from his crib.
"Oh he's adorable." Cassi said.
On hearing a new voice Jacob's whimpering stopped, and he fixed his brilliant blue
eyes, (so like his father's), on Cassi, then he smiled and reached out his arms to her.
Cassi glanced at Vincent awaiting his permission to take the baby from Mary.
Vincent nodded, and Mary handed Jacob over. The little boy giggled delightedly
and started and animated conversation with her in baby talk.
"He likes you." Vincent said.
"I like him." Cassi replied.
"Da Da." Jacob cooed, pointing at Vincent. "Da Da."
"Yes Little Man. Daddy's here." Vincent said, taking his son into his own arms.
"But now you must go with Mary for your dinner."
At the mention of dinner Jacob seemed to remember that he was hungry and
started to whimper again.
"He's beautiful Vincent." Cassi said as she watched Mary take the baby again and
leave the chamber. "He has your eyes and his mother's smile. Have you noticed
that?" She continued.
"Everything about him reminds me of Catherine. There are no words Cassiana to
describe how much I love my son."
Cassi reached over to take her friends hands in her own before looking up into his
eyes and saying.
"Catherine loves him too. And she loves you. That's why I'm here Vincent. That's
why I came back."
Vincent's eyes searched Cassi's face and finally after a long silence he spoke.
"I do not understand." His voice was desperate.
"A few days ago I was visited by Catherine's spirit. The way you saw her in Father's
chamber today. She's worried about you Vincent. She believes that you have given
up. That you...want to die. Is she right Vincent? Do you want to die?"
He raised his head and she saw the all consuming despair in his eyes. Taking a deep,
shuddering breath he started to speak.
"I can not live without her. She was my life Cassiana. And now she had gone so
has my life, and any desire I had to live has gone too. Every day I awake full of
joy because in my dreams while I slept she has returned to me. And then I
remember and the emptiness returns. I have nothing to live for."
"You have your son Vincent. And if you die he will die also."
"NO!" Vincent cried.
"Yes. The bond you once shared with Catherine, you now share with your son.
Do you feel it Vincent?" He nodded slightly and she continued. "If you die then
he will know. He will feel the way you do now, that he has no one, and he will
die too. Is that what you want?"
"No, Jacob must live. He is the future. He must live Cassiana. He must."
"Then start fighting this despair you feel Vincent. Fight for yourself and Jacob's
future. It's what Catherine wants you to do."
"But to spend the rest of my days without Catherine is unbearable to me."
Vincent said. "How can I fight without her here with me."
"She is with you Vincent, don't you see that. She appeared to you today, so that
you would believe what I am saying. She has always been with you. Search your
heart Vincent. Search for the bond you once felt. It never left you. You closed the
door on it. When Catherine died, you thought that was the end, but it wasn't. Death
isn't the end of the journey, it's a bend in the road. The journey continues, and we
continue with it. Search your heart and know that I am speaking the truth. Do it
Vincent. Do it now."
Vincent rose from the chair in which he had been sitting. "I must go away." He
said. "I must go away to think, and to be alone."
"You will never be alone Vincent. Catherine will always be with you no matter
where you go. But do tell Father before you leave or he will worry about you."
Vincent nodded. "Come Cassiana, I will tell him now. Perhaps while I am away
you can reconcile your relationship with Devin."
"Oh Vincent. Do you think I can. After all this time?"
"With love all things are possible Cassiana."
"Good words that you should also remember Vincent."
Again he nodded and they both left the chamber to return to Father's.
Father was not at all happy about Vincent going off by himself. But he realised that
this was something that his son had to do, so he gave his blessing.
Just before Vincent set forth on his journey Cassi pulled him aside for a moment
saying.
"Vincent, on your way down will you drop in on Narcissa for me and tell her I'll
be along to see her soon."
"Which really means that you wish me to visit her." Vincent stated.
"Do I?"
"Narcissa would not need to be told that you intend to see her Cassiana, she would
just know."
"I don't know what you mean Vincent." Cassi replied grinning at him. "Will you
visit her?"
"Yes of course I will."
"I'm glad. She is expecting you."
Vincent gave her a hard stare, but said nothing.
"Thank about what I said Vincent." Cassi continued. "And do not take Narcissa
lightly. Her words are wise."
Vincent hugged Cassi to him. "I am beginning to understand now." He said. "I
can feel Catherine's presence with me again. Only faintly, but I can feel it."
"Then believe what you feel. To believe in something creates miracles Vincent.
Believe in the love you share, and all things will be possible."
She saw the shimmer of tears in his eyes as he turned away to begin his journey,
and she knew that he was indeed starting to believe.
Turning herself she came face to face with Devin, who smiling took her hand.
"Can we talk?" He asked. She nodded unable to speak.
"At the waterfall?" She nodded again.
They made their way to the enormous cavern that housed one of the most magical
of the tunnel world's treasures, and as they arrived Cassi drew in her breath at the
sight before her.
"I'd forgotten how magnificent this place is." She said.
"Whenever I come home. I'm drawn here." Devin replied.
"So you still think of the tunnel's as your home?" She asked him.
"Don't you?"
"Yes. The reasons that took me above never diminished the love that I have for the
place I grew up in or the people I once knew there."
She could see by the expression on this face that he understood what she was telling
him.
"Cass, I've never stopped loving you. Not for a single second. I searched for you.
When I went above I searched every face I passed hoping that one of them would
be yours. But none of them were. I kept telling myself to give up, but part of me
never could. I've travelled to so many places for so many different reasons, but the
real reason for all of my trips was that I was trying to find you."
"Oh Devin." Cassi whispered. "My gift let me see the places you visited and it
let me know when you were well and when you were sick. But it never let me
see inside your heart. It never let me know how you still felt about me. If I'd known
maybe things could have been different."
"Maybe things still can be." Devin said, taking her hands in his once more. "Do
you still love me Cassi?"
"Yes Devin." She replied. "I still love you."
She saw him exhale the breath he did not know he had been holding and watched
as he slowly moved forwards to place a kiss on her waiting lips. A magical kiss,
made more so because she had thought the time for kisses between them had
passed long ago.
After what seemed like hours but what must have been only seconds she pulled
away from him, her face serious.
"Devin, before you get in too deep here there's something you should know."
"Tell me." He whispered.
"I have a daughter."
"Oh!" He replied, his hand dropped from where it had been caressing her neck, and
she could feel him mentally pulling away from her. A silent scream echoed inside
her head. She must make him understand.
"She's beautiful Devin. And she's going to be a doctor..."
"You must be proud of her." Devin interrupted.
"Oh I am." Cassi replied.
"Is her father proud too?"
Cassi's eyes opened wide at his words. Surely he didn't think...Oh he did. She
could see it in his eyes. Oh honestly men!
"Devin." She said, looking deep into those accusing eyes. "When I said I have
a daughter. What I really meant was that we have a daughter. You are her father
Devin. You!"
"What!" He almost yelled at her.
"You are her father Devin. I swear it's the truth."
"Is that why you went above? Because you were pregnant. Why didn't you just
tell me Cass? Why did you sneak off like that? Didn't you trust me?"
"Of course I trusted you. But my gift let me see that if I stayed below then the
baby would die. She was very ill just after she was born Devin. We were in the
hospital for months. If I'd stayed below she would have died. I had to decide
quickly. I was young and scared and I had to save my baby's life. Don't you see
that I had no choice."
Again it was his eyes that gave him away. She could see that he did understand.
But he wasn't going to give up that easily.
"Why didn't you come back when the baby was healthy again? Why did you
stay away?"
"I wanted to Devin, really I did. But the longer I stayed away the harder it was for
me to return. And then I discovered that you had left the tunnels. After that there
was no reason for me to return."
"What's her name?" Devin asked quietly.
"Jordan. Jordan Wells."
"You gave her my surname."
"Of course I did. You're her father."
"Does she know about me?"
"Yes. And about the tunnels. She has the gift too."
"Can I meet her?"
"Yes." Cassi replied smiling. "I'll get a message to her."
"Where does she live?" He asked curiously.
"Here, in New York."
Devin laughed. "In New York. I never really searched in New York. I didn't
think you'd stay in the city."
He laughed again. "I have a daughter." He yelled at the rushing waterfall. "I
have a daughter."
Turning back to Cassi he said. "Can you imagine Father's face when we tell him."
Cassiana laughed too, but not at the picture that came into her mind of Father's
face once he'd heard the news. She was laughing because Devin understood.
Because he was overjoyed that he had a daughter. Because he was here and
because they were together again.
"Come nearer Vincent." The voice came from the depths of the chamber, whose
entrance he was standing by.
"I am always astounded by your knowledge of who is visiting you Narcissa."
"I am blind child, but I still see. I see what troubles you. Return home. The
darkness is not for you. A young woman brings light."
"Cassiana?" Vincent asked.
"No another. Go now."
"Cassiana will visit you soon Narcissa." Vincent said, half expecting the delighted
cackle of laughter that Narcissa gave. "But then I'm sure you knew tthat." He
continued as he turned to go back along the tunnel he had just arrived by, although
he did not intend to return home just yet. The only answer he received was a fresh
burst of Narcissa's unique laughter.
To say that Father was stunned by the news that he had a grand-daughter was an
understatement. But one he'd recovered from the shock he seemed rather pleased
by the idea. And was looking forward to meeting Jordan almost as much as Devin
was, especially when he discovered she wanted to become a doctor.
Infact the tunnels were buzzing with the news of Devin's daughter, and all awaited
her arrival below with great anticipation.
On the day Jordan was to come below the anticipation had reached fever pitch.
Father was once again muttering agitatedly to himself and Cassi had been
trying to calm him down for the last hour.
"Father please. There really isn't any need to get so worked up. Jordan is your
grand-daughter. She has inherited the gift from me, and although you have never
met I know she feels very close to you. That is why she chose to become a doctor."
"Meeting my grand-daughter does not worry me in the slightest Cassiana. What
does is that Devin has not been seen by anyone all morning. Now I'm not saying
he's gone off anywhere..."
"Actually Father." Cassi interrupted. "He's gone to mee Jordan."
"He has?"
"Yes. Devin and I thought it would be good for them to meet alone first, before he
brings her below."
"You might have told me Cassiana. It would have saved me a lot of worry." Father
replied, leaning heavily on his cane as he made his way over to her.
"I'm sorry Father. I didn't think." Cassi said giving him a hug.
"No matter." He replied. "May I ask you a personal question my dear?"
"You can ask me anything Father, you know that."
"Will you and Devin get married?"
"We haven't discussed it Father. But I suppose we might do, eventually." Cassi
replied. And then added mischievously. "Oh by the way, Vincent's on his way
back."
Father looked at her aghast. "I don't think my old heart can take many more of these
sudden announcements."
"Oh nonsense Father, you're as strong as an Ox." Cassi said, a huge grin on her
face as the only reply she got was a very disgruntled "Hmph."
Up above in Central Park Devin stood by the Carousel waiting for his daughter.
He only had Cassi's brief description to identify her by, but apparantly she would
know him anyway. It was all very strange, and Devin was beginning to get
very nervous when he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned slowly. Standing
before him was a young woman who looked uncannily like him.
"Jordan?"
She nodded shyly, and they stood uncertainly sizing one another up for some time
before she smiled. She had her mother's smile. Suddenly she didn't seem a
stranger anymore, so he stretched out his arms to her and just before she threw
herself into them she said one word very quietly. And he couldn't be sure but he
thought that word was, Daddy.
Having returned and been told of all that had happened during his absence Vincent
was sitting, with Jacob on his knee, in Father's chamber when Devin brought
Jordan below. One look at Jordan's face was proof enough that she was indeed
Devin's daughter, not that he had ever doubted she was. Her existence explained
many things, not least her mother's sudden departure all those years ago.
He watched as she greeted Cassiana, they were obviously close, friends as well as
mother and daughter. And then she turned to face Father, her eyes shining. He
could not decide whether they usually glowed that way or whether tears were the
cause. But he suspected a little of both as he noticed that there were also tears in
Father's eyes as he greeted his grand-daughter for the first time. Then she turned
her attention on Vincent himself.
"You must be Uncle Vincent." She said, kneeling down beside the chair in which
he sat, and tickling Jacob, who chuckled in delight.
"Uncle?" Vincent inquired, ignoring the smirk which had appeared on Devin's face.
Well you are my Uncle, aren't you?"
She may look like Devin, but her voice and her manner were undoubtedly
Cassiana's, Vincent decided as he replied. "Yes in a way, I suppose I am."
Jordan sat back on her heels and studied him. Her close scrutiny made him a
little uncomfortable, but he endured this feeling as he knew she was merely curious
about her family.
"Wow!" She said finally. "You're even more magnificent than Mom said, or I
imagined you would be."
"Thank you." He replied.
"Uncle Vincent." Jordan said, her face serious. He noticed she glanced up at her
mother, who nodded, before continuing. "There's something I must say and you
may not want to hear it, but I think you need to."
"Tell me." He replied.
She took a deep breath before starting to speak. "I can feel Catherine with you
Uncle Vincent. Her presence is very strong. It's almost like she were standing
right here next to you."
Her words brought him pain, but he agreed with her that he did need to hear them,
so he said nothing and let Jordan continue.
"I feel that if I just reach out I could touch her." And she did. She reached out her
hand. And suddenly Catherine was there. The dazzling smile on her face took his
breath away as she said.
"And death shall have no dominion Vincent. Death shall have no dominion."
Then looking wistfully, but happily at her son she slowly faded.
Vincent continued to stare at the space she had just filled, until he realised that she
hadn't really left, he could still feel her. Once again he could feel the bond he and
Catherine shared as strongly as he ever had been able to. The realisation filled him
with an unbelievable joy. As he looked over at Cassiana and Jordan their
expressions told him that they too had witnessed the reunion. Jordan's face in
particular was radiant, and Narcissa's words came back to him.
"There is no darkness for you. A young woman brings light."
It was clear to him now that Jordan was that young woman, and she had indeed
brought the light with her. Not just into his life, but into all their lives. She
really was a child of the light. A hope for the future. As was his son. His and
Catherine's son. A hope for the future.