Nora's Point Of View:
I could feel the weight of the package in my hand, as if it were made of gold. I turned it over in my smooth palm once more, and scrutinised the seal.
It was red, tinted with hints of silver. A pair of silver lined wings behind a golden halo confirmed my worst fear. It was the Vendurians.
There had been many stories about this powerful family. It was nearly impossible to differentiate between the truth and the lies. They had contacts and spies across the globe, and you could never escape them no matter what. You could hide in the most secluded place on earth, and somehow they would still know your location. There were treacherous tales of their torture – they could rip off an angel's wing before the victim had a chance to defend themselves. You either agreed with them or became an enemy.
I slid a finger under the flap and dragged it across, breaking through the seal. I folded the flap back under the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper. It was smooth to the touch, the kind that screamed higher class, and the ink was a shining shade of silver. It glittered in the shards of sunlight that dotted the surrounding car park.
I cautiously handed the used envelope to Pepper, who was staring in awe at what was in my hands. On the paper read a message:
Patch and Nora,
We understand that the past few months have been difficult. However, an issue has arisen and, as you, Patch, are the final fallen angel, we look to you to complete the following task. The higher powers have been alerted to the presence of a suspicious being who is suspected to be another fallen angel. We are unsure at this moment in time, and this being has managed to remain under the radar for some time. The last known location of the suspect is a small town called Morganville. It will take a day's travel to reach your destination, and we would appreciate your return ASAP. Do not return without the suspected being. If left they could be dangerous! Leave at once.
Vendurians
I read this message several times before dropping my hands to my sides in exasperation. Pepper stared at me silently, the curiosity of what the letter held etched in his eyes. I handed it to him, and he read it over quickly before staring at me with wide eyes.
"You know you'll have to go, don't you? You can't refuse the Vendurians anything! What will you tell your family? What will you tell Patch?" The corners of his mouth began to tilt upwards slightly, as if he was mocking my situation.
"Well, I'll have to go, won't I? But we just bought the new apartment! We can't just leave it – who knows how long we'll be gone?! How do they expect us to drop everything and go? It's an outrage!" The volume of my voice slowly increased until I was shouting. Passing people stared at me as if I was crazy, but I didn't care. This was ridiculous.
"Keep your voice down – people are staring!" Pepper hissed, backing away from me slowly and flinging open the car door.
"Where do you think you're going? You're coming with us! You're our only link to these higher powers so I want you with me at all times! Pack a bag Pepper, and meet us at our new apartment in two hours – get ready for a road trip!" I cried. His mouth gaped in horror as he processed what I had just screeched at him, before nodding enthusiastically. I knew he wouldn't resist being right in the middle of this.
I watched as his car left the parking lot before resignedly turning back and heading for the boulevard.
How was I supposed to tell my mum? How was I supposed to tell Patch?
