I hope you enjoy the first chapter, please do let me know what you all think!

Love Never Dies,

Bella

Chapter 1

x

Bitter Departures

Day 1

The wind blows Daniel's golden hair in a frenzied tornado, a pair of sunglasses blocking the violet that colors over his dull gray eyes, and the downed roof of the sleek black classic Alfa Romeo flaps in the back. An alto voice flowing from the radio, a steady beat that Daniel rhythmically taps his fingers to. He was driving to San Diego International Airport from Reno, Nevada after picking up the car. It was bittersweet to see the car again, knowing that it had belonged to Lucinda a couple lifetimes ago, and she would be able to see it again as well.

During Daniel's hunting trip with Cam, he had convinced Cam to allow him to drive Luce to Shoreline – One last meeting before their bond ended in eighteen days. He wasn't quite ready to tell Luce, nor was he ready to not see her for two and a half weeks. Daniel had missed her deeply since their departure at Sword & Cross after the battle, after she saw him fully again, and after the fact that Cam had told him – This was it, this would be her final lifetime. One mistake, and she could be gone, forever.

Daniel had been waiting for weeks to see his love again, her presence only filling his now-soothing dreams and his memories. Did she miss him? Of course she did. Daniel made a hard turn right, sliding into the trafficked airport parking lot. After taking several minutes to find a parking spot, Daniel steps out of the Alfa Romeo, leaving his sunglasses tucked under the seat, and heads for the doors of the airport.

His eyes studies the crowd, in hopes to see Lucinda – But nothing, no shudder nor the burning sensation that arose in him when she was near. He glances up at the board, checking the Arrival board that hung above. The text glows in yellow neon, until his eyes lock on Luce's flight – She was to be arriving in no more than fifteen minutes. Daniel's heart picks up pace and a small smile slides over his face. He would see her soon.

Daniel settles in a one of the uncomfortable hard plastic gray chairs in the front row, putting his head in his head and tapping his foot impatiently. He couldn't stay still, a anxiousness filling his heart and deciding to pace around the baggage carousel. Daniel paces for several minutes before making his way back to the dull gray plastic rows of chairs and sitting next to the automatic doors, running his fingers through his tousled hair.

Then that cool yet warming sensation scorches through his bones, goosebumps rising along his skin, and his gray-violet speckle eyes glisten. She was here. Daniel looks up from his hands and there she was. Her short dark hair was untamed, a black-on-black outfit hugging her body, and her hazel eyes were locked on his. Daniel's ample lips twists upward into a gleaming smile, and she took off running for him. Daniel quickly stands and strides forward and catches her into his arms, holding her tightly. Her head buries into his chest, exhaling heavily as if a bunch of tension had been relieved off her shoulders – Daniel blissfully sighs along, he couldn't help but understand exactly how she felt. It had felt as if they hadn't seen each other years, and their reunion here was possibly the last one for the next eighteen days.

Luce's head tilts upward, their gazes meeting, and Daniel leans down and their lips collide. Their lips wove against each other like ivy grew on a branch, never tearing away. Smooth and graceful like water, it was love that shines between them. Daniel still wasn't over the beautiful idea that he could kiss her whenever he wishes in this life, with no worry, no last minute urgency – He was able to finally relax. His lips were warm and soft, melting against Luce's and his arms tightening around her, pulling her body closer to his. Luce pinches his bicep, perhaps accidentally, but Daniel could care less, they were both in an enchanting lip lock.

After a moment, their kiss broke and Daniel buries his nose into her hair, sighing contently before whispering, "You're here,"

"You're here."

"We're both here." The two then join in laughter and Daniel draws back, his lips placing sweet kisses along her face and on her lips. But, after a moment of their soft laughter and kissing, Luce emits a sniffle. Daniel presses his forehead against her's and kisses her nose softly. He could understand, it was emotional finally seeing each other after their short separation. Daniel could see that it was hard on her, she had missed him just as much as he missed her. But, he didn't want her to be crying with their last few hours together.

"I know," Daniel's smooth and consoling voice utters, stroking her back gently. "Let's get your bag and get out of here." He then turns his heel, his hands beginning to reach for her's, and immediately set eyes on a man holding Luce's red duffel bag in his rough hands, a forced smile residing on his face and an awkward look set in his eyes. Daniel squints his eyes in confusion, his head cocking to the side slightly. Who the hell was this?

"I saw this go by. . . It's yours, isn't it?" The man shifts to one foot to the other, a cautious tone to his voice. But before Luce could respond, Daniel steps forward and took the bag from the man. A tight smile stretches over Daniel's lips and his hand crept around Luce's waist.

"Thanks, man. I'll take it from here." Daniel's tone settles their conversation, and turning Luce and him around and starts for the sliding doors. Daniel's eyes flicker down at Luce, his eyebrows raising in inquisition, but didn't say a word until they made it to the parking lot.

"I can't tell whether to be surprised," Daniel begins, glancing towards the airport. "I let you out from under my wing for two days and another guy swoops in." He teases, pursing his lips a little.

"Come on. We barely spoke. Really, I slept the whole fight," Luce nudges Daniel gently, looking up at him. "Dreaming of you." Daniel's childish pout slides into a smile and kisses her head softly, stopping when they reach the car and drawing his face back to see her reaction and to unlock the black car.

"Th-This. . ." Luce stammers, her mouth agape and her eyes wide. "This is. . .Did you know this is my absolute dream car?"

Daniel laughs her accusation, "More than that – This used to be your car." Daniel tells her, chuckling a little when a stunned look flashes across her face. Luce step forward and placed her hand on the windshield, as if it would provide her with some sort of memory. Daniel watches her, hesitant to speak.

"It was a sweet sixteen present from your folks a couple lifetimes ago." Daniel poke his tongue between his lips. "I just bought it off a guy in Reno. He bought it after you, uh. . . Well after you. . ." Daniel couldn't say her – What could he say for that anyway? After you died? After you combusted in my arms? After your soul found somewhere else to be? But, Luce seemed to have figured it out An eerie silence rose between them and Daniel darts his eyes away from her's, running his fingers through his hair before clearing his throat eventually and patting the beautiful vehicle. Change the subject, change the subject.

"Still drives like a champ." He takes a pause, glancing towards the small trunk of the car. "The only problem is. . ." Daniel gestures to her large duffel bag that wouldn't fit in the trunk – but he knew how to make it work. Even though he shouldn't, not now. Daniel walks around the convertible and pops the trunk, quickly waving his hand over the bag as he anxiously glances around. The red duffel bag shrunk to a considerable size and shoves it quickly into the trunk before slamming it shut.

Daniel looks up at Luce's astonished face as she blinks, before exclaiming, "Do it again!" He frowns, but says nothing as he opens the passenger door for her and quickly slips into the driver seat. Daniel rushes with his keys. He shouldn't have done that, he should have just made it fit. There was this never ending fear that had been loathing Daniel the entire time he'd set forth to take her to Shoreline, that they were being followed.

"What's wrong?" Luce's concerned voice awakes Daniel from his trance, but keeps a straight face, glancing up from the steering wheel to her. "Mr. Cole told you about keeping a low profile, didn't he?" I told him too, at least. Daniel thinks to himself, It is vital. Luce nods in response, but says nothing – As does Daniel. He slips his credit card from his back pocket, slipping it into the parking machine before taking it back and putting it back into his pocket, turning onto the busy streets of San Francisco. The never ending chant of his stupidity grew louder, before he found himself speaking it.

"That was stupid, I should have thought-"

"What's the big deal?" Luce asks, only making Daniel press harder on the gas – Rushing to leave behind the airport. "You think you're going to attract Cam's attention by stuffing a bag into a trunk?"

Daniel wanted to laugh. He wanted to cry. She knew so little, that it pained him. He shakes his head, never turning his attention away from the road for several minutes, a silence growing before Daniel finally finds his voice. "Not Cam. No." Daniel pauses and places his hand on her knee, giving a gentle reassuring squeeze. "Forget I said anything. I just – We both have to be cautious."

Silence filled the air between them, but it wasn't upsetting or abrupt – It was Luce enjoying her new surrounding. Daniel's eyes couldn't help but glance at her, watching her as her hazel eyes took in the new sights. This wouldn't be the first time he'd watched Lucinda fall in love with new wonders of the world – He had plenty of times before. Her pupils would grow large and her eyes with ignite with the blossom of something new. And Daniel found himself more in love with her every time he saw it happened.

As they wove through traffic and Daniel continues his sneaky glances, he eventually notices her tiresome face and his arm wraps around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him before softly murmuring into her ear. "Little-known facts about angels: We make excellent pillows." Daniel's tone was all gentle teasing, Luce giggling in response and kisses his cheek lightly.

"I couldn't possibly sleep," She says, nuzzling his neck before lying it back onto his shoulder, playing with his fingers that rests over her shoulder.

The soft wind that swept over the ocean blows over them, purple sky and the lowering sun laying a blanket over the once crystal blue sky. Daniel drives over the Golden Gate bridge, his violet eyes showing his ease – He hadn't been this relieved or stress-relieved for a very long time now. And she was here in that time. He glances down at her, a small smile twitching at his lips before he looks back at the over crowded road in front of him. Daniel had yearned to see her, though he knew they only had hours left with each other. He bites his tongue, his hand rubbing her shoulder gently.

"It's been days since we've seen each other. I want to catch up," Luce suddenly says, her heading turning up to look at him. "Tell me what you've been doing. Tell me everything."

Daniel clasps the steering wheel, as the thought of killing flashes over head – but quickly cracks a smile as to ease Luce and quickly remembered the ever-too-long Scale meeting. "If your goal is to not go to sleep," Daniel glances at her briefly and holds his taunting smile. "then I really shouldn't delve into the minutiae I was stuck in all day yesterday. See, the board met to discuss an amendment to proposition 362B, which details the sanctioned format for cherubic participation in the third circuit of-" But Luce rolls her eyes and swats his arms, cutting him off,

"Okay, I get it." The car grows quiet only for a moment before Luce speaks once again. "At least tell me where we're going."

We're, a word Daniel had envied far too much now. He flinches, stung by a coldness and a twist in his bones. Luce tries to grab hold of his hand, but Daniel's guilt pull it away and takes it to the gear shift, downshifting. He had missed her for the small time apart, every thought on her – and it killed him he wouldn't see her for a solid two and a half weeks. Daniel didn't know how he'd stay away.

"A school in Fort Bragg called Shoreline. Classes start tomorrow." Daniel says, staring out at the road.

"Why?" Luce asks, a slight confusion and astonishment to her voice. It was obvious she wasn't expecting this. What was she expecting though, Daniel wonders. To be locked up in a house with him? To be at his side twenty-four-seven? If only, if only she could. Daniel resists to sigh, and replies softly – Hinting no worry nor exasperation.

"You'll like Shoreline." Daniel assures her, noting her previous school – Dover – before Sword & Cross. "It's a very progressive, and a lot better than Sword & Cross. I think you'll be able to. . ." Daniel searches for the correct word, he knew he could just outright say 'gain all the knowledge you once had' or what not. ". . . develop there. And no harm will come to you. The school has a special, protective quality. A camouflage-like shield." Daniel explains to her.

"I don't get it. Why do I need a protective shield? I thought coming out here, away from Miss Sophia, was enough."

Of course you did. Daniel curls his lips and then says quietly, almost as if to himself. "It's not just Miss Sophia, there are others."

"Who? You can protect me from Cam, or Molly, or whoever." Luce laughs out, but it was almost as if she were hiding something else. Daniel shakes his head.

"It's not Cam or Molly, either." He says, his momentarily violet eyes then bore their common dull gray. "Luce, I can't talk about it."

"Will we know anyone else there? Any other angels?"

You still believe I'm going with you.

"There are some angels there. No one you know," Daniel lies. "but I'm sure you'll get a long." He says. He already knew Francesca and Steven would get finely along with Luce- They had in Heaven at least. They'd protect her for now, for him while he wasn't there. Daniel's face falls as it dawns back on him; He had to tell her. "There's one more thing." His voice was bland, never looking away from the road as he didn't want to see her reaction. "I won't be enrolling. Just you. It's only for a little while."

"How little?"

"A few. . .weeks." Daniel forces the words out.

"A few weeks?" Luce bursts, but not in an angry such way – More as if she were shocked, hurt, by the fact he hadn't told her sooner. He wished he had known sooner.

"If I could be with you, I would." Daniel bared no emotion in his voice, a flat tone that couldn't even rock a boat. "You saw what just happened with your duffel bag and the trunk. That was like me shooting up a flare into the sky to let everyone know where we are. To alert anyone who is looking for me-And by me, I mean you. I am to easy to find, too easy for others to track down. And that bit with your bag? That is nothing compared to the things I do everyday that would draw the attention of. . ." Daniel trails off as he realizes he had been rambling, and saying far too much. He shakes his head fiercely. "I won't put you in danger, Luce, I won't."

"Then don't."

Daniel's face fell, but not a frown spills over his completion – Only his gray eyes filling with pain. "It's complicated." He whispers. Daniel wanted everything to not put her in danger, but danger lurked every corner, every touch, every kiss he had shared with Luce – It was putting her in danger. And now? He had people after her, as if they didn't have enough on their plate already.

"And let me guess: You can't explain."

"I wish I could." Daniel breathes, sighing guiltily. Lucinda then pulls her knees to her chest

, moving out of his arm and away from him entirely, leaving a vast sea of swimming emotions between them. Daniel wanted to pull her back,to murmur his soft apologies into her hair, to kiss every inch of her skin until she forgave him and understood. He also knew he shouldn't, so Daniel stays put, his hands tight on the steering wheel and his eyes staring ahead.

As Daniel drove, he begun to recognize the scenery as it unfolds before them. He had walked these streets, so very long ago as he suspenders hung from his pants and an axe over his shoulder. A cap over his tousled hair and his head low, he could still remember the disgusting smell of cabbage a mile away. But, his dull eyes sneak a glance through the open window where the smell had flowed, and he then saw Lucinda - Or, Luie in this life. A small detour couldn't hurt. If it could help her remember, he'd do it. Daniel turns and starts for Mendocino.

A reticence of speech spills between them, a half hour of bitter silence as the air boils between them. Daniel, only once or twice so far, had tried to take her hand, but she somehow found space to move farther away, her hand straying from his. Was she really that mad at him?

"It's three more hours to Fort Bragg. You going to stay mad at me the whole time?" Daniel asks, glancing at her but it is almost as if she didn't believe he was there. Daniel sighs and pulls down the turnoff for Anderson Valley. His mind began to sulk, gloomy with the idea he wouldn't see her for week - And she'd depart from him like this? Daniel tries once more to take her hand.

"Maybe you'll forgive me in time to enjoy our last few moments together?"

Nothing.

Not even a glance or a sigh.

Daniel's eyes hung in shame, his heart aching in his chest. He knew it wasn't the best arrangement, but it was the only option for her right now. She had to be protected if he was going to be out fighting with Cam for her safety. But, a worry spread through Daniel, worry that something would change, something he didn't want to change. Would they change? Daniel didn't know if he was ready for that, if he wanted to find out what that change could be.

The trees blur past and the traffic had disappeared, Daniel's eyes never wandering from the road no longer, almost fearful to look into the hazel eyes beside him. There had to be some way to make her feel better, to forgive him. They then pass the sign that printed WELCOME TO MENDOCINO. A flurry of emotions and memories rush through him and he glances at Luce, hoping for the same feeling to spread through her eyes. Only the same blank slate that had covered her eyes for the past half hour. As they drove forward, Daniel stretches his neck and leans forward, looking around for the house that once resided in the trees. But, it wasn't there, except for the two stumps that stood beside the original drive that had now led to a trailer park. It must have been torn down.

"See that trailer park up ahead?" Daniel asks, pointing in the direction of the trailer park. He saw Luce's chin upturn east. "You used to live right there." He hears her hiss in a breath.

"What?" Look examines the sorry-dull trailer park before mumbling. "That's awful." Daniel shakes his head and pulls the car to a stop by the side of the road. His gray eyes began to spread to a soft flash of color before blooming their full on violet. He puts the car in park and gazes at the trailer park, but replacing it with the cabin that was dimly litted. Daniel caught the terrible smell of salty cabbage the second he passes over the cabin.

The night had fallen over the worn and dirty Daniel, an axe hanging over his shoulder as he ran his fingers through his dirty hair and continues walking. He would have typically stopped at this house, for he was certain there wouldn't be another for miles, but the wretched stench had certainly shooed him away. But, he find himself looking through the open window with a candle sitting on the edge. The woman's face was blocked, but he could see the woman's long dark braid draped over her shoulder, petite pale hands working with a needle and thread, sewing the seam of a green dress that matched her complexion beautifully. Daniel had no idea that her feet were walking him now to her window, so that he was close enough that his chin rests upon the windowsill.

Lucinda.

Lucinda.

Luce.

Daniel shakes his head, ridding of the slowly fading memory - Though it'd be forever etched into his mind. "You lived there before it was a trailer park," He tells her."Before there were mobile homes. Your father in that lifetime brought your family out from Illinois during the gold rush." Daniel stares at the trailer park, hoping that the house would grow from the ground - but, of course, nothing. Not since. . . Not since Luce's combustion had caught it on fire. He shakes his head, a sad look growing in his eyes. "Used to be a really nice place."

Luce said nothing but stares with wonder toward the now-trailer park. Daniel continues, "You had a two-room cabin and your mother was a terrible cook, so the whole place always smelled like cabbage." A soft chuckle escapes Daniel's lip through his storytelling. "You had these blue gingham curtains that I used to part so I could climb through your window at night after your parents were asleep." Daniel then stop,s gazing now at Luce who never looks away from the trailer park, but a broken look flashing before her face. Daniel's lips twitch, unsure whether to smile or frown, unsure what she was thinking or anything - He turns on the car.

"What was it like when you first met me?" Luce finally spoke, looking up at Daniel with ade separate and curious look. Daniel smiles at her and looks out at the road. He thinks for a moment, letting the gates fall and allowing the memories flood to him.

"I chopped wood exchange for meals back then. One night around dinnertime i was walking past your house. Your mother had the cabbage going, and it stank so badly I almost skipped your house. But then I saw you through the window. You were sewing. I couldn't take my eyes off your hands." He could see Luce look at her hands from the corner of his eyes and he reaches for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "They're just as soft now as they were then."

"I want to know about the first time you met me." Luce says, "The very first time. What was it like?"

Daniel's breath caught in his throat and he stares out at the road, swallowing down the lump that had caught in his throat. He hadn't thought about it for years, he tried not to think too much about it. Of course, their first meeting was what led to things now, it made them fall in love. But he hadn't talked to that girl in years, and he couldn't tell Luce now, not now - She had to learn for herself. It was her beginning, and thought Daniel wanted eagerly to spill everything about their life together, he had to stop. A chapter at a time time.

"It's getting late. They're expecting you at Shoreline before midnight." Daniel says, changing the subject and turning downtown. He drove until he found a practically empty parking lot except for two cars, and added the Alfa Romeo to the mix, parking between the worn white lines and turning off the car, leaning back into his seat.

"Why won't you tell me?" Luce asks, not letting go of her question before. Daniel stares at the diner, watching the waitress in a yellow polo shirt clean up one of the tables. Why wasn't Luce understanding, there were simply just things that Daniel couldn't speak of, or didn't want too at least. He eventually thinks on it all, before finally thinking back to the book, and then to his last name - Grigori. That was some way to explain - Though it wasn't exactly truthful to their entire past.

"Do you know what my last name means?" He asks, glancing at her, their hands still holding each other. Luce bit her lip, thinking. "I remember Miss. Sophia saying something about Watchers. But I don't know what it means, or if I'm even supposed to believe her." He watches her hand go up to her neck and rub her neck, just where he remembered Sophia's knife had cut her.

"She was right. The Grigoris are a clan. They're a clan named after me, actually. Because they watch and learn from what happened back when. . .back when I was still welcomed in Heaven. And back when you were. . ." Daniel pauses just for a moment, thinking about her then, how she was, how she talked, how she looked. He missed her even now, even with her sitting right in front of him. "Well, this all happened a very long time ago, Luce. It's hard for me to remember most of it." He said, lying right through his teeth. He remembered too much of it.

"Where? Where was I? I remember Miss Sophia saying something about the Grigoris consorting with mortal women. Is that what happened? Did you. . ."

Daniel stared her for the longest moment, his heart tightening in his chest. It was just like back at Sword & Cross - She wasn't who he once knew, and it was hard realizing that. He find his words once again and continues talking.

"The very first time I met you, it wasn't any different than any other time I've seen you since. The world was newer, but were just the same. It was-"

"Love at first sight." Luce finishes his sentence, making Daniel ease up a little. At least she knew that part.

"Just like always. The only difference was, in the beginning, you were off limits to me. I was being punished-" Because of your 'ex-lover'. "- and I'd fallen for you at the worst possible time. Things were very violent in Heaven. Because of who. . . I am . . . I was expected to stay away from you. You were a distraction. The focus was supposed to be on winning the war. It's the same war that is still going on." Daniel sighs. A pointless war, in fact. "And if you haven't noticed, I'm still very distracted."

"So you were a very high angel." Luce murmurs.

"Sure," Daniel whispers. As were you - And yet, we still made the sacrifice for all we wanted. He stares at her, trying to fight out some words. "It was a fall from one of the highest perches." Not that he cared very much.

"You gave it all up? For me?"

Daniel's eyes soften and he leans forward, pressing his forehead to her, closing his eyes and softly whispering, "I wouldn't change a thing."

"But I was nothing. You had to give up so much! And now, you're damned forever."

Oh, what you don't know, Lucinda. But Daniel then thought back on how the curse had changed. "It might not be forever."

"What do you mean?"

"Come on," He said and jumps out of the car and walks to her side, opening the door and extending his hand for her, but not before he had appeared the now small duffel bag into his pocket. "Let's take a walk."

Daniel could remember this small street, it had led to the beach - A beach familiar to Daniel, but instead a stray from the steps leading down the beach and begins up a beaten path for a cliff that he had a picnic once before with Lucinda. Daniel takes her hand and stands on the cliff's edge with her.

"Where are we going?"

Daniel look at her and smiles, letting his hand fall and rolls his shoulder and his wings slowly pour from the chutes in his back. They pointed up to the sky, stretching before resting. This was for Luce, for his Luce now. He knew he had to rid of the Luce's before her, none of them were her - Not now. It felt relishing to finally let his wings out from their cramped hold in his back. Luce stares at him with awe and his violet eyes stare at her, happy and so very in love. His arms enveloped her, smiling.

"Fly with me." Daniel whispers, his fingers brushing her hair from her eyes.

"What?"

"I'm not going to see you for a while. I have to give you something to remember me by." Before Daniel knew it, Luce's lips had crushed to his and her fingers slip around his shoulders and her fingers laced into his tousled hair. He spins her around and his lips trailed along her neck, bending his knees before he pushes off the ground and they were fling. Daniel's lips skim over her jaw as they spin around, his eyes locking with her's and holding her tightly against her as they found themselves in the clouds, his hands raking through her hair and his lips placing soft kiss against her skin.

"This is Heaven, isn't it?"

Daniel chuckles. "I wish it were. Maybe one day soon."

They were flying fast, but their embrace was secure and fully making their own shield above all. His face buried into the dark abyss of her hair, his hands working up and down her body. Daniel wasn't ready to let her go as he realized that they had finally made it to Shoreline. He began their descendant to the ground on the school's backyard, holding Luce still tightly to his chest, unwanting to free her from him yet, his eyes tightly closed and tears sprouting unwillingly.

"Where are we?" Luce asks, though she of course already knew. Luce tilts her back against his shoulder so she could see him. He blinks away the oncoming tears before saying in a firm tone.

"The ones who damned me are still watching, Luce. They have been for a millennia. And they don't want us to be together. They will do anything they can to stop us. That's why it isn't safe for me to stay here."

"But why am I here?" Luce looked like she would cry now too.

"Because I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, and this is the best place for you now. I love you, Luce. More than anything. I'll be back to you as soon as I can." He assures her, his hand caressing her cheek while the other slips into his pocket and retrieves her duffel bag, making it grow out to it's original size before handing it to her. Daniel could also see Francesca figure standing in the doorway of a lighted hallway.

"It's not for long. As soon as things become safer, I'll come for you." And then he quickly kissed her, their final kiss. Their lips met, tangling in a passionate feeling - But as quickly as it started, it ended. Luce's eyes were closed and Francesca was now standing a fair distance between them. Daniel nods at Francesca before Luce softly whispers, "Don't go." Daniel's heart stung at those two words - He had too. His arms slip away from her and rockets toward the sky, leaving behind Luce and starting toward Nevada, where he had to find Cam.