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Love Never Dies,

Bella

Chapter 11

x

Into Dust

Daniel never fully understood why people wore black to funerals, memorials, or even an anniversary to someone's death, until today. It matches how everyone felt inside, cold and dark – Even if you didn't know who had died, you felt the loneliness. Perhaps that's why everyone feels a bit lonely sometimes, perhaps that person they had bumped into at the gas station got into a car accident just down the highway twenty minutes later, or that person you sat next to on the bus was just murdered. You no longer felt their presence.

Daniel was outside with the rest of the group and a few staff members, organizing the memorial. He was arranging chairs with Gabbe, neither of them saying anything. A bleak mood had settled across everyone at Sword & Cross, hardly leaving any room for a little light. Daniel hardly found himself talking over the course of the last couple days, only submerged into his own depression and helping Gabbe organize the memorial service for Todd – Whose death made Daniel feel like it was his fault.

"That's the last of them," Gabbe finally spoke as she and Daniel positioned the last row of chairs, both looking at each other. Daniel's gray eyes held a somber look, not speaking at all as his eyes spoke a thousand words. Gabbe sighed and approached Daniel, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"It wasn't your fault, Daniel – You couldn't have stopped it." Gabbe says, her thumb rubbing small circles on his shoulder. "Come on, we have to go find the others." Gabbe's hand fell from Daniel's shoulder and she spun on her heel and started in the direction of where the tables were set up. Daniel didn't move from his spot, only kicking the ground and pushing his hands into his pockets.

Daniel tried to think back to the last time he had seen Lucinda. The longing to see her grew almost hourly these last two days, she only appeared in his nightmares or thoughts. He tried to think back to the last time he had seen her hazel eyes in person. The only thing he could come up with was when she was in the hospital. He remembered her stressed eyes and her scuffed face, the longing to hold her and sit beside her, to tell her she was alright now – That she was safe. But, would she ever be with him around? He didn't know anymore.

Daniel finally sighed and looked up, slowly following behind Gabbe who was at least three yards ahead of him. Daniel's blond hair fell into his somber gray eyes, his head hanging again once he got to the table, leaning against it.

"Talk about a tough crowd," Someone boomed, making Daniel peek up through his hair to see who it was. Cam's bright emerald green eyes stung Daniel like a bullet, his anger starting to boil, his wings urging to break free. Daniel's head shot up and his hands slipped from his pockets and bundled into fist at his side as he marched over to Cam. Cam watched Daniel, his eyebrows raised at Daniel's angered stance. Daniel's hands flung up to Cam's neck as he approached him and his nails dug into Cam's flesh, growling out,

"What the hell are you doing here?" Daniel's gray eyes were ignited with such fury it was almost as if there was a blaze burning in them. "She almost died, a boy died because you wanted to fuck around and not tell anyone."

"Daniel, Daniel stop-" Gabbe rushed over, peeling Daniel's hands off Cam's neck and pushed him away. "While he may have been able to prevent this mess – It's done now, and right now we're mourning the death of a boy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time." Gabbe held both of Daniel's shoulders, looking up at him while Daniel continued to look at Cam. "Look at me Daniel,"

Daniel's eyes stayed on Cam, a dangerous look still set in them until he sighed and slowly looked down at Gabbe, whose eyes held a sadden look. "What would Luce think if you started a petty fight over something you couldn't stop?"

The mention of Luce was Daniel's breaking point, causing pain and horror to flash across his face. Gabbe was right, Luce would think lowly of it – At least Lucinda would. His gray eyes fell along with his shoulder, his fighting stance easing.

Then, he felt her presence. It was like a breeze that bristled down his spine, his gray eyes brightening with violet, and finally, warmth spread through him. He turned, looking for her until he finally caught her. Her hazel eyes held a look of anxiety, looking around the group as she hugged herself. She wore a torso hugging black dress that furled out just below waist. Daniel wanted to be the one to go and comfort her, to hold her hand. He knew that people were probably spreading rumors, they were probably looking at her wrong - And it angered him that he couldn't help her.

"Come on, lets go sit down." Gabbe ushered him toward the rows of chairs as Randy ordered the students in order by last name. Daniel and Gabbe sat side-by-side, her hand falling from his shoulders and folder on her lap. Daniel didn't bother looking over his shoulder to see Luce in the crowd, to see if she was looking him – He knew she would be anyways – he didn't care anymore, at least not in this moment. His heart went out to Todd's parents, who were probably mourning him at his funeral right now, to Luce, who had probably believed the death was her fault.

What was he even doing here, he questioned? He could have easily skipped the event. Daniel didn't want to see the sadden faces, the broken souls, the heart ache, and he didn't want the constant reminder that he could have easily prevented this all if he had just been a bit quicker.

Daniel felt as if this entire memorial was a joke anyways, even the minster didn't seem at least partly mournful. There were only a couple people who were crying, but then all of the other kids were just keeping their heads hung, eyes closed, and their hands closed. The minister was hardly using the correct line in Genesis for this, in fact – He shouldn't have been using Genesis. John 14:27 or Psalm 46:1-10 should have been used to mourn the innocent boy's lost – Not some line from Genesis that stated your pretty much going back into the ground when you die.

Then, the minster's bible shut and Randy dismissed everyone and explained that there was food on the tables. Daniel slowly rises to his feet, his hands falling to his sides as he walked with Gabbe, but casts a quick glance over his shoulder to find Luce. The urge to see her, to check on her grew. It was easy for Daniel to spot her in the crowd, she was the one that glowed among them all.

And there was Cam, who had his arm wrapped around his waist and his face far to close too her's. Heat surged through Daniel, his eyebrows furrowing with anger as he whipped his head away from the scene and quickly grabbed Gabbe's arm and tugged her along side. "I need to ask you something," Daniel whispered quickly into her ear and pulled her away from the crowd.

How dare he! Was the first thought that shouts in Daniel's mind, After he almost killed her! Anger boiled and the feathers of his wings brushed against his soft shirt in urge to break free – But, he tenses his shoulders and coils his wings back into their muscles, securing them from breaking free.

Daniel releases her arm and Gabbe turns to him, raising her eyebrows. "You know, you don't have to drag me around." Gabbe remarks, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Daniel sighed, looking quickly over his shoulder before looking back at Gabbe.

"I'm sorry, I was in a rush, are you alright?" Daniel asks sincerely, forcing a small smile. Gabbe chuckles and places both hands on Daniel's upper arm. "I'm joking, relax. What is it?"

Daniel glances anxiously over his shoulder again, as if to check that she was still there. She was, still with Cam – but she had a look on her face. . . Disappointment, maybe? Daniel sighed and looked back at Gabbe.

"Could. . .You try to get Cam away from Luce?" Daniel whispers, his eyes leveled with Gabbe. She sighs, glancing over Daniel's shoulder before looking back at him, giving a slow nod. "Alright,"

Daniel watches as Gabbe grabs a cupcake from the table and then heads stealthily towards the two as they enveloped into a hug. He wanted to hear what they were saying but could barely make out words, until Luce departed from the two and started for the punch table. He took no time getting to her, his hand coming up to grab her's but stopping midway and only pressing his thumb light against her wrist as he bent down to whisper, "You want to get out of here?"

Luce's eyes met with his, as if she was expecting someone else – But a thankfulness grew in her eyes as she nodded almost eagerly. Daniel could feel her hand slipping into her's, a warmth spreading through them – A warmth that Daniel had been longing for, a warmth that he shouldn't be longing for.

"Please."

Daniel's fingers intertwine with her's as they walk away from the reception and to the cemetery. Daniel had barely any idea what he was doing, or what they were going to do. Just have a little chit-chat? He highly doubt it. He found his thoughts slowly lingering back to the idea of her and Cam, causing him to frown and drop her hand, taking a few steps forward and running his fingers through his hair.

"You and Cam," He started, not looking at her for a moment as he thought about what he was going to say. "You spend a lot of time together?"

This was a question that had been nagging at him for the past couple days without seeing her nor Cam – Could they be together? The thought almost made Daniel cringe – But, it. . . Was almost relieving. It shouldn't be, not with the circumstances that he almost caused Luce to die. Maybe it was more the idea that she could get her chance at a life without him. Maybe that could be with Cam – Maybe not, but the fact she could be with someone else was a slightly comforting thought.

Yet a cold thought that made Daniel's heart ache. Could he watch her have a life without him? To break the curse for her?

Of course he would.

"Sounds like you're not very fond of that idea." Luce broken Daniel's thoughts, making him look at her. Daniel shook his head, sighing.

"He's not-" Daniel paused, glancing overhead – Checking for the clear sky. "He's not good enough for you."

That's more like it.

Cam wasn't good enough for her, he tried to kill her, he was rotten, he tried to hurt her. He was the last person could ever deserve Luce, to even get an ounce of her love.

"Well, then. . . Who is?" She asked, her voice quiet and curious.

Daniel couldn't help but laugh, his head tilting back a bit and his hands placing on his hips. Who was good enough? Was he even good enough for Luce?

"I don't know, that's a terrific question." Daniel held his slight smile as he gazed at her. . . Luce sighed a bit,stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jacket.

"It's not like it's that hard," She mumbles. "To be good enough for me."

Daniel felt his heart swell at those words, his hands dropping from his hips and his smile fading. "Yes," He whispered. "Yes, it is." Daniel rubbed his forehead as his head began to pound. It hurt to hurt to hear those words come from her, it was everything to be good enough for her – It was everything just to be with her.

"What happened to your forehead?" Her voice caught his attention, forcing him to look up. Her hand was reaching for him, her eyes hopeful. Daniel quickly pushed her hand away, letting his hand from his forehead to drop. Daniel wanted to tell her it wasn't her business and that is didn't matter, but he couldn't bring himself to be cruel to her and came up with a lam excuse,

"I don't know," Daniel spoke curtly, his eyes darting away from her's. "I don't know where it came from." Thing was, she probably knew where it came from – But he couldn't jog her memory, he couldn't bring her that much closer without setting off a bomb. But, then a shuffle behind them made both of them to spin to see who it was.

"I told you, I haven't seen her," Molly spoke, shrugging off Cam's hand as he followed her.

Daniel's wing tip once again brushed against his shirt, but he throws one glance at Luce and quickly led on. "Lets go,"

He could feel her anxiety, he could see it. It was obvious she wasn't too comfortable with Cam, if she was, would she had gone with him?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Daniel glanced over his shoulder, and just at the top of the hill he could see Molly and Cam both watching them go. Cam's arms folded over his chest and a deathly glare, while Molly rolled her eyes and waved it off. Daniel looked away, his eyes falling on Luce, whose head hung and allowed her hair to cascade around her. He felt the urge to tuck it behind her ear. Daniel slowed slightly, so that he now at her side, their pace the same, their steps the same length. Daniel found himself gazing at Luce, his hands pushing into his pocket to keep them contained.

It was when Daniel finally saw the dense forest from the corner of his eyes that he looked away from Luce and sighed softly before saying,

"If you come to place more than once with the same person, I guess it isn't yours alone anymore." Daniel could guess that Luce would be smiling at his words, she always smiled when he told her that she was the only one.

And it would continue to stay that way.

The two hiked towards the opening, light peeking through the leafs of the trees above, and shined on them both, giving their skin a almost radiant glow – But, maybe even without the sun, their bodies glowed, their souls were one in the quiet forest, no distractions, no harm, just Luce and Daniel. Daniel felt more at ease than he had in the past weeks, the electricity between them that he longed for.

He had a guilty feeling sunk into his gut as he neared the lake, remembrance of their last time here. Daniel wished he could have stayed that day, to swim with her as they always did in their lives before. He loved the way she would move gracefully against the water, as if she had her wings. They were the closest when they swam.

They finally reached the lake, the sun now raining down on the lake, causing the dark lake to glisten under the sun's rays. Daniel slowly parted away from Luce, but only leaned against the marigold tree and glanced towards the lake then back at Luce. A part of him wanted to strip with Luce as they had many times before and swim, to be able to have that one of each other again. His eyes lingered as they checked her attire, but took more than that in. She wasn't as she was only minutes ago at the memorial, no. . . She had a relaxed posture, the stress that had been severe and all-to noticeable had faded, and it made him at ease as well. Maybe it was the fact that they were together, alone once again. Rather than being followed as they had been many lifetimes before. It wasn't that Daniel found displeasure in those lives – He loved each life, of course – but he couldn't say that they were among his favorites.

Luce slowly approached Daniel and stood only a couple feet away, her black hair fell down her back now, her vibrant hazel eyes looked up at the marigold tree's flower as they held a glimmer of curiosity. Daniel could watch her like this all day, the wonder in her eyes, giving no clue that she knew Daniel was there until she glance down in some surprise, a gentle blush would bloom over her cheek and she'd dart her eyes away. Just as she always did.

"We're not exactly dressed for a swim this time," Daniel finally spoke, two of his fingers making a gesture to her dress. It was a fact, no doubt, and he'd hate to ruin such a lovely dress that fits her so beautifully. Luce glanced down at her dress, her fingers picked at the delicate lace of the black dress and nodded slowly, but looked up at Daniel and gave a proposition,

"Maybe we could just stick our feet in?" It was an offer Daniel couldn't resist, but being the curt person he had been most of the day, his hand made another gesture but this time toward the steep path that led down to the lake. He stood right back up, his eyes locked on Luce as he followed her down the path. Daniel knew he didn't just bring her here to skim their toes across the water and talk as if nothing had ever happened, he had to be serious, they had serious issues and he was still trying to keep his plan as intact as he could – Though he had probably already screwed everything up, just as he had in Helston, just as he had in Milan – But there had been a bit quicker, a bit more careful. . .Though she had still figured out where Daniel was, as usual.

Then, a question popped into Daniel's mind, one he couldn't resist asking as they settled on the gravels along the beach; Luce toed off her flats and skimmed her feet over the lily pads while Daniel criss-crossed his legs and plucked a piece of the long grass, twirling it around his finger as he kept his eyes away from Luce as he said, "You ever think of getting out of here-" but before Daniel could finish his entire statement, Luce groaned and leaned her head back. "All the time,"

Daniel shook his head and sighed, "No, I mean – Have you really considered going somewhere else? Asking your parents for a transfer? It's just. . . Sword & Cross doesn't seem like the best fit for you." That was a way of putting it – In fact, any type of reform school wasn't the fit for Luce, she didn't need it, she didn't deserve it. It wasn't her fault that her boyfriend died.

Daniel's heart sunk at those words together 'her boyfriend'. It was only another example of another life that she could had if he had been more careful, he had paid closer attention. . .

Luce cleared her throat, a insulted tone in her voice as she replied, "I can't afford the luxury of seriously considering someplace else. Sword & Cross is -" She pauses, thinking for a moment, "pretty much a last-ditch effort for me."

"Come on," Daniel urged on, his gray eyes watched her, a small shake to his head.

"You wouldn't know-"

Oh, what you don't know. "I would," Daniel sighed. "There's always another stop, Luce."

"That's very prophetic, Daniel, but ig you're so interested in getting rid of me, what are we doing? No one asked you to drag me out here with you."

Daniel then thought of The Roll-Call, the choice that had changed everything. He had never asked Luce to join him, but she came. She held his hand as she pronounced her love to not only The Throne, but her once lover, Lucifer.

That wasn't was she was talking about.

"No," Daniel spoke quickly, erasing the burning image from his mind. "You're right. I meant that you're not like people here. There's got to be a better place for you." Daniel then locked gazes with Luce again and watched her intensely. Luce's eyebrows furrowed, and she her breath began to quicken, as if her heart pace had picked up.

"When I came here," she began, "I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't tell anyone about my past, or what I'd done to land myself at this place."

Daniel almost groaned, but instead dropped his head into his hands and heaved. "What I'm talking about had nothing to do with what happened with that guy-"

"You know about them?" Of course she didn't know I knew, "Whatever Molly told you. . ."

Daniel quickly shot his head up and shook his head, his hands came down and grabbing her's as his eyes relocked with her's. "Listen, what I'm saying, it had nothing to do with that part of your past." It has to do with our past, he wanted to tell her, it has to deal with our curse – The curse that can break.

Or at least he thought it would.

"Then does it have to do with Todd?"

Daniel shook his head again, his hands never leavings her's. "It had to do with this place. It has to do with things. . . ." Daniel trailed off, throwing a glance upward toward the sky as he felt an uneasiness fill his gut. A clear sky, nothing. But, Luce's words quickly gained his attention, making his head snap down to her.

"Maybe it has to do with the weird black shadows I saw the night Todd died?" Luce's voice was quiet and confessional, as if she had been aching to tell someone for so long. But, it wasn't that part he was worried about, it was the fact that she saw the shadows – The Announcers. Daniel paused for a moment.

"What did you say?" Daniel said it cautiously, slowly, scared of what it could trigger. Luce shrugged, obviously trying to downplay what she had just said. Had she seen the Announcers that day in religion class? How long had she been seeing them?

"Oh, you know, once a day or so, I get these visits from these dark things I call shadows."

"Don't play cute." Daniel's eyebrows narrowed slightly in frustration. She had done this plenty of times before, acting nonchalant for big things – But this was bigger than those times, no, this meant something big. Daniel's gray eyes with their growing violet speckles soften, his head nodded ad encouraged her to continue – He had to hear more, he had to know if she was closer now. . .

It was obvious that Luce was nervous about telling Daniel, the way she hesitated and her eyes frequently darted away from his. Daniel had the urge to pull on her chin and make her look at him, but he knew it would create tension – That was the last thing he wanted. Though it was already there.

"It's gone on for the last twelve years," Luce finally spoke, a shudder shook through her. Daniel's eyes never left her, he only leaned forward, curiosity peeking on his face. "It used to be just at night, when I was near water or trees, but now. . . " Daniel could feel her tremble in his hands, guilt spread through him as he wished he could have pulled her closer, but he couldn't find himself to do it – He was still working through this new information. "It's practically nonstop."

"What do they do?" Daniel croaked, the blood from his face drained, leaving Daniel with a stunned and pale complexion.

Was this really happening?

"Usually, they start out by hovering right about here." Her hand released Daniel's and reached around, her fingertips brushed against the back of his neck. Daniel wanted to twitch, he wanted to gasp, he wanted to kiss her – He didn't know what to do. How could she had been seeing the Announcers, experiencing them like this? His body muscles tightened and he didn't dare to move as Luce continued her demonstration.

"Then sometimes they get really bold," Luce shifted to her knees, her other hand slipped from his hand and both of them press lightly on his chest. Daniel felt his skin warm at her touch, an urge to take her and kiss her coursed through him, which burned his lips. "And they shove right up against me." Daniel could see her lip quiver, but not of need – Out of anxiety, or perhaps sadness. He couldn't make out the emotion that was buried in her eyes. The only thing that was mainly on his mind, was trying to understand how she was seeing the Announcers.

"Recently, they don't seem satisfied until they've taken someone's life and knocked me flat on my back." Luce's voice had dropped almost lower than a whisper and she then gave Daniel a push. It was obvious that it was intentionally meant to knock on his back, but Daniel was so light headed with this new information, that he fell back, Luce coming with him, laying on top of me. Daniel's eyes locked back on her's, wide and trying to search for more information.

Daniel was scared and shocked, unsure what exactly to do. He wanted to hug her, he wanted to cry now – He didn't realize he was waiting for this until now. Daniel's fingers buried into the pebbles, distracting them from Luce, who was still staring down at Daniel with a look that she, herself, was unsure.

"You really see them?" Daniel let his thoughts speak, even his typically demanding self-conscious didn't know what to say.

"Yes," She whispered, regret peeking in her eyes. "Let me guess, now you're certain I need a transfer. To a psychiatric ward."

Daniel wanted to tell her otherwise, but he quickly wiggled from beneath her and stood up, running his fingers through his hair as he looked back toward the sky that was still empty. "This has never happened before," Daniel whispered finally, mostly talking to himself. His hand came to his mouth, biting his knuckles slightly. How was it possible? For Luce to suddenly be able to see the Announcers that had been the symbol of her death. . .

He heard a rustle behind him as Luce spoke, "What never happened? Before what?"

Daniel felt a surge of emotion that made his heart pound against his chest. He spun around and cupped her face in his hands, their faces only inches apart. Daniel could feel her breath, almost taste it. But, then his all-to-annoying self-conscious came to life.

She may be remembering, but you may ruin your chance if you screw up now.

Daniel jerked away, his arms stiffened at his sides as his breathes quicken. "Tell me again what you saw." Daniel quickly spoke. He watched her eyes dart away to the lake, sighing and shaking her head.

"It may surprise you to know this, but it's no thrill for me to sit here and talk about how thoroughly insane I am." Her tone gave an 'at least not to you' sort of add-on, her eyes still not on Daniel as he stared at her, at lost with words.

Daniel stared at her, his heart nearly stopping at her words. She wasn't insane, and he couldn't tell her. He knew she had to learn for her own and it guilt-tripped him constantly. She was here, alone now, though he was here. Daniel's heart ached and he found himself stepping back forward to Luce, his head leaning down until their gazes were aligned and he could once again taste her breath. He wanted badly to kiss her, to tell to her she wasn't alone, that he'd be there for her, that he'd save her from the maze she found herself in.

Daniel's eyes closed and his lips parted, prepared to mold their lips together once again, to be able to finally have her again.

For a few minutes.

Daniel's eyes snapped open, looking down at Luce, who's eyes were also closed and her luscious pink lips were parted and waiting for their kiss. Daniel couldn't do it, he couldn't continue, he knew he couldn't. He wouldn't make the risk.

Daniel's aching wings sprung free and with one swish push, he rocketed into the air, leaving Luce below. Daniel hadn't realized that tears had sprung free when he had stopped their kiss, he hadn't even realized that he had missed her that much though she had been with him for nearly the entire day. Or perhaps it was the joy of knowing they could finally have a chance.

First, he had to find Gabbe.