The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods 4)

"Now, listen closely." Bliss heard Allegra's voice in her head, in the glom, as if she were speaking directly into Bliss's mind. "A long time ago when the world was young and the paths between Heaven and Hell were still open, Lucifer brought the beasts out of the ground, the hounds of Hell. But their alliance with the Silver Bloods was short-lived. The wolves are demon fighters. They stood with the Blue Bloods during the crisis. But over the centuries we have become estranged. You must find them. The Blue Bloods will need them in the final battle with the Silver Bloods. Find the wolves. Tame them. Bring them back into the fold."

"But where do I start?"

"I have not left you alone. You will have someone to help you with your task. Someone who loves you and will take care of you since I cannot."

Bliss understood. Miss Murray was standing next to Allegra, and she did not look like an apple-cheeked history teacher. Instead, her eyes were gray and serious... and Bliss gasped.

"Jordan?"

"You knew me by that name once. Her teacher nodded. But my true name is..."

"Sophia."

"Quite right. Good girl." Miss Murray beamed.

"Is that what I should call you?"

"I think Miss Murray will do for now. Although, if you like, you can call me Aunt Jane."

"Michael's sword. You were the one who slipped it into my bouquet. I'm right, aren't I?", Bliss asked.

Her teacher did not deny it.

"I knew you would use it the right way. I had faith in you."

"But if I'm not a vampire anymore... how can I do anything?"

The thought of being human scared her. To live without the incredible abilities given by the undying blood... to be so frail and weak... and absolutely powerless.

"Do your best. That is all I ask of you", her mother told her.

"Where are you going?" Bliss asked, using her voice now.

"Somewhere no one can follow. But do not despair. We will meet again, Bliss Llewellyn."

"Allegra, before you leave... can you tell me... what is my name? I mean to say, Mimi is Azrael and Jack is Abbadon. But I don't know my real name. I never have. Do I even have one?" Bliss asked.

"Names are forged in Heaven. Your father named you Azazel, the Darkling. But I shall name you Lupus Theliel, Angel of Love, and my Wolfsbane."

CHAPTER 69

Schuyler

During the ride to JFK, Schuyler kept to herself.

She was still exhausted from yesterday's events, but there was no time to rest. The documents Oliver had found, which he had been so excited about, were a small package of notebooks that he had discovered in files kept by Christopher Anderson, Lawrence's Conduit.

Fifty-five notebooks detailing everything her grandfather had found concerning the Van Alen Legacy, and every possible lead. The keepers of the third gate, the Gate of Promise, were most likely still in the city of Florence, which was where they were headed now.

Last night, when she finally came home, Oliver was waiting for her in her apartment. When she walked in, it took him a while to accept the fact that she was truly alive and standing in front of him. He had been convinced he had lost her forever. They hugged each other close, but Schuyler was still too distraught and confused about everything that had happened with Jack, to give Oliver much of her attention.

She listened as he filled her in on what had happened to everyone else during the attack and the aftermath; most of the Blue Bloods had gone to hide in the Force Tower, as they had been instructed by the Conclave. They had all come out safe.

But for how long?

The cab pulled up to the terminal, and Oliver unloaded their bags. He had been quiet too, during the trip. And he looked at Schuyler so intensely now, as if he were trying to memorize her face.

"What?" Schuyler asked. "Do I have something in my teeth or something? Why are you looking at me like that?"