2. Arabella
Chapter 2
Arabella
" S weetheart," my mother's soft voice calls from the other side of my door. "Can I come in to help you?" I’m surprised she is here to help me, but I think it’s more because it’s what my father would expect. She knows what I can and can’t wear today and she’s here to make sure I’m sticking to my father’s rules instead of doing what I want. I wouldn’t be that reckless, not today. I’m nervous enough as it is.
"Yeah, Mom," I call out while putting the finishing touches on my makeup. I made sure to go for a more natural look today, keeping everything toned down and simple. The only thing that isn’t toned down are my eyes. The black eyeliner makes my green eyes pop brilliantly. It is the one thing I want to stand out—my unique feature.
"Oh, good," she smiles. "I'm glad you went with the simple makeup. I was worried you would overdo it, so I was coming to help. Though maybe we should tone down your eyes a little?" The way she words it tells me that it is a suggestion, and she won’t make me change it. Thank the Divine.
"No worries. I know what is expected today so I kept it simple." I give her a warm smile. Looking at her now, I can see the dark circles under her blue eyes that she hides under heavy makeup. My father didn’t let her sleep again and probably was up half the night punishing her for something stupid. Her black hair is pilled into a nice neat bun on the top of her head without a single flyaway. Even her clothes were perfectly chosen, a white flowy skirt and a yellow knit short-sleeve top with white flowers embroided on it. She paired the outfit with some cute brown sandals that keep her at the same five foot eight inch height as myself. I’m sure before she met my father she was a beautiful angel. She is still now but I can see the tired look in her eyes and the pain behind the painted beauty. I feel sorry for her everyday and despite our issues she does try to be a good mom, I just wish she would stand up to Dad more than she does.
"How about we get you into your dress? It's almost time to go and I know your father wants to arrive early to greet everyone." She guides me out of my bathroom and back into my bedroom where my white dress is waiting hanging on the armor. I really wanted to wear a different color but my mother insisted the dress had to be white. When I asked why she said white is a symbol of purity, virginity, and of the angels. I would stand out more in white than any other color. Every part of me wanted to argue but I let it be and accepted that despite my toned skin the white dress still wouldn't look good on me.
Getting into my dress and finishing my hair doesn’t take long. My mother wanted to go for a more complicated up-do, but I insisted on keeping it simple. I chose a high ponytail with curls and left a few pieces out to frame my face. It still looks cute with the dress despite being simple.
"I really wish you would let me do something more with your hair. Your future mate is going to want to see that you can dress up nicely," she tries one last time to convince me to change my mind before we leave.
"No, I still look beautiful like this. My mate should accept me for who and how I am," I argue back, opening my bedroom door before she can say further. I refuse to let this small thing be taken from me like everything else had been for this moment.
"Alright, Sweetheart," she settles, following me out the door.
Together we walk to the entrance where my father is already dressed in an all-white suit and waiting for me. It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes when I see him. I expected him to wear a black suit not all white. Of course, he has to stand out and turn this into something about him, not me.
"About time you showed up, what took you so long? I thought you were helping her get ready, Dardariel," my father almost snarls as he looks at us. I'm here twenty minutes early and I'm still late. He's never pleased no matter what I do.
"I'm sorry, Dad," I answer, hanging my head instead of rolling my eyes the way I want to. I learned a long time ago it was easier to submit and apologize rather than argue back. It would get me nowhere and just end in a headache for everyone.
"Do better, Arabella. We have an example to set. Let's go or we will be late and you know I loathe being late." My father walks away without looking back to see if I'm following, he just expects me to do as instructed.
I turn to give my mom a quick hug before following him out the door and down our front steps. Our house is in the heart of the city where all Seraphim live. They have the closest houses due to being the ruling class of all angels. They need to be close to the government assembly halls and all other places of business in case they are needed for emergencies. You'd think that would mean our house was small, but that would be wrong. Our house is huge and on a large amount of land so when I see the car waiting for us I sigh internally thankful I won't need to walk to the ceremony.
"We don't have all night, Arabella, get in the car," my father scolds from inside the car. Never mind the fact I was right behind him. Nope, he just had to go and yell at me anyway. I want to chock it up to being stressed but that's just how he always is with me.
The ride from the house to the mating chambers isn’t far. When we arrive, cars are already lining up to let their riders out at the front door. We wait our turn and exit the car when we reach the front. My father masks his expression and becomes the ever-doting father he shows the world. Placing my hand into the crock of his elbow, he escorts me inside, smiling and saying hello to everyone we pass.
As we walk, a few familiar faces stand out, but no one I’m close with and wish to say hello to. Outside of the simple greetings I give to my father’s colleagues, I keep my head down and try to take in my surroundings. Outside, the building looks similar to the others in the area—a large white building with tall windows and pillars on either side of the entrance staircase. Inside, however, gives off a very different vibe. Dark colors are the scheme with low lighting allowing for a more intimate feel. The lobby has tall ceilings where the second and third floors look down into the main entry. Bar tables are scattered around the outer area for people to gather and enjoy the refreshments brought around by servers. I am tempted to try a drink to calm my nerves when a server stops near us, but I catch the side look my father gives me and quickly decline the liquid courage being offered.
"Arabella, I would like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine," my father pulls my attention to his conversation. The male standing in front of us is one I've never met before, which leads me to believe he isn't a Seraphim. I didn't think my father socialized much with the other angel ranks, but I could be wrong. "This is Nathaniel. He is a Dominion and has been very helpful with getting my new business venture going."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir." I hold out my hand to shake his. His grip is rough and strong. I’m not sure if he is trying to intimidate me or not. I try to keep my expression neutral to not give away just how much his grip hurts me.
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Arabella," he smiles at me, but it only turns my stomach. "I would love for you to meet my son." Nathaniel turns around after dropping my hand in search of his son. "Maverick! Son, come here. I want you to meet someone."
I've heard his name around school, but he’s two years ahead of me, so we never crossed paths except for when he was talking to some people he is friends with in my class level. The male walking toward us is tall, at least six foot three. His short black hair is styled with a slick back look to keep a few longer pieces out of his brown eyes. He has a bright smile on his face that accents his high cheekbones. I can easily see why girls at school swoon over him. He is extremely good-looking, but his personality might not match his looks, just from how he swaggers over to us. Time will tell.
"Son, this is Seraphim Castiel and his daughter Arabella," Nathaniel introduces us. Already, I know I don't like the way Nathaniel looks at me, but Maverick seems the opposite of his father despite how he approached us. He hasn't given me a gross feeling the way his father has.
"It's nice to meet you, Seraphim Castiel," Maverick greets my father first, as is customary in his position. I watch as they shake hands then he turns his attention to me. His brown eyes pull me in, and I almost miss his greeting as I fumble to shake his hand in return. "It's lovely to make your acquaintance, Arabella. Forgive me for being so bold, but you are absolutely stunning." He gives me a panty-melting smile that makes it hard to resist. Usually, I'm better at hiding my attention than this. I can feel my cheeks reddening from his compliment.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Maverick," I smile and hope I don't embarrass myself.
Before we can say anything further, a loud chime sounds three times, pulling everyone's attention to the top of the stairwell. Malach stands in all-white robes with his hands clasped in front of him. He waits patiently for the room to quiet before speaking.
"It is time for the ceremony to begin. For those familiar with the process, please proceed through your correct door. For those new to the process, please follow me along with your escort," he instructs. It doesn't take long for everyone to say their goodbyes and head to their respective doors.
I watch Maverick head through a door to the right, and his father proceeds up the staircase before I lose sight of him. As my father guides me up the stairs, I catch sight of Warrick's familiar face. I hadn't even thought about how he would be here tonight. Suddenly, I feel guilty for how I looked and felt about Maverick like I was betraying my feelings for Warrick even though the two feelings are very different. A small part of my heart also hurts knowing Warrick is here looking for a mate when I've been obsessed with him for so long. I know he deserves to find his mate, we all do. Seeing him here means that there is a chance, a small chance in the heavens, that he could be mine, which would be absolutely amazing. When he catches me looking, he quickly smiles and nods before going to the same door Maverick had gone through.
"Remember what's on the line here," my father quickly whispers as we walk up the stairs.
I'm unsure where my boldness comes from when I answer him, but I won’t hold back my fear. "Mrs. Callie said it could take years or decades to find our mate. It rarely happens on our first try."
My father yanks me to a stop, hard, pulling me to the side before leaning down to whisper in my ear. On the outside, it looks like he is wishing me luck, but I know better. "That's utter bullshit. No Seraphim has needed more than one ceremony, and you won't either. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Sir," I answer, choking back the pain I feel from his grip.
When he steps back to continue up the stairs, I quickly look around and realize no one paid attention to that interaction. Of course, it would be my luck that no one sees it when he slips up in public.
"Ah, Castiel, it's so good to see you again. I see your daughter has finally come of age. This is a joyous moment for us all. I am so happy to have you join us, young Arabella." Malach grasps my hand in both of his before humming and closing his eyes. When he opens them again, he looks surprised before smiling and sending us on our way through the door.
That was weird . Honestly, the whole night has been. I can't wait for it to be over. Now, my nerves are even higher. Malach is the Keeper of Bonds. I have no idea if he can see them by touching someone, but based on his reaction, I'm worried about what is to come. There's too much riding on this for something to go wrong. I spent all night praying to the Divine to let this go smoothly tonight. I really hope it doesn't end up crashing and burning.
"Thank you everyone for joining us today," Malach begins as he greets the crowd before us. It's taking everything in me not to fidget under everyone's stares. It feels like they all have their eyes on me, even though I know it isn't true. There is a good two hundred of us on the stage today. We spread out in four lines, women facing the crowd and men with their backs to the crowd. "Many of you know how this day goes, while several of you are new and still learning. So instead of explaining it again, how about we get started? Those here to find your mates, close your eyes, and let the magic flow into you and through you. Don't rush or panic. Just let the magic do its job. Good luck and early congratulations to those who find their mate this year. Remember, you aren't a failure if you don't find yours. It just means it isn't your time."
I try hard to follow his instructions and trust the process. Closing my eyes, I stand waiting to feel something. With my magic already being difficult, I’m not even sure if the magic of the mating ceremony will work the way it was intended to or not. The worry is there, but I know trusting in the Divine is the only option I have right now.
Time passes slowly the longer we stand there. I want to open my eyes so badly but I hold onto my patience and practice the breathing exercises that Warrick taught me to remain calm and centered.
After what feels like forever, foreign magic flows across my skin. It feels like a soft caress, just telling me that it is there and not to be scared. Remembering what Malach instructed, I drop the barrier around me and welcome the mating magic. At first, my magic tries to fight against it, but soon realizes it isn’t a threat. Instead, my magic finds it soothing and welcomes it with open arms.
Open your eyes, Arabella, and see who has been chosen for you by the Divine.
Following the instructions of the magic within me I open my eyes to see not one but two silver strands reaching from me to another. One strand is extremely bright, almost blinding, while the other is a lighter silver flowing in the same direction. Keeping my eyes on the strands, I look to see who they lead to. It doesn't take long to notice they lead to the next row up, more specifically the strongest strand leads right to Maverick. A small gasp escapes my parted lips as I look at him. He isn't the worst person to end up with; good-looking, and nice despite his creepy father. I can work with that. When he opens his eyes and realizes that he is paired with me his expression changes quickly from happiness to disgust as he all but snarls at me. The action almost makes me stumble. I thought we would be able to get along and make this work but clearly, he feels otherwise.
Choosing to examine his reaction later, I look to see where the other strand is leading me. I've never heard of someone having two matches, ever. I had no idea it was possible and it leaves me confused. Considering how Maverick reacted to finding he was matched with me, whoever this second match is would be better. Just two males down from where Maverick stands the mating magic leads me to my next connection, Warrick. He's already staring at me when I meet his eyes. His expression is unreadable for the most part, but I can't help but believe that his eyes are full of heat as he watches me. Every part of me wants to go to him and choose him but I remain in my spot waiting for Malach to instruct us on what to do next.
"Ah, we have our first mating pair," Malach's voice rings out through the silence in the room. "Congratulations to Seraphim Arabella and Dominion Maverick! Please proceed backstage until the choosing is completed."
I open my mouth to tell Malach he's wrong and that I have two bonds but a small shake of Warrick's head tells me to remain quiet. I'd rather it be Warrick, I know he would treat me right. Maverick, well I have no idea what he will be like. It's clear he put on a face for the world but he hates me for some reason.
With one last look at Warrick, I give him a sad smile then turn and walk away. It feels wrong, like I'm leaving a part of me that I had hoped for behind, but I trust he knows what he is doing telling me to walk away. I really hope the Divine knows what it is doing as well. I am trusting in them, both of them.