I only climb uphill

On only the uphills

I never go downhill

On any of the uphills

Not yet

Why do hills only go up?

What lies on the other side?

When does an uphill become a downhill?

When does something's upside become its downside?

Don't ask

I pass a fool named Sisyphus

Who uses my uphill to fall downhill

Cursing his stupid downhill rock

Oncoming traffic is an offensive myth

And a mortal sin

We begin to die when we're born

So reckoned by the size of our hills

And living becomes dying

When our uphills deceive us downhill

Sisyphus was right

Back when life was sunny

When it felt like morning

When it smelled like cold dew

When life was like spring, brand new

A dew drop perched on a strand of grass

When I was unhurt

When I was young

When I didn't know I had my whole life in front of me

When I still believed there was someone out there for me

When I naively thought I could be happy like the grown ups in the movies.

Please, feel free to listen to this song at the end of the chapter, or at any time you want, if possible. :)

https://youtu.be/3zYKxB3kSF0?si=Hnnhwicy-DzNXQfu

————————————————————————

THIRD PERSON POV

Aquilina couldn't quantify her blessings as a breeze carried a whiff of the saltiness from the Sea of Galilee to her nostrils. She drew her shawl a little tighter around her, and she continued to enjoy the view.

The sunrise over the little hill their home was located on at Tiberias, was breathtaking to behold.

"What are you doing out here alone?" A husky voice interrupted her thoughts.

Whirling around, she smiled when her husband's face came into full view.

"Just thanking The Lord for all His blessings in my life."

He hugged her and softly ruffled her hair.

"And you did so without me? How mean," he joked.

"Well, if it makes you glad, you were a part of those blessings I was thanking Him for," she chuckled lightly.

"Alright, I hear you. What else were you thanking Him for?" He gazed at her lovingly.

"Also, for His healing mercies."

It had been days since they found out from the test results that her case of sepsis had cleared by itself. And all she had been going through, were post-recovery symptoms.

The extent of the healing had compelled them to re-check at other hospitals, but they all said the same thing. It was gone, though a little pain lingered.

But that was something that would stop with time.

"I thank Him for that too," Javier said softly. "Venga, let's pray together."

~~~

Aquilina was grateful for such moments. They had gotten into the habit of praying together and studying His Word each morning—and night as well.

As their study was ending, the topic for the day having been about the signs of the end times, Javier asked her a question.

"So, if this world will soon come to an end—as we know it soon would be—¿qué podemos hacer? (what can we do?)"

Aqui thought for a moment before carefully replying.

"We have to watch and wait. But that doesn't mean we should sit idly. We must work and prepare till Jesus comes again. Doing what by His Grace we can. So that when He comes, He will find us ready," she ended with a quiet smile.

"I believe that's true. Everything in our world tells of His coming. The wars and rumours of wars, the heightened persecution..." Javier sighed as he shut the Bible close.

"God be our Helper. None of them will be easy. But as you said, His Grace will see us through," he concluded reaching out for her hand and smiling warmly.

"Amen," Aqui responded, smiling in return.

~~~

After having their breakfast and clearing the dishes, Aqui felt the need to set out to work.

She had been given a unique position in the Mossad, in league with her army service. Her office had been set up secretly in their Tiberian home.

But that morning, she felt inclined to check in earlier. Excusing herself from Javier, she descended to her underground work area.

Her screens were flashing with a red-flagged alert (which indicated how urgent it was).

Quickly logging in, she decoded the scripted message on her tablet and drew back in shock when she realised the import of the message.

Vladimir Smirnoff aka Rukovoditel', has escaped. Russia, China, and North Korea have aligned themselves along with other nations...

A gasp escaped from Aqui's lips. From the message received, one thing was clear: a war of ages was at hand.

And greatest of all, it all meant that indeed, her King, Christ Jesus would soon be returning.

She looked at the second part of the message:

Join us at the headquarters soon, to plan the best defence possible.

She had to go. Feeling her nerves getting agitated, the words of Javier from earlier that same morning rang in her heart.

"God be our Helper. None of them will be easy. But as you said, His Grace will see us through."

Indeed, God be our Helper, she whispered to herself.

Then she knew with a calm assurance that, though the world around them might fall into chaos and everything could change, their God would never change.

With Him on their side, they were going to face whatever was going to come their way. All hope was not lost.

~~~~~~~~~

THE END (Finally!)

~~~~~~~~~

This book is dedicated to our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who has made all this possible.

And GOD bless you all for joining me on this journey, and for encouraging me.

I'm so grateful.

~~~

UPDATE:

By GOD'S Grace, this book is being made into a Series. The next one is entitled, THE ICE PRINCE.

It is currently ongoing and available here on Prose too, by HIS Mercies. Kindly let me know what you think of it.

~~~

Love,

Phela ❤️

Songs for the Chapter: FORGIVENESS and MOVED BY MERCY, by Matthew West

I'm pretty sure my elder brother will be glad to see the playlist for this chapter.

•••••••••••••

Love hurts, if it didn't

I don't think it would be love.

It makes us look vulnerable,

Weak, and unwise sometimes.

Yet, you can not deny;

Love, as weak as it may seem,

Has the greatest Power of all.

It can turn hate into something it is not;

It can set a prisoner free,

And turn our worst enemies

Into our friends.

Yes, so sometimes, the most Powerful

Is what we think is the weakest.

Did we not see it so on Calvary's Cross?

When Love, conquered

Death and Hades?

"Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

— John 15:13; KJV

~ Echoes of the Heart

•••••••••••••

"Whatever are you here again for?" Clarice demanded—the eighth time, to Violet's recollection.

I had better stop counting now, I guess, she sighed.

"I have already explained to you," she tried to remain calm despite having to repeat the answer to that question—again, the eighth time.

"I have come to love the time I spend working here. And besides, apart from schoolwork, I find it boring being stuck here all day long. Being a princess does not change anything, affatto(not at all)."

Violet turned to fully face her and gave her the child-like pout she had learnt the woman found endearing.

"Don't you like me being around you?"

Clarice finally sighed and dropped the napkin on the counter in resignation. But Violet could see the amusement and slight approval in her eyes.

"It seems I cannot win against you," she unstrapped her apron. "Then, you finish all the meals and have them served early then."

Typical Clarice, Violet thought and giggled as the older woman walked out.

But it was true, what had begun as an arduous chore had become endearing to Violet. She found that serving in what seemed mundane gave her great joy, for she knew Who she was actually doing it for—her HEAVENLY FATHER.

Getting everything set and ready, her thoughts drifted back to her encounter with Alessandro the previous night.

~~~

Flashback

~~~

Violet opened the door to see a reluctant Alessandro standing at the doorstep of her bedroom.

Her first thought was that of fear, rage and bitter resentment. Yet, she remembered the Scars of her LORD.

"I went through this for you..." HIS Voice echoed in her stormy heart. Immediately, she regretted her angry thoughts, though a part of her felt it was rightly placed.

And something about his downcast eyes and defeated stance made her start to feel a certain... empathy for the young man. The scars the demonic throng had left after using him were evident in his soul.

What is this feeling? She thought to herself. A part of her had wanted to run and hide, call for help—anything but this.

"You must forgive, dear one..." Her SAVIOUR whispered to her soul.

Forgive, FATHER?! She thought in alarm.

But then and there, she felt herself transported to the Foot of the Cross. All was dark and gloomy as it had been that day some two thousand years ago.

And worst of all, she the one nailing the SAVIOUR she loved greatly to the Cross.

"My mother asked me to give this to you," his eyes were still downcast, avoiding her gaze in every possible way.

He stretched out his hand and she saw a little gilded box, with a Royal Emblem on it.

Not trusting herself to speak just yet, she reached out for it and opened it.

It was a brooch to mark her status in the Kingdom.

"Thank you," she managed in a choked voice.

He nodded and turned to walk away. But, a weight pressed down on her soul and she found her voice calling out to him before she could give it a second thought.

"Alessandro?"

He slowly turned around—still not meeting her gaze. Violet swallowed hard and knew she would have no rest if she did not say the words.

"I just wanted to say..." she took in another breath. "I forgive you." The last part though said softly, was backed by a determination and Strength she knew was not her own.

LORD, YOU know I cannot forgive by my own will nor power, but, YOU have called me to. I trust YOU for the Grace to forgive and to let go... I am in YOUR hands.

She suddenly felt a wave of peace flooding her soul and found herself pitying the condition of the young man.

He finally glanced up, the shock evident on his face.

The rancour and ire a part of her wanted her to feel when she saw him was replaced by a surge of compassion at the emptiness and brokenness she saw in his soul.

"You... what?"

"I forgive you, and hold nothing against you," she said even louder and firmly. And it was the truth.

The moment she decided to surrender the burden of hatred and anger to her LORD, she found herself lighter from a weight she had not realised she had been carrying all along.

But even more shocking to her, was the effect that pronouncement had on Alessandro.

She thought she could see a glitter of Light sparkling in some deep ravine of darkness that had never seen brightness before.

Turning on her heels, she entered her room and left the stunned—for lack of a better word—young man in the hallway.

~~~

Flashback Ends

~~~

Humming, she put the finishing touches to the meal and got ready to set them on the cart.

Violet felt elated. She had never realised the freedom forgiveness could bring. Nor the fact that she had been carrying such a weight at all.

Sure, it was not a one-time thing. She had to remind herself constantly to let go of the pain. But, with her LORD as her Rock, she knew she was planted firmly on the Solid Ground that never fails.

~~~

Giuseppe noticed with a glee through an informant he had kept in just the right place, that Vincenzo and Violet were distant from each other—not even sharing the same room.

That could nullify the agreement her loathsome late brother, Prince Tal, had set in place before his demise. For it could be revoked, if certain terms were not fulfilled to the letter within a time frame.

If only I can keep it so for a short while, and Lilith plays her role well, he mused in his office after hearing the news, clicking the pen in his hand ever so frequently.

For they had all been trained for just a moment as that.

~~

Vincenzo had not been altogether clueless about the intentions of the innocent-looking young woman he had encountered.

Sure, he had felt himself in a haze when he had first met her. He had been transfixed.

"I can arrange all these meetings and get back to you on it," she had looked up at him with a guileless expression, making her radiant face even more so.

But, in an instant, a wave of guilt had seemed to stab his chest and had brought him back to reality.

Another innocent yet brokenhearted face had emerged and replaced that of the young woman before him—Violet's.

The guilt of leaving her at the mercy of his younger brother was the reason why he had kept his distance from her.

But all of a sudden, at just that moment, he had felt the pressing need to seek her out and try to correct his mistake of failing to save her that night.

"Sorry," he had said to Lilith that day, rising to his feet. "There is something urgent I must attend to."

Was it his imagination? But the veil of innocence had seemed to drop for a moment, showing him a glimpse of who really lay behind the mask.

I'm probably just tired and imagining things, he had thought at the time.

~~

Throughout his drive back home, he had thought of several ways to amend and atone for his mistake.

And as he found the main door unlocked, he walked in to find his younger brother standing before Violet.

A fit of rage had almost overtaken him till he heard the words that shook him to his core and caused him to retreat and begin to wonder.

I forgive you.

~~~

What was this? Violet thought as she arose from bed panting—again.

The nightmares of that night had dribbled to a halt after surrendering all of the aches to her SAVIOUR.

She had devoted her time to THE WORD and prayer way more than before—even finding herself praying for Mr Icy and Alessandro without noticing she was doing so.

She found a deep love and longing for their souls growing within her, despite the pain she had to fight constantly through the Grace of THE HOLY SPIRIT.

She prayed for a while before bed and often rose up again in the night to pray some more.

Thus had her routine been even though she often felt tired from her schoolwork and helping Clarice out.

And it had not been different that night. She had prayed for every single person, especially—as she found her SAVIOUR impress deeply on her heart—Vincenzo.

And after reading her favourite nighttime Psalm, Psalm 91, she retired for the night.

At least, until another nightmare she had not had in a long time resurfaced.

But, where from this distant memory?

She could remember little of the accident that had claimed her parent's lives. All she could recall was waiting with her brother for them to return home from their trip. They were to return to celebrate her 9th birthday.

Though their trip had required them to stay longer, they realised how sorrowful Violet had been when she found out. So, they decided to return earlier.

Her young self had often wondered if it was her fault. But during those times, her brother had soothed and reassured her it was not the case.

"It is not your fault, amate (beloved). GOD has a plan in everything."

With his comforting words and finding her SAVIOUR amidst those circumstances, that pain had healed—or so it seemed.

But with the nightmares of that night of abuse gone, the enemy had decided to step up with the same old tactic—returning with the guilt that had consumed her in her younger years.

Her heart beat hard in her chest as she threw the blanket off of her. She glanced around the room, tears streaming down her face.

Where from this pain also? She felt her heart breaking all over again. She did not understand.

Why now, when I am already going through so much grief?

Then, she spotted a picture frame hanging on her wall. It had been a gift from her brother several years before.

It bore a quote she had seen over and over again. But that night, it seemed to stop her short.

It read simply, "LOVE LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN HURT", with the image of a Cross in the background.

Immediately, she knew... and realised.

She felt the forces of darkness at work and thanked GOD for helping her discern and realise the truth so soon.

Their agenda? It was to stop her from praying, from loving—the love that her SAVIOUR had used to spark The Light—to halt her journey and focus on her grief.

Looking at the Cross in the picture frame, she could feel the Light radiating from it beckoning her to go on her knees.

The forces of evil were at work and knew they had to stop her.

She quickly wiped the tears away and found herself responding to the call of her SAVIOUR. Going to where HE wanted her—to the battlefield of Prayer; on her knees.

Your plan might have worked years ago. But, O enemy, you are in for a surprise. My SAVIOUR has also stepped up to destroy your powers.

•••••••••••••

Yay! We thank GOD so much for yet another chapter. I was pretty sleepy when writing in the night by GOD'S Grace. So kindly pardon any mistakes.

Will try to go over them later on, GOD willing, by HIS Grace. But, I felt it had been a while and needed to post.

Please let me know your thoughts—every single one of them.

What do you think of this chapter by GOD'S Grace, with all humility?

Shalom, Shalom,

Phela

Songs for the Chapter: BLESSINGS, by Laura Story and YOU'RE STILL GOD, by Philippa Hanna

(Kindly feel free to listen to Blessings and the other song)

•••••••••••••

"...And fix my eyes upon YOU, JESUS;

FOR YOU ARE GOD, and I am not..."

~ Philippa Hanna

•••••••••••••

Violet had never given thought to what marriage would be like—given her age. But, being wedded to Mr Icy himself, she realised was going to be the greatest trial of her faith.

He barely said a word to her after their wedding. And they shared separate rooms—which was fine by her, she had to admit.

Yet, whenever she awoke from her nightmares of that night and found herself covered in sweat and tears, she could not help but ask GOD why.

"Is there any purpose in something as ugly as this?" She moaned in her grief one night. She felt so lonely... and bereft of joy.

"LORD..." she whimpered. "Can any good come of these scars?"

Then, with a vehement heat of Love she could never have thought possible nor could comprehend, she heard HIM whisper softly. Yet, the flame that kindled in her soul at the sound of HIS Voice was unquenchable.

"Look at MINE," compassion etched in each tone and timbre, HE showed her HIS scars.

HIS radiant Selfless-Love beamed out of every inch of the scars that her SAVIOUR had borne to purchase mankind's Salvation—her Salvation.

"What about MINE, Beloved?" And HE smiled with such a sweetness it made all the bitterness fade away. By just looking at HIM, a balm of healing poured into her wounded soul.

Time and again, she felt her SAVIOUR blanketing her in HIS Love, showing her HIS scars HE had to suffer for her sake.

"It is all for a purpose, dear one," HE would whisper. "And soon it will show forth, and you will see MY Hand in the midst of the pain—working out MY greatest masterpiece."

~~~

"So, all these motions are meant to settle the disputes in the Middle East?" Vincenzo asked, brows furrowed, deep in thought.

He had to admit, despite the irksome nature of the young man, Giuseppe, that he had the potential of becoming an elite member among the King Makers.

The drafted proposal he had presented was indeed masterful and seemed thoroughly prepared.

He had taken the time to go over the plans to bring peace to one of the most challenging areas of conflict and concern to the King Makers.

It could work, Vincenzo thought to himself.

And the thought of having both the Jews and their neighbours at Peace whilst getting the chance to rebuild their Temple?

That was a stroke of genius, Vincenzo mused to himself.

Giuseppe on the other hand, studied the Icy Prince warily, despite the calm and amiable front he put up.

He was slowly getting to understand the man and his weaknesses—and where his strengths lay.

Keep him away from the wench, and his mind could be easily controlled, he acknowledged with a smirk.

He had managed to keep Vincenzo away from her as much as he could, lessening the Power her so-called Light had over him.

Yes, I must distract him more.

"And you say Princess Lilith is the key to helping us put this plan in motion?"

"Oh, yes, grande Principe..." He implemented the ever-so humble sounding tone he had perfected over the years—for just such a moment.

"Isn't she hard to reach?" The elite King Maker tapped a pen on the table as he considered and pondered over it—something else Giuseppe was learning about him.

"Hardly anyone sees her face, how do you think you can succeed in enthralling her?" Vincenzo levelled a steady gaze at him.

Pulling off another of his charming smiles, he brought out his ultimate card to win him over.

"I must admit, it was a hard task to pull off," he put on a look of mock innocence. "But, I finally managed to reach her."

He glanced at his watch for the dramatic effect. "She should be arriving here any moment from now."

Now that, took even the Ice Prince by surprise. For he knew the power the Princess wielded, and how hard it was to even catch a glimpse of her—so scarce was she to find.

Rumour had it that she was afraid or hideous to look at. Others declared otherwise and stated that it was due to her beauty she was often sheltered by her father.

So as she strutted into the conference room, he was struck by the air of dignity she carried with her presence—and her stunning beauty.

There, Giuseppe sat back and watched, a sinister smile playing at his lips. My final card to yank him from that wench is finally here.

~~~

"Can we pray for my brother?" Isabella asked, deep emotion showing through her often cheerful eyes.

They had been casually lounging on Isabella's bed, discussing whatever topics came to mind. Especially, with regard to the Holy Scriptures.

But, the abrupt change of topic brought their lively conversation to a halt.

Violet felt a conflict in her soul. She had been restored to her relationship with her SAVIOUR, yet, she found it difficult to go through each day with the load of burden she carried—let alone pray for Mr Icy.

She felt no connection to him, despite being married. He rarely spared her a glance.

Is it because he finds me disgusting?

She sometimes found herself questioning, though his actions on the wedding day had suggested otherwise.

She still had to struggle with her feelings of unworthiness.

Yet, the inner urging did not dissipate after Isabella made that request.

Pray, she heard the Still Small Voice say.

And she knew it was time to let go of her pain—with the Scars of her LORD still vivid in her mind.

As she knelt beside her friend and sister, a wave of emotions flooded her soul. One side tugging her to hold on to her grief a little longer, and the other, beckoning her to finally lay it all at the Foot of the Cross.

LORD, I don't know what purpose YOU have in all of this, but even without knowing it, I will put my trust in YOU. I commit the trajectory of my life into YOUR Hands, for I know YOU will never let me fall.

And even if YOU choose to let me fall, a smile of the broken yet unbroken tugged at her lips. I am ready to fall for YOUR sake.

~~~

Having spent most of the evening praying with Isabella after finally deciding to surrender entirely, it felt like Violet had been reborn.

Recalling a verse she had memorised, she couldn't help but smile, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

As she prepared to go to sleep in her new room located at Vincenzo's side of the Villa, she heard the main door unlock.

He is probably in, she thought to herself.

In her surrender, she had vowed to give herself in reckless abandon to the Path her SAVIOUR had set before her; to rise to the occasion and accept her lot as the wife of Vincenzo.

As she arose from her bed to go out and greet him, she heard a steady yet reluctant rhythm sounded at her door.

Has he come to see me? She wondered with her eyebrows knit, feeling surprised and a tad bit discombobulated by the knock.

She drew closer and opened the door slowly, and recoiled as she saw the young man standing at her door.

Again?

————————

Hi, hi, hi!

It's been a while. So sorry for the long wait and the short chapter. I do not know my feelings about it, whether or not it was as I hoped or expected it to be. Kindly let me know your thoughts—and expectations.

I so long to hear from you all. Every single one of your comments encourages me greatly.

Oh, and a little quiz... what does the name Lilith stand for? And what does its meaning signify to you?

Let us kindly take note:

We do not know exactly how things will unfold to the letter, but, the Scriptures make us know they WILL happen. There will have to be a Temple in order for the anti-CHRIST to enter and desecrate it.

When that temple will be built? We are not sure.

Let us all kindly remember, that the Holy Scriptures are the final Authority. This is only a story trying to tie the events of the end times together with a work of fiction.

And all is to point out to us: CHRIST IS COMING SOON. SOONER THAN WE THINK, THE TIME IS UP.

GOD bless us all.

Love In CHRIST,

Phela

Song for the chapter: GOD ONLY KNOWS, for KING and Country

•••••••••••••

We thank GOD so much for how far HE has brought us all by HIS Mercies. So sorry for the long wait. This chapter was ready but proving difficult to publish.

The songs are humbly dedicated to you all, dear readers, and all who have known the weight of their pains—some of which we can tell no one about.

GOD knows them all.

GOD bless you for embarking on this wonderful journey with one such as I, not being as good a writer.

May HE kindly continue to give the Grace to continue, though we don't have the Strength of our own.

✨ And finally, an image for our very own, Giuseppe. ✨ Now, without much ado, let's humbly dive in.

•••••••••••••

Quote for the chapter:

"...Deep in unfathomable mines

of never-failing skill;

He treasures up His bright designs,

and works His sov'reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

the clouds ye so much dread

are big with mercy and shall break

in blessings on your head..."

~ William Cowper

•••••••••••••

"You did not have the foresight to know how big a threat she could be?!" The venomous voice thundered.

Giuseppe knew he had made a big mistake in underestimating the Power the girl called Violet possessed.

He had thought he could easily get rid of her and the radiance she seemed to have injected into the household.

I would soon be the one in control over here, he had told himself many times whenever he encountered her and had to mask his disgust.

"And now, she holds more power and sway over that household than ever before!!!" The arrows shot by the voice were piercing.

"I'm sorry, master," Giuseppe bowed his head in shame.

"Sorry? I have raised a failure of a child."

"Forgive me, master."

"Find ways to get rid of her. Make whatever sacrifices you need to get stronger," he commanded in an indisputable voice.

The voice of his master toned down a notch, yet still, it was grating.

"With the power of this new position, she can shine that so-called Light of hers even more and influence them..."

Giuseppe trembled a tad bit, but he resolved to stay strong for the task.

In a terrifying whisper, his master ended, "Get rid of her at all costs. And know this... I will not be defeated."

~~~

If ever Mother Earth had thought she had seen a most reluctant bride, she would be shaken to the core by one bride-to-be—although the documents had been signed and sealed irrevocable already.

The pain still felt too real, too fresh... too much to bear. However, Violet knew and she had to constantly remind herself, that her LORD knew what HE was doing. And that was the only confidence that kept her going. Even if nobody understood, HE did.

The sleepless nights, the unrest in her soul she had to battle each day through prayer and THE WORD, having no one to talk to about what had happened...

But, I know, dear one, her SAVIOUR continued to assure her in HIS ever-peaceful, loving voice.

"Are you sure you want no jewellery?" Queen Giulia asked again, seeming distraught by Violet's resistance. "I have a complete new set made of the finest gems one can imagine. And besides, you are to be the heiress of this kingdom."

"Mum, leave her be. She looks fine just as she is," Isabella chirped.

Queen Giulia shot her a look, and Isabella just shrugged her shoulders.

"Impossibile (Impossible)," Queen Giulia muttered under her breath.

She turned to her youngest daughter, "And you..." she pointed a finger at her. "Don't you think I have noticed how much you have changed in appearance these past few days?"

It was true. Isabella had found herself strangely distancing from all the fashion trends she used to follow. Somehow, her spirit no longer seemed to jibe with them.

And Violet—who had become an even closer friend than before—taught her about the modesty CHRIST desired of HIS Children.

"Admit it, Mum," Isabella leaned back casually on the sofa located by the window of Violet's new room. "I don't look like a scarecrow anymore."

She stretched out her hands and gestured at herself.

"Oh naturale (natural), is the best trend these days."

Queen Giulia just shook her head and chuckled softly at them.

"Apparently, I am not needed here," she sighed dramatically and placing a hand on her chest in a mock gesture of sorrow, she added, "I'll leave you to finish dressing her up then."

She turned to leave and later stopped in her tracks to turn to the ever-so-reluctant bride.

Looking at Violet, she realised that despite the apparent sorrow in her eyes, she glimpsed a girl grief had not managed to conquer.

"She is right," she said softly and gave a warm smile. "You look even more beautiful with no distractions of jewelry or makeup. And... I am glad to welcome you into my family."

And with that, she left the room.

"Are you truly ready?" Isabella leaned forward and turned to face her friend, her tone serious now. "I mean, I know you don't have a choice and all, but, we can plan an escape, or say you feel unwell... anything."

Violet turned to give her a small smile.

"That would be deceptive."

"I know," Isabella groaned and leaned back with disappointment etched over her features.

"I should know better. Lying is out of the book," she reached a hand to smoothen her own hair as she continued to ponder. "How about I hide you in a cart and drag you far away? Heaven knows even I would not want to marry someone like my brother."

Violet turned her head upward and gave a soft laugh.

Isabella's heart warmed at that sight. With a splendour of not only the physical appearance of her natural beauty but an inner one as well, Isabella was glad and grateful to know her.

And, though they had returned to being friends again—and, as it appeared, now sisters, though by law—it was her first time seeing her laugh ever since... the trip, she realised.

Violet turned to look at her visage in the mirror. She was glad she had stood her ground despite the temptation of "looking her best for her new status", as Queen Giulia had suggested.

The gown was simple yet elegant. But, the image that reflected back at her was not what she was used to seeing.

Rather than the free-spirited bubbly teenager, she saw a girl who had been forced by the turbulence of life against her will into being a woman—yet, she felt her HEAVENLY FATHER'S warm hands embracing her at that moment.

Much warmer than any feeling even her brother's presence had ever given. She was safe—so long as she remained in HIS Arms.

~~~

Having a joint wedding ceremony with the man Vincenzo had a hard time trusting truly irked him and made his hackles rise.

"And now, it's time for the brides to enter in," the master of ceremonies announced, a little too enthusiastically, it seemed to Vincenzo.

They had decided to have both weddings on the same day. And he thought he could feel an irritation—or perhaps rage—in Giuseppe as his own bride followed after his sister.

Why? He could not tell.

As he finally had a full glimpse of the damsel he was to wed, turmoil ignited within him. A conflict of feelings he did not know how to control.

A part of him longed to share the Light he still spotted in her. And another chastised and berated him. Was it guilt? For being too late that day?

He also noticed how different her natural glow stood out from his sister's otherwise overly done make-up and embellishments. She managed to look stunning despite her simplicity.

"It's your turn to say your vows," the officiator turned to him. It appeared his thoughts had caused him to miss the vows of his sister and her groom—and he was not disappointed to have missed that.

It was his turn, and Violet's. He realised it was the first time he said her name as they recited the modern vows which preceded the ancient vows of the formerly known Roman Empire, as their Royal customs demanded.

As he looked into her eyes, he saw the pain—which he had failed to salvage her from.

But beyond that, he saw a valorous woman—not a girl anymore—whose scars seemed to have faded into a certain strength and glowing beauty beyond her age.

Where does she draw such strength from?

"Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia (Where you are Gaius, I am Gaia.)," she muttered the ancient Latin vows with a strange confidence which belied the sorrow in her eyes.

Nevertheless, he could sense the unanswered questions from her expressions. For, after all, she had seen him standing in the doorway after the incident. And she knew that he knew what had happened.

Will you still go forward with this? Her gaze seemed to imply as she glanced up boldly into his eyes.

He reached out and held her delicate hands before the invited guests—all a part of the ancient traditions—but, he found himself doing it for other reasons than that.

And he thought he felt a surge, akin to a flame pass through him with that action—like what he had once possessed when he had the Light.

He only knew one way to answer and put her mind at ease, to make her know—and finally admit it to himself—that he did feel her pain, and did not condemn her despite what had happened.

In fact, he could feel the weight of the guilt lying so heavily on his chest, that he knew saying the words would not be enough.

But, he did say them... and he said them with such a fervour uncommon to his personality causing Violet's eyes to widen in surprise.

"Ubi tu Gaia, ego Gaius (Where you are Gaia, I am Gaius.)"

~~~

The final rites approached, wherein the groom would carry the bride over the threshold into the part of the Villa belonging to Vincenzo.

"Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia (Where you are Gaius, I am Gaia.)," Violet had to recite again.

And as Vincenzo lifted her in the presence of the family and guests, Violet heard the protests of dismay coming from the fiends on the other side of the Villa—the side which was now being occupied by Ginevra and Giuseppe.

An additional portion already having been constructed for them before the wedding.

Somehow, the Glow of her HEAVENLY FATHER had so overpowered Vincenzo's side of the Villa—her side now also, she learnt to acknowledge to herself—leaving no room for darkness.

The enemies knew they had lost their hold over that portion.

The Light that shined in Vincenzo's quarters had become way more intensive than it had even been when she dwelt in her former quarters.

Somehow, in HIS own way, GOD had used the crisis to shape her into a far stronger person— a warrior.

And the enemies knew it. The battle lines had been drawn.

————————————-

So, the image of Giuseppe? Got my younger bro, Dre-Dre DreLeonWrites

to be my model for Giuseppe. XD

Who's ready for a history lesson, please? Gaius was used in Ancient Rome to represent the groom, irrespective of his real name. And Gaia for the bride.

To put it plainly, the phrase implies, "Wherever you go, I will go," or, "What makes you happy makes me happy."

Yes please... and, any thoughts on this chapter, please? I love and so long to read your opinions. :)

Love,

Phela

Songs for the Chapter: THE GOD WHO SEES, by Nicole C. Mullen and Kathie Lee Gifford (please try your best to listen) and

LOVE NEVER FAILS by Jonathan Butler and Juanita Bynum

Yes, I have so many favourites, but this one in particular is one I love to go to over and over again.

And please try the first song as you read this chapter... hopefully to set the mood by GOD'S Grace and end with the second. ❤️

•••••••••••

"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: But the wicked shall fall into mischief."

~ Proverbs 24:16 KJV

"God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform...

...Judge not the Lord by feeble sense

But trust Him for His grace

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face..."

•••••••••••

Isabella knew she could not see Violet that night after finding out about the loss her friend had suffered.

Yet, she lay on the bed tossing, sleep eluding her.

What was it Violet had once told her? She tried to remember.

"There is a space in everyone's heart that only GOD can fill."

Yes! Those were the words. And she felt she could not wait any longer.

She could not wait till Violet recovered from the pain of her loss. She needed CHRIST at that very moment.

And if what Violet said was true, GOD would listen to her despite not knowing the right words to say or anyone to lead her.

~~~

Vincenzo could not help but feel anxious. He had signed the papers that their Royal status demanded to make the marriage of his sister official.

Yet, he felt no peace about it. Something gnawed at him, but, there was no going back.

He heard a knock at his office door, for he had remained there most of the evening into the night—even after delivering the unpleasant news.

Glancing at his Patek Philippe Grandmaster watch, he wondered who it could be at that late hour.

"Accedere (Enter)," he replied, feeling drained and weary.

He saw his personal aide and assistant, Eliseo, appear.

"It must be urgent if you have come at this late hour," Vincenzo sipped from the cup of tea in his hand.

"Pardon me, Principe. But, the now late King Maker, Tal, left a note for you," he fidgeted, something he rarely did.

"And?"

"It's regarding his sister, and I thought you should see it before anyone else," he finally looked Vincenzo in the eyes. "It has something to do with you too, Principe."

~~~

"I gave YOU all I had... and YOU have taken away more than I can bear. Now, I don't have Tal, and I don't even have YOU anymore," her soft voice broke as she spoke.

Tears trickled down her face and she angrily wiped them off. She thought she could cry no more, but, it seemed her torrents were yet to dry up.

Looking into the sky for the last time, she allowed herself to slide down the cliff with a big leap.

~~~

"Dear JESUS, I know YOU can hear me. I believe YOU can and are. I also know I have sinned and done many wrong things," she wept quietly. "Please forgive me. I need YOU in my life. I don't even know how to ask."

Her soft weeping turned into violent sobs.

"JESUS, please save me and wash me in YOUR Cleansing Blood Violet talks so much about..."

Violet, yes, she had to pray for her friend too.

"And, I know Violet must be in so much pain right now. I read from YOUR WORD that YOU healed the sick. Surely, YOU can heal the heart too, right? Please, don't forsake her in these trying times. Please, dear JESUS, please save Violet..."

~~~

Violet had not known what to expect. Probably a free fall and the pain that would finally end her existence.

But... what was she feeling and hearing?

She thought she heard a muffled sound that seemed to echo from way beyond her, "Please, save Violet."

And that was when the rest of the memorised Psalm came back to her... especially particular parts of the Psalm.

"Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?..." she recalled another part.

"And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."

"Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?"

Free falling, arms extended high, feeling the wind hurling her down with the force of gravity, she suddenly felt strong arms embrace her.

The arms felt so—loving. And they seemed to hoist her back up.

It happened in the twinkling of an eye.

And before she knew it, she felt her feet on solid ground in a safer spot—no bruises or pain felt from her leap.

Is this real? Am I still alive? Or is this the afterlife? She wondered with eyes still shut, amazed, yet petrified.

Whimpering, she opened her tear-stained eyes to see the Loving warmth radiating from the eyes of her HEAVENLY FATHER HIMSELF. Yes, she was still alive. And HE was still holding her.

"Child," HE said so softly. "All may forsake you, but, I will not."

"FATHER, YOU allowed my innocence to be stolen and now," she bowed her head down low, shoulders still trembling. "I don't think I am even worthy to be called YOUR child. I am so filthy."

"I know it all. And remember, child," HIS every Word permeated all the places that had been destroyed in her aching heart and being.

They felt like a healing balm pouring into her injuries.

"I was with you when it all happened, telling him to stop. It was not MY Will to have you go through that, yet, I will use it all for MY Glory."

He gently touched and lifted her chin upwards.

"And know this... you are loved by ME. And nothing and no one can ever take that away."

HE wiped the tears off her face and embraced her once more. And with that, HE was gone.

Yet, Violet could feel HIS Presence with her. The pain was not completely gone, but, she now faced it with her SAVIOUR by her side.

Though she did not understand why it had happened, she knew she had no other choice but to trust HIM.

"Though HE slay me, yet will I trust in HIM..." she whispered to herself. "LORD, I am YOURS. Even if YOU tear me to shreds. I put my trust in YOU. For only YOU can break and yet, make whole again."

She felt HIS warmth envelop her further—if that was even possible.

"I trust YOU; THE GOD WHO SEES."

And with HIS blessed Presence beside her, she knew she had to return to the battlefield—the Ferrari Villa.

This time her brother was not with her as she approached, and that hurt so much.

But, she told herself, ONE even greater than Tal is with me.

~~~

Vincenzo grew pale still staring at the signed document in his hands that validated it as official—without need for argument or contestation.

The Royal seal on it marked it as irrevocable and immutable.

Worse? He did not understand how he felt about it. Why did a part of him feel glad about the news?

He had often found himself in that state of uncertainty since that girl had entered their household.

"Now I can't refer to her as just that girl, can I?" He muttered to himself.

~~~

Violet felt like a bandaged, stitched-up wounded soldier who refused to sit still and recuperate as she returned to the battlefield—aka the Ferrari's household.

There were many broken shards to be picked up, many scars yet to heal, and many battles to be fought.

For she knew the enemy had gained a foothold during her apathy and sorrow. The marriage agreements between Giuseppe and Ginevra were already signed and set.

Her only hope? She was not alone.

Tal had left her, but thankfully, her GOD had not.

No one knew nor could understand the weight of pain she had to endure.

But, GOD knows, she thought to herself, a small smile played at her lips. Albeit, different from how she had smiled before.

It was a smile of one who had seen true hurt and pain, yet had risen again. Not by her might nor by her power, but by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

She knew she would not be the same Violet again. But, she was trusting GOD to reshape her into who HE wanted her to be.

And that conviction was tested when she reached the Villa and heard the news that was in store for her—a will her brother had thought "wise" to leave behind.

And its contents? Something that rocked her off her equilibrium.

Awaiting her was a whole new turn to her already shaky world—marrying Prince Vincenzo Klaus Ferrari.

•••••••••••

Love Never Fails: by Jona Butler ❤

Whew. That sure has not been an easy sequence. :|

So sorry if the chapter was a bit short. But, by GOD'S Grace, I knew it had to be posted to calm some hearts.

Kindly let me know your thoughts. What were you expecting Tal's will to be? And... were you shocked by it?

I know I am.

GOD'S Love,

Phela ❤️

Song for the Chapter: Yet, by the KING will come (yes, this song again)

‼Trigger Alert!‼

•••••••••••

Quote for this Chapter: "...HIS Wonders to perform..."

•••••••••••

THIRD PERSON POV

Returning from the trip, activities in the Ferraris Villa were in full swing, and preparations for the upcoming wedding were being made.

A new maid had been hired, relieving Violet from her duties of serving Vincenzo. But she was not altogether free—both within and without.

Some part of her thought that it was good he avoided her, for she felt so filthy and could barely face anyone—not even Clarice as they all joined to make the preparations. She tried her possible best to distance herself from the rest of the family as much as she was able—especially, Alessandro.

"Violet, dear," Clarice met her in the corridors and called her name as Violet tried to walk faster and pass her by. "Have you checked with the Royal Bakery about the cake for the wedding?"

Violet forced a smile, something which had become habitual since that night in Luxembourg.

"Yes, I went to check on them myself. Everything is in order."

Clarice looked her in the eyes and seemed to notice something was off, but she let it go and hastened to check on the other things needed for the D-day.

The preparations helped her take her mind off the incident—at least when she was busily working.

But, she could not deny the pain and the ache that tortured her wounded body and soul. Of how she had been defiled.

Gone were the nights of prayer too, and her hunger for THE WORD had dribbled to a halt. She could feel the darkness enveloping her every second.

The Light that had seemed to turn things around in the gloomy household had faded away. Her vision of the supernatural had also grown dim as she drifted from her SAVIOUR.

Nevertheless, she could still feel the powers of evil and their demonic throng cavorting around the premises in their numbers.

But, she felt too numb to even care.

~~~

"What do you think, Bella?"

Ginevra's voice caused Isabella to snap back to reality. They had both gone with their mother, Queen Giulia, to find an appropriate gown for the wedding.

Isabella had felt on top of the world during their trip. She thought she had been happier with her new friends. But, deep down inside, she realised being around them only made the void within her dilate.

Oh, how I miss Violet! She moaned within. Being around her had been like a balm to her soul.

Why did I even distance myself from her in the first place? She wondered.

She had also noticed a different Violet since the trip. Gone was that glow she seemed to emit whenever she was around.

And, it seemed to Isabella that she was distancing herself from the family—from her. And that pained her deeply.

"Earth to Bella! Dio mio! Where is your mind wandering off to this time?" Ginevra sounded agitated and rightly so. Isabella could barely muster the enthusiastic energy she once had.

"I think..." Isabella tried to look interested. "It is just lovely!" She finished to a satisfied smile on her sister's face.

But deep within, Isabella knew exactly what she was going to do when she returned home. Meet Violet and maybe... give her life to CHRIST.

~~~

Vincenzo could not face himself nor that girl, so he found every opportunity to be away from her presence—and it seemed she was doing the same. He could not fault her.

The haze had cleared after a moment that night, he thought he could feel her cry for help—something strange to him. And when he heeded the call and raced to the doorstep of her hotel room, he found the door ajar—and a barely clothed Violet on the ground sobbing violently.

He had been too late.

And the guilt he felt was palpable. He did not know what to do or who to turn to.

Thus was his mind preoccupied when he heard his phone ring. It was the phone he used for his duties as a King Maker.

"Ciao (Hello)?"

He had to settle into his office seat for the news he received.

~~~

Heading towards her room that night, Violet knew she was at the end of herself.

She had no one to talk to. Dare she talk to her HEAVENLY FATHER who seemed to have abandoned her?

No, her heart protested.

Entering her room on the last floor, she threw off her shoes and sat on the bed, melancholy filling every space where The Light had once been.

She glanced around and saw her frame in the mirror on the dresser. She could not recognise herself. Gone were the smiles, gone was the Light.

Filthy, you are so filthy and defiled, a voice screeched into her ears.

Reaching for the nearest object, she smashed the image she saw in the mirror, leaving cracks in it with a few shards on the floor.

There, broken—just as I am.

~~~

"I never knew they were siblings," Queen Giulia said in a hushed and distressed tone.

The entire family had gathered around when Vincenzo had summoned them to give them the news.

"Neither did I," Vincenzo's voice was grave, trying to hide his real emotions about the loss of Violet's brother, Prince Tal.

"So, who is going to give her the news?" Ginevra questioned. "And of all the times to receive this information, it had to be just before my wedding. How fitting!"

"Shut it, Ginevra," Alessandro injected. Vincenzo had noticed the grief and guilt on his brother's face as well—since that day. And the news made his youthful glow fade all the more—it was hard to watch.

Yet, Vincenzo wished he could plummet him into a tree and give him the beating of his life.

"Excuse me?" Ginevra sounded perturbed. "Don't forget I'm your elder sister—"

"Enough!" Vincenzo quieted their bickering with an authoritative tone. He was done with their bickering. He glanced around.

Isabella just sat there, stunned, with tears rolling down her eyes.

"I will be the one to tell her," Vincenzo concluded, bringing the meeting to a close as he stood up and walked away.

~~~

Could I sink any lower than this, LORD? Violet finally spoke to HIM for the first time in days.

She had no tears left after receiving the news about the death of her brother and crying her heart out—he was the only family member she had left, but not anymore.

Her heart felt numb as she stood at the edge of the cliff. She had left the house quietly when she knew every member of the family had retired to their quarters.

"I gave YOU all I had... and... and... YOU have taken away more than I can bear. Now, I don't have Tal, and I don't even have YOU anymore," her soft voice broke as she spoke.

Tears trickled down her face and she angrily wiped them off. She thought she could cry no more, but, it seemed her torrents were yet to dry up.

Strangely, a memorised Psalm came to mind as she was about to take the final leap. She could not recall all of it but the part she remembered tore at her heart all the more.

"In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: My sore ran in the night, and ceased not: My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed..." she whispered them softly to herself.

"Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. Will the Lord cast off for ever?" Her whole body convulsed with the sorrow of her sobs.

"And will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?..."

Looking into the sky for the last time, she allowed herself to slide down the cliff with a big leap.

•••••••••••

A painful chapter to write; yet again.

GOD bless you all for making it this far.

Psalm 77:2-4, 7-9, were the recited verses, please. Hopefully, a new chapter will be added soon by HIS Mercies, GOD willing.

Shalom, Shalom,

Happy Passover!

Phela

Song for the Chapter: GOD'S Not Done With You by Tauren Wells (kindly try to listen if possible, please )

••••••••••••••••••••••

¡Trigger Warning in the following chapters!

❣Dedicated to people who have seen such traumas as abuse, being suicidal and such, some of whom I know and are close to me. THE LORD be your Strength. ❣

••••••••••••••••••••••

Quote for this Chapter: "GOD moves in a mysterious way..."

••••••••••••••••••••••

"Are you okay?" Violet asked the obviously pained Vincenzo, concern etched all over her features as she stooped down closer to him.

He had a hand over his chest, gripping tightly. It was the first time she had seen him look so vulnerable.

"Water," he muttered weakly.

She hurried to unscrew her half-empty bottle and handed it over to him, saying a prayer in her mind as she did so.

He gratefully accepted it and emptied it quickly. With a sigh of relief, he leaned back toward the hunk of the tree, taking in deep, steady breaths.

"Thank you," his voice was tender, something she had never heard before.

"Are you sure you are okay?" Her eyebrows were still knit with perturbation. She found herself leaning closer to sit beside him.

And upon closer inspection, she noticed the scars that marred his heart. Not just the physical agony he had experienced, but deep jagged lines of pain and scars marked his soul.

She also noticed something different. Yes, the icy indifference was still present. But, something had changed, and she could not put a finger on it.

A healing? Where had that also come from... and when? She thought.

"I'm alright," he pushed himself away from the tree and stood up. "I will be leaving early. Want to join me?"

~~~

Violet stretched on the sofa in her room at Le Royale Hotel. And, as usual, during the past few days, her BIBLE was before her and she drank in every Word.

For she seldom had the luxury of time in the Ferrari's Villa though she tried to allot every single chance or opportunity for it each day.

She had gotten to the Verse in Proverbs 17:22, which read, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

Her mind drifted back to the night when she had seen Vincenzo in both physical and—as it appeared—pain ravaging his spirit also.

Is that why he is so conscious of his eating?

She had always thought his high meal standards were just ways by which he wanted to break and agonise her. But, it appeared she could have been wrong on that note.

FATHER, please forgive me for ever seeing it as drudgery instead of serving YOU. Kindly heal him of whatever ails him.

Something else nibbled and gnawed at her. Isabella had stopped showing up for their usual BIBLE discussions. And she thought she could see the Light which had begun to appear to dissipate from her friend's eyes.

In fact, she had made new friends over the trip and was either out shopping or just hanging out with them.

Violet could not help the feeling of loneliness and despondency that tried to overwhelm her.

If only her brother, Tal, was around...

"But I am with you... I will never leave nor forsake you. Just continue to pray, little one. Pray."

Comforted, she did HIS bidding—not knowing if it was bearing any fruit or not. Yet, she persevered.

~~~

Violet soon got tired of being stuck indoors all day and decided to venture out into a rather open area at Le Royale Hotel. Though open, it often saw few people, if any at all, around that hour.

Standing in the elevator, her violin strapped to her back, the elevator doors opened to allow someone else in—Alessandro. He was alone, yet, there was something off about him.

He gazed at her with his usual glare, but, his eyes were red and hollow, as though he was under the influence of... something; anything.

Heading out by the way of the lounge, she spotted Isabella with two of her new friends. One was a skinny spiky-haired girl with a tint of blue around its front, and the other seemed to fit the whole image of the goth look.

"You don't say!" She heard the spike-haired girl squeal.

Isabella noticed Violet and quickly turned to whisper to her new friends and they all turned to look at her.

A wave of disappointment came over Violet and she sighed and headed toward her destination.

LORD, I can see where all those prayers have ended up.

Don't give up on them, Violet. I have not.

Glancing around and finding the place deserted as she had hoped, Violet tuned the violin and went on to play whatever song came to mind. She could feel the pain in her shoulder sting a slight bit.

But she kept on going, playing the song ringing in her heart, bringing a sheen of tears to her eyes.

The song?

GOD'S Not Done With You.

~~~

Vincenzo Klaus Ferrari could not understand what was taking place inside of him. He found himself in an enigma as he sat with Giuseppe at the Piano Bar at Le Royale Hotel. And the music did little to help.

It only made him remember someone else he had encountered playing the violin earlier that day when she had apparently thought no one was around to listen.

He found his mind racing a thousand miles as Giuseppe continued to make use of every charm in his dictionary to ingratiate himself with Vincenzo.

"I think this union will be a good chance to solidify your position amongst the King Makers," Giuseppe leaned forward. "Think of it, with all the power you have, we can finally say goodbye to all the conflicts in this world."

His mind wavered back and forth from their conversation to his recent encounters with the younger girl.

The stronger side of him still remained stony, yet, he could feel a fervent heat thawing his icy heart—especially, whenever that girl was around.

And, that was a fact he did not want to admit to anyone, not even to himself. But, when she had happened upon him in the garden during the Nuits des Lampions, he had to consider.

Why and where had the darkness and stoniness that, yes, he sometimes felt physically disappeared to?

He could not understand what was happening to him. He felt lighter whenever she was around.

And he knew it had gotten to an alarming stage when he found himself humming to the same tune the day after, Come THOU Fount.

It had been one of his favourites—many years ago.

Yet, that Light seemed to grow dim and disappear from him the farther he was from her. Like that present moment with Giuseppe.

He wanted—no needed to focus on that Light. But, he found his mind clouding up as the conversation went on.

You are getting too soft, Vincenzo, a voice whispered into his ears. You need to go back to being who your father was not. Don't allow yourself to grow weak as he did when he spoke of a Light and turned to that Light. You are stronger than he was.

The voice continued to grow and cloud his mind even after their conversation ended and they headed towards the elevators.

No, I must not grow weak, he resolved. And it felt like a flame had been snuffed out with that proclamation.

And that was when he saw his younger brother, Alessandro, enter into the elevator with them. He was in a state Vincenzo knew all too well. He was stoned, as he usually was whenever he hung around with his so-called friends.

He saw him tap the button for the sixth floor.

Vincenzo sensed it, and felt what was coming as his brother got off the floor Violet stayed at... it was not the first time his brother had committed such an act. Vincenzo knew what was coming.

And a part of him wished to stop it all from happening, but of course, the stony side of himself won.

It's time to get rid of her, Vincenzo. And you don't need to do it yourself.

Standing beside Giuseppe as they watched Alessandro trod on, he felt the haze in his brain amplifying.

~~~

Violet, dressed for bed, stretched her limbs gently. It was a ritual she often did to help expedite the healing process.

To say she was alarmed when she heard a click at her door and the door open was a trivialisation.

Her heart rate soared beyond any she had ever thought possible.

Standing in her doorway, eyes aflame, demons screeching and taking over every fibre of his being, was Alessandro.

"That's her. Don't stop! Take revenge on her!" The demons screamed into his ears.

But, there was no need for them to scream any further. They had found a willing vessel, ready to do their bidding.

"LORD JESUS!" Violet called out.

But for some reason, the rescue she sought did not arrive. Not in time to salvage what was left of her already lonely and shattered heart.

She was a prey, and her predators had found her easily. And they left her broken, destitute and abused—gone was her innocence.

~~~

This has been a really hard chapter to write. I know a similar occurrence took place in the 1st Book... but, the truth of such things is real, and so is the pain.

If you have ever been through it, or know someone who has, you are not alone.

CHRIST'S Love,

Phela. ❤️‍

Songs for the Chapter: I Will Trust In YOU by JayMikee and Come THOU Fount (a hymn I love so much)

•••••••••

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10,11;

••••••••••••••••

THIRD PERSON POV

"So, what do you think of my theory?" Isabella munched on a chocolate bar as she casually lounged on Violet's bed. They had become fast friends indeed.

"He fits the bill, doesn't he?"

"Well..." Violet intoned, trying to carefully phrase her words without giving out what she had seen.

She had been fiddling around with her violin, trying to tune it. It was a hobby she had taken an interest in since she was younger. The trip had looked to be an opportunity to go back to it.

But, Isabella's words caused her to pause and set the instrument aside.

He could just be a pawn setting the stage for the real deal—though deadly, she thought, but couldn't voice that out loud.

"THE BIBLE says there will be many anti-CHRISTS. But, the main one is yet to be revealed according to 2 Thessalonians..."

"Tessa—what?" Isabella cut her off. "That's in THE BIBLE as well? Did she write one of the books too? Man, have I got a lot to read."

Violet chuckled, the mirth of Isabella's question tickling her an awful mite.

Yet, despite the Light she could see beginning to sparkle in her friend's soul, she had to admit a fear that it could only be a phase.

Maybe she just wants an interesting divergent, Violet could only pray and hope. Dare she push her further to accept CHRIST before it was too late?

Violet could feel the urgency of the time in her heart and based on certain things she had seen and begun to learn from the Holy Scriptures. She wanted to push her with all her might till Isabella finally gave in. She was so close.

Wait, the ever-so-gentle Voice impressed upon her soul. Yours is to show the Way and leave the rest to ME.

FATHER, she cried within in desperation. But she is so close and the time so near. Can't YOU do YOUR part now?

Just wait for ME, Violet. In due time.

"Speaking of Tessa, I've been dying to try some of their foods," Isabella propped herself off the silk pillow she had cushioned upon. "I heard they have opened a new restaurant here. Want to try it with me? We could get some ice cream too!"

So, that was it? No talk about her need for CHRIST as they discussed HIS imminent return? LORD, please, until when?

It seemed there would be no badgering her into the faith. Like her LORD had said, she had to wait.

But sometimes, she had to learn the hard way to be patient in GOD'S Waiting Room.

~~

Walking out of Tessa, ice cream cones loaded with cookies and cream, Violet was yet to altogether recover from her disappointment.

Yet, LORD, I will trust in YOU, she resolved. She somehow felt lighter after giving up the battle to her LORD.

Isabella was busily chirping away about how wonderful their meal had been, and Violet tried to pay close attention.

Well, that was until she found herself—and her ice cream—smash into a figure.

"Oh, no!"

"You surely have a habit of bumping into the wrong people—Blue," Prince Alessandro spat out.

Violet looked up to see she had managed to not only stain his expensive $9,000 leather biker jacket, but it had also smeared an ensign of his Royal Status he often wore around his neck—made of a variety of gems and gold.

"I'm so sorry, I did not mean to—"

"You never mean to do anything, do you?" He sneered at her.

And that was when she recognised the tone of voice—one she had heard the evil throng around Giuseppe use.

So, they have influenced him.

She saw them hovering around him, a fiery rage in their eyes. And the more he gave way to his anger, the more venom they spewed into his already shattered soul.

"Just watch out, Blue," he stepped closer and whispered into her ear. "One of these days, I will be rid of you."

Violet gulped.

The forces of darkness had found a loophole.

~~~

Darkness, screeching creatures, and gloominess did not allow Violet a respite that night as she tried to drift off to sleep. She could feel them attacking her on every side. And it had not begun then only.

Having been invited to share a dinner table with the Ferraris earlier on, she could feel the power of evil trying to overwhelm her.

She was not the only guest at their table, it appeared. The family had been allowed to bring their friends along on the trip, which explained why she had also been allowed there in the first place.

Alessandro had gotten his friends to follow.

"The lanky one over there is called Aristotle," Isabella intimated as she sat close to Violet. "And those other two are his twin siblings. They are Sandro's closest friends."

What? Are they also called Plato and Socrates?

It was only when she saw Isabella's shoulders convulsing with a peal of laughter she tried to stifle that she realised she had said it out loud—but gladly, not loud enough for the others to hear.

She had often noticed them moving with Alessandro in school but had never gotten to know their names.

Ginevra also had a girl who appeared to be a close friend sit with her. And, of course, there was Giuseppe.

"My dearest Giuseppe," Queen Giulia had intoned, her Italian accent captivating. One glance could tell that she was enamoured by the young man.

If only she knew, Violet thought to herself.

"Sitting here with us shows me what a beautiful family we would make, don't you think so?" She turned to her first-born son, Vincenzo, who looked none too pleased with the whole ordeal.

"Ovviamente (of course)," Ginevra shot her brother a look. He merely glanced away.

"When do you think we should set the date for the wedding?" Queen Giulia chirped, going off with a list of things to be done for the wedding preparations.

LORD JESUS, please, spare this family from the clutches of this evil man, Violet prayed fervently within.

"In JESUS Name," she softly muttered the last part under her breath.

But her proclamation of THE NAME so dear to her had not gone unnoticed by the fiends that hovered around the man called Giuseppe. So great was their army that they lingered around the other members of the family—except Violet.

And, at the mention of the Sublime Name above all others, though gently uttered, their hosts had been turned into a rage, flying in various directions away from their targets.

However, she saw their fangs still gripping tightly into two of the family members—Ginevra and Alessandro.

Batting their wings, they fought hard to regain control over the others. But, she saw THE LIGHT of her SAVIOUR—though emitting from within a girl as frail as her—dispel and thwart their efforts.

"We have not made the engagement official yet," Vincenzo set his wine glass down. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

That set the whole table to silence. Violet thought she saw Isabella give a smile.

"Her," she saw the leader of the evil hosts sneer in her direction, dripping venom with every tone of its voice.

En masse, the rest of their troops set their sights on her, and, another being also—Giuseppe. His eyes, filled with a fiery flame, shot daggers at her. The evil throng began to advance.

LORD JESUS CHRIST, please help me.

And immediately, she saw the warrior angels draw out their blades behind her. And the fiends drew back immediately in horror, screeching in despair.

"We will get her soon," their leader sneered further as they were forced to back away. "Very soon."

And that was how she found herself battling in prayer that night; knees glued to the rug by her bedside, a BIBLE open before her.

A battle had indeed begun.

~~

Violet found herself distanced from the crowd that had gathered for the Nuits des Lampions (Night of Lanterns) at the famed Jardin de Wiltz (Garden of Wiltz) in Luxembourg.

The festivities were splendiferous and indeed a sight for sore eyes. With lanterns lighting every pathway and hanging around, she could see why it interested many.

Yet, she felt the need to distance herself from it all. She had learnt that solace in her SAVIOUR was most often found when she was alone—not that it could not be found contrariwise.

But, she found her feet guiding her steps closer to more obscure parts of the garden, away from all the noise with only a bottle of water in hand which she occasionally sipped from.

She hummed a favourite hymn, Come THOU Fount, as she walked on. When it got to her favourite part of the beloved hymn, she couldn't help but sing the words out loud, albeit softly enough.

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, oh take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above...

She turned her gaze to look at the dark sky and did not realise where her feet had led her till she heard the sound of someone moaning.

"Mmm..!"

She quickly spurned on her heels, trying to locate its source.

Being in the darker part of the garden, she had to strain hard to see better. And that was when she saw a broad-shouldered figure hunched over beside a tree.

The chill was not as intense as it had been before when she had first met him. But, with one glance, she could tell who it was.

•••••••••

Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST, I hope we are all well and kept by HIS Mercies.

Which do you prefer, long or short chapters, please? Or any would do?

Kindly let me know your thoughts and opinions. I would love to hear them.

As always,

With The Love of CHRIST,

Phela