Dark Revelation Read Online Free PDF

that Vera would ever fear was Finar and his wrath.  Finding the child gave Vera an edge that none of the others had or will have.  The Elders would want a peek at Ryleigh.  The blessed child from a blasphemous marriage. 
    Vera gave Siegfried a look as if she knew what he was thinking, “I know you are worried about what Ryleigh is, but let me guarantee you that I will have her under control before anyone has time to convince her to be on their side.  That includes Tristan and Illeana.  I’ve smelled them meddling in my affairs and I will have none of it.”  Siegfried nodded in understanding, “They need to know that I am in charge and that I am the one who gets prime rights for this child.  I am her guardian after all,” Vera commented. 
    “Yes, ma’am.”  Siegfried turned to make preparations for Finar.  He would not be happy.  Not happy at all that the child had been found.  Now would be the time for a serious power struggle. 
    “Siegfried,” Vera called after him.  “Yes, Miss.”  
    “Please bring Ryleigh downstairs for dinner.” 
    “Yes, Miss,” Siegfried answered knowing that this would be the last normal dinner Ryleigh would ever have in her life.
     

5
    Time for new family
                Ryleigh was awake when Siegfried unlocked the door.  The long shadows cast on the walls let her know a few hours had past while she was sleeping. After she awoke she found the bathroom connected to her room and was grateful for the familiarity the hot water cascading along her skin gave her. 
    After her shower, she had waited patiently for the door to open. She wanted answers and would even be willing to wait for them, but for an aunt to be excited to see her and then lock her in her room, was a bit bizarre.  The urge to yell, kick, and scream was tempting and Ryleigh could feel something slightly familiar growing in the pit of her stomach - a gnawing urgent sensation beginning to rub her insides raw and set her nerves on edge.
                Siegfried walked into the room with an air of someone other than a butler, “Miss Vera requests you downstairs.” 
    This is what Ryleigh was waiting for.  She was waiting for a moment to approach her aunt and get some answers to her long awaited questions.  As Ryleigh shuffled past Siegfried she extended her hand to brush his arm and thank him for attempting to show her a bit of kindness. 
    Siegfried jumped back as if she stung him.  “Do not ever touch me madam.  Ever,” he said with disgust resonating from his timbre.  
    Ryleigh’s jaw dropped to the ground in confusion.  Stammering an apology, she continued out the door and down the hall to the foyer where she met her Aunt Vera. 
                Upon seeing Ryleigh, her face broke into a genuine smile.  Her long blonde hair was down and looked as if she had walked out of a salon with each strand intentionally placed for a dramatic effect.  She’d changed into a trendy pair of jeans, cream colored blouse, and topped the look with red stilettos.  She opened her arms wide inviting her in for an embrace, “Ryleigh, how are you feeling?  Come here and give your aunt a proper greeting.”  Ryleigh needed the affection.  The pain she felt was minimal compared to the comfort she needed at that moment.  Once she started hugging her, she couldn’t let go.  She didn’t want to.  She needed to collapse into another human being.  She needed to feel needed and loved, and in that one moment, she needed to comprehend all of what happened to her. 
                Ryleigh collapsed to the ground and began to sob – controlled and quiet.  Vera followed her to the floor.  As the tears began to flow more freely, the intensity increased and her body began to shake.  Vera clutched Ryleigh tighter and continued to hold her wracking body until she was done.  Wiping her face with the arm of her sleeve Ryleigh sputtered between sobs, “Thank you, for