The Morgan Sisters Complete Series Boxed Set

ISBN 9789899734869-31

'I have a friend in Ireland who I believe has associations with a group of Nereids in Greece. Perhaps he might be of assistance?'

Emma's eyes widened with the prospect of finally finding out the truth.

'Really? That would be amazing,' she said, almost spilling her tea as she stood up quickly.

'Can you call him now?' she asked.

Eleanor smiled and nodded, 'Of course.' Standing up, she straightened her long full skirt before taking the two empty cups from them and turning to exit the room.

'Thank you, Eleanor,' they piped up simultaneously.

A niggling feeling kept irritating her like she needed to remember something. Whatever it was though, Lana couldn't seem to grab hold of it. When they walked into Eleanor's office half an hour later, she'd managed to push it from her thoughts. Instead, concentrating on finding out the truth about Joe's true love.

The screen was focussed on St. James Park. Emma only knew because behind it was The Mall and Buckingham Palace. Since their introduction to the Praxos Foundation, they had been learning everything they possibly could about London, including its geography, its history (much to Lana's disgust) and its beautiful buildings and architecture.

Eleanor beamed at them. 'Please sit down, girls. I have news,' she said almost bursting with excitement, like a little girl who had just been given a pony. 'I've just been on the phone to Nikolaos, and he told me a fascinating tale...'

Lana and Emma leaned forward expectantly.

'It is believed that one of the daughters of Nereus fell in love with a man somewhere in the United Kingdom. Much to her father's dismay, she made a decision which angered him terribly. She refused to return home to his side, instead choosing to marry this young man. Nereus, however, had other ideas. Because she was already promised to another, her father threatened her with a great storm to kill her beloved. Her father had always been such a gentle soul, and she refused to believe him. But she was wrong. On the night of 31st January 1953, Nereus did indeed create a massive storm so fierce that it whipped the coasts of England, Scotland and parts of Europe. As you already know, many many innocent people died. His daughter, however, was captured and returned to the Aegean Sea where it is believed, she was forced to marry the man she did not love. It is alleged that she remains there, mourning the death of her one true love...'

'Oh My God... Eleanor... I... I...'

'What is it, Lana?' she asked, standing up and walking around the desk.

'I just dreamed about that. I saw the beach on the night of the storm. There was a woman in red, and she was writing something on the beach - I heart J... - before a huge wave reached out and pulled her into the water. It must have been Emelia and her father. She must have been writing I heart Josiah,' she said, her face paling considerably.

'Yes, I think you're right. Oh the poor dears,' Eleanor said like an old lady.

'Wait a minute,' breathed Emma, 'So she's still alive? And she thinks Joe died the night of the storm? If we can find her, we can tell her the truth. Maybe then they can both move on?'

'Yeah maybe, but there is one thing here that sucks. She's alive, and he's, well, dead.'

'Yes,' sighed Eleanor, 'But she has aged apparently. Perhaps they can be together again one day in the not too distant future.'

'Is there any way of tracking her down?' asked Emma.

'I've already asked Nikolaos. He promised me that all his resources are already on the case. We just need to wait patiently.'

The girls sat back, relaxing their tense shoulders and watched as people wandered through St James Park, some of them sitting on park benches and chatting to each other.

'And the world goes on as usual,' smiled Eleanor. 'Speaking of which, you girls are going home tomorrow. How do you feel about that?'

Emma smiled, 'I'm looking forward to seeing Mum and Dad, Lucy Joe and Greg.'

'And Scott and Henry,' Lana added.

'Henry?' Emma said, confused.

'The dog!'

'Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about him. Maybe we should ask Joe what his real name is?'

'Nah, not such a good idea. How would we explain that to Lucy Joe?'

Emma laughed, 'I guess so.'

Lana turned back and said, 'I'm quite happy to be going home... because there is a possibility we'll be coming back soon, isn't there?' Lana asked curiously as she looked across at Eleanor, hoping for a response.

She smiled broadly, 'We'll talk about that tonight with the rest of the group. Oh, by the way, wear your party dresses,' Eleanor added with a cheeky smile as they walked out of the office.

After popping back to the boat for a quick shower and change into casual clothes (carrying their party outfits in bags with them), the girls walked back from Westminster where they were once again moored, towards the Foundation with Declan and Saleena. On the way there, they met up with Liam, Diarmuid, Zane and Marian.

The adults went on without them, suggesting the four of them take some time on their own before heading back. The meeting wasn't going to commence until 6pm, so they had plenty of time to kick back and relax first.

Liam casually draped his arm over Lana's shoulder, while Diarmuid and Emma firmly held hands as they walked along Leicester Square, stopping to gaze at an attractive water feature with a statue of Charlie Chaplin in its centre and spouts of water shooting up into the air.

'I can't believe the two weeks are almost up,' said Diarmuid as he squeezed Emma's hand.

'Yeah I know,' Lana added, 'But at least we're closer to the school year.'

'Yeah, that's great if we're accepted into the Academy,' Liam replied lazily. 'If not, I'll be stuck in Chelmsford. What about you, Diarmuid? Where will you go if you're not accepted?'

'Somewhere in Oxfordshire, I guess. Unless Mum wants to go back to Ireland.'

'I'm sure we've all been accepted. I hope so anyway,' Lana whispered as the sun glistened on the rippling water. 'I really don't want to go back to Andilyse for good. Not now that I've had a taste of this life.'

'Come on, let's not mope around. Let's enjoy our last few hours together. Let's get a drink,' Lana said all of a sudden, pulling them away from the fountain.

Emma's eyes glazed over as she thought about what Lana had said. Their last few hours together. The idea that she may not see Diarmuid again was the same as being punched in the stomach, and so she held back for a moment. Her sister and Liam carried on walking as she and Diarmuid stood looking at each other sadly.

'Stop thinking about what you're thinking, Emma. I can see it in your eyes. We are coming back in a few weeks. I just know it,' he said as he gently held her chin in his hand, using his thumb to stroke her cheek.

A cyclist whizzed passed them, followed by a small group of kids eating burgers who stopped and sat beside the fountain. But Emma didn't notice them. She didn't see anything. All she saw was Diarmuid, his sweet smile revealing an almost perfect set of white teeth, just one was slightly askew. I could drown in those eyes; she thought as he leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips.

Wolf whistles echoed behind them, but she didn't care. All she wanted was to stay in that moment, for it to never end.

But the moment passed. Lana called them from a distance, 'Come on you guys, hurry up!'

Diarmuid wiped away a tear from her cheek. 'As I said, stop those thoughts. This isn't over. This is just the beginning,' he said with a huge grin.

'You're right,' she whispered, 'This is just the beginning.'

CHAPTER 38

'Stamus Contra Malum. Three seemingly small words that sum up the true meaning of the Praxos Foundation. We Stand Against Evil. That is what we are here for, to fight evil of all kinds. An evil that hides in the shadows of the night ready to pounce on unsuspecting innocents, whether they be human or paranormal. We vow to protect those that need our protection. And fight those that choose the wrong path in this life. Stamus Contra Malum,' Eleanor said as she stood proudly beside the statue of the angel that filled the centre of the great hall with Watchers, Mentors and a few others that Lana and Emma had never met sitting in front of her.

'The past two weeks have not only been an introduction to the Praxos Foundation for you, but it has also been an induction. The moment you were born, you were destined to join us. And the moment you grew your tattoos made you a part of this family. Your initiations proved to us that you are more than worthy, and your tasks showed us your keen abilities to successfully solve problematic riddles and in some cases, to help others,' Eleanor said as she glanced in Lana and Emma's direction. 'I know I speak for all the Mentors here by saying that you have seriously impressed us by showing your true born colours, demonstrating your unique talents in a multitude of ways. It is, therefore, my very great pleasure to welcome you all...' she said, stopping to look at Daisy who blushed, 'to the Academy in a few weeks.'

The Watchers let out a loud, wild cheer, all jumping up and hugging each other enthusiastically and yelling at the tops of their voices.

Emma looked across at Diarmuid who held up both his thumbs to her and winked, 'I told you so,' he mouthed. A grin spread across his face as he took in her appearance for the first time. Her long hair was pinned up to reveal a long pale elegant neck which was enhanced by a black lace choker, beautifully matched to the1950s gothic style dress she wore.

'But we haven't completed our task yet?' Lana suddenly blurted out when the group had quietened down a little.

Declan leaned forward over her shoulder and said, 'Yes, you have. We discussed your task earlier today, and we all agreed that you did an astounding job in tracking down Emelia Doris, girls. Your task is complete.'

Emma, who sat feeling a little self-conscious in her girlie dress, turned to look at him, 'But what about Joe? He hasn't crossed over yet. I won't be happy until he has,' she said.

Declan leaned back with a smile just as Eleanor quietened everybody down so she could speak. 'I just wanted to add how pleased we all are at how you grouped together to help one another. I think you're all aware that some of the tasks were more challenging than others. You showed us that you are indeed, already a family.

Lana and Emma, I neglected to mention this before, but your task was much more in-depth than any of the other Watchers' tasks. But, as Josiah clearly needed to be helped, I decided to give that task to you, rather than pass it on to one of the older watchers. I am delighted to announce, therefore, that the issue with Josiah is almost complete. Emelia Doris has been found. She is on her way to London as we speak. The plan is for her to travel back to Andilyse with you and Lana before you take her to Josiah's house. We believe then that Josiah will finally be able to rest in peace.'

The girls were dumbstruck, not able to utter a single word. Eleanor smiled happily, 'See? Your task is over. You passed with flying colours. It is clear that you are the stars of the past fortnight's... what do we call it? Work Experience. Come on everybody, how about a round of applause for Lana and Emma?'

Again, the group exploded with happiness and clapping, the Watchers pushed their seats back, scraping them across the floor, and surrounded the two sisters, patting them on the back and congratulating them. It was a fitting end to their first two weeks with Praxos.