The Third Throne: Angel of Darkness Read Online Free Page A

smiled and tossed her backpack in the corner of the entryway.  It felt like a real home when Uncle Bob visited.  The sun was brighter, the air warmer, and she didn’t feel as lonely.
    She hugged him and stepped back to look at him.
    Robert Black was tall and classically handsome with bright blue eyes and black hair that was shiny like a raven’s wing, unlike her father who was short, balding, and had brown eyes.  He was a paper salesman and droned on about boring stories about Bright White paper verses Ultra White paper, while Uncle Bob had exciting stories about his adventures in exotic locations.  Of course, Detroit would be more exotic than her hometown.
    When her parents ignored her and refused to listen to her problems, she would often look into the mirror at her own bright blue eyes and black hair and imagine that Uncle Bob was her father.  He understood her in ways even CJ couldn’t.  Everything she said was important and relevant.  He asked about her hobbies, books she’d read, boys she liked, and what she and CJ had done since he’d last seen them.  He could recount every story she had ever told him.  The man missed nothing.
    Always buttoned up in a dark suit and tie, he was an eternal bachelor who used every excuse to buy her presents, since her parents were tightwads who rarely bought anything new or went anywhere exciting.  He was charismatic, graceful, and always had impeccable manners.  When he spoke, people paid attention to him.
    “How long are you staying?” she blurted out.  This was the first and most important question asked upon every visit.  She held her breath, waiting for the answer.
    “I’m afraid I have to leave after dinner,” he sighed.  He sounded as sad as she felt.  He seemed upset that he couldn’t spend more time with her, but he was a busy man, forever on the move.
    “Then you will have to talk really fast and tell me everything that has happened in the last three months.  I can’t believe I haven’t seen you since my birthday,” Michelle followed him to the living room and sat down next to him on the couch.
    “I’m sorry I haven’t called, but things have been crazy at work.  I wanted to stop by to make sure you were ready for our trip.  I brought a few amenities for our travels, which I put in your room,” Uncle Bob looked around Michelle to make sure her mother Elise was occupied in the kitchen.  He leaned in and chuckled.  “Don’t tell your mother, but I bought you a new wardrobe.  My assistant picked out the clothes you like and I purchased some supplies for your European trip as well.  Once your parents are asleep, feel free to look through the boxes and start packing.  Oh, I also got you new luggage.  I didn’t think you wanted to use that atrocious bag your mother so loves.  I know your parents have a thing about not spending money, but I don’t see the point in traveling with old beat up luggage,” he winked at her.
    “You didn’t have to do that, though I appreciate the clothes,” she hugged him quickly.  “I’ll be sure to hide the luggage somewhere in the basement until we leave.  I’m just looking forward to spending time with you.  I always feel like you have to leave before I can really talk to you.”
    She hated admitting that she missed him, but she wanted him to know he was special to her.
    “I am looking forward to our time together as well.  There is so much I want to show you and teach you.  I’ve always enjoyed learning new languages and meeting new people.  I hope I can pass along some of my enthusiasm to you.  You’ve always kept people at a distance.  Perhaps this journey will help you open yourself up and learn to interact with all kinds of people,” Uncle Bob spoke enthusiastically about seeing the world.  It made her eager to leave as soon as possible.
    Michelle thought about CJ’s note and worried she might have nightmares on their trip.  She considered talking to him, but didn’t want to ruin