by Meg Anne
Helena threw her arms around Effie. “I’m so sorry it took me so long to get to you. Can you ever forgive me?”
Effie couldn’t help her mental snicker as Nord awkwardly hugged Helena back. The Guardian almost reminded her of herself. He clearly wasn’t used to physical affection, and she hadn’t been either for a long time. Her friendship with Helena and her Circle had changed that.
“There’s nothing to forgive. I’m just so glad to see you,” Nord-as-Effie replied.
Helena pushed back, her aqua eyes searching the illusion’s face. “Do you promise? I feel horrible.”
She watched Nord grin and gave an involuntary shudder. It was entirely too bizarre watching this impromptu portrayal of herself.
Nord’s voice filled her mind. “You can feed me your responses through our link.”
Effie jolted, the unexpected convenience of their abilities momentarily rendering her speechless. She hadn’t even thought about trying to carry on an actual conversation with her friend via her proxy.
“It will give her less of a reason to doubt the illusion’s authenticity, but due to the strength of her power we shouldn’t draw out your reunion. She might see through what others would not.” That was Lucian; forever cautious and protective.
“Don’t beat yourself up,” Effie replied, hearing Nord repeat the words as soon as she thought them. “How could any of us know Rowena’s death wouldn’t be the end of it?”
Helena frowned, her lovely face darkening with self-recrimination. “I should have known better. Nothing that bitch did was ever by half-measure. Of course she would find a way to mock me from the grave.”
Effie felt a pang of grief. They’d both suffered terrible losses because of the impostor queen. Not wanting to dwell on it, she asked, “Can you tell me where you were?”
Helena looked guilty. “Von and I took a bit of a honeymoon. We spent the last few weeks visiting the pride in Talyria.”
Talyria. No wonder the messages didn’t reach them. How exactly was one supposed to communicate through a Talyrian?
“Not even you could have known what would happen. I’m glad you and your Mate got to spend well-deserved quality time together. Mother knows you earned it.”
Helena flashed her a grateful smile. “You’re sweet to say so, Effie. But look at what we came home to. I’m so sorry you’ve had to bear the brunt of this burden alone.”
“Not alone. The Guardians are wonderfully capable.”
Effie could feel Kael and Lucian’s amusement at that response. It was almost a direct contradiction to what she’d spent the last month telling them. But only because they were as likely to annoy her as they were to impress her.
Helena glanced at Lucian and Kael, her gaze flickering with iridescence as it passed over the real Effie’s robed figure. Effie stiffened, fear sparking at the small display of her friend’s power, but Helena only looked curious as she studied the two Guardians and lone member of the Triumvirate.
“I am in your debt,” Helena said formally, addressing Lucian as if she could sense he was the one in charge.
Effie bristled. “I’m standing here disguised as a damned member of the Triumvirate and she still knows you are the true power. Shouldn’t she at least acknowledge me or something?”
Lucian’s laughter brushed against her mind. “Don’t take offense, fledgling. Your Kiri is no fan of ours. She despises the Triumvirate almost as much as you did in the beginning.”
“I never despised you,” Effie corrected immediately, frowning beneath her hood. “I just hated that you could never say anything plainly.”
Lucian bowed his head, hiding the smile Effie’s admission caused as he replied to Helena, “A debt we do not accept, Kiri. You are not the sole protector of this realm. It is as much our responsibility to address the threats to Elysia as it is yours.”
Helena’s lips twisted. “You should tell my Advisor that because he has been preaching otherwise for years.”
The others chuckled while Effie fought against a laugh. He wasn’t even present and Timmins still managed to end up the brunt of a joke.
“Did you come alone?” The thought was practically blurted, Effie only just realizing that Helena was standing in the room without any of the men from her Circle hovering protectively behind her.
Helena turned to face Effie’s double, giving her a lopsided grin as she shook her head. “As if any of them would allow it. Von is upstairs with Ronan getting brought up to speed. Kragen and Joquil are on their way from the Palace, but Timmins stayed behind.”
Effie watched Nord give a small nod, realizing he’d sensed the gesture from her as easily as her words. “This is so weird.”
Lucian risked a brush of his hand against her arm.
Helena’s expression sobered. “We have much to discuss, you and I. I want to hear all about your visions, these Shadow-touched you’ve discovered, and everything that has come to pass since you left us. Ronan said you’ve been unwell, but I have to say, you look wonderful.” Helena’s gaze turned thoughtful, a small smile lifting her lips. “It would seem that being amongst the Keepers has been good for you.”
For the first time, Effie was thankful she was hidden behind the cloak so that Helena could not witness the blush her words caused. While being one of the Keepers had definitely challenged her and helped her grow, it was no secret that the real reason she was standing here was because of Lucian. And not just because he’d saved her. The effect he’d had on her had taken root long before she became a Guardian. She owed him more than she could ever repay.
Nord chuckled, picking up on the direction of her thoughts, but he did not embarrass her by repeating them. Instead he gave a small shrug and remained silent. Effie could have kissed him.
“Perhaps before the two of you catch up, we should meet with the Valen Council,” Lucian interjected smoothly. “There is much that has happened, and still more that needs to be done. It would expedite things for all of us if we could discuss matters with all relevant parties present.”
Helena sighed. “You’re probably right. I’ve already insulted the Council by insisting on finding Effie first. I didn’t even bother with introductions before bossing that poor boy around.” Helena looked over her shoulder at the messenger still waiting in the doorway. “Sorry for that.”
The boy shrugged, his cheeks pinkening. “No apology necessary, Kiri. I am happy to be of service.”
“He keeps looking at her like that, her Mate is going to pummel the boy.” Kael’s amusement coated his observation.
“As would you. A man might understand another’s appreciation of his woman, but he’d never let puppy love like that go unchecked for long, especially not when she’s his Mate,” Lucian mused.
Effie eyed the messenger more closely. He’d been flustered before, but he was clearly smitten with the Chosen’s queen. Not that Effie blamed him. Helena was impossible to ignore. It had nothing to do with beauty—although she had that in spades—and everything to do with the unmistakable energy that flowed from her. It was the Mother’s power, empathy and love encased in raw magic and absolute strength.
One couldn’t help but be at peace in Helena’s presence, even if they were concurrently terrified. Effie had witnessed the woman turn a man into mist with no more effort than she used to pluck a flower. It would be a mistake to forget who she was.
“She’s not the only one.” Lucian’s words were for her alone, and Effie felt oddly exposed. “You’re just as powerful as she is, Effie. And no less magnificent.”
Her instinct was to contradict him, but she could feel the power rolling through her veins, the liquid lightning reinforcing his words. Even a week ago what he said might not have been true, but now? Now she was a Guardian, and not even the Mother’s Vessel outmatched her.
Effie didn’t know what to do with the discovery. It was so unexpected; so wholly opposite of everything she’d ever known about herself that she couldn’t quite believe it was true.
“I apologize
for barging in on you,” Helena said, interrupting Effie’s thoughts. “It was unforgivably rude of me.”
Lucian shrugged, a polite smile playing on his lips. “You’re the Kiri,” he said, as if it explained everything.
Helena shook her head, color blooming in her cheeks. “No, please don’t make excuses for me. Believe it or not, I was raised better than that. Mother, I didn’t even ask your names.”
“I’m Lucian, Kiri,” he replied in his deep rumble, giving Helena one of his rare, genuine grins.
Jealousy sizzled through her. Not because Effie thought Lucian had any romantic interest in Helena, but because until just now she’d never seen him grant that smile to anyone other than herself. She knew Lucian could feel the shift in her emotions because he went still and then a flood of heat moved through her. Was he actually pleased by her reaction?
“Well met, Lucian,” Helena said, returning his warmth and turning her head slightly to peer at Kael. “And you are?”
“Kael, my lady. The pleasure is mine.” He gifted her with one of his dimpled smiles and bowed slightly.
Helena’s smile faltered as her eyes returned to the place where the real Effie stood. Her voice was notably cooler as she said, “I don’t suppose we require any introductions.”
Sweat rolled down Effie’s spine. The words, while not exactly a question, required a response. The only way she could do so, without undoing all of their carefully constructed illusions, was to reply in the same manner as the Triumvirate. Unfortunately, no one had explained how she was supposed to project her thoughts to those that weren’t Guardians. So far, everything had just been instinctual. She had a thought she wanted them to hear—or sometimes not, as the case may be—and it was done.
But Effie should have known better than to worry. The Guardians were masters of subterfuge. Not even she could tell which of them it was that answered for her.
“At your service as always, Kiri.”
Helena tilted her head, her eyes hardening. “Are you really? And all this time I thought I was just another one of your puppets.”
The sound of crackling leaves filled the small room. The men were amused rather than offended by her sharp-tongued retort.
“We are all pawns to the Mother’s plan.”
Effie raised a brow at that.
Helena shook her head and sighed. “I suppose we are. In any event, I’ve intruded long enough. Effie,”—she turned to face Nord—“will you join me for dinner after the meeting?”
Nord didn’t need any help anticipating Effie’s reply. “Of course, Helena. I’m looking forward to it.”
Helena beamed, hugging Nord once more. “I’ve missed you.”
Effie couldn’t contain her teasing reply, which Nord vocalized. “While you were on your honeymoon? I doubt it. Unless Von isn’t nearly as skilled as I believe him to be . . .”
Lucian’s gaze seared her. “And what do you know of his skill?”
Apparently she wasn’t the only one feeling possessive today. Effie smiled beneath her hood.
Helena laughed, unaware of the conversation happening between them. “No need to fear on that front.” She winked and then glanced at the men. “But perhaps that’s a topic better left for when we are alone.”
With a small wave, she backed out of the room, the door closing gently behind her.
There was a moment of silence before Nord dropped his illusion and Lucian murmured, “You can come out now.”
“That was close,” Effie said, pushing back her hood.
The Guardians nodded as one.
“Too close,” Lucian agreed. “We’ll need to be more careful about our practice sessions in the future.”
Effie shrugged off the robe, looking at the runes still decorating her arms. Somehow she’d managed to make them appear like they’d been drawn on with shimmering dust. “What am I supposed to do about these?”
“Put them away,” Kael offered unhelpfully.
She scowled at him. “Easy for you to say. How exactly do I do that?”
“The same way you made them appear,” Nord said, moving to stand beside her.
Effie wanted to stomp on his foot, but was proud of herself for resisting the temptation. “That would make so much more sense if I knew what I did.”
Nord shrugged. “It’s simple. You wanted to see your runes, so you pulled them to the surface. Now you don’t, so push them back down.”
She frowned. They were making it sound so easy. She risked a glance at Lucian, curious if he had anything to add, but he was leaning against a table, his arms crossed and his face neutral.
Frustration churned inside of her. Just when she finally thought she was making headway she started to drown beneath the weight of everything she didn’t know. True, it had only been a few days, but these three acted as if it was supposed to all be so natural.
It wasn’t.
Not even close.
Dealing with her visions was easier, and that was the understatement of the century.
The only time Effie felt like she actually had a grasp on her abilities was during her handful of times working with Smoke. A surge of wistful longing caught her by surprise and she cast another furtive glance at Lucian.
For all that they were the same person, she couldn’t help but miss her friend. No matter how many times they might have butted heads in the beginning, Smoke had always made Effie feel truly understood. He was the one, after all, who’d made a point to break the anonymity of his station and actually talk to her.
Effie sighed. It was silly. Every interaction she’d had with Smoke had just been a conversation with Lucian in disguise. She hadn’t actually lost anything, but a part of her still grieved. Now that she knew his secret, there was no reason for Smoke to reappear. No reason for him to use that campfire voice when he spoke to her.
It was a voice she’d come to associate with security and comfort. Effie felt both of those things with Lucian, but if she was being honest with herself, it wasn’t the same. Maybe she was simply too aware of him and who he was to her for those associations to be at the forefront now.
“Leave us.”
Effie jerked, her eyes shooting up. Lucian met her gaze, his dark eyes unreadable as he studied her. It was then she understood that her thoughts hadn’t been private after all. Lucian had heard everything as clearly as if she’d shouted it at him. Again.
The realization only fueled her frustration.
Without a backwards glance, Nord and Kael filed out of the room. The door shut behind them without a sound.
“I shouldn’t have to censor my thoughts just because you can eavesdrop at will.”
“No one asked you to,” he replied, his voice unexpectedly warm.
Just as quickly, Effie went from righteous indignation to an uncomfortable sense of guilt. It had never been her intention for Lucian to catch wind that she was mourning the loss of Smoke. He felt badly enough for deceiving her in the first place. She didn’t mean to make him feel any worse.
“Turn around, Effie.”
Her eyes widened, and she glanced around the all-too-empty room. Turning away from him would have her facing the bed. Just what in the Mother’s name was he up to?
“Why?” she asked, her voice betraying her nerves.
He pushed off the table and stared at her, letting his silence speak for him.
Effie did as she was told, knowing the quickest way to an answer was obedience. Even if it was begrudgingly given.
As soon as her back was toward him, Smoke’s voice filled her mind. Effie went still and then a shiver ran down the length of her back. Her eyes fell closed, and her breath left her in a soft whoosh. Lucian was giving her what she’d craved, and without his overwhelming presence to distract her, Effie could buy into the pretense.
If it were possible, she fell even more in love with him. He’d given her what she needed—what she hadn’t even thought to ask for—without hesitation.
“You know what to do. All the answers you seek
are within you.”
Effie focused on the voice, letting it silence all the other doubts floating through her mind.
“A Guardian’s power is tied to their will. The stronger the intention, the more effective the results.”
Nord had already said she’d been able to manifest her runes because she’d wanted to see them. If that were true, it really should be as simple as wanting them to fade.
“Call your power. Picture what you want in your mind, and then, once you are ready, impose your will on the world around you. Do not ask for permission; demand obedience. You are a Guardian. The universe serves at your whim.”
“No wonder you’re all a bunch of egomaniacs,” she muttered with a small smile.
Smoke’s rustle of laughter floated past, but his voice was stern when he replied. “Focus. There is a room full of people gathering even as we speak, preparing to determine the course of Elysia’s future. Don’t you wish to be at the table helping to make those decisions instead of merely having to follow them?”
“Of course I do.” Her response was vehement. Immediate. After a lifetime of having to obey, being part of the team—a participant whose voice was actually heard—meant everything to her.
“Then remove your runes and let us go. You cannot join the others until you wear the form they need to see. If you cannot manage this small task, then you will remain here.”
He’d struck a nerve. Of course he knew that being left behind was guaranteed to cause a reaction within her.
“The hell I will,” she snarled, her power rising swiftly, filling her until energy all but crackled from the tips of her fingers.
He didn’t need to speak again for her to sense his approval.
Holding the image of her rune-free skin in her mind, Effie released a breath and pushed her power out. Or at least she hoped she did. She was still working predominantly on instinct.
There was no sizzle of magic as the transformation took place. No flare of heat along her skin to tell her it was done. Opening one eye, Effie risked a peek at her arm. The subtle shimmer from the flowing marks was gone.
