Hannah returned the woman’s gaze with a mixture of confusion and envy. In her presence, she felt inadequate, cheap, and undeserving. “How do you know my name?”
The woman’s tinkling laughter sounded again. She drew Hannah to the pool, seating herself on the marble lip. “Sit down. I know much more about you than just your name.” She waited until Hannah settled herself before she continued. “I am the Earth Mother, the Goddess of the Earth. Your grandmother’s people call me Danu.”
Hannah stared at the woman, Danu, and then blinked. It wasn’t as big a shock to her as she thought to meet the Earth Mother. The actuality that she was, in fact, meeting her, started a curl of worry in the pit of her stomach. She had listened to the stories of the goddess her Gramma whispered before bedtime. She loved to hear about the exotic life the Goddess supposedly led. But nothing in her wildest dreams could have prepared her for seeing Danu in the flesh. “Why am I here? Am I dead?”
Danu grinned. The smile rivaled the brilliance of the sun overhead. “That depends. The place you now occupy is but a way station between planes of existence. Its purpose is for you to decide how you will proceed with your life. Many races visit me in this sanctuary. Some linger for months—even years—before they decide. Some of the more forthright beings settle on a course of action in mere hours.”
“Will you send me back?”
She shrugged and the action set her sparkling robe to reflect the sunlight. “Do you want to go back to your life?” Curiosity swam in her lavender eyes. “I have read your Life Book. You haven’t had an easy time of it these last five years. You have shunned the Gift I gave you. You break every relationship you enter, and you lack the confidence you need to live a full and complete life. What do you really have to go return to?”
Hannah frowned at the brief summarization of her life, or mere existence according to the Goddess. She couldn’t go back to her family because that would put them into danger—not to mention she wasn’t exactly welcome in the town. She had probably lost her job, but even that small paycheck didn’t put a dent in the mountain of bills she accumulated. She didn’t have anywhere to live after the goblin destroyed her apartment. “I’m not sure…”
Another thought rose into her brain. Edwin. Dark and dangerous, he brought a new spice to her life, a reason to wake up in the morning, or the evening. Awareness tickled her brain as she thought of the bounty hunter. Where was he? Did it matter to him she was dead essentially?
“Would you like to see him?” Danu’s melodious voice cut through her thoughts. “Yes, I know about him. I gave his grandfather the Prophecy regarding you.” A smile parted Danu’s lips. “I put Fate into motion so he would begin searching for you two years ago. He almost found you three times in those years, but your penchant for moving about the country at the first hint of paranormal activity foiled my plans.”
“Why would you do that? From his own admission, Edwin doesn’t want a relationship, especially with me. Why would he? The very definition of his world is such that being saddled with a girlfriend would only slow him down.”
“You know that is not true.”
“He has only hinted that he might change his mind.” Hannah frowned.
“You would be a perfect match for him. You are as beautiful as he is handsome, a natural foil for him.”
As much as it pained her to admit, all the female supernatural beings she met were a much better fit for him. The exception to that thought would be the Forest Witch. Yet twin spirals of sorrow and depression filled her at the thought of leaving the vampire. Edwin had been the most normal and constant thing in her life in recent days. She couldn’t imagine life without him.
“I am Immortal. I do not plan on relinquishing that status for a toss in the hay, even for such a half-vamp like Edwin.” Danu’s laughter tinkled across the courtyard to wash away Hannah’s depression. “He is questioning his existence just as you now question yours. Edwin has good reason to hate what he is. Even one small mistake in judgment could let those dark genes in his body take over and turn him into the one thing he despises.” A smile curved her lips. “As much as he fears being alone, it is his choice. He fears more being overtaken by the darkness, abandoned by Fate. There is a difference.”
“Maybe so, though they sound the same.”
Danu struck the mirrored surface of the water with her hand until it rippled in the sun. “You bring light and hope to him, but he is confused and fearful of that hope.” Jeweled rings sparkled on fingers that dripped with moisture. “He doesn’t trust easily.”
Hannah remained silent as she looked into the pool that now acted like a huge television screen. As the water settled into a glass-like surface, Edwin’s image came into view. Familiar longing etched through her chest. Tears formed a tight ball in her throat when she saw such profound sadness on his handsome face. In the image, he cradled her lifeless body against his. Then after pressing a kiss to her forehead, he laid her on the ground, grief shadowing his actions.
She averted her eyes. “Please, no more.” She couldn’t bear to see such pain. Tears made her words ragged and muted.
“I must show you what will occur if you choose not to return.” Danu touched the water and the image changed. “This is two years into the future. After fighting for the right to do so with your family, Edwin buried your body at the foot of that oak tree. He visits often when he’s in the area and wears a lock of your hair in a pendant around his neck to remind him every day of what he’s lost.”
Curiosity compelled Hannah to gaze into the pool.
He had aged quite a bit in two years. Lines creased his mouth and crinkled the soft skin around his eyes. He still wore his dark hair long, but it had lost its luster and sheen, hanging in dull locks about his shoulders. Dressed all in black, his once lean, trim form appeared haggard, the air of confidence lacked, the bit of arrogance she found so annoying wiped from his appeal. “I hardly recognize him.”
His dusky face contorted with a snarl. He leered at a woman before him, no joy, or happiness evident in his features. Anger and evilness consumed him now. As he moved toward the woman, pointy fanged canines poked out from curled lips.
“Oh no.” Hannah put a hand to her mouth even as she knew what would happen next. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from the scene—she had no choice but to look. The woman in the picture screamed and her terror echoed through her brain. Edwin bit into her neck. Twin puncture wounds appeared on her skin, the creamy ivory perfection marred by a crimson tide as he fed. Shortly afterward, the woman’s lifeless body crumpled to the ground, the last of her scarlet blood dripped down his chin. His once wonderful blue eyes were now a soulless, never-ending, tortured black.
With a cry, Hannah looked away as tears coursed down her cheeks. Her heart raced wildly. “How could he do that to himself? What about his quest or finding Duncan? What of them?”
Danu stood and made her way slowly up the marble steps to her lounge chair. “What of them? Edwin abandoned his quest once you died. He couldn’t have fought Andre by himself. Without your power to supplement his, it was useless for him to proceed. Duncan eventually died in captivity. Andre became more powerful, draining all the magical beings of their energies. “Andre now rules most of the Underworld. The more powerful he becomes, the Immortals in the Eight Realms risk losing their foothold. Even I am not immune to his treachery.” Her brilliant eyes followed Hannah’s every move as she climbed the cool steps. “Edwin’s will to fight the darkness within him collapsed. He allowed himself to be consumed by it.”
“No.” Hannah scrubbed at the tears on her cheeks. “He fought so hard to become a benevolent bounty hunter. He tries to redeem those paranormal beings that he can and relocates them in the community as functioning members of society. Edwin’s a good man, I just know it. Deep down embedded in the darkness inside him there is hope. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it.”
The Earth Mother continued to regard her with a sad gaze. “Without you continually trying to draw out that goo
dness, he had no reason to keep fighting. He gave up essentially everything that reminded him of you.”
“No. That’s wrong.” She shook her head and pressed a fingertip to her eyes. “I can’t believe that. I don’t believe he would give up. I’ve only known him for five days. How could I have had such a big impact on his life?” She paced the length of the dais, her mind filled with dread, remorse, and sadness. Their inky blackness clouded her consciousness.
“When a person spends his life searching for that one person he knows can fulfill him, make him whole, he will do everything he can to live for that moment. It’s when a man has nothing left to live for that he will do anything to forget. He now works for Andre as a hit man. He has no conscience, no soul. He roams the Earth as a shell of his former self, unredeemable, unfulfilled, and unloved.”
Hannah sank to her knees before the gilded cage, her eyes unseeing as another thought crashed into the heels of the first. What about me? “If I die before I fulfilled my own destiny, will that affect him as well?”
Danu shrugged. “It depends. Do you wish to step into that destiny for Edwin’s sake or for your own? Can you live with your decision if you weren’t in the equation?”
“I don’t know.” Small birds flew and twittered inside the cage. “I’m afraid.”
“There is nothing wrong with that emotion, but it can also hold you back from experiencing a full life.”
“If I embrace being an Enhancer, I could kill him.” Her memories flashed to that long ago day. Screams and accusations whipped through her mind like demented butterflies. “My powers are too dangerous.” She stood and stared at the Earth Mother. “No one wants to explain why I have the abilities. I don’t understand.”
“You don’t want to understand and refuse to listen to the people who would help you. Stubbornness is just as bad as fear.” The bracelets on her wrist tinkled as she moved. “The choice is yours. Stay here, go back. Either way, if you fail to accept yourself, the life you choose will be unfinished.”
Hannah bit down hard on her bottom lip. Was it true? Had the difficulties she’d faced thus far been a direct result of ignoring her powers instead of learning to strengthen them? Did she really hold the key to defeating Andre, and if she did and she chose to stay in the courtyard, could she live with the guilt of not at least trying to help save the world? Her gaze never wavered under Danu’s. “You’re right. I owe it to myself to go back. At least if I fail while on this quest with Edwin, I’ll do it on my terms, not anyone else’s. I’ll go back. To finish my life. To make a difference.”
“You are welcome to stay here for as long as you need.”
“The Immortals are a very sneaky bunch.” She squared her shoulders. “As much as I feel compelled to save Edwin, I know my destiny is waiting as well. I want to see how far I can go.”
“Ah.” Her smile was fleeting. “You did die back there. Andre tapped into your mind and drained your life force to the point that your body lost contact with your brain functions. You simply had a stroke and couldn’t recover from it.”
Hannah clutched Cessily’s crystal. Its ragged edges bored into her palm. “If I return, will the future you’ve shown me change? Who’s to say I won’t die later down the line? Who’s to say Andre won’t pull the same stunt two days from now?” Her newfound confidence shook. It doesn’t matter whether I stay here, move on to the next plane, or go back, the outcome will be the same – Edwin will be damned.
Danu’s lips formed a moue of irritation. “The Universe is a fickle thing. You’re right when you say you could fall victim to the same sort of thing again. I know you better than perhaps you know yourself. You need Edwin as much as he needs you. Let him help you with your Gift. Let him weave his destiny with yours. Let him allow you to be the Enhancer you are supposed to become.” Danu lounged on her chaise, a silver ankle bracelet chiming as she moved. “Or I could show you what your future holds from this point if you choose to move forward. Fate has some wonderful things in store for you.”
Exhausted, Hannah rubbed her eyes. “As tempting as that offer is, Danu, it wouldn’t matter at this point if I won the lottery. If Edwin becomes a vamp condemned to eternal damnation, nothing in my life will make a difference. My destiny will remain unfulfilled. I suspect he is part of it.” She stood in the most beautiful, tranquil place she’d ever seen and yet she could no longer find any comfort here, no peace.
“Your decision is final?”
She nodded. The fear restricting her chest lessened only slightly. “I have to.” Hannah took one last longing glance at the peaceful reflecting pool and the brilliant emerald grass. She sighed with regret mingled with anticipation. “I have to return. For him. For me.”
“Know this. I will grant you this second chance at life. When I see you next, I will be forced to make you choose your next plane of existence.” As she stood, the folds of her gown fell gracefully around her. “Remember to use the Mirror of Truth. It will show you how the world in general should be seen beneath the façade of life.” Her lavender eyes reflected sadness. “There will be much pain involved in this going back.”
“I don’t mind.” Hannah flashed a genuine smile. “At least I’ll know I’m alive. I need to try and head off the stroke, and I don’t imagine that will be pleasant either.” She regarded Danu with a mixture of hope and sadness. “In the grand scheme of things, I think this is the best move for me.” Yet, it would be so easy to just give in and start life over.
Danu laid a gentle hand on her arm. “Trust in Edwin. He can help. Are you ready?”
She nodded. “Thank you.”
“You are very welcome. Goodbye, Hannah Weybourne. Good luck.” The Earth Mother snapped her fingers.
The world Hannah knew vanished into a swirl of shimmering gold leaves.
*****
Ripples of pleasure coursed through her body as Edwin kissed her. The silken touch of his fingers on her skin sent her nerve endings into a tailspin.
She became still in his embrace, confused as to where she was in the timeline. Danu must have sent me back to the moment before Andre invaded my mind.
Hannah’s heart raced with fear, and she thrust the prickles of pleasure away. She clutched Edwin’s face between her palms, forcing him to look into her eyes. “Please listen to me. I don’t have much time, but I’ll explain everything later. In about two minutes, my mind will be taken over by Andre, I don’t know how or why. If that happens, I’ll die, and unspeakable things will happen to you. You must help me.”
“Surely that cannot happen.” He attempted to kiss her, but she moved a hand to his lips.
She held his gaze. “Once he gets into my mind, I’ll have a stroke that will be fatal. I need a buffer to help me keep him out. There’s no time to explain how I know this will happen.” Tears slipped down her cheeks at her inability to make him understand the enormity of the problem. Already, the first tentative probes of her consciousness invaded. Only seconds now. “Edwin, please.”
His sense of valor and dedication apparently kicked in. “Quickly, strengthen your guards and concentrate only on my voice.”
She did as he asked, tried to relax her body. Edwin gently pushed his way into her mind, past her mental shields. Deep into the hidden recesses of her thoughts, his warmth was comforting.
He is here, spatzi, I can sense him. He waits to see if you are strong enough to resist. I need you to concentrate fully on expelling him. Think of nothing else, do nothing else. You must be strong.
Hannah swallowed her fear. The edges of her mind sparkled. The dark unwanted presence, as irritating as lint in her eye pushed in. He’s too strong, I’m being repelled…
Do not give up! Push back. Empty your mind of everything but my voice.
Careful to think of nothing, she called up an image of the corridors of the Earth Mother’s residence, the long, unending halls of unrelieved white. The absence of color, devoid of life, devoid of death, just vacant stretches of empty hallways. Edwin moved about her mind and hi
s gentle warmth comforted her. Vivid splashes of gold danced across her vision when he smiled.
It is working. He has encountered our resistance. Now he waits, hoping you will give up. I will stay with you as long as it takes.
Deep blackness welled into her mind to spread across her consciousness like spilled ink. It engulfed the golden splotches, encroached on the great white spaces she’d erected. Her body trembled with terror as she recognized Andre’s signature. Little trickles of pain leaked into her brain, spreading out, branching through her mind like spiny thickets until her head pounded. I can’t concentrate, Edwin, I can’t hold…
Do not give in to him! He looks for weakness. Do not give him the satisfaction of gaining control. He gripped her hands.
She forced herself to calm down, panted with the effort not to give in and end the unrelenting pain. Brilliant sapphire blue poured into her mind, a soothing, peaceful color. Edwin fought with her. Happiness, in the form of a tiny bit of fuchsia, appeared at the edges of her mind’s eye. She’d never seen her own feelings as colors before. Hannah smiled. The vivid pink hue widened its surface space to blend with the blue to create a rich deep purple.
You are doing it! At the risk of sounding like Peter Pan, think happy thoughts. Andre is wavering.
How can you know of him but not of famous science fiction movies from the ‘70s? The abstract part of her brain laughed at his attempt at humor. She didn’t have time for that now. We’re fighting him together, Edwin. I told you we’re partners.
She remembered how wonderful the aromatherapy bath was, how she could make him laugh even when he didn’t want to. She thought about the endearing way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Splotches of purple spread throughout her mind to collide with Andre’s blackness. It surged through, fighting it back. It overtook the darkness until finally there was no more room for anything else but the dazzling purple happiness of her thoughts.
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