Dark Promise

by Patti Larsen

  “Father,” she said, voice soft, but carrying.

  “My child,” he said, “I need an heir to Second Seat.”

  She blanched just a bit, only enough for me to see because I was beside her. “I am not worthy,” she said. “But I will serve my people with all the honor and power I possess.”

  What was Dad thinking? Meira was clearly damaged, needing time to recover from her ordeal. My protective big-sister thing kicked in. But before I could say anything, Sassy's voice broke through.

  Leave her, he sent. Syd.

  I missed the extra gasping from the family, only catching the tail end of it as I heard someone whisper, “Sydlynhamitra.”

  Oh yeah. I thought I was heir? Not that I wanted the damned title. No thanks.

  Neither did I want it for my vulnerable little sister.

  “Sydlynhamitra,” Dad said to me as Meira strode up the steps to join him, standing at his side, glittering with power for a moment as his magic linked with hers. “The Seat absolves you of all wrong-doing, knowing you are the savior of your people.” Well, finally. “You will be celebrated through the ages, not only as our protector, selflessly putting yourself in danger to protect Demonicon, but for your continued vigilance for all races.”

  When he put it that way...

  “We know you have a different destiny to fulfill,” he said. “And we wish you well, promising you all the support Demonicon has to offer you in your struggles.”

  I bowed my head to Dad, feeling his mind brush mine. I love you, cupcake, he sent ever so softly. Let me watch over your sister.

  Okay then.

  “I thank Ruler for his generosity,” I said, doing my best to be diplomatic.

  Dad nodded to me before looking up, face hardening. “Now,” he said in a voice of stone, “bring the traitor forward.”

  I felt Sassafras tense, hugging him close as I turned, backing off a step as two Guards, one of them her own son, led the stumbling, furious form of Sekaniphestat forward.

  Payback's a bitch.

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Five

  No repentance in her, not even a little, as Sassy's mother was dumped on her knees before the thrones. I kept my magic in reserve, just in case, though I knew Dad would never let the attractive scientist act against him.

  Still. Better safe than fighting a power-crazed and desperate demon looking to save her own skin.

  “Sekaniphestat, Lady of the Fourth Plane,” Dad said, “you are accused of aiding a foreign power in entering our plane and using your influence to assist said power to attack the Node which protects our home.” Ameline’s little helper. How quaint.

  So many dark promises to unravel.

  One of Dad's hands twitched as though he barely held back the need to choke her to death himself. “You are also accused of attacking the heir to Second Seat and drugging her with illegal substances for your own gain.” No mention of Meira's addiction. She stood solid beside Dad, face a calm mask, so I could only guess what was going on behind the burning in her amber eyes.

  If I was Sekaniphestat, I'd have to hope Dad didn't decide to let my sister mete out her own brand of justice.

  The scientist sagged just a fraction before her back straightened again as Sassy hissed softly. “I admit my guilt,” she said in a voice ringing with passion. “But I only acted to further the power of my Ruler and our world.” I knew what was coming before Sekaniphestat tried the oldest trick in the book. “I had no idea the evil Ameline was manipulating me, using power against me to coerce my cooperation.” She bowed her head to my father. “I beg you, Ruler, show mercy. I was duped and betrayed by a false demon who promised me your hand.” She looked up again, tears artfully trickling down her cheeks. “Who claimed she was your daughter on our first meeting, who lied to me as much as I became a liar. But please, I beg you,” she reached out to him, all her false desire on her face, “believe your hand is all I have ever wanted.”

  Gag me, someone, please, before I said something really, really inappropriate. Or, better yet, gag her and let her choke on it.

  “You admit you conspired with Ameline, a witch of the human plane.” Dad wasn't softening even a bit.

  “I do.” Did Sekaniphestat really think she could talk her way out of the inevitable? “By the time she told me who she really was, it was too late to back out. Ahbi was dead and your daughter in prison for the crime.” She drew a steadying breath. “The plan was Ameline's from the beginning, to strengthen your position. I brought her across the first time, when she contacted me, using, it turned out, the stolen power of a demon boy.” I felt Todd squirm inside me and knew I had to get him and the others out soon. No way was I willing to let three more minds share my head.

  Things were crowded enough in there as it was.

  “She swore to me I would be a hero of our people once she told me the truth.” Okay, well I could buy that one. Ameline was the queen of manipulation. “I accepted because I had no choice, took the risk, only wanting to prove to you, Ruler, Haralthazar,” that was gutsy, using his real name, but I guessed she had nothing to lose, “so you would see me for the perfect mate.” She crawled forward on her knees, hands clasped under her chin. “Please, my love.”

  She did not just call my dad her love. Did not. Before I could rip her apart and scatter her disgustingness all over Ostrogotho, fury feeding my need for her blood, Dad sent a flash of magic over her, crushing her to the floor.

  I hoped it hurt. A lot. How dare she? Quivering, thinking of Mom and Dad and how much this sucked, I held in my temper, waiting for Dad to finish her.

  “And Her Highness?” Dad's magic jabbed the groaning demon where she writhed on the floor.

  “Also Ameline's idea,” Sekaniphestat wailed through her pain. “I needed access to the princess so I could track Sydlynhamitra.” She panted a few breaths, Dad easing up on her enough she could speak again. “It was no end of frustration to her how Sydlynhamitra tracked her movements.”

  “You can blame that on Grandmother,” I said, cold and crisp, keeping the boiling rage I felt behind a thick wall of ice so I wouldn't explode. “And her personal power.”

  Sekaniphestat's eyes flew wide before she moaned softly. “The horrid old creature,” she said. “I should have known she wouldn't let death stop her.”

  The family sighed, recoiling from the fallen demon, whispering among themselves while Dad pulled himself under control. I found myself comparing him to his mother, and knew he had a long way to go to fill her shoes. Which kind of made me happy.

  Hopefully, he never would.

  “Sekaniphestat,” Dad rumbled, magic rolling over the whole room, silencing the watching demons, “you are found guilty by admission and sentenced to be stripped of your power and then killed.” He didn't wait, not even a moment, as Sassafras squirmed in my arms, turning his head to press his nose against my shoulder, Dad's power lifting like a great fist and slamming down on the terrified Sekaniphestat.

  I can't watch, Sass whispered as her soul lifted free of her body, jerked loose by Dad's magic to hover over her collapsing form, sightless eyes staring directly at me as she sagged to the floor. I hated her, Syd. But she was my mother.

  I hugged him, kissed the top of his head as Sassy's brother stepped forward and lifted the empty body of his mother into his arms before bowing to his Ruler and turning, a group of Guards at his back, before marching off.

  Sekaniphestat's magic hovered, still free as Dad turned to Meira. “Her magic is yours, my child,” he said. “Accept it, as a gift.”

  Meira shuddered delicately as the demon's power entered her. I watched the monster flare in her eyes, her struggle to regain control of herself barely visible as Dad supported her on one side and Henemordonin copied him on the other. I almost reached for her, but held back.

  This was her fight to win.

  It only took my sister a few heartbeats to suppress the creature rising to demand more power, the bane of all demons, the reason stripping others was no longe
r permitted. I remembered the feeling, how I'd fought off my own monster when I'd defeated Cypherion in this very place, wondering then at the gift Theridialis and Tara had given me by voluntarily relinquishing their power.

  Meira's shoulders settled as she took control. “My thanks, Ruler,” she said in a voice of steel.

  And that was it. I stood there in a sad little daze, heart sore as Dad rose from his throne, Henemordonin copying his son's action, and gestured to the family. The bowed as one before turning and moving off in their tiny, conspiring clumps.

  Syd. Dad's mental voice touched mine. Come. You still have something do.

  I thought of Theridialis as I met my father’s eyes. Has anyone tried this before? I had no idea what to expect, giving up the power I held inside.

  No, he said, blunt and wide open. But he's my friend. You have to try.

  Like I don’t want the same thing. I'm all for it, I shot back. Let's just hope it works.

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Six

  I followed Dad and my grandfather, Meira between them, Bakari gliding on the far side, to the back of the throne room and a private elevator I'd not seen before.

  Ram stepped from the shadows, bowing to Dad. “Ruler,” he said with great respect.

  “Rameranselot,” Dad said. “Mother told me about you.” My father glanced at me before returning his attention to Ram. “I take it your loyalty is not in question?”

  “Never, Ruler,” Ram said, vibrating with tension.

  “I wish that were true of me,” Henemordonin said, a little sullen.

  Ram didn't flinch, facing down the new Second Seat. “Ahbi saved my life,” he said. “Raised and trained me as though I were her own. I owed her everything.” His eyes met mine. “As I do her granddaughter.”

  Don't tell me he'd fallen into some kind of hero worship. Not after I abandoned him back at the Node.

  My grandfather grunted softly and sighed. “She was a wretched old creature,” he said, “but I loved her still.” He set one hand on Ram's shoulder. “And I understand completely.”

  Dad motioned for Ram to join us. “I take it you've seen to the preparations?”

  “I have, Ruler,” Ram said, all official. Where was the smirking, wise ass I'd spent so much time with? He turned to catch my eye and winked.

  There he was.

  Snort.

  We dropped into the darkness, Sassafras still in my arms, the lift stopping after only a short trip, a narrow hallway leading to a rough, wooden door. Dad swept it open with magic, the portal echoing hollowly as it impacted stone. Soft yellow light on the other side welcomed us into a lab, much like Theridialis's, but this one windowless and more compact.

  I didn't need to be asked or directed, going right to the silent scientist, the round of his portly belly rising and falling with steady breath as he stared, empty, at the ceiling. Sassafras hopped from my arms, settling on his father's chest as I pressed one hand to Theridialis's forehead and drew a breath, calling on his power while Dad hovered over my shoulder.

  Would have been easier without the extra pressure, but I guessed I didn't blame him.

  It was surprisingly easy, in the end. Theridialis's magic left me as quickly as it had come, oozing out with a snapping sound like a breaking rubber band as it separated from mine and settled back into his body. He blinked a few times before drawing a great gust of air and turning his head to smile up at me.

  “Well done, my dear,” he said.

  I sagged, not from weariness, but in relief as I offered my hand to help him sit up. Sassafras settled in his lap, purring and rubbing his cheek against his father's hand as Theridialis stroked his fur.

  “I say,” the scientist said with a bright smile, “that's quite the family you have inside your head. However do you wrangle them all?”

  I giggled, uncontrolled, feeling my alter egos squirm as they stretched themselves out into the cavity he'd left behind. “You have no idea,” I said with a long-suffering sigh even as my demon, vampire and Sidhe princess all protested.

  Tara was next, as easy, if not easier, than Theridialis. Her small soul left me in a flash of joy, flooding her body again and, within a moment, she was sitting up, hugging me tightly.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. “I like your vampire. She's nice.”

  A delightful child, my vampire sent.

  Softy, I sent back before lifting Tara from the slab where she sat. “Ready to go home?”

  “Yes, please.” Tara rested her head on my shoulder, reminding me so much of Meira when she was little, I found my gaze drifting to my sister who stared at Tara with what looked like fury.

  So, she wasn't okay. Not really. I just had to trust Dad to look after her. As much as that sucked.

  “Haralthazar,” Theridialis said, setting Sassafras down as he faced his ruler, clearly troubled. “We need to protect the Node. This Ameline has proven our methods aren't serving us any longer.” Like the rest of the mess in this place.

  “I know,” Dad said. “I've already appointed you the new head of the monitors. If you'll accept the job. But it will mean even more change, my friend. Like allowing your Ruler to join the order.”

  “There will be those who fight against it,” Theridialis said, resolution crossing his face. “But there are many things about our world that are broken. And it's time to start fixing them.”

  “The Dead Stone?” Dad's eyes met mine. “What happened to it, Syd?”

  Oh yeah. “It's in the Node,” I said. “With your mother's power.” I hugged Tara, thinking of Ahbi and how she was the real hero in the end. “You don't have to worry about it falling into the wrong hands again.” And then, I laughed. “You do realize this means Ahbi's magic is in the Node. And that it's possible her presence will affect it.”

  Dad grinned. “I have no doubt my mother will somehow find a way to make her presence known,” he said. “And it would tickle her completely to be part of the greatest power of Demonicon.”

  So true.

  Dad turned to the right and raised one hand, the veil slicing open easily now that Ameline's control over it was gone with her control of the massive magic of the Dead Stone. “Go home, cupcake,” he said, bending to kiss my forehead. “Let us deal with this mess then come for a visit. We have a lot to talk about.” I'm so proud of you, he added mentally.

  Thanks, I sent. Dad, I'm really worried about Meems.

  I know, he answered as I set Tara down and waited for Sassafras to rub against his father's leg one more time before he joined the smiling girl at the lip of the veil. I promise I'll take good care of her.

  Before I could cross, Ram closed the distance between us, brushing past his Ruler to grip my face in his hands and kiss me.

  And kiss me. Fire burned between us as he opened his magic and let me feel his heart. And the truth of his feelings for me.

  Oh dear.

  I'm here, he sent. When you're ready. Sydlynhamitra.

  I caught Dad grinning when Ram stepped back, leaving me breathless, while my grandfather and Theridialis pretended to look elsewhere.

  Like I needed more complications. And yet, I smiled at Ram and blew him another kiss on impulse before taking Tara's hand and crossing to the family basement.

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  I sipped the hot, rich cup of coffee, thick with cream and honey, smiling until my cheeks ached at the happy sight of the family on the sofa across from me. I didn’t miss the feeling of Todd squirming around inside me, his spirit and power now back safely where they belonged. I’m not sure what Sassafras told Talee, but the moment she saw me standing on her front step, Tara rushing forward to hug her mother, the stranded demon woman burst into tears, leaving her human husband to lead me to the quiet back bedroom and the still form of their empty son.

  It only took moments to restore him, his hazel gaze filling with life before he sat up with a yawn and asked for a snack.

  The tall, black-haired Talee, with the wide green eyes
and shoulders broader than her husband's, turned to beam at me from the couch as she cuddled her giggling son against her side.

  “We can't thank you enough,” Taleesharete said, the demon woman reaching out to pull her daughter closer, too, if that was possible while her husband Andrew adjusted his glasses for the millionth time and blinked back tears. Talee's eyes brimmed as well. “I was so sure we'd lost them.”

  Sassafras stopped lapping at his bowl of cream long enough to purr a few bars. “You have a lovely family,” he said. “But you must worry, being so exposed.”

  “I used to be,” Talee said, meeting Andrew’s eyes, both with worry on their tired faces. It was pretty clear neither had much sleep since their ordeal started. “But we were complacent, after a while. And when the kids were old enough, we taught them to hide their power.” Tara nodded her head while Todd jabbed his sister in her side and giggled. “Since then, we haven't really thought about the dangers.” Talee's face crumpled. “I should have been more careful. How did I let this happen?”

  I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “You had no idea,” I said. “And Ameline is a particular kind of horrid.” Was she ever. And still evading my search for her. “But I want you to know, you don't have to be alone.”

  Even her husband perked up at that. “What do you mean?” Talee sniffled, resting her cheek on Tara's hair while her accountant husband hugged Todd. Such ordinary people, with ordinary lives.

  And an extraordinary secret.

  I glanced at Sassafras who winked slowly. “There's safety in numbers,” I said. “And though my people are mostly witches, you're welcome to share the protections of my coven.”

  It was a big offer and I knew it. Not just for this little family, but for my own. I hadn't brought it up to Gram when I'd returned, or mentioned it to Mom when she grilled me about Meira and Ahbi. I'd been tossing the idea around in my head since I crossed over, though, waiting only long enough for Charlotte to calm down and then turn her back on me in cold fury for leaving her behind.