by Patti Larsen
Syd. His gentleness held firm control. We must. And when we’re done I will send my people here to ensure their end comes quickly and peacefully.
I exhaled, lower lip trembling, unable at last to stop the tears from flowing down my face. Thank you.
He nodded. We have a job to complete, he sent. But we are not without compassion.
A flicker of motion over his shoulder froze me in place before driving me to act. Too late. Damn it, always too late. Distracted by this dying world, knowing better, that we might not be alone in our discovery.
The black tunnel appeared, Belaisle’s grinning face nodding to me as he lunged for the chunk of white statue inside the car. Max roared in fury, turning as he, too, realized we’d been beaten to the retrieval yet again thanks to our empathy, the horror of our situation. He leaped toward the Brotherhood leader.
Belaisle was already disappearing, the arm of Creator clutched to his chest, evil grin the last thing I saw as the black of his sorcerer’s tunnel engulfed him.
Max didn’t wait for me, simply reacted, tearing at the veil, diving for it. I cried out, ran for him, but was too late again. By the time I reached the place they’d both been the pair were long gone.
But that was the least of my troubles.
“Mom?”
I spun around, heart pounding, to see my son watching me with horror on his little face.
***
Chapter Twenty Five
I gaped at Gabriel as he looked around at the gathered people, clearly nervous, but holding his place as he waited for me to respond. I drew a breath while the leader of the remains of her race stumbled and fell with a wail of despair.
“Gabriel.” I skirted the others who shuffled forward toward the now empty car, coming to my son’s side. My hands gripped his upper arms a little tighter than I intended and I shook him, ever so softly. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see.” His whisper told me he regretted his decision. “What happened here?”
I released my grip on him, turned him around, began to leave. We had to go, quickly, before the leader and her people came after us. Not that I was worried we’d be harmed, but because I could barely deal with them myself, let alone protect Gabriel from the loss of this place.
“Please, wait!” Her cry made me stop, turn slowly, painfully. She came to me, hands grasping at me. “He said he’d release us.”
“He will.” So dull, my words. “You must be patient.”
“The god is gone.” She fell again, hands pulling at my clothing. “And we are left to suffer.” She looked up at me, eyes full of tears, wetness tracking through the filth on her skin. “What have we done to deserve this?”
Something silver glittered over her shoulder, a slip of sparkle lying on the ground. I pushed past her, went to it, bent to retrieve it. The ribbon that was a drach soul bound to the lost chunk of statue wound briefly across my fingers before collapsing with a sigh into my palm. Belaisle must have dropped it from the piece of Creator, abandoning it as the other ribbons had been abandoned. How many more would I carry to the Stronghold, place at the feet of the broken statue? I returned to my son, hardening my heart against the plight of these people. If I didn’t find the pieces of Creator, this might be the end for all races, not just one plane that its own people ruined out of greed.
“Wait for the final sign,” I said in as large a voice as I could muster, slipping the silent ribbon into my jacket pocket for safe keeping. “He will return with more of his kind and your end will come in the Respite.” I could tell from her troubled face she didn’t believe me, and nor did her people, because no answering cheer rose to my words. But it was the best I could do, damn it.
Gabriel had other ideas. “You’re just going to leave them here like this?” He resisted me pulling on his hand, jerking his free to stare at me with shock on his face. “Mom, we can’t just let them die like this.”
Where the hell was Max? I needed him to explain this to Gabriel, because if I stayed here much longer my resolve to be strong would weaken. I didn’t dare tell my son I agreed with him. That this broke my heart, thinking of leaving these people to suffer. But what else could we do?
We’re getting out of here. I reached for the veil, felt resistance as Gabriel’s power pushed outward.
Not yet, he sent. And opened a Gateway. I gasped, but not as loudly as the others. With good reason. Not only were they witnessing some pretty powerful magic, the view on the other side had to look about as close to heaven as any of them could ever have imagined. Better, even. Green, rolling hills, a crystal blue lake, clear sky, mountains in the distance. Even the breeze coming through smelled fresh, new, bright. The woman stepped forward, tentative, touching the edge of the Gateway with her fingertips, smiling in wonder at my son.
“It’s time,” she said.
He nodded, swallowing hard. “You’ll be safe there,” he said.
Gabriel. Even mentally, I had a hard time saying his name.
The plane is empty, he sent. One of my favorites. I’ve been watching it since I was little. There’s only animals, Mom. They’ll be okay at least. Maybe they’ll do it right this time.
We can’t play god, sweets. And yet, this seemed the perfect solution. I hesitated, long enough his green eyes, now looking up into mine with such maturity and confidence, swayed me to hold my peace.
“Go now,” he said, gesturing. “Your new future awaits.”
They went, leaving everything behind, eyes bright, holding hands, from the few aged to the tiny babes held in their mother’s arms. Without fear, but with awe and hope. She was the last to cross, smiling at Gabriel.
“You will be remembered, my god,” she said. “And we thank you for the Respite at last.”
Gabriel waited for her to cross before releasing his power. The last thing we both saw of them was their elation while they celebrated their new home. Gabriel sobbed out a gasp of air as the power dissipated, falling into my arms to weep on me.
“We had to, Mom.” He whispered against my shoulder. “We had to.”
I didn’t want to think about the ramifications of what we’d just done. Because I was equally culpable. Instead, I grasped my son firmly to me and opened the veil. The maji chamber welcomed us, the Gateway Gabriel created in the first place already gone. He must have closed it behind him when he followed us.
Galleytrot leaped at me as we appeared, power rippling with fear. Ethie clung to Sassafras, supported by Ameline. Even the soul of my old enemy looked afraid and then relieved as I released my son and let the big dog slather him in tongue kisses.
“I should have known better than to worry,” she said.
No comment.
We said our goodbyes, emerged to the surface, Ethie in my arms with Sass glaring like I’d done something wrong—little did he know—and Galleytrot walking so close to my son he bumped against him with every stride. The vampires were out, only Chambrelle there to greet us and I was just as glad. Another goodbye and we were in the van, heading home again, while Gabriel looked out the window in silence.
It wasn’t until we were parked in our driveway, Ethie and our two furry companions out of the car, that my son turned to me. He was smiling.
“We did a good thing, Mom,” he said. Didn’t wait for me to answer, just got out and ran off to find his sister. I sat behind the wheel, fighting the need to cry. Worse, when I climbed out of the driver’s seat and looked around at my neighborhood, now superimposed with the dead world over it.
I’d carry the echo of death with me for the rest of my life.
Dad’s steady power greeted me long before I laid eyes on him, the touch of his magic helping me calm enough I didn’t burst into emo tears at least. He was greeting the kids when I entered the kitchen, hugging them both and listening with interest as they shared what we’d just done.
Dad’s eyebrow arched at me briefly while Ethie chattered about Ameline. Is Gabriel okay?
I think so. I sank into a chair, exhaustion was
hing over me in a solid wave. It was horrible, Dad.
I can only imagine. He kissed my daughter. “Upstairs and pack what you want for the night. Your grandmother and I are taking you to a movie.”
She squealed and ran, her brother on her heels, though Gabriel went more slowly. Galleytrot joined them while Sassafras leaped up on the table and fixed me with his amber eyes.
“Tell me you didn’t interfere with the history of a plane.” Sass’s biting remark triggered my own anger.
“You weren’t there,” I snapped. “Why the hell did you let Gabriel follow me?”
Sass shifted his position, tail thrashing, though guilt flashed in his eyes. “We didn’t know he had,” he said. “I was talking with Ameline and when I turned around, he was gone.” So, his regret was the source of his anger, not what my son had done.
“The piece you sought?” Dad’s hand settled over mine, concern as clear as Sass’s self-recrimination.
“Belaisle.” I snarled his name. “He’s tracking me somehow.” I felt my pocket where the silver thread rested. I needed to go to the Stronghold and give it to Creator’s statue, but I just couldn’t muster the energy at the moment.
“You need to do something about that,” Sass said.
“Thank you, Captain Obvious.” I stroked his fur to soften the words. “Whatever he’s doing to follow me, it’s giving him the edge he needs. At least Trill wasn’t there this time.” Did she have different means? Or maybe she was too late? “Not like it mattered. Whether she has it or Belaisle does, we’re still out of luck.” The gloom of the dying plane hung around me like a gray cloud. I could still smell the decay and poison and desperately needed a shower to erase the stink of it.
If not the memory.
“Let’s just hope Gabriel’s compassion doesn’t lead to disaster.” But even Sass sounded weary.
There wasn’t much I could say to that.
“Max went after Belaisle,” I said. “So I’m stuck waiting again.” It was hard to force a smile when the kids pounded down the stairs and stood waiting for Dad. He joined them, hugging me as I said goodbye.
I’ll watch over him tonight, Dad sent. Make sure there are no ill effects.
Thanks, I sent. I need to go after Max at some point, so I appreciate you and Mom taking the kids. I turned to my son, hugged him.
I’m fine, Mom, he sent, power clear and warm. Honest.
Love you, I sent. My hero.
He grinned up at me.
Ethie clung to me, but seemed none the worse for wear. “I like Ameline,” she whispered before kissing my cheek.
“Me, too,” I said. “Now.”
I watched them go from the back yard, Dad leading the kids through the veil before it sealed behind Galleytrot’s bushy tail. Though I knew there was nothing to worry about—that my children had the very best of protection in my parents and the black dog—I still shivered when they disappeared.
Turned and looked down to find Sassafras staring up at me, silver fur a stark contrast to the deep, green grass.
“As much as I’d rather crash, it’s time to check in with some people,” I said. “Feel like coming along? Or are you due for a nap?”
He swatted my leg. “Now who’s the smartass?”
***
Chapter Twenty Six
My grandmother waved at me from her seat next to Simon. I was surprised he let her anywhere near his computers, he was so touchy about them. But Gram perched on a chair so close she almost brushed legs with him and I wondered if she even gave him a choice.
The house above was quiet, Nona locked away in her trailer. I took the silence of her magic to mean she didn’t want to be disturbed. It felt odd here without Apollo, though Owen’s quiet presence at least filled in some of the void.
Sass jumped down from my arms and trotted to Gram, leaping up to her lap. Simon scowled at him, flicking flying fingers in the cat’s direction before going back to his endless typing.
“Cat hair,” my tech groused.
“Bite me,” Sass said with enough sweetness to make my teeth ache.
Gram’s evil laugh told me she’d won a similar argument and I finally found I could smile again.
Except, of course, the whole point of this experiment with Apollo was supposed to prevent what just happened with Belaisle. I filled them in on the pertinent details, leaving out Gabriel’s involvement, though from the press of Gram’s power on mine she knew there was far more to the story.
Simon just shrugged. “He’s in,” he said, pointing at the screen. A few taps of his keys and a large monitor over his head, facing me this time, showed me Apollo’s point of view from the button cam. I could only watch a moment before feeling sea sick, but there were enough black robes and young faces I had to believe Simon knew what he was talking about. “He’s just not deep enough yet, I guess.”
Not helpful. Crankiness returned, as hard as I tried to squash it. This could have been over and done with, Belaisle captured, the piece in my possession and safely back with Creator’s statue. Instead, the experiment had proven to be a bust. We should have waited, set up a trap after all.
Should have. Could have. I was good at those.
“He’s safe, at least.” Owen came to stand at my side. “We know that much. The audio has been sketchy.”
“I’m working on it.” I wasn’t the only one in a crabby mood. Simon’s forehead darkened and I could only imagine his worry for Apollo. There were times I forgot my friends cared for each other, too. Hid their fears behind their own masks.
“He’s reconnected with some people, from what we can tell.” Owen didn’t seem concerned, so I let it go. “I wish we could tell you more.”
So did I. Still, Apollo was in and safe. That was huge.
The air beside me flexed and opened, Max stepping through. I opened my mouth to ask the obvious question but he was already shaking his big head.
“Escaped,” he grunted, uncharacteristically sharp. “Apologies,” he said, softening to his usually calm. “I almost had him several times, but he managed to elude me in the end.” His diamond eyes lit a moment. “You made it back safe from the plane?” Did he feel guilty for leaving me behind?
I nodded. “Clearly,” I said with a smile. Long story, I sent. I’ll fill you in later. I slipped my hand into my front pocket and retrieved the ribbon. It sank onto his palm in a silent puddle of silver as Max bowed his head over it.
She was a loving soul with enough caring for all of us, he sent.
Who was she? His sister, maybe? His cousin? They all seemed to be related to him, as though his punishment for cracking the Universe was to lose everyone he loved.
My betrothed, he sent, soft, low. The one sworn to me, though my heart belonged elsewhere. She gave up her life to protect Creator and to protect me. Was there any end to the layers of grief in this tragedy? I was beginning to think not. I will always remember her for that.
I squeezed his fist as it closed around the ribbon. We should go, I sent. Return her to the Stronghold.
Max nodded, but I didn’t get a chance to reach for the veil. Not when another mind was already pushing against mine.
Syd. Femke again, and this time she sounded desperate. Where are you?
Coming. I didn’t need to ask. Not with the image of the werepalace firmly in her mind. It was finally time to take Danilo down, whether I was ready, or there, or not.
Because a moment’s breathing room? For suckers.
Gram leaped to her feet, setting Sass on the chair before hurrying to my side. I didn’t protest her silent choice, partially because I was glad she wanted to come. Max’s offer of his hand surprised me, though, considering.
You don’t have to get involved, I sent. Probably shouldn’t.
I do, he sent. You are my friend, Sydlynn Hayle. And though my direct involvement might cause issues, I can at least be present. He wasn’t kidding. It wasn’t a spoken law or anything, but aside from a few minor assists, Max and the drach had held off from interferin
g with this plane and the laws regarding it. We’d never spoken of it openly, but after witnessing the god complex devolution of the fallen plane, I could see why such a powerful race would hold off from putting in their two cents. Though not as standoffish as the maji, willing at least to act on a large scale, poking his nose into local politics had to be risky. Still, the drach leader felt like he had no qualms about joining me and I wasn’t about to look a gift dragon in the mouth. His magic embraced me, sealing the deal. Your need is mine.
Well then.
The veil parted before me and I stepped through, holding onto Femke even as I opened my mind to Gram and Max when I spoke to her.
Sorry I’ve been out, I sent. Is everyone there? It was hard to switch gears, my heart still gone with the dying race to the new plane, my anger with Belaisle’s speedy snatch and grab, my body aching with weariness.
It’s a mess. Her anger came through in sharp cuts of mental words, helping me focus whether she knew it or not. I landed on the ground outside the werepalace, the grass giving way under my feet as I dropped the few inches I’d miscalculated. When I looked up with a grimace at the mistake, I realized why. I’d used the WPC Leader’s point of view as my marker. Femke hovered, blue fire wrapped around her, with her Enforcers—my husband among them, looking grim and barking orders—just a few feet away.
Nice ride, Gram sent. Use the veil much?
I scowled at her before crossing to Femke, shaking out the jarring landing. The WPC Leader settled on the grass beside me, Enforcers flying willy nilly, groups of witches gathering in patches in the broad yard, Sidhe and vampires in clusters, shouting at each other.
Cacophony, while hulking wereguards watched from the steps of the palace and did nothing. What fools we must have looked like, a babbling, disorganized crush of paranormals all vying for attention.
This was a joint effort? More like a mass debacle.
“I thought we were all working together?” What a crapshow. I resisted the urge to lash out and pull everyone’s attention to me. This wasn’t my rodeo, though.
