by Patti Larsen
The last of my anger ran out of me, leaving me with only regret. “Thanks, Mabel,” I said, standing, stretching out my sore muscles, feeling my energy return. Head hanging, I stuck both hands in my pockets and tried a little grin. “Any idea where the big lummox went?”
Mabel laughed gently before pointing toward the entry to private quarters. I left her there, mulling over what to say, sneakers scuffing on the stone floor as I let my feet carry me to the last door on the left.
It was open a crack, enough for me to see Max standing at the large window overlooking the green. I peeked inside without asking, still in awe of the gorgeous landscape. Where once this dormant plane stood gray and empty, dead or in limbo, now it blossomed like no other I’d ever visited. The grass seemed greener, the sky bluer, the clouds more fluffy white. Blossoms danced on a soft breeze over the open plain below, tree line in the distance shuddering from the pressure of the air.
Max didn’t turn, hands clasped behind his back, shoulders stiff as he spoke.
“I will not change my mind,” he said.
“You don’t have to.” I came to stand next to him, resting my hands on the stone ledge of the window, leaning out to breathe in the gorgeous scent of the flowers below. My heart lifted as I did. I’d fought for my life in this place, for Max’s and the rest of the drach. Against darkness. And won. We’d win again, damn it. Then Mom and the others could have Liander for all I cared.
Max unwound a little, the energy of his body softening against my power’s edges. “You agree with me then?”
Movement from the corner of my eye turned my head part way around. Jiao sat at a small desk in the corner, hands folded in her lap, black eyes watching me. I turned my back on her, faced the big drach, cutting her out though this was the only way I could do it.
“I get it.” I prodded him with one finger. “I really do, Max. But you have to cut me a little slack, okay? I can’t turn my emotions off any more than you can.”
He nodded, mouth turned down. “It hurts me this hurts you,” he whispered.
I hugged him on impulse, feeling his arms go around me. The power of the drach, only a few moments ago so oppressive and in control, wrapped me up like a blanket and warmed against my magic.
“I’ll survive,” I said. “And so will Mom and Quaid and the others. But we do have to deal with them. We can’t just ignore them.” I pulled away, looked up into his troubled eyes. “They might not have the power to influence the fate of the Universe, but they have enough magic—and enough knowledge—to get them into trouble.”
Max sighed, nodded again. “I know,” he said. “My fault.”
“And mine.” I shrugged. “Spilled milk, Max.” I turned again, looked outside. “If we can give them a sense of purpose? The means to feel as though they are helping and not hindering…”
“I’ll leave such careful manipulation to you, then,” he said, a hint of humor finally returning to his voice.
I laughed. “That’ll go well.” I punched his arm, hurting my knuckles with a blow he probably didn’t even feel. “I’m just grateful to have you and Mabel and the drach on my side. I know we’ll win if we have each other.”
The warm glow of my confidence iced over as Max’s brow pulled together, sorrow returning.
“Syd,” he said, hands gripping my shoulders so tight I actually feared he might damage me. “You must listen. And heed me well.” I nodded, afraid of the intensity of his gaze. “You must be prepared to abandon everything. Everyone. Including me. If it means the safety of the Universe, Syd. Can you do that?”
I shook my head, heart denying what he was saying. “I won’t sacrifice you or the drach or my family, Max.” Not for anything.
He dropped his hands from my shoulders, turning away with finality. “Then we may have already lost,” he said.
“I won’t believe that.” It took a great deal of effort to turn him around, both of my hands on his arm, tugging with all my strength. And, in the end, I’m sure he only turned because he wanted to. “I won’t, Max.”
“I care for you and your family,” he said. “And for mine. But the Universe demands the worst of us, at times. And I must steel myself against the coming inevitability.” Did he know something I didn’t? Panic choked me a moment. “Promise me you’ll at least consider it. Put the Universe first, Sydlynn. Trust in what you must do instead of focusing on the trivial that holds you back.”
What could I possibly say to that when I felt a dark tunnel open in the foyer in the distance followed by the touch of Piers’s mind on mine? Max felt it to, had to, because his disappointment was as clear as the sky outside the window.
Until a second mind joined Piers. And with a gasp echoed by the drach, I spun with him and ran toward the entry and the two who waited for us there.
***
Chapter Seventeen
I threw my arms around Zoe Helios the second she was in reach, hugging her firmly to me while she laughed, breathless from the embrace. Though I barely knew her, really, I couldn’t help the tightening in my throat and chest, the burning in my eyes at seeing her there, safe and sound.
She’d saved my life, that of my family, when she’d risked everything to come and warn me the night the Brotherhood attacked. Burning up from her own power, turning into the Phoenix, she found the strength to travel to Wilding Springs and give me the warning I needed to transport the family to safety just in time.
For that she would always be my sister in arms.
I released her, laughing myself, the lightheartedness I felt a vast change from the depth of my concentration with Max. Even he felt less oppressive, more optimistic at the sight of her, though it wasn’t until his power connected with hers I realized why he was so happy to see her.
“Your magic.” I let my own touch her, felt hers welcome me as fire flared in her dark eyes around her smile. “It’s back.”
She’d lost her ability to see the future right along with the Fates when Trill stole the heart of Creator. The entire Helios family, oracles of Creator herself, had gone quiet, unable to ride the fire or see what was coming. Zoe had been missing and I’d comforted Piers on the fact, knowing she wouldn’t have gone without good reason. Even now, as he claimed her hand and held it tight, the love they shared shone on both of their faces. I was just happy my sorcerer friend had finally found his heart’s desire.
But there was something different about her, the more my magic probed her. I knew it was rude but I couldn’t help myself and, kindly, Zoe allowed the examination even as Max conducted his.
“I have a lot to tell you,” Zoe said, gesturing toward the cafeteria area where the family had once come together in protection and safety.
We sat, Piers and Zoe on one side with me, Max and Mabel on the other, towering over us, as the Helios oracle leaned forward, elbows on the table, thick, dark hair a shroud around her, young face intent. I always forgot she couldn’t have been more than twenty, but there was such gravity to her expression, such wisdom in her brown eyes, I always assumed she was more like me than Piers.
When she began to speak, I realized why that was.
“My family is safe.” She smiled, eyes moist, eyelashes shining as the emotion of that truth hit her. “A long story and irrelevant right now. But, while I ensured their safety, I uncovered some truths you need to know.” She turned to Max. “I became the Phoenix for a reason,” she said. “Creator’s necessity.”
Max nodded. “Rebirth,” he said. “For what purpose?”
“To replace those who once saw the future of the Universe,” she said. “I am Fate.”
She was—
Oh, crap.
Max reacted with a low cry, his face twisting in grief. “Those who carry that purpose? What of them?” So much for stepping back from the small stuff. I chastised myself for being harsh even as he pulled himself together. Max had loved sister Fate for as long as the Universe was. Who was I to judge?
“The Universe barrels toward a single ending and a new begi
nning.” Zoe sat back, fire flickering around her in short bursts though there was no heat from it. “The two Fates Creator forged to guide the Universe are no longer necessary. Only one will remain and I am that one.”
That had to suck. “Will they be okay?” They’d lost their power, had grown increasingly desperate to get it back and who could blame them? The only time they seemed to be able to see the future was when my son opened a Gateway.
“I don’t know,” Zoe said, soft and sad. “I only know my new role.”
“Why is it they can still see at times?” Max seemed as confused as I was.
“Gabriel’s opening of Gateways creates an artificial reconnection to the Universe that was,” Zoe said. “I don’t understand the full mechanics, but he is the connection not only to the planes and the other Universe, but to time and space as well.”
As if I didn’t have enough to worry about for my son.
Zoe spun on me, holding out her hands. To my utter shock, a small ball of white flame appeared, rippling and dancing over her fingers. But this wasn’t spirit magic. I knew the feel of sorcery immediately. “Balance must be achieved,” she said, voice suddenly droning, as though someone spoke through her. “The other side has stolen that to which they do not have true claim. The time for the true one power to emerge has finally come.”
I stared at her, unable to react outside of squeaking a question. “True one power?”
Zoe seemed to shake off whatever used her as a voice box, smiling gently at me. “This power has always existed,” she said. “This was the magic Creator intended. The black sorcery you are accustomed to was her first attempt, meant to be balanced by white.”
Max sighed. “Until I destroyed what she attempted to create.”
“History is what it is, Max,” Zoe said, that touch of control back again, though she remained more herself than she had before. “And regret is an empty emotion unworthy of you.”
He started slightly. “Creator?”
Zoe didn’t answer him, though I don’t mind saying I started to shake a little. Were we talking to Herself? My sudden feelings of inadequacy peaked while Zoe went on.
“The white form of sorcery is the purified state, the binding of creation magic.” She offered it to me, the small fire humming softly, happily, though I still couldn’t bring myself to take it from her. My mind flickered to Trill and her maji friends. They’d attempted to do just this, hadn’t they? And failed, tying black sorcery to creation power instead. Instinct drove them? Maybe. Regardless, it seemed their attempt was, at least, in the right direction. Not that I trusted Trill for the knowledge or anything. But it helped me understand a little. Zoe went on while my mind turned. “Meira recovered it from Xeoniteridone, triggering its wakening.”
“Where did he get it?” I finally lifted my fingers, stroking the cold edge of one flame while it hiccupped and giggled at me.
“From Creator,” Zoe said. “She knew it was time.” Such reverence in her voice, and hers alone. The reassurance we were, in fact, in partial communication with the Creator of everything sent butterflies dancing in my already tense stomach. “Mine woke under the Sanctuary when I was forced to again call on the power of the Phoenix to save my family.” There was a huge story there but Zoe forged on without offering more detail and I was too shaken to stop her. “The power of the Phoenix and the bonding of the white sorcery completed my evolution.” She wiggled her fingers at me. “In that moment I became Fate. And now, Syd, it’s time for you to evolve.”
Whoa. Hang on a freaking second. “Into what?” Yes, there was a distinct squeak in my voice.
Chicken.
“I don’t know,” Zoe said, eyes soft though fire lived in her gaze. “But it’s necessary, my friend. Creator has shown me so.”
“If you could be a little more specific about the ‘shown me’ part,” I said, going for levity and hitting outright terror, “that would be awesome.” I’d been through enough evolution, hadn’t I? I carried three alternate egos and sorcery, was a maji and had done enough, right?
Right?
Sigh.
Sydlynn. My vampire’s gentle voice swelled in my head. We’ve never had a choice. And yet, we do.
Yes, we do. My demon’s normal growl fell soft. I vote we take it and see what happens.
As do I, Shaylee sent. We have never backed away from our responsibilities. This is not the time to begin.
Agreed. My vampire sighed, though their agreement did make me feel better. Take it, Syd. We’ll figure it out as we go.
Typical, I sent. You three ganging up on me. Nervous giggle in my head time. You’re sure?
Stupid question.
I inhaled. And took Zoe’s hand.
***
Chapter Eighteen
Max’s stopped me before I could make contact with the Helios oracle. His big fingers gripped my wrist, held me immobile a moment, diamond eyes glowing as he leaned across the table and met Zoe’s gaze.
“What can you see?” He might as well have been holding her.
“Not much yet.” She frowned slightly, though more in concentration. “It’s difficult. The two Universes comingle still, their fates intertwined.”
“Is there a new Fate on the other side, to match you?” That would make sense, wouldn’t it?
“Yes.” Zoe’s chin dropped, eyes staring at the table. “She and I are connected, though there is no love lost.” She shook off her moment of darkness. “And nothing she does or says can alter my path, or the other way around. So if you thought to use me against her, I fear this fight isn’t ours to wage. Only to guide.” She gestured at Max’s hand. “I can tell you one thing,” she said, sorrowful at last. “If Syd doesn’t do this, if she refuses the power, she will destroy what she’s created on purpose.”
I didn’t need to pull free of Max. He was already releasing me. I nodded to him, heart heavy though I’d already made my choice. Funny how he’d tried to protect me. Our gazes locked a long moment.
You’re all talk, I sent at last.
Indeed, it appears that way. Max’s grief hit me like a sledgehammer, just a brief glimpse of it, but enough to make me lose a few, sudden tears. I will watch over you as long as I’m able, he sent with a fierceness that worried me.
Don’t talk like you’re dying on me. I glared. You’re not, are you?
He shook his head. But I fear for all of us, he sent. Don’t you?
Wasn’t answering that, not here and now with Zoe being Fate and understanding what I now understood.
I grasped Zoe’s hand at last, felt her fingers tighten around mine. Just as the cold, smooth fire entered my skin and absorbed like oil up a wick in the flash of an instant.
I waited for all hell to break loose. For the power to surge forward and become dominant, turn me into some kind of super soldier, an angel or a goddess. A monster. Something, anything. All the while it settled down next to the black blossom beneath me. My dark sorcery burbled a moment, absorbing it, and then nothing.
“That was a letdown.” I laughed, shaky, still tense and waiting.
Zoe released my hand, smiling again. “You expected the sky to open up and choirs to sing halleluiah?”
Or something.
“There is one more thing.” Zoe turned to Piers who’d remained silent and watching the whole time. “My love, your power and Syd’s are linked. And through this connection your mother is tracking her movements.”
“She knows Belaisle is here.” That did little to make me feel better.
Zoe nodded. “But even she isn’t foolish enough to attempt a rescue against the drach,” she said. “At least, not that I can see.”
Good to know.
“However,” Zoe went on, “it’s not Belaisle who is the concern, but you.” She patted her lover’s hand. “Neither understands the Gateway as of yet. They have been unable to uncover the source of the Gate power. And it is in Gabriel’s best interest that remains the case.”
“Trill Zornov knows.” I spit the na
me between my teeth.
Zoe hesitated. “That is of no consequence right now,” she said.
Like hell. “Mind telling me what that’s supposed to mean?”
The young Fate shrugged helplessly. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know, Syd. Only that destiny isn’t concerned about her knowledge. Only that Gabriel’s identity is shielded from others more dangerous.”
“Surely Belaisle has enough spies in place they must know Gabriel is the source.” I hated the thought, but it was true.
“I don’t think that’s accurate,” Zoe said. “Or they would have attempted to take him by now.”
Over my dead body. If my body was there with my son. Which it usually wasn’t.
I couldn’t let my mind go there or I’d lose it completely.
“Or,” Max said, “they know he would never succumb to their power.” That made a kind of sense that pulled me back from the brink. “I fear not for Gabriel. His magic allows him access to anywhere, at any time. If he were kidnapped, he would simply escape and leave those who stole him behind.”
Okay, that did make me feel better despite the small frown of disagreement on Zoe’s face. But Eva tracking me was definitely a problem. “So what do we do about Eva?”
Piers sighed, shook his head. “There’s only one thing to do,” he said, his own sadness showing, no less hurtful despite its small impact. “We have to sever our connection.”
We had a connection? Even as that thought crossed my mind, I felt it. And had an epiphany. “I did this, didn’t I?” I felt along the length of it, the dark string tying us together.
Zoe’s gentle smile didn’t make me feel any more miserable. “You love so deeply,” she said, “and so thoroughly you tie yourself to those you care about with bonds that can’t be broken except if you will it. It’s not a failing, Syd. It’s beautiful. But, in this case, Eva is using her own bond to her son—that of blood and unbreakable—to track you through the ties that bind.”
