“And have you accuse me of lying to you again? I will not.” Ra watched impassively as his daughter continued to writhe in agony on the floor before him. “Perhaps a few millennia of solitude will allow you time to come to terms with the consequences of your actions.” He leaned over her sprawled form. “Bastet, I hereby banish you to live in isolation on the dark side of the moon until such time as you can prove to me you will no longer act in jealousy and create mischief for those who love. You will continue to perform your duties as the moon and stars and leave Earth's inhabitants to themselves.”
“No, father. Please no. Haven’t I suffered enough?”
“Apparently not.” Ra met her gaze, his face a mask of power and fury. “And be aware, daughter, I am watching. Do not imagine for a moment your powers are in any way equal to mine. If you attempt to meddle in the affairs of this planet as you have been doing, you will deeply regret it.”
Bastet’s bottom lip trembled. “I’m begging, Father.”
“I’ve made my decision.” He snapped his fingers and she vanished.
The room was silence, but only a moment before Ra tilted his head. “Do you have something to add, Apep?”
The god floated through the window and landed in front of Ra. “She got off easy. Why didn’t you crush her to dust? She deserved no less.”
“You are wrong, Apep. Your chaotic nature does not permit you to see more than darkness and destruction, but Bastet’s suffering will be far worse than death.” He placed his hands on Apep’s shoulders. Immediately, Apep’s angry expression changed to peace.
“I feel different.” He checked his hands, turning them over. “Calm. In control. What have you done?”
Ra indicated Apep’s neck. “The amulet Hathor created for you has been restored and it will remain there for as long as you continue to rule the darkness. As before, you will still be able to see your beloved Hathor at dawn and dusk.”
“I understand. Thank you, Ra.” Apep said, lifting into the air and giving Lucy a small smile. “Good-bye. I wish you only joy and happiness in your life.” He bowed and was gone.
“All is as it should be,” Ra said, facing Will and Lucy. “I will be going.”
TWENTY-TWO
TRUE LOVE
“NO, WAIT,” Lucy said.
He raised an eyebrow. “I’ve saved the world from utter destruction. What more do you require of me, young human?”
Lucy bowed, as it dawned on her to whom she spoke to. He wasn’t just any man. In fact, he wasn’t a man at all. Ra was a god. “I apologize.” She continued to stare at her feet. “It’s only that my husband and I—”
“Ah, yes.” He lifted her head. “You belong in this time, but I sense he does not.” He indicated Will.
Lucy felt warm tingles rush through her body at his touch, like sunbeams chasing each other through her bloodstream.
“Does that mean you’ll help us?” Will moved off his symbol, taking Lucy’s hand.
Ra gave them incredulous look. “You humans take and take and take. It isn’t enough I’ve rescued you from death at Apep’s hand. You still want more.” He rolled his eyes. “You want to be together because you’re in love.”
Lucy’s body sagged. “I can’t be without him,” Lucy said.
Ra’s expression turned grim. “If he left, you would manage. It might hurt. There might be permanent a hole in your heart, but once your child is born, that will change. The hole will be filled with a new kind of love.”
“But that’s not possible.” Lucy was awestruck.
“I believe you know how human children are created, and your body insists that it is very possible.”
Lucy glanced at Will whose face was alight with wonder. “You’re pregnant.” He smiled and it was the happiest she’d ever seen him.
She wanted to revel in the news with her beloved, but all she could think about was that Will would never get to meet his child. “There must be something I can do so that Will and I can be together. Please?” She didn’t know whether her pleadings would do any good, but she had to try.
Ra put his hands on his hips. “There is a way the two of you can be together.”
“What? I’ll do anything.” Lucy knew she would do anything to stay with Will.
“The two of you can remain together. No time travelling. No time apart up until after the child is born and turns one year old. At that time, you will be required to come and work for me. In a sense you will be doing the opposite of Bastet all these years, helping humans in the world find love.”
“No!” Harriet shouted.
Ra turned to the girl. “And who might you be?”
“I am no one.”
“Hmmm, you’re a very loud no one. You believe these two should ignore their love and that of their child?”
Her bottom lip trembled. “No, no, no. It’s just, use me instead.”
“You and the man?”
“No, I mean, let me take Hathor’s place. I’ll become the goddess of love.”
Ra threw his head back in laughter. “What makes you think you can do it?”
“I can. I swear. I have a lot of love to share.”
Dashel obviously wanted to say something, but he held his tongue.
Ra moved toward her and placed a hand over her heart. “My, my. I think you’re right.” He glanced at Dashel. “How do you feel about this turn of events?”
“I don’t like it,” Dashel admitted.
“I see.” Ra turned back to Harriet. “So you are willing to sacrifice your life?”
Lucy protested. “I can not let you do that.”
“You aren’t letting me do anything, Miss. It isn’t your choice. I want to.” She turned to Ra. “Yes, I will take the place of Will and Lucy, if you’ll have me. And I’ll go with you now.”
Ra clapped his hands and threw his head back with glee. “Very well. I accept your sacrifice, but I will give you the same time I intended to give the others. In eighteen months, I’ll be back to claim you. Do we have a agreement?”
“Yes,” Harriet said, raising her chin. “I’ll be waiting.”
“Very good.” He touched Harriet between the eyes, leaving a small golden mark in the shape of the sun. “So I can find you.” He laughed again. “I do believe you and I will get along famously, Miss Harriet.” Then he faced Will and Lucy. “You’ve been given an enormous gift. Do not waste it.” He turned his hand over. In his palm was a new golden amulet in the shape of a sun. He handed half of the sun to each of them. “When you want to travel, wear the amulet. It will take you to the time of your choice.”
Lucy pushed away Ra’s hand. “I cannot let Harriet sacrifice herself for me. How will I live knowing she is unable to do the same?”
Ra wrapped his hands around hers. “You will do so to the best of your ability. The agreement has been struck and accepted. There is no going back. Honor her by loving each other all of your days.” He placed half of the amulet in her hand and closed her fingers around it.
“Thank you,” Will said.
Ra smiled as he floated up through the air and disappeared. When he was gone, the floor under them cracked, breaking the circle.
Sebastian appeared in the doorway. “Is everyone all right?” He wobbled and grabbed hold of the wall, sinking to his knees.
“Yes, we are all well, Sebastian,” Dashel said, going over to him.
Harriet placed her shoulders under his arm. “He needs to lie down. Dashel and I will take him to his rooms.” She smiled at Lucy and Will. “Please don’t be sad. I’m glad to do this for you.”
Will nodded somberly. “Thank you, Harriet.”
Lucy hugged Harriet “What you did for Will and me…” She shook her head. “Thank you for being my friend and like a sister. I will be forever in your debt.”
Harriet smiled. “It’s truly my pleasure.” Together she and Dashel helped Sebastian to the door.
EPILOGUE
FULL CIRCLE
IT’D BEEN a month since they’d called fort
h Ra. Lucy and Will had finally explained their marriage to her parents, while Dashel confirmed that he no longer wished to wed Lucy and that their dissolution had been amicable on both sides. Her parents were satisfied, especially when they were informed of the Duke of Vladimir’s generous yearly stipend on their behalf. Her mother even cried when they left to supposedly live at Will’s family estate in the New World.
Lucy and Will also travelled forward in time to tell his own parents as well as Charles Kincaid all that had happened. Well, they may have glossed over a few facts when they spoke with Will’s parents. It was odd travelling back and forth, especially since Lucy was now with child. They’d decided that after this visit, they would remain in Will’s time until after the baby was born. She had the best chance of delivering their child safely there.
“Are you sure you don’t mind going to my grandmother’s grave?” Lucy asked.
“Not at all.”
They walked hand in hand through the foggy night.
As they meandered between the crypts, Lucy wondered if they’d made the right choice. “Here it is,” she said, stopping in front of her grandmother’s grave.
Will stepped forward, addressing the headstone. “Agatha, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Will—”
Her grandmother suddenly appeared before them. “I know who you are,” she said with a delighted smile.
Will jumped back, but quickly recovered. “Whew, you scared the fizz out of me.”
Agatha and Lucy laughed.
“Hello, Grandmother. How are you?”
“Not bad for a dead woman.”
“I’m pregnant,” Lucy said, caressing her belly. She hadn’t begun to show yet, but hoped she would soon. She loved the idea of carrying her and Will’s child and wanted the whole world to share in their joy.
“I know. And it’s wonderful news. You broke the curse, and you have your true love. You did it.”
Will took Lucy’s hand. “I promise to take care of her.”
Agatha clasped her hands together. “Oh, I know you will. Now go, live your lives. I’ll be watching from beyond.”
“Thank you, Grandmother.”
She smiled. “And if you will do me a favor?”
“Anything,” Lucy said.
“Will you take a message to Charles for me?”
“Of course, but can’t you?”
“Oh, no child. I can’t leave my grave. And it’s time for me to move on. I need to. It’s difficult hanging on here, especially when there is only so much I can do.”
“Very well, then. What is the message?” Lucy’s heart broke a bit at the thought of never seeing her grandmother again, but she held back her tears. Her grandmother was right. It was time for all of them to move on.
“Bless you, child.” Her grandmother took a letter from her pocket and handed it over. “Give him this.”
Will was dumbfounded. “How did you—? I mean, you—” He couldn’t seem to find the words to finish the sentence.
Grandmother grinned.
“You’re confused because I don’t have a body and yet I have managed to conjure an actual letter for Charles?”
“Pretty much,” Will said.
“Just think of it as magic, my dear boy. After all, you and Lucy frequently travel back and forth in time. A letter isn’t such a great thing in the end.” She leaned in to try to kiss Lucy’s cheek, then Will’s. “And name the child, Agatha, after me, won’t you?”
Lucy gasped.
Will covered his mouth, obviously shocked.
“We’re having a girl?” Lucy asked, delighted.
“Yes, your child will be a girl.” Her grandmother smiled, clapping her hands happily.
“Then Agatha she will be,” Will said, clutching Lucy’s hand with one hand and placing the other very gently over her stomach. “Agatha Lucy Godwin.”
THE END.
The King's Paranormal Inquiries Division v.2
Coming July 2016.
“Right up front there’s a bit of information you should know about me. I’m one-quarter ghoul.”
Yes, you read that right. Not to worry though. My ancestry doesn’t dictate that I eat you. Quite the contrary, I prefer my meat delicately aged and served on a fine platter alongside a slice of cheddar, blueberry shortbread cookies, and a cup of tea. This is 1812 after all, and I am a civilized young woman.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Harriet Everly. During the daylight hours you will find me working for the Earl of Sothersby’s household as a lady’s maid for his eldest daughter, Miss Lucy Channing.
I actually work for the King’s Paranormal Inquiries Division as one of their top investigators. They recruited me nine years ago and have been training me in the fine arts of hunting and killing vicious monsters as well as solving more… complicated crimes, crimes that don’t make sense to the authorities.
The King’s Paranormal Inquiries Division v. 2 is coming July 2016.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Turn the page for a FREE download ofEXILED, book one in the completed Immortal Essence series.
Worlds divided them.
Destiny brought them together.
Only love will save them.
The Immortal Essence Series
EXILED
BANISHED
DISPLACED
BEGUILED
TEMPTED
MERGED
UNITED
CHAPTER 1
The End of the Innocence
Venus escaped her party. It’d been hailed, ‘The Celebration of the Century.’ Had they asked her opinion, she would’ve called it, ‘The Motley, Molten Party of the Month.’
No one did.
Still, there’d been cake.
A decadent piece balanced on a plate in one hand as she hurried down the enormous, column-filled hall toward her bedroom. Her faint footsteps bounced and echoed around her, the only sound.
At the entrance, she waved a hand over the Carania family crest. The door shimmered and vanished. She paused and peered inside. Everything looked in order.
There’s nothing dead in there.
It was the unknown she didn’t like. Doors kept out help and could hide secrets. They allowed evil.
“When I’m queen, I’ll banish all doorways,” she whispered fiercely. Holding her breath (for she believed that by doing so, the bad stuff, whatever that might be, would disappear before she saw it), she rushed through, moving past her bed to her vanity, where she placed the cake on top, and fell onto her overstuffed green chair.
“Happy birthday to me.”
There’d been presents at her party, too. One in particular she’d been most excited about.
The Kelvieri’s Boots.
To receive her own pair meant she’d reached the age where age no longer mattered.
They were black as a starless night, soft as feathers, yet stronger than any metal ever discovered.
Thrantum. That’s what the Gods called the material. None of her people knew where the boots came from. The shaman would pray and they’d appear for the kelphi child. The word meant permanent, which fit perfectly. The boots would last as long as she would, after her transformation—forever.
Inside the clear wedged heels were symbols of her imperfections. The symbols were unique only to her and would be a guide as she crossed into immortality.
Of more significance, at least to Venus, the boots represented change. She could hardly wait. Venus was sick of looking like every other kelarian under the age of sixteen. White hair, silver eyes and metallic white skin. When she completed her metamorphosis into a kelvieri, her physical features would transform as well. No more same, same, same.
“Hey, doof! You weren’t supposed to leave. What will the guests think of their perfect princess? So un-queenly of you.” Amberlee had entered Venus’s bedroom without permission. The brat!
“Yeah, well I’m not the queen yet. What do you want?” Venus studied her little sister, annoyed at how much they looked ali
ke.
Today, Amberlee had spiked her short hair. Around her white lashes, she wore thick, black eyeliner, which made her skin pasty. On her right cheek a star had been drawn and she’d chosen a short, black coverlet. She reminded Venus of a beautiful but bad-mannered banshee.
“I brought you a present.”
“You did?” Venus worked hard to hide the surprise from showing on her face. Normally, the only things Bratterlee gave her were bruises and scratches.
Amberlee reached into her pocket and held up a necklace. Silver in color, its chain hung fine and thin. From the center dangled a gleaming black irrihunter charm.
“It’s beautiful.” Venus bent forward to get a closer look. Worry twisted within her, like a tornado. What’s wrong with it? Immediately after that thought, came another. She’s trying to be nice. Still, Venus wasn’t sure. With a careful hand, she touched it. The charm radiated warmth.
“It won’t bite. Cret, sis! Don’t be so dramatic. It’s no secret you have a thing for the animals. You fly one every day. Besides, you only turn sixteen once. Here, take it.” Amberlee flung it into her outstretched hand. She’d sounded harsh, but a touch of rosy orange spread over her sister’s cheeks.
Without thinking, Venus hugged her. “Thank you.”
Amberlee pushed Venus away. “Back the helker up. Now’s not the time to start getting mushy.”
She sat back, the words like a slap in the face.
It wasn’t that Venus couldn’t show emotion. She could, if she tried, but feelings weren’t necessary. Encouraged? Sure. She found the whole concept to be a waste of time. As the one day queen, those around her had groomed her to be concerned for the majority. If she let sentiment rule, she wouldn’t be able to make the big decisions for the good of the kingdom. She had to care for everyone, not anyone. Amberlee hadn’t been taught to understand. She didn’t need to.
Past the Ages: Book Two Page 12
