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Chapter 261: Uncle Frank
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 262: Demonicon
My stomach heaved as I landed on my hands and knees on a hard stone floor, the deep crimson of the rock suddenly wet with the contents of my stomach. Luckily there wasn't much to come up, but I still expected to see fluttering, brightly winged insects fly out of my mouth.My eyes flickered over the hands supporting me, taking a long moment to register the color of my skin and nails. Where was my pale complexion? The sideways crescent moon scar on my left hand where I'd been stepped on with a soccer cleat? Long, dark brown nails and red tinted skin replaced the lightly freckled and well-gnawed reality I was used to.I sat back and looked up, groggy and confused, just as a portly demon bent down in front of me, a huge smile on his round face."Hello, Sydlynn," Theridialis said. "Well done, my dear."I gaped at him, wiping at the string of drool left over from upchucking. "Hi," I managed.He offered one hand, straightening to his full height, still smiling. "Come on, then," he said.
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 263: Hope
I quickly sat on the floor, Meira still in my arms, and told Mom what I'd done.Her reaction wasn't what I expected."You did WHAT?" Mom was usually pretty pale, her porcelain skin perfect. But now she looked almost ghostly, more like her vampire brother did before he had a chance to eat."Theridialis took me across," I said while Meira stared up at me."What was it like?" Her voice was low, soft, but I could hear real curiosity. At least I'd distracted her."Pretty cool," I said. "He invited me to come visit when this is over. You could come too."Mom reached out and grasped my hand, squeezing so tightly I jerked free of her with a startled squeak."Sydlynn Thaddea Hayle," she said, voice trembling in fear and anger all swirling together, "you and your sister will be doing no such thing.""Why not?" We asked in chorus and for the first time ever I found myself wondering why we'd never thought of visiting Demonicon before, even when Dad was whole and himself."Because," Mom sa
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 264: Demon Truths
The moment we entered the Sidhe library, Sassafras grabbed a book and buried his face in it, barely looking up at us or even acknowledging Liam and I were there. I wanted to smack him, but a grunt and swipe of the tongue from Galleytrot warned me off. He curled his huge body up under Sassy's propped feet, as if guarding my friend from something.Liam didn't seem to notice the discomfort of the moment or, if he did, was too kind to say anything. Instead, he leaned over a piece of what looked like parchment, the corners thick and frayed, an actual quill and inkpot sitting nearby.He flushed a little when he saw me looking and shrugged."Seemed appropriate," he said. "Besides, for some reason all of my regular pens dry up after only an hour or so in here."Sidhe magic and tradition. Talk about being trapped in the past. It was a wonder Liam's laptop worked. Speaking of which, we weren't exactly in Kansas anymore. The cavern we sat in wasn't really under town hall, but in another place
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 265: Alison's Return
Sassafras sulked the whole way back to the house, refusing to talk to me about whatever it was that came to him. Which actually suited me at the time, considering the bomb Liam dropped on me.Alison was home. What did that mean? Was she home for good? For a visit? I wanted to see her, but I didn't, too. I had a lot on my mind, on my plate, without Alison coming back into the picture. And depending on how she was, if she'd healed and was doing okay or not, I knew I didn't have time for her otherwise. I simply couldn't take on brittle, broken Alison again.Couldn't.I guess that made me a really bad friend, huh?Sassafras disappeared down into the basement when we arrived home. I still had a little time, so I ran upstairs, passing Mom's closed door on the way to my bedroom. I'd left my phone home, not having much use for it since Alison left. But yes, there it was in black and white, a hand full of texts from the girl who had been my worst enemy and my best friend.Hm 2 sty. Mss U.
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 266: Sassafras Goes Home
This time the crossing seemed easier, whether because Sassy was with me or due to the fact I was ready for it and knew it was coming I didn't know. I was just grateful to step through instead of falling, my nausea not affecting me to the point of barfing this time.I glanced to my right, at Sassafras. He looked the same, aside from the red-tinted skin and cute horns tucked into his shaggy hair. He pulled his hand free of mine in a jerk, shoving it into the back pocket of his jeans like my touch offended him somehow.There was no time to ask him what his problem was. Theridialis stood there before me, beaming a huge smile, arms outstretched.When did I become such a hugger? I usually avoided hugs. But I couldn't resist his cherub smile, the gentleness in his face."Welcome back, Sydlynn." His amber eyes fell on Sassafras. "Hello, son.""Dad." Sass's voice was a growl. Neither moved to hug, I noticed. Happy moment over."It brings me joy to see you return." Theridialis didn't mov
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 267: Family First
I tossed and turned for a while, the moonlight pouring in my bedroom window making it almost impossible to sleep. At least, I blamed it on the moonlight. Much better than admitting I couldn't get the crumpled disappointment on my mother's face out of my mind.I hated letting her down.One thing I knew, I wasn't waiting any longer for some window of opportunity dictated by Theridialis. One look at my father was enough to tell me I had to cross over with Sassy right away so he could be tested. Meira was fading quickly, her demon power feeding Dad's life force. Her dear little face looked older, lined, her skin sinking into the crevices around her bones.I wanted to go back right away, but Mom talked me out of it."Not after sundown," she said, face pinched with fatigue and worry. "Never after sundown. Promise me."Whatever. I had a feeling her fear was grounded in superstition and not fact, but agreed anyway if just to make her feel better.So sleep first. Yeah, right. Sleep. Like
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 268: Ostrogotho
I was hesitant leaving the lab. I could almost pretend I was still home, in a way, while in the confines of Theridialis's workshop. That this was some kind of dream, not real at all. Walking through the heavy metal door meant accepting I was part of this world I knew very little about.The hallway on the other side was a slight disappointment. It looked like any hall, really, at least how I imagined a castle hall would look. The center of the polished stone floor ran with a long, red runner, extending to the right down a flight of stairs and to the left toward a sharp bend. I took Theridialis's directions and went left.As soon as I turned the corner, I immediately caught sight of the balcony. It wasn't some flimsy, narrow thing I'd been expecting. Two huge doors stood open, leading out into the air and a deep, massive space full of carved stone furniture and a tumbling central waterfall.It was almost impossible not to stare, despite the circumstances of my arrival. The view was br
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 269: Dying
It was a sad procession, returning Dad back to Mom's room, settling him in the bed. Was it pure Hayle stubbornness on my part I refused to give up? We'd been through so much, survived unbeatable odds before. Why should this be any different?And yet, it felt different. If only because it seemed all of our avenues had been explored. But this couldn't be it, the end. It couldn't.My dad couldn't just die.I hovered at the doorway, not sure what to do, torn between rushing off to look for another answer-where I had no idea, only that my feet wanted me to run-and sitting next to my mother in vigil.I couldn't bring myself to mourn just yet.The house wards quivered and Erica's power entered. I stayed where I was, feeling her as she passed through the kitchen, down the hall and up the stairs to come to stand beside me."I need to talk to your mother." Erica looked like she had been crying, her perfect makeup missing, long, blonde hair in a messy ponytail."Good luck with that." I gui
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 803: Happy Endings
How was this for a happy ending?Bittersweet, this walk down the halls of the newly restored mansion. I'd been through this before, but I knew this time, I didn't have anything hanging over my head.I loved Liam. But I was finally marrying the man I was meant to be with.The pressure was off this time too, our battles won. I could enjoy my wedding without worrying about Fate or the Brotherhood or Ameline looming in the near future.Awesome.I even found Wilding Springs was fine without the influence of the Gate, just as Fergus said. That it still felt like magic. Probably a combination of the century or so of the Gate's influence deeply mired in the whole town. Not to mention the presence of the Wild Hunt still snoozing in my back yard.And the coven.I didn't worry we'd have to move anytime soon. Good thing. I kind of liked being in one place for once.Made me think of Sonja, of Liam again. His mother disappeared after the night she met Gabriel. I tried to look for her, feelin
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 802: Wedding Day
Another mirror. Another dress. Totally different experience.I stood on what amounted to a pedestal as at least a dozen or so giggling vampires tugged, pushed and laced me into the biggest, heaviest mass of fabric and jewels I'd ever seen in my entire life. The thing weighed so much I had to have my alter egos help me carry it so it wouldn't drive me to my knees.This was the punishment I got for picking out my first wedding dress alone.This one was, at least, the pale ivory I'd requested. White would have felt disrespectful to Liam's memory. And Mom happily acquiesced before losing her freaking mind.And when I appealed to Sunny for assistance in my mother's sudden loss of sanity?Yeah.I was surrounded by vampires, wasn't I?Shenka hovered, her ball gown sparkling, covered in as many gems as could possibly be stuck to her. Again Mom went with the jewel tones. I guess she figured a good idea was a terrible thing to waste.And considering only a handful of people had seen the
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 801: Familiar Magic
I sat on the side of my bed, looking out the window into the quiet street, the buzzing streetlight below me oddly comforting. I'd tried to sleep after returning home, put Gabriel to bed with Charlotte who met me at the front door after Sass, Galleytrot and I strolled home in the sharpening night air. Her massive scowl told me I was in horrible trouble as she took my son from me.Okay, so I didn't exactly put him to bed.Snort.Galleytrot and Sassafras naturally abandoned me for her room, leaving me alone. Which was fine, it really was. I had a hot shower, pulled on my favorite robe. Had a little cry. Not much. Just a pathetic little spill of tears I held over from the Gate.From Liam.And felt my heart ease at last.Wrapped myself in the love in my house, the people sleeping there. Shenka and Charlotte, Galleytrot and Sass. Gram and Demetrius. All of us, happy just to be home.But sleep wouldn't come. My mind struggled with belief. That Ameline was really dead. That Gabriel was
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 800: Gateway
I looked down into my son's sleeping face before sinking into the rocking chair beside his crib and releasing of the last of my stress. He was really too big for the thing now, but I needed to do some thinking about a bed and a room for him and just didn't have the energy to deal.A soft, furry body landed in my lap, Sassafras purring as he kneaded my leg a few times before turning in a circle and settling himself."Nice to see them together again," he said.I knew exactly who he meant. Mom and Dad wasted no time taking off for Harvard for some private time. I blushed at the thought of my parents and what they were probably doing right now.Shudder.Galleytrot groaned from the end of the crib, eyes flaring with red fire as he looked up."What about you, Syd?" His rumbling voice shifted my shudder to a shiver. "Have you thought about a new mate?"Not going there. "I've been thinking," I said, totally changing the subject. Yes, on purpose. No judging. "About Gabriel and his power.
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 799: Homecoming
Meira grinned at me like it was funny. And it was, in a way. She sat behind Dad's old desk-Ahbi's, too-and bounced a little in the chair."Comfy," she said. Winked.Oh. My. Swearword.Dad laughed, hugged me abruptly. "Meems, pumpkin," loved his pet name for her, though I liked cupcake better despite years of protest, "I'm sorry to do this to you.""You've already apologized, Dad," she said, looking quite pleased with herself. Hard to remember she was only fourteen with that evil grin, hands rubbing together in expectation. "I'm going to do some housecleaning first. Then the real fun will start."I shook my head, giggling. "Just leave a few of the planes standing."She shrugged, inspected her nails. "We'll see.""I take it the Node is fine?" It felt fine, Demonicon still intact at least."It was in balance long before Ahbi took up residence," Meira said. "She was only just hitchhiking anyway."I looked up at Dad who sighed deeply, lines of anxiety leaving his face."You're cra
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 798: Ruler
The sparkling kneepads attached to my heavy leather pants caught the light of the triple suns overhead as I shifted for the millionth time, foot bobbing on the end of my crossed leg. Sassafras hissed at me. The bobbing stopped.For the moment. The longer we sat here, the more agitated I felt. Didn't help it took Pagomaris an age and a half to dress me while Meira was being man-handled in her bedroom."Your demon form would be so much easier to dress, Your Highness." Hopefulness lit the aide's eyes as she smiled and scrunched her shoulders like talking to me as if I were a child would endear her."Not." I scowled at her. "Work with this or nothing." I gestured down at my human form.And she sighed.Gestured for her minions to come forward.Left me to them as though I was no longer worth her effort, returning to my sister who grinned at me through the open door of her bedroom.Argh.I did concede to shifting my size, remembering how small I felt next to Meira when she was in demo
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 797: Royal Wedding
I glared at my reflection in the mirror. "I'm not going.""You are." Sassafras growled softly at me before sighing heavily. "And so am I, remember?""They're not going to make you wear a ridiculous outfit and parade around like you're their property." More glaring.I. Was. Not. Going.Sass hopped down from the bed and waddled to my side, tail quivering. "You can't let Meira down," he said, leaping into my lap. I stroked his fur absently. "It would be a terrible thing for her to have to sit through Harry's marriage alone.""So maybe he shouldn't get married." Whiny much? But there was the crux, wasn't it?Today was my father's wedding day.And the last place I wanted to be was Demonicon. In fact, a hole somewhere deep and far away would have been preferable. Anything other than having to endure my father marrying a demon.That would be the end for Mom and Dad. The real end. And I didn't think I could handle it."Harry has made his choice," Sassafras said, meeting my eyes in the
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 796: Payten's Confession
I was already turning and moving back inside by the time Mom began her little speech to wrap up the trial. I had no desire to listen, moving on from it though Celeste's foul stench remained on me. A quick push of magic cleared my nose, clothes and hair of the stink, even as I strode with ever-increasing speed toward the back of the now-emptying chamber and the hall beyond.A startled Enforcer was the lucky recipient of the bag of marshmallows, slapped against his chest on the way by.I seemed to have lost my appetite.Was so focused on my final target I almost ran right into Payten when she dodged out of the shadows of an archway and stepped in front of me.My first instinct was to hit her so hard with magic they wouldn't find her body.Ever.Second instinct was to flatten her into a Paytensquish and smear her all over the floor with my shoes.Yum.Third impulse won, partially because I was a sucker for a sobbing girl, Enforcer or not.Hated enemy or not.She radiated grief,
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 795: Celeste's Trial
I'd sat here before, on a bench in the Council chamber, watching a trial unfold before me, Shenka at my side. But this one was far different. I had no regrets, no old grief-at least not for the creature about to stand before my mother.Any sorrow I felt around Celeste Oberman centered on the Hayle family members she'd killed. Martin and Louisa Vega, the darling couple who loved and cared about me when there were times no one else in the coven seemed to. Sandra Crossman, leaving her husband, James, alone to raise their daughter.Old wounds long since healed over, but never, ever forgotten.Worse, Gabriel wasn't with me. Antsy pants wriggled my butt in my velvet skirt as I fidgeted and held him tight with my magic while he laughed at something and ignored me.My own son, a traitor.Sigh.Shenka squeezed my hand, smiled a little. "He's fine," she said."I know," I whispered back. Not needing to. We weren't the only ones chattering. The gathering for Mia's burning-it seemed so long
