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Chapter 272: Pender Tremere
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 273: Effigy
Pender left with promises to keep in touch, though I wasn't holding my breath. He seemed far too trusting of the Council for my tastes, considering the fact they'd not only been ignoring us, but now seemed like they'd turned against us completely on the word of a woman who was evil personified.Celeste left shortly before Pender did, slithering away before I could confront her."Let her go." Mom sounded so tired I didn't argue with her. I watched her go upstairs, shoulders a little straighter than they had been, but walking right back into her world of grief.I couldn't do it, couldn't join her. I instead found myself drifting downstairs into the basement. It seemed so odd to be down there and not sense Dad. He'd become such a fixture in our family magic space it was odd to have the whole place to myself.I paused in the middle of the room, turning slowly in a circle. It had been so long since I just looked around. I realized how many boxes still remained down here, remnants of my
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 274: Chosen Of The Light
The world wavered, wobbled. Shapes drifted past me, sounds echoing in and out. I struggled to rise, caught a distorted image of Sassafras, his mouth gaping open, magic flashing, people being thrown about. He staggered as I had, a cloth shoved over his face as he collapsed backward into the arms of someone dressed in white.A familiar face drifted into view, her petite features twisted into a snarl of hate. I recognized Rosetta, the white Chosen robe she wore, but was unable to gather my magic, my senses, my head still ringing from the blow I'd taken.I knew I had to get up, get moving, go after him, save him... but the world wobbled again and I collapsed sideways, reaching out to him.White robes surrounded me, hands grasping, pulling. My demon lashed out on her own, Shaylee at her side, their combined magic sending the Chosen members flying back from me though I was only peripherally aware they took action. The pain had come at last, disorientation fed by agony of a pulsing, knife
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 275: Tracking Sassafras
It didn't take Galleytrot long to hone in on Rosetta's scent. I was just grateful the Chosen had overlooked the fact the big dog could track her.Idiots.The Sidhe hound, Sunny and I crouched at last behind a clump of musty-smelling bushes, gazes locked on the dilapidated old hip-roof barn at the edge of the field. I stuffed down a sneeze as the rising breeze threw the scent of decaying grass our way. Faint light, flickering like fire, showed through the cracks in the warping wood structure.Fire. That made me very nervous. Especially considering the Chosen of the Light liked to use fire to cleanse those they deemed evil and unclean. Sassafras most likely fit their bill.I'd been on the receiving end of their not-so-gentle ministrations, tied ruthlessly to a wooden stake and set to flames, so I could only imagine my friend was about to face the same fate if we didn't act.Luck, it turned out, was finally on our side. Sunny grinned at me, with fierce joy. "Ownership in question," s
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 276: Battle
I was more than happy to fight again. Galleytrot had shrunk back down to his normal still-gigantic size, but I saw his shoulders shudder as he gathered his power. I knew he could handle the werewolves, leaving me to fight Jean Marc and Kristophe with Sunny's help. No problem. So as the two Dumont boys emerged from the darkness, the older smirking at me while the younger blew me a kiss, I knew we'd be fine.They were toast.Problem was, they had their own plan.I felt her move before I could turn, reached out with my power to keep her from lighting the pyre, but Rosetta was faster than me this time, the spark of magic she used fed by her sorcery, igniting the kindling in a whoosh of super heated air.My hasty shield protected Sassafras from the worst of it, but I was thrown further out, away from the flames, falling to my knees from the pressure of the heat wave. Sunny flickered beside me, all of her rage focused on the werewolves.I let her and Galleytrot deal with them, pouring a
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 277: Kidnapped (Again)
Mom crumpled a little, but I refused to let the news affect me."How?" But I knew already, before Galleytrot said it out loud."The same way the Chosen masked his magic before." A soft whine of complaint escaped my friend. "I'm sorry, Syd."It wasn't his fault and I wasn't about to let him think it was. "We'll find him," I said with far more conviction than I felt.Mom visibly took a firm grasp on herself, her body vibrating with the effort it took. "Yes," she said. "We will."Sunny had backed away, so much sadness in her face I knew I was losing her. "I'll leave the family to handle this," she saidI reached for her the same instant Mom did."Sunny," she pulled the undead woman toward her, embracing her, "please forgive me. There has been so much loss and I am weaker than I expected." Mom pulled away and met my gaze. "I've always thought I could handle anything. I've been proven wrong."I hated hearing the failure in her voice. "No," I said, "you've just reached the place wher
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 278: Abdicate
Even Celeste looked shocked at that. None of us expected Mom to go that far. Not even me. But there she was, hands outstretched while Erica gaped like she couldn't breathe."Miriam," she choked at last, "what are you doing?""The only thing I can do to keep my family safe." Mom had calmed, real calm this time, not the fake coven leader type I'd grown used to over the years. This was Mom fully entrenched in a choice and happy to have made it, utterly willing to face the consequences. "Now, will you accept leadership?"It was then I realized she hadn't offered it to me. Probably knew I'd never take it. Or, more likely, that offering it to me wouldn't distance our family far enough from the rest of the coven for her to act. Grim and heart aching, I decided then and there I was behind Mom completely and sent her my support.Erica had gone so pale I thought she'd pass out. "Miriam, I can't." She backed away a pace. "Don't you see this is what the Dumont's want? If we lose you, we lose e
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 279: Taking Charge
I retreated back inside as Erica left, knowing I had to face my mother and convince her abandoning the coven wasn't the way to deal with the Dumonts. As I entered the kitchen, I came face-to-face with the twins.Estelle (or was it Esther? I'd never learn to tell them apart) eyed me like a bug she wanted to squish, but her sister paused, a sad expression pulling her lips down so far I feared they'd slide right off her face."You must convince your mother." She gripped my arm, beady eyes peering at me through the thick lenses of her glasses. I almost hated getting too close. They both stank of cabbage and kitty litter, not to mention that unique little old lady smell. "We will not let this coven fall into evil hands."I nodded, trying to pull back as her pointy nails dug into the skin of my arm, gooseflesh rising as I freed myself and rubbed at the crescent shaped marks she'd left behind."I'm on my way to do just that."Esther (I was sure it was her... kind of. Okay, I was guessing
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 280: Teamwork
We were almost to the park when Galleytrot let out a yelp of surprise."Sassafras." He bounded off at full speed, leaving me to slide over the veil in pursuit, a desperate hope in my heart.I caught up with him at the edge of town, near the site where Suzanne had been taken over by the Firblog magician, Cesard and his collection of occupiers. "You can feel him?""Smell him." Galleytrot snuffled the air noisily, anger in his tone. "He was close, Syd. He was here." The big dog snarled and spun. "This way!"He was off again like a shot, covering ground so fast I had no choice but to use my demon magic to ride the veil. I ducked in and out for what seemed like forever, finally emerging in a rush, almost running into him as I flung myself from the edge, looking around for danger. A lake of shining water stretched out before us, sunlight sparkling from the calm surface."Nothing." Galleytrot howled, deep and long and full of fury, the ground under our feet shaking with the power of his
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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
