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Chapter 359: Virus
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 360: More Than Before
What is it about the power of a heartbeat? A whole lifetime can be lived between one pulse and the next. Or, at least, it felt that way to me.When I opened my eyes in Mom's quarters, everything came into sharp focus. Her face hovering over mine, fear clear in her blue eyes, the scent of roasted meat mingling with some kind of scented candle burning nearby. The very touch of my clothing was foreign, abrasive in some areas, soft and flexible in others, while the brush of Mom's fingers over my cheek felt like dual paths of fire sending shivers down my spine."Syd." Mom's voice was so clear it had edges. How odd. "Sweetheart, how are you feeling?"Like I'd had some kind of flu? A fainting spell? Her tension hovered around her, anxiety as clear as the glowing blue, green, amber and white aura surrounding her in a shimmering field. How had I never noticed it before?"I'm fine." And I was. I sat up as I spoke, movements almost effortless, powerful. She pulled back, sitting next to me as
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 361: Evolution
I wasn't surprised when Charlotte practically took my arm on the walk back to my dorm, nor by the feeling of watchers dressed in black robes who observed us as we made our way the very short distance back to my hall. It was almost funny, actually, but my weregirl companion wasn't laughing and neither were the Enforcers who stood guard, so I held in my amusement.The feeling that everything was sharper and clearer had begun to fade, as was my ability to feel and almost see the emotions of those around me. I found myself missing the intimacy of it, though had to admit it would make life more complicated if I was constantly distracted by the emotions of others. Still, it was nice to have insights I'd never had before and understand with absolute clarity I wasn't the only one who was screwed up.Sassafras trotted at my side, refusing to let me carry him. "Just in case," he said. And he might have been right. The precious second it would take me to drop him if we were attacked could make
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 362: Taking Sides
It was a weird thing to me, the next morning, thinking about going to class. Like everything was fine and nothing had changed. But things had changed.The strangest dreams plagued me all night, tied to the vampire and her history-the ancient people she encountered, her battles with Cesard. And though I woke completely rested and feeling like I'd slept for a week rather than just a few hours, I'd finally found my worry button.Every time I tried to think about her, though, I found myself instead focusing on Quaid or the attacking vampire problem. How much control did she have and was she able to deflect my thoughts?As I crossed the Yard on my way to breakfast, Sashenka chattering away beside me, Charlotte hovering so close I was sure she'd walk on the back of my shoe at any second, I reached inside with purpose and touched the vampire.Listen, I sent, I know we've gotten on along well so far, but stop messing with my thoughts or you'll find yourself behind a shield.She bristled a
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 363: An Old Friend's Demands
I lasted the entire day without actually contacting Quaid, a fact of which I was very proud. No needy, grasping me. Nope, nope.It was hard to maintain that stance when I finally reached for him only for Quaid to gently tell me he couldn't talk and cut me off.Jerkaroni.Didn't help I felt her in his background. The honey-blonde. Whatever her stupid name was.Didn't help at all.I peeled away from the gang and went my own way, sitting in a quiet corner of the cafeteria alone with Charlotte to eat my dinner, calling up as much anger as I could to keep from going in search of Quaid and demanding he love me.Jerkasaurus.My aloneness continued with a short walk through the Yard to the Holden Chapel where I found a bench between two large, sheltering bushes and sat on my hands to keep from wringing them together. The sound of mingling voices, the glee choir singing inside the chapel, helped to calm me a little. It was something to focus on at least, and they really were very, very g
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 364: Vampire Deception
I reached out with my magic immediately, even as I pulled my shields around me and prepared to fight. The essence's calm helped me stay focused, even as we tracked the three vampires who almost crossed our path, only a few yards further ahead past the trees, on their way across the Yard toward my dorm.Or, at least, heading in that direction. Assuming they were after me was a leap, though not a big one."Come on." I took off at a run, Charlotte beside me, heading for the trio of white power I felt sliding through the early night ahead of me. Why were they corporeal? They could just as easily have shuddered into darkness and traveled that way. Why risk being exposed?I paused behind one of the large trees at the edge of the Yard and had my answer.Rupe. Simon. Three vampires. Leading them away.Oh hell no.But before I could reach them, before I do anything, the vampires latched onto my friends and did their disappearing act.Taking the boys with them.I pounded to a halt only a
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 365: My Liam
I'd barely reached his door, hand raised to knock, when Liam jerked it open."Syd," he said, face full of concern, "what's wrong?"Was I really broadcasting that much? Oops. Time to tone it back a little bit. But my encounter with Quaid had me riled up and I'd done nothing but stew over it my entire stomping journey to Liam's door."I need your help." Part of me cringed, waiting for him to abandon me, too."Anything." He grabbed his jacket, was out the door and standing beside me before I could recover from the surge of gratitude that went a long way to healing the mess Quaid left behind. I hugged him hard, welcoming the earthy feeling of his Sidhe power and was even more thankful when Liam hugged me back."Thank you for trusting me," I whispered."Always," he said. Pushed me back. "I tried to see you last night, after the attack." His face twisted in concern. "But Charlotte and your mother wouldn't let me."I glanced at my bodywere who had the good grace to look embarrassed."
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 366: Undead Assist
The moment Sebastian's mind touched mine, he hissed in concern.Sydlynn, he sent. What's happened?I filled him in as fast as I could, telling him about the vampire attack.And the touch was enough to shatter the virus's prison? Sebastian's sympathy was powerful, as was his doubt and curiosity. But you are you yet, I can feel it. How is this possible?Because I'm whole again, the vampire told him. Thanks to you, Sebastian.Another rapid conversation, and while Sebastian's concern faded somewhat, he didn't completely release it.I would like to spend more time speaking with both of you, he sent. But for now, you're correct. This situation takes precedence. You believe this clan is feeding from your friends? He paused, considered. I didn't argue, just enjoying the silkiness of his mind. I'd always had a girl-crush on Sebastian, even his mental touch full of deliciousness I had to shield against so he wouldn't feel it.Embarrassing enough, I still woke from the odd dream seeing him
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 367: Jealousy
Charlotte insisted on standing guard outside my door while Sassafras, Liam and I talked over what happened and tried to make plans. Hard to do without having all the answers we needed. And really, my best plans usually involved just jumping in with all the fire power I could muster and hoping for the best.Sassafras finally left us to go see Mom. We decided he was the best choice."Though I doubt she'll listen to me, either," he said. "But I'll try."I felt a momentary pang of guilt over Meira. I'd promised I'd go visit her that night, but, with everything that was happening, I just couldn't. I sat on the edge of my bed, letting out a big gust of air and a gentle caress to my sister's mind.Sorry, Meems. I have to bail on you.It's okay. I could feel others with her, hear giggling. Sassy hadn't been kidding. Was my little sister turning into some kind of party maven? And on a school night?Her laugh tinkled in my head as she caught my shock. Night, Mom. Another giggle.Smart ass
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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
