I knew I was in trouble the moment the words left her mouth. The stunned silence meeting most of the afternoon's revelations so far was shattered by a chorus of protests, both from my father's now agitated and angry family, and from Dad and Sassafras.My demon cat leaped free of Grandmother's lap only to spin and glare at her. "Preposterous," he said. "You can't assign her so high a position."Grandmother's eyes tightened just a little bit, but her voice carried the weight of her power. "I can," she said, voice a rumble of thunder, "and I have."That quieted the masses, but Sassy simply sank to the ground with his ears flat back, a soft growl emerging from him. "She is untried," he said even as Dad, his face now showing just how angry he was, put himself between me and Grandmother."What have you done, Mother?" His body shook slightly as his anger rippled from him in waves. "What is the meaning of this?"I slipped around him, refusing to be cut out of the conversation even as Gran
I had Sassy in my head, linked to Meira, the entire time Pagomaris and her squad of beautifier demons ruthlessly tugged and stuffed us into a new set of clothing.You'll both be fine, he sent. There shouldn't be opportunity for a fight at this point, as long as you are in the banquet. Don't accept any offers to wander off and don't agitate anyone. He sighed. I know that's a lot to ask of you, Sydlynn, but I'd like to deliver you to your mother in one piece.I scowled as Meira giggled. So you don't think anyone will step up? That was a big relief.Not during the banquet, he sent. As long as you don't push it, it's kind of frowned on.Good to know. I felt my shoulders unknotting as Pagomaris firmly gripped my head and stogged it into some kind of fur hat. I felt immediately itchy and wished I could get away with swatting her.For all I knew, she'd like it.Now, my demon cat went on as if I weren't being turned into some kind of overly feminized Sasquatch, if you are challenged, acc
And so the Hayle sisters rode into battle, our demon cat between us.Dad met us in the hall outside his own quarters, on the same level as the dressing room we'd been shunted off to. Even he had changed completely this time, into what looked like a very old-fashioned version of a tuxedo-if tuxedos were made of odd fabric eddying with movement as though a living organism flowed around inside and if spikes from every joint were ever de rigueur.He looked about as unhappy as we had earlier so I didn't poke fun at his porcupine outfit even as Pagomaris gushed at how wonderful he looked."Time to go," he growled, cutting her off.She took the hint.I considered taking Dad's arm again, if just for the stability of having him beside me, but at least these platform boots were flats, no real heel, and with a few careful steps I felt more confident. Besides, if I was going to literally stand on my own two feet here, if appearances were, in fact, as important as I was beginning to believe, w
I did exactly what Sassafras warned me not to do.I hesitated.But they sky was darkening and Meira and I had to go. This was terrible timing, the absolute worst. On purpose? Panic heated my insides and stirred my blood as I realized it was likely-not only that, I had to fight or I'd lose status. Why did I care? Not so much for me, not really. But Dad had to live here. And considering they would take part of my demon's power if I lost... in the heartbeat I had to think things through, my demon made it very clear to me losing even one smidge of her magic was unacceptable.She took over. Probably was for the best, really, considering I couldn't get out of my own head long enough to take action. Good thing she did, too, because Mobicandron didn't wait to see if I accepted, but lashed out immediately.My demon was fast, very fast, just fast enough as it turned out, to block the blow he'd sent my way and slash out at him in turn. For a moment, I felt a rush of confidence. I'd done this
Perhaps it was simply my agitation, but the quarters I found myself pacing in seemed conveniently prepared for me. The huge closet room was full of clothing in my size, the massive bath stocked with bubble baths and scented creams. Maybe I was being paranoid, but knowing now the political maneuverings that went on here, I could only assume my sister and I being trapped was part of some grand plan.And yet, it was possible, I supposed, these quarters were simply for guests. Since they knew I was coming, and had a wardrobe for me anyway, didn't they need a place to keep it? I wished I could just talk myself into believing it.If my grandmother had anything to do with our present situation, she'd be hearing from me, Ruler or no Ruler.An ornately carved side door of black wood swung open and Meira bounced through, Dad and Sassafras trailing along behind her. At least we were adjoining so I could be close to her."I love my room!" Meira planted herself on the end of my bed, amber eyes
Sleeping wasn't an option. Every time I lay down on the bed my head started spinning with so much information the only way I could quiet it was to rise and pace around the room. At least the pajamas I'd dug out of the closet the size of my bedroom at home were kind of normal. Some kind of black silky stuff that felt like I wasn't wearing anything. A little freaky, but the full-length pants and long-sleeved button up shirt looked so much like normal clothes I couldn't resist them.When someone knocked on my door, I lurched to answer it just to shake myself out of the constant whirl of my thoughts. It wasn't until I had the door half jerked open I realized I should have been more cautious.Saved by the aide. No battle-seeking relative on the other side to worry about, just Pagomaris, dressed in a long black robe of her own, a smile plastered on her face. She was no longer wearing the giant platform boots she'd forced me into all day and I was surprised to note she was actually shorter
"Sydlynhamitra," she said in a voice echoing through the hallway, "I, Phatshepeset, Lady of the Eighth Plane, challenge you for status."Nice name. But I wasn't contemplating what she was called or what her ranking was. For once I did as I was told and acted.Acting I could actually handle. The second she stopped speaking my power was on the move, lashing at her legs in slicing blades of amber fire. It should have worked. I had the jump on her, the shields surrounding her should have been in a nasty puddle at her feet.Damn it.I had so much to learn.Her magic skipped around the edges of mine, forming ripples diffusing the slashing attack until I might as well have come at her with a knitting needle. I barely-barely-had time to dodge aside as her own magic slid forward, a hissing snake, to strike at me with venom I was certain would do more damage than I was willing to take.Any damage was unacceptable, to be honest.My demon roared her fury, splitting our magic in two down the
First order of business made me actually uncomfortable and kind of anxious at the same time. Sassafras led me into my ginormous closet and proceeded to choose an outfit for me, something he deemed suitable for whatever he had in mind. Not that I was normally shy around him, but having my demon cat pick my wardrobe was more than a little weird and kind of creepy."Oh stop it," he snapped as I hid a nervous giggle behind my hand as his magic pulled down a large wrap-like coat and dropped it at my feet. "Grow up, would you, please?"Done with me, he waddled out to badger my sister, leaving me to dress in the floor-length flowing pant things and short, tight top baring my midriff, more of the stupid platform boots and the lightweight wrap he'd chosen. All blue this time. I felt like I'd had a very bad accident with a magic marker.But worse than the clothes? Imagine my shock when Sassafras led Meira and I out of our quarters and to the elevator."Aren't we supposed to be training?" I c
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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,
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