"My lord," my guide broke my gaping silence for me, "Her Highness must be ravenous."Leader-my grandfather-nodded quickly and took my arm, linking it through his as he led me, unresisting, under a wide archway similar to the front door and into a long, narrow room, seating me himself in a massive chair before sitting beside me at the head of the table. My quiet guide gestured and the others in the room joined us, though I noticed he remained, silent and watchful, at my grandfather's shoulder."You seem surprised to see me, Sydlynhamitra." Leader-Grandfather-I'd heard his name before, hadn't I?"I thought you were dead or something." Way to mumble yourself into embarrassment, Hayle.Grandfather laughed, a deep belling sound, and his followers joined him. All but his protector who held as still as ever. And Ram, beside me."Whoever told you I was dead? Your grandmother?" He shook his head, helping himself to a mug of nectar, which I rejected when he tried to fill my glass. "That wou
Good thing I was prepared for the worst. Had already begun to gather my power, calling on my healthy paranoia and the fact I was so used to walking around with my shields as a daily wardrobe choice I merely had to boost them with the magic I held in reserve, more than enough to block Belkni's slim, large hand from reaching me.His power pressed against mine, not as a weight, but a slim blade, trying to slice through my wards and tear them open. I was ready for that, too, had read him like an open book, figured his quiet nature meant a more subtle style. I'd gone up against vampire Queens and Brotherhood sorcerers, demon princes and an Unseelie lord. And though I was well aware how dangerous my grandfather's bodyguard likely was, I was also confident he'd underestimated me.I was so right. His edged attack failed, skittering over the surface of my wards as I reached under him with my earth magic, Shaylee's green power surging forward to play and pinned him against the wall. Firmly. No
I was just getting my bearings when a voice in my head brought me up short.Syd! Meira's faint connection grew stronger by the second. Was she in Nunaresh? Why?Meems. I grasped onto her, using Ahbi's power to boost the connection, reaching for my little sister with a desperation I hadn't known I was hiding. Are you okay?Am I okay? She sounded exasperated, frustrated. Even a little angry. And though this whole thing wasn't my fault, I guess I couldn't blame her. Where are you?Safe, I sent. I'm chasing down Ameline.Theridialis told us, she sent, calming a little, the touch of her stronger than anyone else who'd made it through to me, though still tenuous compared to our usual reach. But Syd, things are really bad here. Let Ameline try to get to the Node-she'll never make it. Dad needs us both here with him.Ostrogotho then. Meems, you know I can't do that. I drew a breath, trying to focus on the pull of the geas and my sister at the same time. Not only do I owe Ameline for my o
The girl was a trembling, sobbing mess, but when I sat on the stairs and reached for her, she rushed into my arms and hugged me as though she knew me.It was impossible to get anything out of her for the first minute or so. I carried her down the stairs and back into the street, following Belkni after his short, "This way," which sounded suspiciously like an order but offered a course of action.I only followed him because I had the girl to worry about. The next time he tried to boss me around, he'd be heading curbside.A narrow park with a small garden overlooking a waterfall into the lower levels of the city offered a perfect place to regroup. Sassy's sister sat next to me, patting the girl's back as she clung to me for dear life. Ram and Belkni kept a look out as frustration at Ameline's escape made it hard to sit still.I finally freed the girl's tight grip around my neck and made myself relax, knowing the poor thing was so shaken if I started demanding answers like Ahbi's magi
Whatever power Ameline used to disguise her path in Bilhaeder, she'd managed to do so again. It didn't take me long to realize she'd laid more false trail, though how she was accomplishing so much diversion I had no idea.Belkni led us to a rebel house where Tara was laid out on a soft bench and left to sleep while the rest of us were served dinner. I stuffed myself on purpose, keeping my mouth full so I didn't have to talk, poking and prodding at the problem of Ameline and the veil blockage until I gave myself heartburn. I left the table before the others were finished, exiting through the large doorways leading to a wide balcony overlooking the center of the city as it plunged in layers below me.It wasn't long before I felt Ram's warmth next to me, the heat of his skin pressed to mine as his shoulder brushed me."I'm sorry, you know I'm sorry, don't you?" He gazed out over the view, not looking at me, voice aching with regret. "Syd, I never meant for any of this to happen. It was
Belkni's watchful eyes met mine as I entered the lounge where Tara sat next to Avenesequoia and approached him."I need to talk to my grandfather." Not Leader. No nonsense. My intention to make an impression either did the job or not, but Belkni nodded regardless."I'll see to it," he said. "About the girl, I presume?"I wasn't sure if he was referring to Ameline or Tara, but I nodded anyway."I have more information he needs," I said. "Some of it might change his mind about his present course of action."Belkni didn't respond, instead spinning and leaving the room in his long, fluid stride, flowing black hair a rippling rope dangling to his ankles. My demon rumbled happily as she watched him go, while I sighed and rolled my eyes.What was it with my magical parts? The moment I found myself in danger, they went all one-track mind on me.I beg your pardon, my vampire sent while Shaylee huffed and my demon chuckled.Honestly.I was just sitting down next to Avenesequoia when Bel
I was sure he'd say no. After all, his little rebellion seemed to be the only thing my grandfather really wanted to worry about. But when he nodded quickly to his bodyguard before meeting my gaze again, Henemordonin surprised me."I'm willing to talk to my son," he said. "But the first order of business is the safety of Demonicon."Wow, that was a quick one-eighty. "Nice to hear you're being sensible," I said. "Which I find incredibly untrustworthy."My grandfather laughed, a deep, echoing belly laugh that brought tears to his eyes."Oh, the Ruler you will make someday," he said."Only there will be no Ruler if you have your way," I shot back. "Enough of the fuzzy wuzzy compliments. Time to go."I didn't bother to wait for his reaction, instead spinning to Ram. "We're heading for your hiding spot," I said. Ram nodded quickly, though his glance over my shoulder at Henemordonin told me my grandfather wasn't so happy being ordered around.General Sydlynn Didn't Give A Crap.Move i
What was she thinking? There was no way Meira was acting under Dad's orders. When the tall and attractive demon woman I already suspected of playing both sides joined her, I found out who was pulling her strings."Mother?" Sassafras and Avenesequoia both cried out in tandem as Theridialis's face flushed deeper red. Sekaniphestat put her hand on my sister's shoulder, a bit of a reach for her now that Meira had evolved so far, a tight smile on her face as she ignored her children and focused on Henemordonin."Did you really think I would ever betray my Ruler?" Her voice purred delight. "He will be most pleased when we deliver his only enemy-his own father-in chains." She moved forward at a sway, hips sending her divided skirt into ripples of motion. "The capture of this ridiculous rebellion's beloved Leader will cement Haralthazar's leadership. Not to mention my position as his mate."Oh hell no. While I had nothing against being related to Sassafras, there was no way it was happening
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