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Chapter 523: Betrayal
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 524: Revealing The Node
The veil refused to part. It was enough to shake me out of the grip of my grandmother's power. I pounded one fist against the rock, fury replacing control.The veil was still blocked.Syd, Sassafras sent, paw on my shoulder as Avenesequoia crowded close. I turned, eyes roving over the fight we'd left behind, the sight of my grandfather leading his soldiers against his own granddaughter and Sekaniphestat, knowing he and his small group of rebels, no matter the backup he brought, didn't stand a chance.Couldn't be my problem. Not with a group of Guards detaching from the rest to come after us with Meira in the lead. I had to break through the veil.Had to.Sass, what do I do? Desperation shifted my focus to the steady presence of my demon Persian.Open the veil, he sent.Smartass cat. This was no time for being facetious.Listen to me, he sent. Use us. All of us. I met Ram's eyes, Theridialis's. Avenesequoia's. Little Tara's. She clung to Sassy's sister, tears on her cheeks. Comb
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 525: Level One
I turned from Theridialis to take my first good look around. At nothing. A round chamber, dome just a few feet above my head without doorways, windows, cracks even. Nada. Zippo.We were trapped."Now what?" Sassafras looked around. "What is this place?""First level of protection," Theridialis said. "Only Node monitors can find it. If, for some reason, those without true knowledge were to make their way here, they would be truly caught for all eternity."Before I could panic, I felt the part of Theridialis's magic he'd given me thrumming softly, while Ahbi's magic pulled me gently toward the center of the space. I found myself approaching a small depression in the floor with the portly scientist on one side and the demon girl, Tara, eyes wide but no longer afraid, on the other. Tara smiled at me, a bright and shining expression before she crouched and poked her finger into the divot in the stone.The whole room hummed to life, walls pushing back in a rush as a massive shield sprea
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 526: What Happened To Meira?
Another cell, this one big enough for all of us and not all that cell-like, really. I got the impression not to many people just showed up on the doorstep of the Node like we did. As in, none.I turned to Theridialis, needing to focus on the task at hand and not my unconscious sister lying a few feet away. "I take it they aren't prepared for something like this?"Theridialis shook his head where he sat on the floor with his back to the wall, sorrow and guilt still weighing him down. "The Node monitor's oath is sacred," he said. Swallowed hard, wiping at his sweating forehead with a shaking hand. "No one has ever broken it."Shocking for a bunch of power-hungry demons. "Never. Ever.""I know you find it hard to believe our people have honor," Theridialis said with so much dignity I felt badly for pushing him. "But when it comes to the safety of our planes, Node monitors are absolutely loyal. Only we understand how very fragile our existence is."I nodded, relented. "So how secure i
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 527: Ameline's Power
When I pressed my hand to the last wall, instead of a doorway, I found myself sliding through the metal directly, as though it absorbed me and spit me out the other side. It was like walking directly into a giant sun, blazing white and pulsing with power. And yet, it only took me a moment for my demon eyes to adjust, the fragment of Theridialis's monitor power attuning my vision to the sight of the Node. I was sure the uninitiated would have been blinded by the spectacle.And it was a spectacle, so amazing, so beautiful. I stopped in my tracks, mouth gaping open, heart beating in time with the flux of the Node, the pull of its power far stronger than Ahbi's geas could ever be.Sydlynn, Theridialis sent, gently but with urgency. I know. I do. But we don't have time.Right. Head shake, Hayle. I wrenched my gaze from the towering, spinning teardrop of light and pulled my demon energy close to me, careful not to let any escape as I scanned the room.Not what I expected, after all the m
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 528: Into The Node
Floating in perfection, body infused with balanced power, I felt the Node embrace me, its curiosity about me as it studied me carefully and accepted who I was, who Theridialis and Tara were, welcoming me home as though I were a monitor. Until it jerked in pain, its agony my agony, slicing through the magical connection formed from Theridialis's magic and Tara's.Ameline. I focused on her name and felt myself slide through the light, thrown headfirst at a blackened blob tainting the center of the Node. Threads of sickly gray and red branched out from her, as though she wore a cloak of fiber-thin roots digging their way through the heart of the Node, infecting it. I dove for her, hands outstretched, power gathering, only to feel the Node shudder from me as well, watch more of the taint slide from my fingertips.Right. No magic against her power.This was very bad.Ameline saw me coming, her huge amber eyes fixed on mine, filled with madness as she slung herself forward, the Dead Ston
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 529: Imprisoned (Again)
When I woke back in the same cell I'd occupied in Ostrogotho, I'm sure they heard me swearing all the way up on the Seat.We could simply go home now, my vampire sent, her anger a cold fire in my heart while my demon snarled and paced inside me, Shaylee vibrating with rage. They were all in agreement, even my witch magic, longing to be let loose at last.They were right. I stopped my own travels back and forth the short distance from one side of the cell to the other. I had enough power, unblocked this time around, I knew I could break through the veil and leave on my own. I waffled back and forth between just leaving the whole ungrateful demon race behind and holding on to the need to make sure Dad would be okay. Though, why I cared at this point, after being stuffed into a prison for the second time for a crime I didn't commit, I had no idea.If nothing else, my worries for Meira held me in my cell, fuming. Pacing. Fuming some more.My door groaned open, a small, silver ball of f
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 530: Remorseless
No repentance in her, not even a little, as Sassy's mother was dumped on her knees before the thrones. I kept my magic in reserve, just in case, though I knew Dad would never let the attractive scientist act against him.Still. Better safe than fighting a power-crazed and desperate demon looking to save her own skin."Sekaniphestat, Lady of the Fourth Plane," Dad said, "you are accused of aiding a foreign power in entering our plane and using your influence to assist said power to attack the Node which protects our home." Ameline's little helper. How quaint.So many dark promises to unravel.One of Dad's hands twitched as though he barely held back the need to choke her to death himself. "You are also accused of attacking the heir to Second Seat and drugging her with illegal substances for your own gain." No mention of Meira's addiction. She stood solid beside Dad, face a calm mask, so I could only guess what was going on behind the burning in her amber eyes.If I was Sekaniphesta
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 531: Restored
I followed Dad and my grandfather, Meira between them, Belkni gliding on the far side, to the back of the throne room and a private elevator I'd not seen before.Ram stepped from the shadows, bowing to Dad. "Ruler," he said with great respect."Rameranselot," Dad said. "Mother told me about you." My father glanced at me before returning his attention to Ram. "I take it your loyalty is not in question?""Never, Ruler," Ram said, vibrating with tension."I wish that were true of me," Henemordonin said, a little sullen.Ram didn't flinch, facing down the new Second Seat. "Ahbi saved my life," he said. "Raised and trained me as though I were her own. I owed her everything." His eyes met mine. "As I do her granddaughter."Don't tell me he'd fallen into some kind of hero worship. Not after I abandoned him back at the Node.My grandfather grunted softly and sighed. "She was a wretched old creature," he said, "but I loved her still." He set one hand on Ram's shoulder. "And I understand
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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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
