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
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
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
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
I sipped the hot, rich cup of coffee, thick with cream and honey, smiling until my cheeks ached at the happy sight of the family on the sofa across from me. I didn't miss the feeling of Todd squirming around inside me, his spirit and power now back safely where they belonged. I'm not sure what Sassafras told Talee, but the moment she saw me standing on her front step, Tara rushing forward to hug her mother, the stranded demon woman burst into tears, leaving her human husband to lead me to the quiet back bedroom and the still form of their empty son.It only took moments to restore him, his hazel gaze filling with life before he sat up with a yawn and asked for a snack.The tall, black-haired Talee, with the wide green eyes and shoulders broader than her husband's, turned to beam at me from the couch as she cuddled her giggling son against her side."We can't thank you enough," Taleesharete said, the demon woman reaching out to pull her daughter closer, too, if that was possible whil
One thing was certain, my life was never dull.Not with a demon family to integrate into my coven while some of the older witches grumbled and fussed and threw around words like, "shocking" and "scandalous". That was, until the Lawrence sisters adopted Taleesharete and the rest of the Happern brood. The dissenters knew better than to cross Estelle and Esther.Way for the twins to step up.Mom didn't say a word past welcoming them to the coven, though I knew she'd probably catch some grief once she returned to Harvard and the Council. Still, our unusual family was none of the Council's business and I was happy Mom accepted that.I knew my grandmother approved by the way she grinned every time someone brought up the demon and her family, after that first breakfast/lunch. Obviously, she approved of the Happerns. And it was always nice of her to have my back.I took a more active stance in searching for Ameline, but she was doing a great job hiding and I knew I'd only find her when sh
Book Fourteen: Unseelie TiesClass bored me. Mostly. How could I possibly take interest in the chain reaction of fire, water, earth and air through tiny little samples on a glass slate when I'd flown with dragons, fought demons and evil witches, battled vampire queens, and almost died doing it? I sighed, chin on my fist as my lab partner, Tippy Meeks, prodded the small clump of dirt to start the show."Observe," Mr. Howermall, my Elemental Interactions teacher said in his low, dull voice devoid of anything resembling excitement or enthusiasm. Tippy tossed her thick red hair over one shoulder and crossed her eyes at me. She was the only saving grace in this entire stupid class. "Earth and water are in opposition."Right. I was supposed to be watching as Tippy's magic nudged the hovering droplet of water over the loose soil, scattering it. Wow. How awesome was that?Sarcasm, my best friend.One week into my second year of witch's college and here I was wishing something really awf
Bloodthirsty thoughts aside, I slid into a seat at our favorite table beside Liam, who beamed up at me, half-rising as I joined him. My handsome Sidhe friend leaned in to hug me with one arm while Tippy took the seat next to him. I felt him tense the moment she did, how his arm fell away, the sparkling green in his hazel eyes fading. His head dropped, strawberry blonde hair falling over his face as Tippy leaned up against him with a broad wink."Thanks for saving us seats, handsome."Okay, she was never, ever, ever going to be my second. And if she didn't stop pressing her gigantic rack against his arm I was going to tear her a new one.Temper, temper, Syd.Shut up, conscience.Fortunately, there was enough room I slid over a little, allowing Liam to pull away from the aggressive redhead while I clenched my teeth against my unwarranted jealousy. How many times had I told Liam we couldn't be together? And yet, I still went a little-okay a lot-crazy when Tippy hit on him.Who had t
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