Gram waited for us at the bottom of the stairs, outside the cavern entrance. She'd bundled herself up in a rainbow wool coat, a pair of white tennis shoes with florescent pink laces tapping impatiently as she waited, white hair floating around her like a living halo."About time," she grunted before she hugged me, lips pressing a wet smack against my cheek before fixing Venner with a baleful stare. One of her very sharp nails pointed at him, scrawny index finger jabbing the air in his direction. "One false move," she said before bringing her hands together with a loud crack. She cackled, doing a little jig in place before scowling at him again. "Bug guts. Got me, fairy?"Venner's usually charming smile slipped from his lips. "No need to be threatening, Lady Rionach," he said. Who? Oh, right. Gram had a Sidhe soul, too. Jeeze, no one ever told me anything. "Your human aspect seems to have affected your bearing."I took it as an insult, but it just made Gram cackle all over again. "My
I turned to Gram, still holding her hand while Shaylee retreated with a soft apology. "Looks like this is it." Damn, I'd hoped it wouldn't come to this.Moment of truth-who was I kidding? No way was I backing down, not considering what Ameline had almost accomplished on Demonicon. And, in all honesty, I already admitted to myself Ameline was my responsibility. No matter what Thalion had decided, I knew I'd be crossing over anyway. How could I trust anyone else to deal with Ameline?Sucker for punishment or craving danger? I'd leave that for history to decide.Gram let go of my hand to shed the rainbow jacket, revealing jeans and a t-shirt underneath. I stared. I'd never seen her wear anything but faded dressing gowns and long skirts, fuzzy socks and oversized cardigans. Her thin body looked taller, more filled out. Less granny, more Ethpeal.I grinned at her and offered her my fist, which she bumped with a wink."Let's get this over with," she growled.I turned to the others, l
Thalion sent his horse on alone with a soft whisper and a pat to its neck. "Dubhlainn will alert Her Majesty we are on foot."I suppressed a grumble at having to walk, only because Shaylee seemed to think grumbling would be rude. If I was going to have to watch everything I said and did because she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, this whole trip was going to be a colossal waste of time.It triggered an understanding in me, though, as we strode along the stone path, Thalion beside me, his hand brushing mine from time to time. On purpose, I was sure. Every time I'd come in contact with the people of one of my egos, I'd always felt connected to them, as if I fit in without effort. I'd always chalked it up to being in danger or running for my life, the fact it took little for me to adjust. I was so used to conflict, I fell easily into the role.But with Shaylee, I realized that wasn't the case. When I traveled to Demonicon, I remembered feeling angrier, more aggressive. And when
I stepped inside the forest, the cool air embracing me, even more earthy and full of delicious scents than the meadow, as the birds settled on branches above, butterflies scattering. I'd thought the path in the trees dark at first, until white globes of glowing light slowly appeared, growing in brightness as I followed the trail, leading the others this time.I knew this path, the walk to home, recognized each ageless tree, smiled at the antics of the excited songbirds and the curious peekings of rabbits and the occasional doe and her fawn. This was home, the most I'd ever felt at home anywhere, the air itself, the ground beneath my feet, the very trees calling my name, singing their joy at my return.Heady stuff. I could understand why Shaylee missed it, loved it so. Being embraced by nature itself had a loving quality mere people could never mimic. It was as though the very plane's heart adored me and wanted me to be happy. I'd felt this level of joy in the core of the Node back on
I sit in the open window of my room, looking out over the garden, smiling at the happy trill of the birds. I sigh and lean out to look down over the treetops to the valley.My heart is happy, and full. But there are moments I cannot bring myself to understand the unrest tickling my senses. My attempts to find Gwynn have left me confused and with an uncharacteristic anger rising in my soul. No one will tell me where he has gone.Pensive, irritable even, I pluck at the front of my silken gown and wonder where my love has gone. Why has he forsaken me? It's only when my door swings open and sweet Thalion enters, I find myself smiling again."Come, my very dear," he says, hands clasping mine, drawing me out of my chambers and into the arching hallway on the other side, "the day is far too beautiful to waste."Every day is beautiful here. But he is right. No more moping. It's just not like me.I toss my hair over my shoulder as we run past the wall of mirrors, laughing at how delightful
Shaylee wasn't the only one feeling a tad bit pissed off. I sat up in her bed, my hands shaking, my demon roaring so loudly I had to yell at her to make her stop so I could focus.Syd. Shaylee's mental voice vibrated with a mix of anger and regret. Oh, Syd. I'm so sorry.Last time you say that, I sent back, trying not to focus my rage on her. Right?Yes. She hissed, essence crackling with earth magic. She dared to manipulate and coerce me. Her own daughter. Was she really that naive? Well, not anymore. I'd take angry Shaylee over sad and pining Shaylee any day.Time to kick some Sidhe queen ass. But as I leaped from the bed, motion near the balcony caught my attention. I pulled my power around me, all of it, reveling at the feeling of being free again, my demon and vampire joining the family magic in pushing the limits just as three figures slid into my room.I almost cried out at the sight of two of them. Wasn't that Liam? Standing next to me? But it wasn't a mirror, was it, and
This time, I knew I had to make an entrance. If power was all Aoilainn understood, I'd show her just who and what she was dealing with.No promises the Sidhe realm would still be standing when I was done with her.As much as I was turned around and lost, Shaylee knew exactly where we were going and, with some help from her magic and mine, shortened the trip by altering the path much as her mother had done on our initial approach. It was only then I understood just how fluid the realm was, how easy it could be to bend and manipulate, to create in exactly the shape I wanted.Tempting. And therein lay the problem, didn't it? Queen Aoilainn had her own way for so long, controlled everything for centuries, the idea I would rebel against her had to be driving her crazy.Wicked. The crazier the better.Bronagh stayed at my side when I entered the court clearing, much to my surprise. The queen waited for me on her stupid throne, the crown prince next to her, the same calm, cold expression
I had about a split second of warning before Quaid's power slammed up in a wall between us, pushing me back from him even as a whip of green Sidhe magic lashed at my feet. I stumbled away, shock winning for about another heartbeat or so before I understood the nature of his thrall."You've given him a Sidhe soul." Of course, she had. Made total sense. And now, thanks to his thrall, while she controlled Quaid's human mind, the fallen Sidhe inside him was free to act. "You go too far."She flickered her fingers at me, still refusing to turn, or even speak.Expecting me to hurt my friend. Yeah. Classy.Gram's mind dove into mine as Quaid pulled the sword from his hip and stalked toward me with soft chiming sounds, his fluid metal armor flowing like a second skin. I had to duck under the swish of the blade and back pedal further while Charlotte and Galleytrot growled. But hesitated.We have to reach Quaid, Gram sent. The only way to do that is to have him shed the Sidhe soul.Great i
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