I was actually grateful for the big hound's presence when I grunted my way into the lotus position in the center of the family pentagram. Sure, I could have used magic, but I found doing so lately sometimes woke the nugget's need to try his own hand at spinning power. A very disconcerting experience from inside my womb.Triggering his magic interfered with mine. I'd had a few giggle and groan worthy moments over the last few months when the baby tried to help-I had the distinct feeling that was his intention despite the results-turning a patch of damaged grass bright purple when I meant to encourage it to grow. Thanks to his curiosity during another instance, I almost started a new ice age when I tried to cool my coffee half a degree before drinking it. Since then I'd pretty much kept my magic use to a minimum, just in case.My luck, if I tried to use power to sit like this, we'd end up floating off into orbit.I patted Galleytrot's heavy shoulder as I settled, lower back twingeing
I sat there for a long time, unable to speak or stop the tears-now of sadness-rolling down my cheeks. Meira held her own silence, just the quiet of the basement, the cool darkness soothing me as much as our mutual stillness.With a hiccup, I finally used my well-worn sleeve to swipe the moisture from my face and nodded."This is just the betrothal ceremony," Meira said, as if that made some kind of difference. "The wedding won't happen until later.""Nice of Dad to wait until I can come," I said, much more harshly than I intended. But Meira just nodded. I met my sister's eyes, hesitated. Blurted, "What's she like?"Meira rolled her amber eyes, snorted. "Weak," she said. "I think Dad went way to the left after the whole thing with Merlotsenilater ." Right. Thing #3 on the roster who'd tried to kill Meira. "But, at least she won't be a problem when it comes to power. I can work around her. She's happy just knowing she's going to be Ruler's wife."Wife.Gulp.Holy hell, Dad. And ye
Talk about a shock to the system. I gaped at the well-dressed and impeccably groomed man standing before me with a sweet smile on his cherub face. Though his hair was still white and softly curling, Demetrius's scar was gone, skin flawless. He looked at least twenty years younger, more Mom's age than the beaten, broken nutpot I'd known.This Demetrius appeared much more like when we'd first met. Back when he was leader of the Chosen of the Light, the sect of fanatical magic users intent on destroying all those they deemed unworthy and unclean. Not his fault, I knew now, as much as I'd hated him then. Shattered and reassembled by Liander Belaisle, Demetrius's prior life had been as a Steam Union sorcerer.A story I still didn't have the full text of yet. But hoped to one day. Because I knew it involved Gram somehow.For now, it was wonderful to see him in his pale gray suit coat, clean white t-shirt beneath, dark jeans. He looked like a really cool college professor or internet mogul
"Syd, look at me."Nope, no looking, just breathing. I couldn't breathe, though, that was the problem, wasn't it? Air refused to go in and out of my lungs in a normal manner, my diaphragm contracting and squeezing so hard I could barely pull in air. Which left me gasping, writhing."Syd." Power, usually so kind and soft, sharpened into a jab. My eyes flew open, sweat stinging instantly as I stared up at Lula. She smiled at me, gently, but her magic held me in a grip almost as tight as the pain. "You're doing fine." No panic in her voice. Good, okay then. That was good, wasn't it? So why did I feel panicked and freaked out and like I was going to explode all at the same time? "You have to relax or the baby will fight you."Eep. Ack. Groan.No, nugget. No fighting, please, no fighting. Just come out, okay?Out. His little mind knew that one concept, clearly. Out. Out. Out. Out.Hell, yeah. Prior concerns about the consequences long gone, I was with him there."Out," I panted. "Y
Amazing how such little fingers and toes could hold endless fascination. Perfectly formed. Tiny replicas of my own, miniature flawlessness in a sweet bundle I wanted to hold forever.His tiny button nose wrinkled in sleep, bow lips working as he sucked his tongue. Gabriel's scent evolved past his father's into summer and freshness with a hint of the most delicious vanilla, his little body warm in my arms. I feared I'd lose the ability to physically feel that part of him, my temperature sensation curtailed by my power. But though my maji magic kicked in after his birth, returning me to my normal lack of sensation to heat and cold, something about Gabriel made things different. I could sense a change from moment to moment as his body adjusted. Warming in sleep, cooling a little as he woke, rising again when he fed.But it was the warmth of his power and his darling little soul that made me want to hug him and never let him go.I was forced to release him, set him down from time to tim
I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised the Gate chose to knock that very same night. I'd barely settled Gabriel into his crib when I felt the resounding hammer of the knock echo through him and into me.At first, I had no idea what it was. Freaked me the hell out, to be honest. But when Galleytrot's big head came up, cocked to one side, ears perked, I made the connection.Feared Gabriel would cry again, the pressure was so immense. But my son instead came wide awake, eyes glistening, a burbling laugh erupting from him."Momma," he said.Okay then."Syd," Galleytrot said. "I've never heard of one so young being Gatekeeper before."Way to add to my worries, big dog. "Well," I said through gritted teeth as Sassafras purred and rubbed his head against my son, "we're just going to have to wing it and hope it works out."I bundled him into a carrier, anxiety coming in little waves, strapping him to my chest. What I really wanted to do was put him back to bed and ignore the knock ev
So much for diving into action. I arrived home from the Sidhe cavern to an anxious Mom and Shenka. Ever eager, Gram took Gabriel from me, fighting Charlotte for the chance to snuggle him. Sassafras's clear irritation at my departure lulled me back into keeping my family happy. I allowed myself to settle into that same pattern of care and love for my son.I did have a moment of intense fear jolt me from sleep only a few nights later, a nightmare reminding me of Fate's words to me:"You have so much more to do, Syd. I wish I could lay the burden on another, but you were made for this."Which meant, among other things, I wasn't done, was I? Fate had so much more in store for me.And, one day, I would outlive my son.Couldn't go there. Think that way. Lurched from bed and snuggled Gabriel close while he woke and cooed to me as though in comfort.Met Sassafras's glowing eyes in the dark where he slept in my son's crib.Sobbed.The demon cat sighed, rose, came to me. Set both front p
I didn't linger. Went immediately to Meira's quarters, shed the ridiculous outfit, slipped back into my jeans and food-coated t-shirt while my sister waited for me in her bedroom. Emerged to hug her."You call me anytime," I said. Leaned away. "Any. Time."Meira sniffled, shrugged. "I'm okay," she said. "But that was harder than I thought it would be.""Want to come home for the night?" I reached for the veil, felt Ahbi welcome me. Her sadness joined with mine. Odd to find her upset, considering it was her idea to make Dad Ruler in the first place. But my demon grandmother changed a great deal since her soul bonded to the Node keeping Demonicon's planes in alignment. Softened and became more human, if that was possible. Lost the deep, compelling drive of political maneuvering, which had existed most of her life.Amazing I loved her way more dead than alive.Meira shook her head, backed away with a firm smile. "I have to sit through the banquet," she said. A little too brightly."