Chapter 162: Demon Girl
Mom hugged me so hard I was sure she would break something.
"Syd," she whispered, "you are amazing."
"No," I whispered back. "I'm whole. It makes a difference."
I was still getting used to the other two people in my head even though they were so much a part of me it was hard to tell us apart. Still. I'd have to be careful who I told about the voices.
Straightjacket, anyone?
In the meantime, the family gathered around me, their happiness and relief so comfortable I wanted to hug them all one at a time.
"Whatever happens," I raised my voice so they could all hear me, "no one can screw up. Leaving town is no longer an option."
Laughter. They laughed. Wow, how cool was that?
I did get hugs, first from Gram, then Dad, then Gram again who kissed my cheek and smiled so wide I laughed at her. Uncle Frank and Sunny engulfed me in a vampire sandwich, making me hope they could fix the mess I made for them.
Even Anastasia took a turn.
"Well done, demon girl," she said.
Galleytrot nosed his way to my side. "Thanks, Syd," he grumbled in his earthy voice. "You didn't have to do that."
Erica was looking at him like she couldn't decide what to do about him.
"You're welcome," I said. I reached out and touched his forehead. "But you're not my slave, Galleytrot. You're free."
He shook his great head as a rush of power traveled from me into him. I was a little disappointed he was still a dog, but at least his eyes didn't glow red anymore.
When I tried to apologize, he licked my hand. "It's enough for now," he said.
"I have a question." Celeste strode forward, her usual harsh expression looking odd in the sea of shining, happy faces. "Why is she still here?"
Mom seemed confused. I know I was.
"Explain, please?" Mom crossed her arms over her chest. Oh boy, was Celeste in for it.
But the tall, gruff witch wasn't backing down. Her brown eyes flared with outrage. "You ordered her to stay away," she said, voice ringing, carrying to every member of the coven. Everyone stopped and stared at her, a growing concern rippling from witch to witch. "She disobeyed that order. She must be banished."
She was freaking kidding, right? After I saved the world? I almost lashed out at her just to shut her up when Mom smiled. Actually smiled. And shook her head.
"You're right," she said. "I did order Syd to stay away. From the coven site." She met gaze after gaze as the family relaxed, their own smiles returning. "In case you hadn't noticed, Celeste, we aren't at the coven site."
She scowled. "All of the coven magic is here now," she said. "This is in effect the new site and you know it. Sophistry will not save your child."
Mom's anger flared to life in a heartbeat. "My order was very clear," she said, voice low and deep and full of power. "And Syd abided by it. What say you, Hayle coven?"
"Aye," they said as one.
Celeste's scowl deepened. "Careful, Miriam," she said so quietly only Mom and I heard her, "your arrogance will be the end of you."
She turned and disappeared into the crowd before Mom could say anything.
Just as well. Between Mom and I there wouldn't have been much left of her and I didn't want to spoil the mood by turning Celeste into a smear on the bottom of my shoe.
I stepped away from them as the coven converged to share their relief. My heart still ached for Gwynn and I wished I had more to offer him than eternal sleep. I looked up and spotted Quaid hovering at the edge of the yard. His dark eyes met mine for a moment. I moved to go to him, reaching for his mind at the same time, but he blocked me out, turned and left, circling the house before I could reach him, leaving me standing in the driveway as he sped off on his motorcycle.
Mom's arm slid around me on my left and Dad on my right. Meira was in front of me, arms lifted. I lifted her, hugging her to me even as I felt Sassy's weight on my feet and the soft pressure of Gram's hand on my back.
Together we stood in our driveway and watched the sun rise on another beautiful day.
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