Chapter 486: Darkness
flash
flicker
spark
silence
black
quiet
nothing
Nothing.
***
Something?
I'm floating. Weightless. There is pain, but only peripheral, as though it's someone else's and I'm holding onto it for them.
But no. This is what it feels like to die.
I think I should be sad about it, but it's hard to feel anything. The world is a dull, soft place without edges and as I float, the pain fades too, leaving me alone.
Alone. As I always knew I'd be in the end.
That wakes something in me. I might be crying, but it hardly matters. No feeling sorry for myself in death. Won't do me any good.
You cannot die, Sydlynn Hayle.
I know her, the voice. The wavering image I can almost see clearly.
Iepa. Her name is an effort.
You are of the Undying, dear one. And you must survive.
She should have mentioned that to the vampires. Before they drained me.
Why are you haunting me? She needs to leave. There will be a light or something soon, I hope. To show me where to go.
You are still in the veil, she says. And you are very much alive. Pause. Well, alive.
I find myself snorting laughter, though I don't have the strength to make any sound.
Use the center of your power, the magic that has been with you your entire life. She prods me, lets me feel what I'd forgotten.
The blood of the maji. Pure creation energy.
Rise, my child, she says. Rise and heal and end this strife. You have much more work to do before you rest.
It's there, pulsing deep within. Patient, waiting for me to reach out and touch it-
My demon wakes, trills a call of weariness and agony. Shaylee breathes a sigh. My family magic stirs, trembles.
My vampire... is gone. But not completely. Residue remains, enough I weep for her and her loss. Enough to remind me, to make me hope. Even if it's just a little.
Very good, Iepa says. Now. Before it is too late.
Maji power winds through demon and witch and Sidhe and the barest breath of vampire, while in my pores, the hum of another power stirs. Cold. Colder than the vampire essence, hungry and yearning for something to devour.
My soul? Maybe. But for now, I use it for my purpose and hope it is enough.
The veil tears, a whisper of a gap, enough I can feel the real world on the other side.
Help. So tiny that cry. So pathetic. Help. Is that the best you can do, Hayle? Help, please. No one is listening. No one will help you. Just give up.
Just quit already.
Syd? I know that voice, too, feel her reach for me while I sob in relief and the veil parts and I am falling, falling into Trill's arms while Iepa whispers in my mind.
Be well, my child.
***
