Chapter 560: Separation
Green Sidhe magic flowed from me, a mist of pulsating energy, coming to hover beside me, still connected to my fingertips by the barest touch. It was so strange to feel Shaylee on the outside while I continued to experience our connection.
The mist thickened, turned opaque, the barest features forming in the face, arms and flowing hair, the hem of a dress all undulating as though a strong wind could blow her soul away.
I didn't care who saw my tears as Shaylee lifted her free hand to wave at me, a smile forming on her face, crystal points of light sliding down her soul's cheeks as she, too, wept. I forced myself to watch, even though I just wanted to turn away. She turned and touched the construct her mother created for her, the magic of her essence sliding over the twisted vines and into them.
I held the feeling of her for as long as I could, and it seemed she did the same, not losing the last of our contact until absolutely necessary. I found myself, unknowing I'd moved, standing right next to the created form, my hand holding the writhing wood as the final thread of magic keeping us together snapped with a finality I'd borne only once before.
The night I lost my demon.
At least this time, I had support. My vampire and my demon, the family magic, all of it, there to hold me up, comforting me as I comforted them. My fingers tingled as the vines turned to cool, smooth skin, Shaylee's new flesh squeezing mine before she dropped her hand away. The rest of the construct flowed with life, transforming from a roughly Sidhe shaped woman's form to the body and face I knew so well.
I staggered away from her, suddenly heavy, my earth magic reaching for the ground below us as it seemed the whole of the Sidhe realm settled on my shoulders. My body ached, muscles screaming unhappily, most likely from the fight with Quaid. I figured I'd pay for that one way or another. Thankfully, my vampire's spirit magic soothed my pain enough I could focus.
I looked down at my scruffy sneakers, jeans with the knees covered in dirt, my long, dark hair falling forward over my t-shirt. Softly pink hands with chewed nails resembled nothing even close to the perfection standing in front of me.
I wasn't Shaylee anymore. And she wasn't me.
Worse, the maji magic I'd been in close contact with over the last little while sighed and retreated, no longer answering me when I called to it.
This was very, very bad.
I just couldn't bring myself to worry about the rest of the planes. Not while a gaping hole inside me reminded me with every painful heartbeat, I was no longer whole.
Shaylee's mind reached out and touched mine. It felt wrong to not know her thoughts, not feel what she felt as she spoke in my head.
Let us part with love, she sent. Always, Sydlynn.
Always. Even my mental voice choked on the goodbye.
Shaylee turned and, shoulders back and head high, crossed in her flowing stride to join her mother. I watched with growing despair as she turned and stood at Aoilainn's side, one hand on the arm of her mother's throne, Bronagh's emerald gaze locked on the princess, an odd hunger on her face that flashed out to calm after only a moment.
I couldn't muster interest in the advisor's expression.
It was really over.
I snuffled, wiping at my cheeks with the shoulder of my t-shirt, feeling suddenly awkward and uncomfortable in my own body, the last tingle of the ache hanging around to remind me I'd won a fight but lost the battle.
It will take some time to adjust, my vampire sent. But we will adjust.
She was right. And I didn't have time to stand around feeling sorry for myself. "We did our part," I said, my own voice harsh in the quiet, serene setting. I'd missed it though, and took strength from the sound. "Hand over my friends."
Aoilainn turned from her careful examination of Shaylee and shrugged. "Of course. Off with you, then." The ground around me erupted, figures emerging to sprawl at my feet. Charlotte leaped to her four paws, shaking soil from her fur, snapping and snarling while Galleytrot lurched forward with a vicious howl. I helped Gram to her feet, Fergus beside her, my grandmother's eyes wide as they passed over me, understanding shining in her gaze while Quaid, now dressed as I was in his jeans and shirt, ran his hands through his hair to knock out the clumps of dirt, a deep scowl on his face.
"Hear me, Seelie Queen." Galleytrot's rumbling voice shook the ground beneath me, bringing squeals of fear from the gathered Sidhe, as the sky overhead darkened and dimmed. "You have interfered with happenings beyond your control and will pay the price for your selfishness." Clouds rushed forward, tearing open to send a downpour of rain over the gathered court, a tent of green magic just barely keeping the queen from the soaking she deserved. "When the day comes you need her help," he didn't bother turning to me, his meaning obvious, "when the Brotherhood comes to strip you of your power and destroy your realm, I will not argue with her when she lets you fall."
Aoilainn actually looked a little shaken, but it passed as Galleytrot's next snarl was accompanied by a flash of lightning so close I heard a tree crack and felt the pressure of it against my chest just as a giant crash of thunder broke over us.
I covered my ears with both hands, keeping my feet while many of the remaining Sidhe, soldiers and courtiers alike, fell to the ground, clutching at each other.
Aoilainn stood, pointing at Galleytrot with one shaking hand. "Hound," she said, "your power is limited here. Bring Gwynn before me if you plan to threaten and perhaps I'll listen."
"I have no doubt he and the Wild Hunt will come to you some day," Galleytrot said. "And I will take great joy carrying you to the darkness in my jaws."
She paled, spinning on Thalion. "Escort this rabble to the Gate," she said, "and ensure they never again return to my realm." Her eyes fixed on mine, though the seed of worry haunted the depths of her gaze. "Under penalty of death."
With freaking pleasure.
I wanted to be strong as Thalion stepped forward, several soldiers hesitantly joining him, to escort us out. He bowed to me, offered his hand, but I ignored him. I turned my back on the queen, on the court, on everything. But no matter how strong I intended to be, I couldn't help myself.
As we crossed the small bridge over the stream, leaving the clearing and the pavilion behind, I cast one last look back.
And found Shaylee watching me go.
***
