Chapter 645: Optimism
Maybe I shouldn't have been so optimistic, but knowing Mom was going to be okay, that she was finally herself, went a long way to making me feel better.
While I still didn't believe she would be able to save me from being condemned to death, at least she was whole and could help Gram. And Shenka when the time came I had to release the family magic.
I kicked myself for not filling Mom in on everything that happened, but since she seemed to think I had to stay quiet in order for her to do what was necessary, spilling the beans would have to wait. I could only hope Demetrius would think to warn Sunny about Alison. If his brain was even firing on partial neurons at the moment.
I paced, struggling with the knowledge it was likely Margaret Applegate never really left the control of the Brotherhood. I certainly wouldn't put it past them to try to snare her again and piled on another coating of guilt I hadn't checked in.
You do realize most of what you're beating yourself up about really isn't your responsibility? My vampire's gentle hug went a long way to helping me shed the pressure of regret.
You warned them, my demon snarled. They did nothing while we put our lives on the line for them. And that makes you guilty? Her internal snort was accompanied by a blast of demon fire warming my insides.
It is their failing, Shaylee sent. We have saved them so many times, perhaps they need to fall in order to understand just what it is they face.
Hopefully the Sidhe had the message now. But I wasn't holding my breath. It's always easier to blame the messenger, I sent, glum.
Indeed, my vampire sent. And for the messenger to do the same.
Got it. Shake it off, Hayle.
I went to the tall, narrow window and stared out into the barren landscape, the dark gray sky matching my mood no matter how much I tried to convince myself I'd done the right thing. Of course I had. But the inevitable consequences almost did me in.
What would I do without my family? I'd fought being part of the coven most of my life. But now? Now I cherished them, each of them. Even more, I cherished my connection to the family magic, full of centuries of history and the power of dozens of witch leaders, even those before my line took over. What would my ancestors have done? If this were Thaddea Hayle, our first family leader, or her daughter, Auburdeen who Sassafras spoke so highly of?
I wished I knew.
It didn't help I stared out into the very place the battle between magicks was destined to take place. The last stand of witches, demons, Sidhe and vampires against the sorcerers.
It doesn't have to be this way. Iepa's mental touch was gentle, kind and hesitant, as though she expected me to give her the boot again. I almost did.
Almost.
Explain. Abrupt and rude? Hell yeah. She had a long way to go to earn my respect back.
When the time comes, she sent. If you are willing, this can be decided another way. Among the four.
News to me. Then why all the doom and gloom battle for the fate of everything crap you've been drilling into me for so long? Temper, temper. Screw that.
She was silent so long I thought she'd left and jumped a little when she did speak. Our side has rules, she sent. The other doesn't follow them.
Typical. So break them, I sent. Blunt was my only option at this point.
Again silence. A sigh. Be well, she sent and left me.
As frustrated as ever.
At least now we know more than we did before. My vampire was nothing if not practical.
My demon, on the other hand, snarled her irritation while Shaylee pouted.
I was with them, frankly.
Maybe we should just run. I slid my arms around myself, the soft fabric of my robe so thin I felt a chill despite the steady temperature of the room. More from the thought of acting than any shift in the weather.
Perhaps, my vampire sent. Though it would be easier to do so once we are out of this plane.
Not so sure, I sent. We've been riding the veil through some powerful magicks lately.
You don't have your crystal. My demon's grumbling flared with anger. The Enforcers seized it, remember?
True.
Patience, my vampire sent. Your mother is whole again and has a great deal of power at her disposal. And we all know we will never allow them to kill us. The moment of choice will come. But it is not this moment.
Was it wrong I was happy for the out?
I turned and crossed to the small desk, sitting on the low bench, fingers tapping on the wooden surface. The moment I touched it, I felt a breath of power. Not enough to stir the protections in the stronghold, clearly, but enough it woke my curiosity.
Carefully shielding my power, I let it slide out over the surface until it connected with a thin wisp of magic left behind.
Maji magic.
How ironic, Ameline's voice spoke in my head. We've traded places. Because you failed to understand they will never let you do what you must. When you've had enough, break the chains holding you to their pathetic laws and come to me. To destiny.
By the time her voice faded, my hands were clenched into fists so tight I was sure I'd find blood on my palms when I finally let them relax. Nope, just eight neat half circles of brilliant red fading fast as my maji heritage healed me before my eyes.
She knew. Expected me to get caught. Left me a message to taunt me.
Oh, I'd be coming to find her all right.
But she'd better look the hell out.
***
