Chapter 784: Core
In the end, despite my outward grumping, but private joy at just how much they loved me, it was Charlotte, Sebastian, Alison, Trill. Demetrius and Galleytrot. Quaid. Piers.
Me and Max.
Okay then.
I had to bite my tongue when Piers came to my side, hugged me. On freaking purpose. Like I didn't know he was torturing Quaid who glared at the tall, handsome Steam Union sorcerer with fury in his eyes.
Boys.
I would never, ever be free of their ridiculousness.
Sassafras pouted, back to me, tail drooping. I went to him as the others backed off, talking quietly as they made their preparations to leave. Saying goodbyes.
I wished they wouldn't. Though I knew there was a chance none of us would survive.
Touched Sass's fur only to have him hiss spitefully at me.
I know you're mad at me, I sent. But I need you here.
I get it, he snarled in my head. The cat is useless. Take the damned dog. See if I care.
I swept him into my arms, endured his wriggling, the claws digging into my arm. Kissed his head. Felt him sag against me.
You, I said, are my only solid connection to the family. He shivered. Shenka is second, yes, but she wasn't born to the coven. She needs your support. And Gram is weak.
I know. His mental voice was barely audible.
You have always told me duty and the family come first, I sent. I'm trying to make sure I follow your orders. And I need to know you're taking your own advice.
He looked up at me, amber eyes filled with misery.
I'm afraid, he said. When we thought Gabriel died... Syd, you wanted to go, so badly. What happens if he does die?
I shook my head, kissed his nose. Fate promised me, I said. Gabriel will survive, no matter what.
Sassafras absorbed that. You trust her?
I do, in this. Felt him relax.
Then I'll stay, he said, one paw rising to touch my cheek. But you'd better come home with him, Sydlynn Thaddea Hayle.
I set him gently down in Shenka's arms as my second reached for him.
I'll do my best.
And turned away.
Face to face with Mom. Who just hugged me. Let me go abruptly.
"Hurt her a little for me," she said. Before flashing into blue fire and vanishing.
Gram took her place. Patted my hair back from my cheeks. Pinched one with her thin fingers. Hugged my neck so tight I couldn't breathe.
This feels scarier than when you fought the Brotherhood, she sent. And I don't know why.
I agreed with her. At least then I'd really only had myself to worry about. Sure, I was married, had the coven. But I'd always focused on keeping myself alive and unharmed.
Now I had Gabriel ahead of my own safety.
You bring that boy home to his great-grandmother, Gram sent. And trust Demetrius.
I will. I squeezed her hand. And, if things go the way I hope, I'll have a little something for you, too.
She just shrugged. And smiled, wistful and soft.
I couldn't bear her expression. Turned to find Uncle Frank and Sunny waiting. More hugs. More whispers of love and wishes of ill on Ameline. I returned their affection and promised she'd suffer.
Just some quality family time plotting the death of an enemy.
I glared at the big group waiting for me. "Does no one find it odd I'm leaving fewer people behind than I'm taking with me?"
Crickets.
Um-hum.
I gestured to Max. "You want to take the lead?"
He bowed his head to me. "My pleasure." And opened the veil.
It felt different when he did it. No Ahbi, for one. And more elemental, almost raw. I joined him, linking hands with Piers who beat Quaid to it, trying not to roll my eyes. Again.
"You two," I snapped. "Behave or I'm leaving you home."
And followed Max into the veil.
The last time I'd been to Core was with Ameline. We'd been ignored, for the most part, their leader rather pleasant. But I had no idea what to expect this time.
A kind and awe-filled greeting wasn't it, I have to say.
Max landed us near the large pillared building that mirrored the one in Center, smack-dab in the middle of a group of maji. Who bowed in the dark, their black skin shining in the soft lights hovering in the sparkling night sky, pattern of stars so brilliant I sighed over them.
Looked down to find the leader smiling at me. "Light One," she said. "Be welcome. We've been expecting you."
Um. This was a good thing...?
"This way, please." I followed her, my friends gaping around. I left them at the bottom of the stairs, growing almost without thinking about it, Max at my side. The door to Fate's chamber stood open and, with a bow so deep her hair brushed the ground, Yosha, the leader of the dark maji, gestured for me to go on without her.
I was half-tempted to thank her, but held my tongue-and my breath-as I faked some serious attitude and confidence and passed through the arching doorway.
He sat under a statue carved of he and his sister, the Dark Fate smiling my way, blind eyes as clear white as hers. But he rose, unerring, coming right toward me, taking my hands and pulling me down beside him while Max stood over us, silent.
"You're right on time," he said. "I love that about you."
Happy to oblige. "Where's Ameline?" I had no desire to play any games, thanks.
"She's not here," he said, tilting his head to one side. "Surely you know that by now."
Okay, so I started looking for her the moment we crossed over.
Grumble, mumble.
"You were meant to come here, surely my sister told you that." Fate waved at Max. "My sister's love, be welcome."
Max bowed his head, but didn't speak. I risked a quick glance, but the terrible sadness he'd worn the last time we talked to the Fates wasn't present. Only calm.
I'd take that as a very good thing.
"There is much I'm not permitted to share," Dark Fate said. "But I can tell you this. Only one of you will survive your last encounter and the winner will only succeed because of the Gateway."
Gabriel. "Why did you call him that?" Maybe this Fate would be more likely to give up extra info.
"That, you will discover for yourself," Fate said. Paused. Smiled. "You're not afraid."
And I realized he was right.
"I'm ready," I said. Felt a weight lift from my shoulders. "I take it this will get easier over time? I'm cool with just being dropped into the disaster and fixing it without all the decorative preamble."
He laughed, a young man's sound of joy. "How I wish you were mine," he said. Sobered, though he still smiled. "I'm sure Creator will take your needs into consideration. If you are the one who survives."
There was that.
"Why are you helping me?" It was a fair question. Didn't matter, but I had to ask.
Fate just smiled. "I'm not," he said, gentle and kind. "I'm Fate." Sighed. "How do you know talking to you isn't helping her?"
Yeah. Thanks anyway.
"Now," he said. "Time for you to go." Took my hand before I could ask him where, and showed me.
Clear as if I stood there on the lawn of the vampire mansion.
Flashed to the stone stairway underground, passing a face I knew.
Celeste.
The maji chamber waiting at the bottom, a black-cloaked figure standing in shadow.
The oh-so-delicious touch of a Sidhe soul bound to the body of a boy.
"She's already there," he said as I jerked to my feet. "You'd better hurry."
I ran.
***
