by J L Lawrence
“What are you talking about?” He sat straight up.
“To avoid detection of the Meadows, she set up the isolated camp in North Alaska. That’s where we’ll enter the Nether Realm. She wanted any humans or others that survived to have a place to return no matter what happens to her. She’s also protecting the innocents remaining in the Meadows. If she fails, there’s only one entrance and a chance that the surviving warriors can protect it as long as possible. They’ll have a chance to escape.”
“How do you know this?”
“When I transferred all the memories back to Kate, I accidentally stumbled onto some of hers. Yes, she received a major power boost, but still has a small chance for survival. The deck has been stacked against her from the start. With everything she’s encountered so far, death seems a likely price to be paid. Kate had set the alternate location because she didn’t expect to survive. She simply hopes to take him with her. Heavy burden all around.”
Xavier followed the memories she captured. “I’m sorry, Angie. I didn’t know. But Kate underestimates herself. She’s already showing signs of being more powerful than any other Mystic. She’ll find the strength to survive.”
“Maybe. She hasn’t told the Council yet, but she has a few more tricks up her sleeve. They’re not gonna like it. I’m not sure I do, but I’ve stopped questioning her. Once she sets the final plans, everything begins. We have a matter of days. I’m afraid, Xavier. For the first time, fear fills my heart every waking minute. A large clock is counting down the seconds inside my head telling me it’s time to say goodbye. I don’t know how.” She squeezed him tightly, wanting all the nightmares to go away.
Xavier waved his hand, turning out the lights. He lit a couple candles that added a calm golden glow to the room. “I don’t know what the future holds and neither do you. Kate and the Council will create the best plan possible. The rest is up to fate to light the way. That’s the one constant we’ve seen this entire journey. One foot in front of the other. That’s the only way to make it to the other side. I’m content knowing my last moments will be spent with you whether that’s in a few days or in sixty years. Quiet your mind. We have other needs that require your attention.”
He kissed her slowly, bringing her passion to the surface. She didn’t know what she’d done in life to deserve someone this wonderful, but she’d give thanks every day they spent together. “What exactly requires my attention?”
His hands drifted over her abdomen and he nipped at her chin. “Since we’ve decided on children in the future, I’m thinking a little practice is in order. Wouldn’t want to make any mistakes with something so important.”
“Definitely not. I think you’re headed in the right direction. We can also consider a little training in flexibility and acrobatics. All in the name of training, of course.” She slid her body against his. The friction created an inferno.
His laughter brought her joy. “What exactly did you have in mind?”
“Oh a few things I’ve picked up along the way.” She leaned over and whispered her ideas in his ear.
This time she laughed as his heart rate increased. He removed their clothing. They came together in a blur of passion and love. Need and healing. He caressed her breasts and moved to other sensitive spots while she thrashed beneath his touch. Her body convulsed with pleasure and anticipation. He didn’t disappoint. Her first orgasm nearly sent her into another world.
Time to get a little creative. Their powers expanded and energy coursed through their bodies creating electricity and fire. He laced their fingers and drove into her pulsing womb. The friction unleashed a new depth of emotion neither imagined possible. With the final thrust, they toppled over the edge. Sparks flew around them. The candle flames extended several inches.
She finally acknowledged the truest form of magic had been inside her all along, waiting to break free. The ability to love with an open heart and mind filled her body and soul to create an inner power that made her feel invincible. A rush of energy wiped away all the doubt and despair. She’d found Xavier, and their incredible love would always shine bright. For the first time in a while, hope bloomed once again in her heart. With this much light and good in the world, how could the darkness ever hope to win?
Chapter 13
“It’s been a while, Mystic. Glad you could find some time for little ole me. Heard the trials were a bitch.” Green and silver swirling eyes met Kate’s through the silvery pond that she’d borrowed from Nikki.
“Yeah, a real blast like everything else in this world. I could hear you trying to connect, but didn’t understand until I repaired the amulet. What can I do for you?”
“That’s my question to you.” Roxy’s full face came into view. Her appearance remained unchanged with jet black hair and delicate features. The intense expression on her face reminded Kate of who she’d been and what she’d risked to save them. “I see your struggles. You should know, the Hell Realm doesn’t hide from us. They make daily preparations to destroy you. I watch them closely. The number of lower-level demons and minions is increasing daily. Your only hope is a surprise attack from the humans. Otherwise, they will be slaughtered.”
More good news about the future of their battle plan. Would anyone survive the mayhem? “What else can I do, Roxy? I’ve followed your visions and recruited humans. Trained them to defeat demons. It’s still not enough.”
Roxy glanced quickly over her shoulder. “I don’t have much time, and I can’t risk Lucian discovering our conversation. You need to pull Gregory and I over to the Meadows.”
“I’m not sure that’s a great idea. Especially Gregory. Still a lot of anger on this side. And I have no idea how to bring you back into our world.”
Xander and Xavier would be furious, and Angie might not forgive her this time or slap her again. His betrayal ran deep.
Roxy disappeared and then came back. “You have the power to create a portal between our realms. The amount of energy required is significant, but shouldn’t be a problem. Your current levels are high.” How did she know that?
Shaking her head, Kate ran through the multitude of things that could go very wrong with this idea. On the other hand, if they gained valuable information that could help them win, wasn’t it her responsibility to search all avenues? Or it could be a massive trap. The Ghost Realm had a strong reputation for not getting involved in the war. Could Lucian have coerced them?
“I don’t know, Roxy.”
“Yes, you do and have for some time. I’ve made it my mission to atone for the past. Many others in this realm feel the same. I can’t risk saying more. Give me the chance, Kate. I gave my life for yours. At least hear me out.” Her eyes held sincerity and determination.
I knew she’d play the guilt card eventually. The Council would never approve, but she couldn’t take the risk of losing an advantage. She’d ask for forgiveness later.
Here goes nothing.
She envisioned the portal between them and searched until she linked with Roxy and connected to the Ghost Realm. It reminded her of trying to lift and move two enormous boulders together and hold them in place while each wanted to roll in the opposite direction.
Holy shit. Her arms strained, and sweat formed on her brow. She hadn’t burned this much energy in a long time. The two realms finally merged long enough for Roxy and Gregory to cross over. She released the portal and leaned against the wall. If that’s what it took to bring two people over, an army didn’t seem plausible.
Seeing Gregory again hit hard. Memories of friendship warred with remembering he’d nearly ripped everything she loved away from her. She had come to peace with why, but had never understood how he’d been able to betray them. She’d tried to forgive him when they died to help her save Xander. Obviously, old wounds ran deep, because she still hadn’t let the past go.
Gregory hugged her, and his embrace only brought back more painful memories. Someday maybe, she’d only be able to see the good.
Angie’s gonna kill m
e, and I deserve it.
She stepped back to compose herself and blinked back the tears. “Let’s go. Just know, this might get a little ugly.” She sent a mental message to everyone in the house to meet in the study immediately. Anticipating their reaction made her stomach hurt.
She entered the room first. After everyone arrived, she motioned over her shoulder. Gregory and Roxy stepped inside the familiar meeting space.
“What the hell, Kate? Damn it, what have you done?” Xavier formed energy blasts which she quickly defused. Angie’s strangled cry broke her heart and caught Xavier’s attention. He went to her side and placed his arms around her.
Gregory’s flinch matched Angie’s as her shock turned into pain. Whatever had happened, he’d cared for her. He’d hurt her and Xander most of all with his deception. His eyes filled with shame, and his gaze dropped to the floor.
Even Xander refused to meet her eyes and stared in the distance with a look of contempt she hadn’t seen since the first night he’d come to her apartment to tell her about her destiny.
It’s worse than I thought.
Nikki struggled to stay calm but Kate could sense the anger building inside. She hadn’t begun the forgiveness process for almost getting both her brothers killed and destroying the world. Understandable, but not helpful.
Roxy joined Gregory and looked down at her feet. They stayed silent. Kate didn’t know how long they could exist outside their realm, so she needed to move this along and get down to business.
I’m trying to save the world and this is the thanks I get.
“Look, I know this is a shock. The amulet has allowed me to connect with Roxy and her new realm. After speaking with them, I’ve discovered they have additional information about the upcoming battle and Braxus. They are offering possible options for assistance. What they did can’t be undone, and we’re all hurting from the aftermath. But they’re willing to help us fight and we can’t afford to turn away allies. Without the Shadow Warriors, we need to embrace change.”
She met Angie’s eyes, silently pleading for forgiveness. “We need to protect the humans or none will survive. What do you want me to do?”
Angie sat down on the couch and pulled Xavier down beside her. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ll listen for now. So will Xavier.” He looked ready to contradict her, and then thought better of it. However, he stayed silent with his arms crossed.
“I can’t,” Nikki said. “I’m sorry. Kate can fill me in on the details.” Nikki stepped up to Gregory. “I loved you like a brother. Counted you as one of my closest friends. Believed in you. Supported you. Kept your relationship with Roxy a secret. Maybe I could’ve saved a lot of lives if I hadn’t.” She lowered her gaze, spun on her heels, and marched out of the room. Her shoulders slumped from the weight she must have carried for a while now. Blaming herself wasn’t going to fix anything, but Kate knew that didn’t matter. She’d have to sort that out for herself.
Opening her mind, she transferred all the information she’d learned to Xander and why she’d chosen to allow them into the Meadows. Gregory brought back the nightmares he’d buried deep. She couldn’t imagine sitting across from the man that had caused so much torture and near death. But he sat in silence and trusted her decision. The pain in the room clogged her mind and put her on edge. She needed to get this over with.
“Roxy, tell us what you know.” She’d stayed unusually quiet. No smart remarks or jabs. Then it dawned on Kate how hard this had to be for them being back in a world where they no longer belonged. A place they’d once called home, yet couldn’t stay with the people they loved and would have to leave again.
“Braxus doesn’t yet know about your humans being a part of the Rising. He is aware of the camp you’re creating to protect the Meadows. Keep it well guarded. They’ll release the hell hounds to search for any holes in the shield. They can’t attack humans, but since yours have been enhanced and bear your mark, I’m betting the hounds can kill them. I wouldn’t risk it. As for the human soldiers, he thinks you’re using them like he does minions, only in the human realm. He’s too stupid to make the connection.”
Xander shifted, clearly uncomfortable. “Why should we believe anything you say? You could be working for them and trying to create a trap for us. Been there. Done that. Not anxious for a repeat.”
“I’m telling the truth. We wouldn’t deceive you. Been there. Done that. Learned our eternal lesson.” She met his angry stare.
“I’ve got an interesting collection of scars all over my body that caution me not to believe. I do remember the total deception.” He raised his shirt and turned around. A faint criss-cross network of scars covered his back. His mental scars were much deeper. Being betrayed by his best friend hurt most of all.
Tears dripped down Roxy’s cheeks. “I should have done more to spare you from that pain. I’ve replayed the scene a million times in my head. I was so lost in my own pity, I contributed to that horrific day. I’m so sorry.”
Gregory moved forward and held her. “I know none of you want to hear anything from me and may never be willing to forgive me. I don’t blame you. I’ll never forgive myself. I did everything wrong, and I blamed others for my mistakes.” He glanced toward Xavier. “I’m sorry for what I’ve done. I can’t change it and paid my debt. But let us help you win the Rising and set things right.”
He turned to Angie. “I didn’t want to deceive you. In my mind, you needed protection from him. I had to save you. I couldn’t see that it was me trying to take away your freedom, not Xavier. I’m happy you’ve found the love you deserve. I’m sorry, Angie.”
“We have to return soon,” Roxy said. “It’s hard for us to exist in this realm.” She walked over and grasped Kate’s hands. “You know we regret what happened, but we need to move on. Lucian is acting odd, and I’m not sure what to make of it.”
“How do you mean?”
“He doesn’t seem concerned with the Rising. He stays locked away with his dark wizard most days. He’s left Braxus to form the armies and strategies on his own. I don’t know what he’s planning, but be careful. In the last battle, they released the superdemons. They won’t do that again, but they could be creating something new. He knows your weakness for humans and friends and will exploit it. Be prepared.”
“What are you suggesting?” Angie whispered. “I’m assuming you have a plan.”
Roxy passed by a picture frame. The one Rowena had shown for their memorial of all of them together. She cleared her throat and wiped her tears. Gregory stood behind her and held her while she wept softly.
“She believes we can unite the Ghost Realm and help during the battle to offset the new threat,” he continued for her. “You’d have to pull us into the Nether Realm, but we can fight once there. We can’t die twice, however, we can be banished back into the realm. It’s an advantage.”
Kate paced the room. “I don’t think I can spare that much energy. I still feel the impact from the two of you. How would that work? I can’t fight Braxus if I’m totally drained.”
He pointed toward Roxy. “She has a theory.”
She’d pulled herself back together. “Access into this realm is not meant to be, so the barrier is extremely resistant. However, the Nether Realm is a go-between for any realm. Yes, it will use some of your energy. I believe the impact is feasible to gain additional warriors. We could protect the humans. That would save your energy. You know you’ll create shields to protect them. It will balance in the end. We’re powerful and can help.”
But worth the risk? Kate wasn’t ready to answer that one yet. Either way, they had a new option to consider. She wouldn’t commit, but wouldn’t say no.
“We will take your offer seriously and discuss the feasibility for all of us. The Council will be furious we’ve even had this conversation. I’ll have to weigh the risks of the drain on my power. Gather your army and keep searching for intel. See if there are enough to pull this off. Choose only those you absolutely trust.
No reason for Lucian to become aware that the Ghost Realm might pick a side this time.”
She paused, then grasped both their shoulders. “Do not deceive us, or there will be no realm far enough to save you from my wrath. Am I clear?”
“Crystal.” Roxy’s icy tone reminded her of the Seer she first met when they entered the Meadows. Somehow, it provided comfort.
They weren’t quite ready for hugs and goodbyes, so she combined the portals. “Good. I’ll speak with you again soon.”
Xander and Xavier helped her to ease the burden of their crossover. Even with all three, it took a considerable amount of energy. No doubt it would be a big risk bringing this realm into the fight and an advantage.
Once they dropped the portal, everyone headed to their rooms to process. The Council meeting would be a lot of fun when she told them about the new development. She felt the impending headache already.
* * *
“You’ve lost your mind!” Micah scowled. “We’re not trusting those already dead to protect the living. It’s why they’ve always remained neutral. Good and evil beings reside there. It’s a ridiculous notion. Your sentiment for friends is clogging your brain. I refuse to support this.” His tirade ended with him throwing his chair.
As predicted the additional option for assistance had not gone over well. All seemed resistant, but Kate hadn’t proposed this without thought. Despite the amount of pain it caused Xander, Angie, and Xavier, she’d believed it had enough merit to explore.
She rubbed her temples. “I’m not saying, let’s jump in and add them to our roster. All I’m suggesting is that we communicate with Roxy and Gregory. If we reach a point that we need this advantage, then we add them into the battle plan. Only in a dire situation. I’m well aware of the risk. I also have enough common sense to recognize the possibilities they bring to the table.” She targeted her last comment at Micah who glared in return.