by J L Lawrence
“How dare you—”
She froze his mouth. “Shut up, Micah.” The venom in her tone spoke volumes to everyone within hearing as they took a step back.
They all burst into applause, and he scowled even more. He didn’t have much of a fan club around here. He stormed out of the training facility, slamming the door behind him.
“Wow, what a drama queen.” Chris walked up and put an arm around her. “I always loved watching you nail someone to the wall.”
Shaking off the verbal match, she focused on her friends. “Glad to be your entertainment. Are you packed and ready?”
Nate joined them and rolled out the plans for their new base. “When we arrive, you’ll need to set the shield. We’ll maintain a patrol to see what’s lurking about. They’ll track us, but I don’t expect an attack. I think it’s more about gathering information or killing deserters. The portal to the Meadows within the human realm should be safe. We’re not anywhere near it. Kate, can you regulate temperature inside the shield or do we need to layer up?”
“Temperature will not be a factor in the Nether Realm, so the less we have to carry the better. I’ll control the inner temps.”
Rowena interrupted. “Actually, I will control that piece while you conserve as much energy as possible. I sent Ace and his men to set up the camp. Marcus and I used cloaking spells, but once we’re all inside, I agree with Nate that we will be tracked. Since that’s part of the master plan, I’d say so far so good.”
“Ace reported in about an hour ago. There are a couple cabins for the Council, and they set up large tents for others. I suggest we all get some rest before we transition tomorrow. It’ll be rough on the humans. They need their full strength when we enter the Nether Realm, and Kate, you will not use energy to intervene with healing. We have that covered. On a positive note, the Nether Realm is one where humans can enter with no issue.”
“I don’t get it,” Angie said “You said we’ll march at dawn, but how do demons survive the sun and why doesn’t it affect humans?”
“This realm doesn’t exist on a real plane. While there is a little light, it’s not sunlight, so demons are not affected. It serves as a go-between for all realms, so humans are able to exist just the same. It’s not a livable place, but hosts a neutral, hidden battleground. With the advances of the modern world, I think it’s the only option remaining for this type of event. We can answer more questions tomorrow, but I think now is the time for rest.” Rowena bowed her head.
“Goodnight.” She flashed out.
The rest of the Council followed. Only the five of them remained.
“I’ve never seen Micah act this way.” Nikki broke the silence. “He’s gone crazy.”
“He’s scared.” Kate walked around the room, feeling the tension build. “They all are. This Rising isn’t like any they’ve seen, so panic is beginning to take hold in some.” She didn’t want to see another conference room for decades after this battle.
“I’d say only Micah is panicked. The others look fine to me. Let’s head home and finish the discussion in our favorite study. We deserve one last night of normalcy even if the words will be about battle. Everybody in?” Angie always knew what she needed. She’d be sure to thank her for the suggestion later.
Everyone agreed, then Kate brought them home.
* * *
Xavier placed a hand on Kate’s shoulder, causing her to jump. Since when had she become so skittish? “What’s rattling around in that mind of yours? Your eyes are swirling so fast, it’s about to make me seasick. Is there something you’re not telling us?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Bless the man. He only raised his eyebrow and tilted his head waiting on her to explain. She laughed, realizing how crazy she sounded.
No wonder panic had settled into so many. She’d allowed it to lay claim to her, too. “I keep going through all the battle plans. We lose so much with no guarantee of a victory. Did I make the right decisions? Will I do the right thing tomorrow and the next day? Zane has been unusually silent. I never thought I’d miss him randomly popping into my head with his opinions, but it gave me comfort. Now, Roxy reaches out to me often bringing back memories. She wants to help and finish her promise to fight. I’m not sure what to do.” She sat down on her favorite sofa and leaned against Xander. The others took their usual seats.
“What do you want to do, Kate?” Nikki asked.
She gave a half laugh. “Run away. Just kidding. I think the Ghost Realm gives us an edge, especially without the Shadow Warriors. The timing of everything speaks to me that this all happened the way it should. Yet, the cost is severe. What if it depletes my energy too much?” Her shoulders slumped. She could actually feel the weight of the world resting on her shoulders.
Angie leaned forward and placed her elbows on her knees. “So we each give our input and you decide when the moment is right. Maybe you’re having a hard time because the time hasn’t come for a final decision yet. I’ll start. It hurts to see Gregory again. I won’t lie. His betrayal still stings. But Roxy risked everything, including her life, because she saw something redeemable. She wasn’t my favorite, but proved to be honorable. I believe we can trust her. As for the pull on energy, I don’t know.”
She shrugged and nodded toward Xavier to go next. “My feelings about Gregory are clear, and I don’t trust him. However, he did give his life for us to make things right, as did Roxy. I think they want to help and earn our forgiveness. To find peace. My greater concern lies in the loss of energy. It’s going to all come down to your power versus Braxus. You need to be fully loaded. If you obtain the light, it would nullify the loss.”
“But what if she doesn’t?” Xander’s agitation spilled over. “No one actually knows how it works. Rowena didn’t require it, and Cassius died. My question is what if she doesn’t get some mystical energy boost. With her full strength, I believe she could defeat Braxus without it. But if she’s already taken a large hit, does that change the outcome? I’m afraid of the risk. I’m afraid of losing you to something I could’ve stopped. It haunts me constantly. So it’s hard for me to be on board. I know that doesn’t help much. Nikki, what do you think?”
They’d come full circle. “Xander, you answered with fear and not reason. That’s hard for me to say. It’s understandable, but only creates more pressure. Step back and see the big picture. We don’t have the Shadow Warriors to pave the way. Our first line of defense is humans that have little experience. Braxus is going to send thousands to distract us. The Ghost Realm is our ace in the hole if something goes wrong. Is it a risk, yes. Do I personally want to allow them in, no. But I’ve seen enough visions to know that we may need them whatever the cost. We can offset some of the energy she expends and share the burden.
“I’d rather be prepared and figure out how to include them than to try and bring them in at the last minute. The cost would be higher. We don’t have to share this with the Council until Kate makes her final decision.” Nikki made an excellent point. How many times had she told her FBI team to map out every possibility. They’d neglected the Ghost Realm as a viable alternative.
Kate glanced around at all their faces. It pierced her heart to not have Gregory and Roxy with them. What could they bring to this battle that outweighed the cost? If she answered that, hopefully the decision would be easy. She shared her thoughts, but no one knew their abilities in other realms. All the guessing made her head hurt.
They spent the next several hours plotting through all the options, including the battle plan as a whole. Anxiety filled her chest as she looked at each of them. Within a matter of days, many would die. Who would be left to sit around this warm cozy fire and talk of the future or watch a movie?
She didn’t want to say goodbye, even though she knew they needed a couple hours of rest before moving the camp. Instead, they stayed up all night, hanging onto the final moments. When Rowena signaled, they all walked out together in full battle gear to begin the final piece of the journey.
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br /> * * *
Moving didn’t take as long as Kate had feared. Rowena opened the portal. Marcus gathered up the needed supplies and went through first. Tristan took most of the remaining warriors except one set that would follow the humans. Marco and Ace took care of that.
Her turn. Kate closed her eyes and enfolded her energy around all the humans. She’d promised Rowena to limit her protection. The transition would be difficult, but she’d offer what she could. She transported them all through the portal at once. Camilla and Pam were waiting on the other side to ease the inevitable fatigue. They were quickly assigned to their quarters and given a couple hours to rest before final battle preparation began.
The Council members joined them. Except Micah. Nikki asked Rowena where he was.
“Who knows. He came with us, then went skulking off. I don’t have the inclination to track him down. His childishness is wearing on my nerves. We’ll wake the humans in two hours and complete a few last-minute drills. Today is mostly for rest and to answer questions. I’ve already had Nate assign patrols for tonight just in case. All you need to do is enforce the shield, Kate, and we’ll be locked in tight.” She stepped back to give her room.
She’d already outlined the boundaries in her mind. Sliding a knife across her palm, she added her blood directly into the shield. It glowed a bright blue then faded back into invisibility. No one could enter or exit the camp without her approval. They’d all be safe for one final night.
Chapter 15
A shrill scream pierced the night air, interrupting their dinner. “What the hell is that?” The scream came to an abrupt end and sharp pain pierced Kate’s heart. She gasped from the intensity.
They ran out and met several of the soldiers on patrol. Nate pointed. “It came from the back where Ruby is patrolling. She hasn’t checked in.”
Kate followed them, but knew the girl was already dead. When they approached her body, Ruby lay face down in a growing pool of blood. Nate gently turned her over. A knife had been stabbed into her heart. She’d died immediately. But why?
She knew everyone inside the shield, and a slow fury washed over her. This had been a deliberate act, and whoever did it would pay.
“This is your fault, Mystic.” Micah’s sneer angered her more. “One of these humans you love so much must have turned on her. Probably trying to escape. You’re not as powerful as you’d like to believe.”
His venom rattled her. Did one of her human warriors take a life because she’d brought them into this battle? Her mind whirled through the possibilities, and the truth hit like a lead of bricks. Her eyes watered, and she struggled to maintain her composure. This could destroy them all.
Gathering her emotions, she confronted him. “You’re a fool, Micah. Did you really think I’d be so naïve as to take your word for anything? You killed this poor girl. What I don’t know is why, or maybe I don’t want to look deep enough to see.”
“You’re insane. I’ve done no such thing. I’m a Council Member. I’m here to protect, not harm. Are you so blinded by your humans that you can’t see the truth?” Micah’s indignation pissed her off.
She’d give him a dose of the truth. Locking his gaze, she placed him in enthrallment similar to what she’d done to Rowena, so only truth could be spoken.
“Micah, did you kill this innocent girl?”
He fought, but she was stronger. “Yes, but it’s your fault,” he finally spat out.
Gasps of shock circled the camp. “Why did you find it necessary to harm her?” Kate had already read his mind, and it made her sick. But she needed him to confess before the entire Council.
“You locked me in here, so I had to find other ways to communicate. She caught me and overheard part of my conversation. She intended to find you and report everything. I had to silence her.” Rage flared in his eyes as he tried to break free from her enthrallment.
Tears flowed down Rowena’s cheeks. Kate guessed she’d already discovered everything. Marcus held the warriors at bay that wanted to attack him. “Who did you so desperately need to speak with? I would’ve helped you.”
He held it in as long as he could, but finally answered through clenched teeth. “Braxus.”
The whole camp began to panic—everyone speaking at once. Another traitor had been discovered.
She struggled to keep her focus to finish his confession. Tristan and Rowena brought the terrified group under control while she focused on Micah. It wouldn’t last long. Fear and terror had taken its hold. Being deceived by a Council member shook the core of everything good they represented.
“Why did you approach Braxus and defy the Council?”
“I didn’t want to betray the Council, but I didn’t want to die. Every night I see so many horrible things, including my death. They worsened after you spoke with the Ghost Realm. You’re too weak to save us. I tried to make a deal. If I gave them some information, then they would allow me to live in peace. Braxus agreed.
“We were starting to work out details through one of his demons, when I heard the girl gasp. She started running to tell you. I panicked and grabbed her. She fought back, so I drove my knife into her heart. I didn’t mean to take her life. That’s not what I wanted. I’m sorry for that. It’s all your fault.”
She let the full impact of what he’d done hit him. His head hung and his eyes held remorse. But only for a moment. Then defiance filled his gaze. The next move was hers.
The entire camp awaited her decision. She ticked through all the options in her mind. He’d betrayed the entire Council and all that fought for good. His deception ran much deeper than Gregory’s, and they’d been ready to execute him. He’d also killed an innocent woman trying to warn them. She had no choice but to follow Council justice.
“Micah, you are guilty of murder and are a traitor to us all. Your punishment is death. Do you have any final words?”
She waited to see if any Council members intervened, but all remained silent.
His cowardice vanished. In its place, an inner rage took control. “You can’t kill me little girl.” He sneered and crossed his arms over his chest, full of bravado.
Fireballs warmed the palms of her hands. She raised her arms to launch them.
“I’m a Council member,” he rapidly spewed. “If you strike me, your powers will be diminished for an undetermined length of time according to our bylaws. Even the Mystic is not immune. Kill me, and you kill us all.” His smug response infuriated her. He believed she’d die, and this was his escape plan. In the chaotic aftermath, he’d find freedom and hide somewhere.
Rowena stepped beside her. “He’s correct. Justified or not, we don’t know the ramifications if you or any of us enforce his death sentence. You need an alternate punishment that will not hinder your power.”
Why couldn’t anything be easy in this world? She couldn’t keep him around to do more damage. He’d be a danger to everyone inside the camp and the Meadows. Her mind sorted through options.
Wait.
One other possibility took hold.
“You have a point, Micah. I can’t kill you. But I can sentence you to silence involving anything about this battle.” She waved her hand and a pale blue light shot out and circled his wrist.
He tried to move, but Tristan held him firmly in place. Her symbol appeared on his arm, preventing any speech regarding her or the battle as long as she lived. His eyes were nearly black in anger, and he began to yell vile things. She froze his mouth temporarily.
“Furthermore, as you have seen fit to converse with my enemies, I no longer see any reason for you to receive the protection of the Mystic or the Meadows. The fates control your destiny that will now exist outside of the Council and its realms. Rowena and Marcus have already performed the rites to have you denounced.”
She flung a throwing star, nicking his hand. It sucked in his blood, then she held it in the air. She’d released his frozen speech, but fear had the same effect. He remained silent as she issued the decree. “I revoke y
our privileges of the protection of my shield and prevent your entrance in the Meadows and all other magical realms. You must now survive in the real world. Micah, this is your punishment decreed by the Council and the Mystic.”
“I’ll come back and bring Hell with me. Braxus will provide me with the place of peace he promised. You’re nothing and I’ll dance on your grave. If there’s anything left to bury.” Micah acted all big and bad, but she sensed the fear as he watched her star carrying his blood creep closer to the edge of the shield.
“Why would Braxus waste time on someone who can’t provide information?” She pointed to her mark on his arm. “Can you imagine the glory he’ll receive from Lucian that he killed a Council member? Which do you think will serve him better? Maybe you’ll get lucky and he’ll take pity.” She flicked her wrist and sent the shiny silver star into the shield.
“But I wouldn’t count on it. Good luck, Micah.” Once the shield soaked in his blood, his body jerked backward at an incredible speed, like a fish on a hook, until he reached the outer edge. A flare of blue opened around him and sucked him outside of their protection.
High pitch agonized screams filled the night air. A few jet streams of light lit the night sky, followed by grunts of pain. More torturous sounds erupted. Braxus had sent his best hell hounds to capture and kill a Council member. She might have spoken loudly enough to make sure his demons scouting nearby could hear her.
Guess my theory’s correct. He wanted the accolades from his boss.
Had her actions been harsh? Maybe, but she decided to make clear what would happen to any other traitors. She’d had enough.
She leaned over Ruby and surrounded her in a soft white light. “Justice for those that can’t fight for themselves.” She transported her body back to the Meadows for a proper burial. The first of many to come.
* * *
Marco and Jeff returned all the warriors to the main training area to complete a few drills to work out their nerves. Rowena gathered the other Council members along with Xavier and Nikki and headed into the main house. Angie and Xander stayed behind with Kate until her nerves had calmed enough to join the rest. Final plans had to be addressed before their march at dawn.