by Jaymin Eve
A burst of energy had me kicking a pile of leaves at her.
“Okay, enough depressing talk. We will not give up. We will continue on the way we started. I’ll keep gathering the half-Walkers.” I took a deep breath. My voice shook. “And if we don’t figure out something better we can try and find a way to break the bond.”
Although I knew that would probably kill Brace and me, but if Lucy’s vision held true then there was no choice.
Lucy nodded once, the despair evaporating from her features.
“Dammit, you’re right. I let that damn vision get to me, but it’s not over until I say it is.” She jumped to her feet, a fierce determination now overshadowing her words and voice. “Let’s head back now. I don’t want to miss a moment of this last gathering.”
I nodded. I needed to take my place next to Josian. I just hoped I could keep it together. I had to keep my word to Lucy for now and not let Brace know of the vision.
Lucy started to laugh as we walked. “I can’t believe you thought I was pregnant.”
I chuckled ruefully. “Yeah, I kind of lost my mind for a second there.”
Lucy just continued to laugh.
I stared around the stadium. For the first time it was full on all sides; no one wanted to miss this last session. It was easy to see the seven separate sections that housed each Walker clan. There were a few mingling parties but mostly everyone stayed with their own.
I was sitting on the stage elevated in the center; next to me were Talina and Fury. The stage slowly rotated so we had a full-circle view. In front of us were the seven Princeps of each clan, including Brace as interim leader of Abernath. I’d asked Colton and Lallielle to keep an eye on Lucy. I didn’t like her out there in this crowd.
Josian stood. As the organizer of this gathering he was heavily involved, and usually ended up as the master of ceremonies of sorts. The almost deafening noise surrounding us eased immediately. One thing Walkers could do was pay attention. And they were huge on respect. Without effort Josian projected his voice out into the massive space.
“Nice to see we made it to day six without an incident.” His voice was tinged with humor. It was very obvious that Josian was well liked and respected amongst the other clans. “That’s, of course, if we discount the Relli march from yesterday.”
Laughter echoed around as everyone was reminded of the march of shame that at least a hundred Relli Walkers had been forced into. It had started as a cross-country challenge: the first team to make it over the five main mountains inside the moonstale zone were the winners.
But some of the Walkers took the task even further, the losers having to march butt naked to the front of every clan zone and declare themselves an ‘inferior species’.
Relli lost.
I, of course, only heard about it second-hand from Lucy. Brace had me all but locked inside our tent.
His dark eyes flashed across to me. He must have picked up on the direction of my thoughts. My heart was still heavy. Despite my fighting spirit, Lucy’s prediction dominated my mind. But, to keep up appearances, I forced myself to flash him a grin. He wouldn’t have to put much pressure on me and I’d tell him; it was what all my instincts were urging anyways.
Josian continued then, breaking the moment between us.
“We all know why we are here. We have exhaustively discussed the Seventine, the release and the half-Walkers. We have demonstrated their powers and how the prophesy made by a soothsayer is starting to evolve.”
Josian had decided that we would impart most of the information but we were keeping my conduit abilities under wraps. Although the way Walkers gossiped, the news was probably getting around.
“Now it’s your turn. Each clan has gathered and condensed important information. Information that may spell the difference between the success and failure of our half-girls. This is the responsibility of every clan.” Josian’s voice rose. “Whether you care or not.”
More than one Walker had expressed their feeling that this wasn’t their problem. Even if the Seventine were all freed these Walkers believed they would be fine. Simply moving on to another star-system. But Lucy’s vision of death indicated otherwise.
With a wave of his hand, Josian gestured that Grantham of Relli, his closest friend and supporter, should stand. This was really a formality. As we already knew all the information from Relli.
Grantham’s yellow hair shifted in the light breeze. His cat-like green eyes stared out into the mass of silent Walkers.
“Relli have learned of two important facts regarding the Seventine and the original seven. Firstly the Seventine are a machine of sorts. Each part works together to form a complete weapon. Until they are all free their strength is diminished. They can’t do anything except sever energy tethers and use this to free their brothers and possess those strong enough.”
He had told us this earlier in the week, and it had eased my mind a little. Grantham continued.
“And last night one of our more … uncommunicative elders approached me.”
I sat forward on my seat. This could be new information.
“His grand-leader told him many moons ago that the original seven disappeared because they used a portion of their energy to bind the prison, after this they could no longer exist in their Walker forms. Not while missing these large reserves of energy. So they scattered their remaining power. He believes it lies within the seven half-Walker females.”
I glanced at Talina and Fury. They looked both intrigued and surprised. Did we hold the actual energy of the originals?
Grantham sat then and Krahn of Kaos with his caramel-brown colored stripes stood. He moved into the center and spoke without hesitation.
“Kaos members believe a conduit is the way to defeat the Seventine.”
I worked hard to keep my expression neutral. Was this a random coincidence or did they know?
“A conduit’s mind has the power of creation. It was legend that they could simply imagine what they want or need and it will happen. They can create and sever tethers.”
He glanced over to Josian. He had light brown hair, but his eyes were piercing shades of aquamarine.
“You will need to find a conduit to even have a chance of matching power with the complete unit of Seventine. Even if the girls hold original power.” He flicked his eyes toward us. “A conduit has to simply imagine what they want, apply enough energy and it will be achieved.”
He sat, changing places with Jedi of Gai.
Jedi was short for a Walker with black skin that displayed his white dots beautifully. And even for a Walker he was incredibly handsome.
“Our elders were involved in the imprisonment of the Seventine. There were two safe holds woven into the prison; the first was the blood of an original to free the third.” He paused, and I shifted uncomfortably.
No one had really asked what had happened and I wasn’t sure if anyone outside our group knew the truth.
“But since that is no longer an option, there’s still the ritual of four.”
Holy crap! Was there a chance to reverse my weakness? A chance to save my melding bond with Brace? I strained my impressive hearing so I wouldn’t miss anything.
“Four originals, or possibly these half-Walker women, if they have original energy, can perform a ritual to send the four freed back into the prison.”
He looked directly at me now. “I will give you the ritual information privately.”
I crinkled my brow as I stared into his handsome features before giving him a nod. I felt him then. He wanted me to lower my shield. I dropped the energy slightly, letting only his unique power inside. His presence flooded my mind, and his deep timbre tones sounded.
You must combine the blood of the four, sprinkle over the prison and chant the words: invictius collasa repeta intombre.
The words filled my mind and then he added one thing.
And when you question why, find me first.
And just like that he was gone, before I could ask him what
he meant. I tightened up my barriers again. Brace was shooting me black eyes. I guessed he didn’t like Jedi in my mind.
You guessed right, gorgeous. He’s far too popular with the women. We’ve competed in everything for years. I wouldn’t put it past him to try to seduce you.
I laughed. I’m unseduceable.
Not in my experience.
His tone lightened, and my heart did its usual flip-flop. For the first time since Lucy’s revelation, I felt a little brighter. I had hope now that there was a chance to save my bond.
Tatiana, the only female Princeps, distracted me when she took center stage. She was beautiful with raven dark hair. It was cut short, though, framing her delicate features and making her equally dark eyes look huge. Her voice did not boom but she held everyone captive.
“We have reason to believe that whenever the Seventine are contained again, whether now or after final release, all of the damage they have created will be reversed. Lost life cannot be reverted but severed tethers and objects will return to their original form.”
She sat back in her seat. I liked her ‘no bull taken or given’ attitude. Just simple and to the point.
Since Brace was not truly the Princeps and could add no information, the last speaker was Nos of the clan Whar. He had chestnut hair and these stunning purple eyes, almost the exact shade of his square-patterned marks.
“Our elders learned long ago that the originals always knew the Seventine would free themselves from the prison. They said a chain of events would be swift and unavoidable and that in the end the universe would be thrown into turmoil, but all the worlds would come out better on the other side.”
He smiled at us three girls.
“So have faith, half-Walkers, maybe there’s nothing you can do but hold on and enjoy the ride.”
I didn’t smile back.
Josian stood then.
He concluded the event and waved hands for everyone to depart. Final celebrations would be held in the separate clan areas. Walkers were too volatile to spend long in large mixed groups.
And I didn’t know about everyone else, but I had a lot to think about after all of that information.
Chapter 3
“Abbs.” Lucy found me near my tent in the Doreen area. I was preparing for the night’s big celebration. “So that information was interesting,” she said with a bright smile.
I couldn’t help the returning chuckle. “At least I don’t have to think about breaking the bond behind Brace’s back. Instead I’ll focus on gathering the fourth girl and this ritual.”
“You still can’t tell him,” she warned me again.
“I’ll try my best, but he already knows I’m keeping something from him.”
I didn’t usually have barriers in my mind, so he was curious why there was this small space he couldn’t reach.
“It’s the fate of seven worlds, Abbs. Don’t lose track of the bigger picture.”
I glared at her. “I never forget my responsibilities, Lucy. But I still believe that, even if I have to break the bond, it’s better that Brace be in on the decision.”
“He won’t let you.” She shook her head. “He’ll destroy anyone that tries to take you from him.”
I screwed up my face. “You speak about Brace like he’s a barbarian. He’s incredibly smart and logical. If it comes to it, he’ll see the sense.”
Lucy snorted. “I’ve seen what happens, Abby. He’s nothing but base, primal instincts when it comes to you.” She stepped closer and grabbed my hands. “Trust me.”
I stared at the face of my oldest friend. Lucy was like my sister, and for now it didn’t hurt to trust her and keep this just between us.
“Okay, fine.” I pulled my hands free. “One step at a time. Get out of here, go to Regali, kidnap the fourth half-Walker and then this ritual.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Lucy bounced around. “Let’s go to the party; I’m starving.”
I laughed.
Together we left the camping area and walked toward the lake. They had a massive bonfire started. A variety of animal carcasses were roasting over it on large elaborate spits.
“Looks like it’s going to be a big night.” Lucy laughed. “Walkers do nothing by halves.”
I could already see a change in her. When she’d been keeping the secret she’d been tense and nervous. But relieving her burden to me had lifted the weight. I mentally rolled my eyes. Now I was carrying the damn thing. And I hated it.
Suddenly I was swept off my feet. With a shriek I spun my head to see Colton’s grinning face.
“Hey, Red, any crazy accusations you want to level on me today?”
I slapped at his arm. “Put me down. And come on, I’m sure that’s not your first false pregnancy claim.”
He laughed, before stopping dead at a voice behind us.
“You have two seconds to hand me my mate or you’ll be shopping for new body parts tomorrow.”
I tilted back my head to see the lazy grin of my mate. He was a solid wall of man. Lucy was dwarfed at his side. Turning, Colton threw me straight at Brace, who caught me with ease.
“Hey, baby.” He kissed me on the lips. “I’m finally finished Princeps’ duty for the tonight. I’m ready to relax.”
No one questioned the boys being in Doreen, instead of Abernath. They’d practically been in our area for the entire seven days. Brace set me on my feet before pulling me into the warmth of his body. I was happy to stay snuggled there.
Talina, Fury and Dune wandered up to us then. They each had a glass of something in their hands.
“They’re about to do the official toast to end the gathering.” Fury grinned, her bright white hair shifting color in the firelight. She lifted the glass to her lips. “And considering this smells a lot like quince, I’m guessing it’s going to be a big night.”
I snorted, opening my mouth, but Talina beat me to it. “Think you’ll manage to keep your shirt on this time, Luce?” she said with a smile.
Lucy didn’t miss a beat. “Uh, Talli, remember that I wasn’t alone high-kicking on the table.”
I laughed. “Yeah, maybe next time I use my dream-projection power I can give everyone a slideshow of the performance. It was pretty unforgettable.”
“Sign me up.” Colton raised one hand.
“Baby girl.
We all turned as Josian and Lallielle found us. Josian had four cups in his huge tented hands. Lallielle held two.
“You all need drinks,” he said as they handed them around to those of us who were drink-less.
Then Josian moved into the firelight.
“Doreen Walkers,” he boomed out. “Gather around and grab some crandy.”
“Crandy?” I asked Brace.
He grinned. “It’s one of the only things that affect Walkers. It’s a combination of the juice from a cranberry and a clear liquid from a plant found on Earth.”
Leaning my head down, I sniffed at the red liquid in my cup. It had a distinct smell of berry and something else that was sharp and tangy.
“The gathering has been a mammoth effort to try and bring us all together, to prevent the release of the Seventine and the destruction of the First-World star-system.”
His blood-red hair glistened in the burning pyre behind him.
“I believe we have moved forward in the right direction. I believe that this did pull us all together as Walkers instead of separate clans, and I have no doubt we’ll destroy the threat to us. But for now, let us forget our woes and enjoy one last night Walker-style.”
He lifted his glass in the air, and the crowd followed suit. We all raised our drinks and then, with a war cry, it was time to toast. I took a sip and flavors burst onto my tongue. It was bitter and sweet, strong and tart. I swallowed it down, the burning numbness spreading from my lips and following the liquid’s path through my body.
“Holy burning hell.” I heard Fury gasp. “That’s no quince.”
Dune laughed. “That’s like quince’s older, meaner brother.
”
“Crap, I’m gonna lose my pants this time,” Lucy muttered.
Everyone laughed.
Colton reached over and tweaked her on the nose. “I’ll look after you, and I never thought I’d say this to a woman, but I’ll make sure you keep your clothes on.”
Lucy pouted. “Sounds like it’s going to be a boring old party.”
It wasn’t.
The crandy flowed and the mingling began. Along with this there was swimming, gambling, arm wrestling, and more arguing and laughter than I’d ever heard in one place before.
I was on my second drink, sipping it this time because I could already feel a slight fuzziness beating at my mind. I dangled my feet in the edge of the lake. Lucy was next to me. We were watching a drunk Talina kick one Walker after another in a swimming race.
“Hello, beautifuls.” A red-faced Walker stumbled down next to us.
“Eff off,” Lucy said without even shifting her head to look at him.
He looked confused for a moment. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I watched him try to figure out what had just happened. Finally he realized I was staring at him. His eyes widened, jaw dropping as he jumped to his feet, tripping and wobbling around.
“I’m a dead man,” he moaned.
“Yes, you are.” Colton was the one standing over Lucy and me. “Now run along before the bigger, badder version of me arrives.”
“Where’s Brace?” I asked. He’d gone to get us more drinks.
“He’s been waylaid by a few of the Doreen political leaders. They want to discuss trade alliances between Abernath and Doreen.”
I yawned and Colton laughed.
“My sentiments exactly. I hightailed it out of there as soon as the words ‘trade agreement’ came up.” He leaned back between us, his arm curving around Lucy’s back.
“Why do you hate all of this stuff so much?” I didn’t understand Colton very well.
I noticed Lucy’s focus shifting from the water to our conversation. She would want to hear his response.
“My wolf likes things to be less restrictive. He hates that people waste time and effort with false words. And that’s all politics are: lies and hidden agendas.” Colton shrugged. “Kind of makes me want to rip their faces off.”