by Rachel Jonas
I swiped a rogue tear from my cheek before answering, feeling no shame when I admitted the truth. “Terrified, actually.”
Elise gave a knowing nod before trying to reason with me again. “Then let us protect you.”
I heard her loud and clear, but even letting my imagination ponder every possible tragedy, I couldn’t agree.
“Being scared doesn’t give me the right to run,” I concluded.
Elise was silent and clearly frustrated as she stared—the rims of her dainty nostrils flaring with each breath. When she realized I wouldn’t bend, she was visibly shaken—a fact that was proven when I took her hand, feeling it tremble for myself.
“I’m staying because, if I don’t, if I go away like you’re asking me to do, no one I leave behind will focus. Everyone’s minds will be on me, worrying, but never here. Never in the fight like it should be. Including yours,” I added, “and I can’t have that on my conscience.”
My voice was shaky when I told her more than I intended to. “I’ve already lost one mom … I can’t handle losing another.”
Elise’s eyes were glassy pools before eventually spilling over. However, her controlled expression never changed.
Pushing my own tears away, I forced out the last thought that ran through my head.
“I need you, Elise. Not just Liam; I need all of you. Everyone,” I admitted, and it was true.
Each member of my family was important. Elise my comforter, Liam and my brothers the ultimate protectors, Hilda my guide, and Dallas the most level-headed person I ever met. Not a single one was expendable.
When I leaned in, Elise did what came naturally, what any good mother would have done—she held me, stroking my hair as every fear, every emotion I couldn’t let the others know I held came spilling out.
She didn’t ask questions or force me to bare more of my soul than I already had. She didn’t rush me to pull it together. Even in her hour of grief as Ivan lie in limbo, she comforted me.
For a moment, I was allowed to forget my eventual title, allowed to forget the outside world’s expectations. Sitting there with Elise, she only acknowledged one role I played in this life.
For now, I was just her daughter.
Chapter Seven
Liam
Hilda scrolled from one picture to the next. Instead of taking her away from Ivan, Dallas thought photos of what we’d stolen from Sebastian the night before would suffice for now.
She paced while scanning the images, a grave expression set on her always-stoic face.
“Any initial thoughts?” Dallas asked, crossing both arms over his chest.
Her steps halted when she breathed deep.
“Biremede,” she breathed, fixating on that particular photo for a while before speaking again. “There aren’t many known uses for it, but I’m led to believe Sebastian may intend to commune with the Oracles, or something of that nature.”
My brow tensed as I locked both arms across my chest. “Is that possible?”
Hilda gave a nod. “It can be done,” she sighed. “If someone is not summoned directly and wishes to be heard, there is a possibility of forcing your way into their presence. A way to make them hear you,” she explained.
Her statement trailed off as she continued to study the photo. From the look she wore, she was just as troubled as I was by the news she brought to light. Sebastian communicating with the Oracles was less than ideal. I imagined what sort of business he might have with them. Did he intend to feed them lies that would garner their sympathy and persuade them to support his cause? Was such a thing even possible with their ability to know and sense things others could not? There was just no way to tell, but what I did know was that we at least stalled him.
“Are you sure that’s what he’s planning?” I asked, noting how the question clearly frustrated Hilda. I could tell as much from the stern look she leveled on me right after.
“Perhaps you missed the part where I said I believe these are his intentions. I gave no guarantee,” she snapped. I was no stranger to her being short-tempered on occasion, but I couldn’t tiptoe around her short fuse today. I needed answers. We all did.
“I’m only asking what else you think he could have planned,” I amended, being mindful to keep my tone cool. If she even thought I was losing my temper, she’d bite my head off again.
Trust me, I’d crossed her enough times to know. Family or not, she had no problem putting me in my place.
After a brief eye roll, it seemed we were ready to continue our conversation. However, when we did, Hilda didn’t readily share whatever theories rolled around inside her head. There definitely was at least one other option, one she wasn’t saying aloud.
“I’ll look into it,” she said dismissively, turning her attention to Ivan again when he shifted on the cot.
She’d kept a close eye on him. My gaze fell on him now, too. He didn’t look good—pale, sweating, coughing as he lie in a magic-induced sleep.
A harsh breath passed between my lips. “Is he … getting any better?” I asked, afraid of the answer even before it was given.
“If you’re asking if he’s healing, the answer is no. Another cursed weapon,” she sighed, adding, “But we’ll officially have an arsenal of our own to fight back with soon.”
At those words, my mood lifted a bit. “Soon?”
She stepped around me, headed for Ivan again as she answered. “Yes, once the Elders finally order their witches to do their jobs. My guess is they’ll wait until after tonight’s meeting. It will take a considerable amount of magic, so they’d most likely hold off until they’re certain their power won’t be needed to maintain order during the gathering. You and I both know those things have been known to get out of hand.”
Her tone was cold as the sentence trailed off. Maybe she thought it was all too little too late. Maybe she’d grown tired of feeling like the Sovereign was always one step ahead.
Dallas grumbled from across the room. “Well, it’s something, I guess.”
Josiah agreed with a deep grunt.
“The guards have already been supplied with bullets and arrows much like this one,” Hilda said flatly, gesturing toward the shaft that had been removed from Ivan’s shoulder. “Those who’ve come to aid in our fight will be directed to distribution stations the Council ordered set up around town, areas not affected by the flood. There will also be extra artillery stashed in designated homes and facilities in the area,” she went on.
I took note of how unimpressed she delivered her speech. I was now positive she believed the Council had underdelivered.
Her heavy gaze fell on Ivan and stayed there. Hilda wasn’t one to let her emotions show through often, but you could almost count on her inability to hide them when it came to one thing.
Family.
Our love for one another was a fault we all shared as a unit. Josiah draped an arm around his aunt’s shoulder and she leaned into his side. Seeing Ivan like this was hard. Had there not been so much pressure on us, so much to plan and consider, I was certain most would have fallen apart by now. He was important to us all—a brother, a best friend.
“He’ll beat this,” Tobias blurted when he stood to approach Hilda from the other direction, placing a hand on her shoulder as she stared down at her nephew’s helpless body.
“Well, we have you all to thank for slowing down Sebastian and his men. There isn’t much they can do with such a large portion of their supplies missing,” she replied.
I could only hope her theory was true.
The others stayed close to Ivan, but my arm was seized by Hilda when she led me aside, wanting to continue our conversation in private.
“They saw it all coming,” she whispered.
The somewhat out of place statement jarred me back to the present as I asked for clarity. “They who?”
“The Oracles,” she explained. “Two nights ago, when you were away, I was summoned, and they knew everything. Only, I didn’t understand how to piece it all toge
ther. If I had …”
Her voice trailed off and that heaviness returned to her expression.
“They tried to warn you?” I asked.
Large, gold earrings quivered when she shook her head and answered.
“No. It doesn’t work that way. They’re neutral when it comes to the affairs of the existing supernatural world, meaning they’re not known to intervene. As ascended beings, they have shed their humanity, no longer sympathizing with our plights except for those instances that concern the supernatural world as a whole. In other words, they aren’t exactly concerned with the menial, day-to-day problems we face,” she sighed, peering up before continuing. “They have a clearer view of the bigger picture than any of us could ever dream of. So, don’t fool yourself for one second. This war is beneath them and most would shed no tears for either side,” she said, but then added one last thought. “Except one.”
My brow quirked when she uttered those last words.
Her gaze left me and I was nearly holding my breath waiting for her to go on.
“The others rarely do or say things that will change the course of events because they serve a much higher purpose than meddling in our affairs, but there is one who seems to deviate,” she shared. “Under his guidance, the others have been known to humor me on occasion. In fact, had it not been for this, bringing Evangeline back would have been impossible. It was their blessing that hid me when circumstances required that I use magic that has long-since been forbidden,” she explained, placing her hand on the large, gold pendant that hung around her neck.
“This blessing, these favors the Oracles grant you, what’s the cost?” I asked. Nothing was ever free.
Hilda shook her head. “No cost. For reasons unknown to me, I simply have favor with the one.”
When she finished speaking, I was quiet for a bit. Very rarely did good things just happen; there was always a catch.
“The Oracles, you mentioned they’ve shed their humanity. Does that mean they once had physical forms?” I asked.
A faint smile lifted the corners of Hilda’s mouth. “There are many theories about where the Oracles come from. And while their identities are a mystery, we do know that they seem to circulate, operating on five-thousand-year cycles before being replaced by another high being. With that being said, I cannot say for sure who the ascended soul is that’s been so gracious to me, to us, but whoever he may be, he does seem to hold some measure of regard for our lives,” she shared. “Because of that, when I requested a blessing to assist Elise with the spell that restored Evangeline’s soul, he granted it without question. It was unheard of for such a monumental request to be met, but the proof of his kindness toward us is currently walking around on two legs,” she added, referring to Evangeline.
There was a distant look of gratitude in her gaze. I was trying to grasp the breadth of what she seemed to be suggesting without suggesting it, but I had to ask.
“Are you implying that this ascended soul, the Oracle who’s been assisting you is … Noah? Evangeline’s father?”
Glancing around, Hilda frowned when shushing me. Not that I was loud enough for anyone to hear. “You’re putting words in my mouth. I simply said that he, whoever he is, seems to have our best interests at heart.”
I didn’t disagree, but she had definitely said more than that. “So, let’s say your theory is correct and the Oracles really are ascended souls, former physical beings. Then it’d be possible, right? There’s a chance it’s him?” I asked quieter this time.
“Anything is possible,” she said vaguely. “But it won’t do you or anyone else any good to sit around thinking on such things. Elise has found love again in Dallas and I would never burden her with this idea, especially seeing as how it’s only that—an idea. So, don’t utter a word of this,” she insisted, adding, “To anyone!”
I understood how speculating could do more harm than good, but the only reason I wouldn’t at least mention it to Evangeline was because there was no proof.
“I won’t say anything,” I assured her. She accepted that, but glared at me long and hard before moving on.
“This last time we communed, they spoke of the child,” Hilda revealed. “Their words were indirect and shrouded in vague parables, but I had a pretty good idea of what they meant. Only, my theory wasn’t confirmed until Nicholas’ episode outside the gate. The Oracles spoke of a new light returning, and according to them, this light would be powerful, valuable, and … highly sought after.”
My senses became heightened, keener when she uttered those words—highly sought after. As in, there would be many who would fight to protect it, and many who’d fight to destroy it. Both fists tightened at my sides.
A fresh wave of rage nearly knocked me to the ground as I considered what that meant, that this child’s life could one day soon be at the top of some supernatural hitlist.
“All this because he or she is a descendant of the two originals?”
Hilda was silent for a moment and I could tell she was trying to decide how much to say and how much to hold back. Only, this wasn’t the time for filtering.
“Tell me what you know,” I demanded, adding, “And even what you think you know.”
She peered up, her dark, defiant eyes still trying to decide if she’d let me in completely.
“None of what I believe is fact,” she said, prefacing the statement to come. “It’s all instinct and opinion, but I believe this child will be … special. If it weren’t so, the Liberator would not have been activated. In the past or present.”
My head lowered, considering all she said. However, when I peered up, she wore a look that suggested she hadn’t revealed everything.
“What else is there?” I asked. “What aren’t you telling me?”
She continued to hesitate for a moment, but then revealed yet another theory. One I was now certain she only held in to protect me. My heart.
“Liam, I … I believe the stone Evangeline wore the night she died was more effective than we realize. It’s the way the Oracles phrased their revelation that first caused me to wonder.” She paused a moment, but then explained herself. “They said a ‘new light was returning.’ At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but then it haunted me. All night,” she added. “How on Earth could something new return? Unless … the soul of the child that died with Evangeline when the Liberator claimed her, entered the stone as well and … is the same soul that dwells inside her today.”
My head spun and I let that sink in, the idea of there being less of a loss than I originally imagined, the idea of being given a complete second chance.
“As I said before, I have no real proof to support this, but … if you were to ask if I believed this with my whole heart,” she said, “I wouldn’t hesitate to state that I did.”
And now, so did I.
“This all leads me to believe that the child was meant to be quite powerful. So powerful, the spell Maisy cast on Elise centuries ago on Sebastian’s behalf evolved to ensure that his or her life be brought to a swift end,” she concluded.
Blood boiled in my veins at the thought of it.
“We do not know what greater purpose this child will serve, which is precisely why we need to be certain the Liberator does not succeed again,” Hilda went on. “Among those of us in this room, there needs to be an understanding.” She paused and came closer, her gaze landing on those still standing in this room.
“What we may all be driven to do will force us to go over the Elders’ and High Council’s heads if they do not act quickly enough. If it comes to that, the act may cost us our lives, but that child must be protected,” she declared. “While I understand we’ve newly formed an alliance with a few members of the Stokes family, blood is blood,” she whispered only to me. “They will always fight for Nicholas’ survival, which means they’ll turn their backs on us the moment they realize we’re not of the same mind. If this child is to live … Nicholas is on borrowed time.”
She held my gaze and
said more.
“Believe me, I’ve tried everything I could think of to change this, including things I have not shared with you or the others, right down to holding Maisy here in Seaton Falls as a prisoner under the Elder’s watch.”
This news came as a surprise to me, but I suppose it shouldn’t have. Turning Maisy loose after using her to complete the restorative spell that brought Elise’s sons back would have been negligent.
“I thought I might be able to force her to fix this because she originated the spell,” Hilda explained. “But dealing with her only enforced what I already believed—what Nick is cannot be undone. The likelihood of there being a remedy for the darkness within him is slim. Therefore, if one is not discovered by the time Evangeline gives birth,” Hilda declared, “Greater measures must be taken.”
Her stare stayed trained on me for a long while. It was unlawful to knowingly take the life of a supernatural being without a proper trial and sentencing. I was also aware that the wages of such a crime was death, but the thing was, there might not have been time for such formalities. If it came down to Nick or my child, or anyone I cared about for that matter, I would always choose family, regardless of alliances.
Hilda spoke again, and when she did, she looked deep within me as she assigned a charge I dutifully accepted.
“The two—your child and the Liberator—cannot coexist,” she said firmly. “And where it may become complicated is when it comes to his family, including those you now consider comrades.”
My gaze stayed trained on Hilda as she made the circumstances even clearer.
“Losing him at the hands of a member of this household will undoubtedly create a rift, one that can’t be mended and could result in retaliation. So, I ask you this: how will you respond when that happens? What are you prepared to do to protect your family?”