First Plane

by Patti Larsen

  Um. A little on the brain fried side at the moment, Sass. I didn’t mean to snap, but this was no time for a life lesson. Or guessing.

  But Meira’s mental gasp told me at least one of us wasn’t as slow.

  One on one we’d lose, she said, without a hint of shame. But together…

  I met Grandmother’s eyes, saw her nod just the barest bit toward me.

  Before I could finish processing, she drew a breath, shields snapping into place around the four of us, Sassy scrambling out of the way just in time.

  “Begin.”

  Okay then. Not much warning, was there? I dodged as Cypherion threw a ball of fire at me, just slamming more power into my shields in time to prevent it from setting me alight. Meira went the other way, already lashing at Tanasharia with long whips of flame.

  Remember what I said before? Sassy was right there in my mind still, my demon humming and howling for me to let her out. Forget all of it. Do whatever it takes to bring his ass down.

  Raneen's face flashed in my head. I don't know if I can. I said I never would.

  Cypherion will kill you, Sass said bluntly. And Tanasharia will kill Meira. Have it your way.

  My demon was more than happy to come out to play.

  ***

  Chapter Thirty One

  There's only one way to win this. Meira's mind latched onto mine. We have to work together.

  Brilliant. Sassy was right. The moment I could, I’d make up for not hugging my grandmother. One look at the pair before us and I knew what she figured out long before I had—our love for each other was the biggest advantage Meira and I had.

  What the entire demon population seemed to be missing.

  I let my sister link to me without hesitation, feeling the odd sensation of her body moving in tune with mine for a moment. It was almost distracting enough to get me in trouble as I fumbled my magic in the instant of our connection. But thanks to that same connection, Meira was right there with me and able to pull up the slack, her power feeding mine, a combined one-two of fireballs and whipping flames saving me from the lashing magic Cypherion let loose.

  Let's take them down. I had to grin at Meira's grim yet excited tone, the classic clichés coming from her. Too many action movies, I guess.

  She wasn't the only one.

  Our combination began to pay off immediately as the pair of cousins stumbled over each other while Meira and I fought as one. Though the brother and sister team had clearly decided on which of us they wanted more, the fact both of us fought them together threw their divided attacks off easily. I found myself grinning, Meira laughing next to me. She’d been so right. If we’d been forced to fight them one at a time, it was likely neither of us would have survived. They just had too much combined experience. But that was their downfall, ultimately—the fact they couldn’t work together.

  Meira and I slashed and cut and bullied our way through their attacks and defenses, pushing them back against the edge of the wards protecting the two thrones and the rest of the family, finally crushing them between our power and the sizzling shields.

  Well done. Sassy's mental voice reached us. Very, very well done.

  Seems we'd impressed him finally. Wonders never ceasing and all that.

  Seeing the cousins panting and terrified before us was all the encouragement I needed.

  Time to finish it. Meira fist-bumped me before I turned to Cypherion and reached for his magic.

  I'd grown used to taking a portion of magic each time I fought, so the feeling was familiar. And I’d been fully prepared, my demon in total control, to strip the scarred girl in the city below. But what I didn't count on was the pain I felt reflected back as I drew more and more power from my cousin. My feeling of triumph faded as he writhed in agony, still pinned to the shielding, eyes wide, hands opening and closing in claws of desperation.

  I started to ease off, unable to complete the draining even as my demon screamed for more.

  You must. Sassy's mind prodded me sharply, desperately. You have to finish him or all of this has been for nothing.

  I can't. I pulled away even more, the drain turning to a trickle. This isn't right.

  Maybe not, Sassafras sent, but it's necessary. Look at Vandelarius.

  I let my eyes rise, focused on the face of Cypherion's father, saw the evil hope in him as he realized I couldn't go through with it.

  He doesn't care about his son, Sassy sent. Only the fact if you fail he will win. Do you understand? Your life is in your hands—and your sister's. Your father's. Mine.

  My stomach knotted tight, heart pounding painfully in my chest as I met Grandmother's gaze. She hadn't changed expression, still as blank and cold as ever.

  I don't want to be her. It was desperate, that message, sent to my faithful friend. His love wrapped me up and held me tight.

  You never will be, Sassafras sent. You are far more than she could ever hope to be, Sydlynn Thaddea Hayle. But you know there are times when a leader has to do what's best for all, not just for her. Finish what you started.

  He was right. I knew without a doubt he was. But it didn't help any.

  Perhaps I was wrong about you. Grandmother's mind cut through mine like a blade of disappointment. You aren't worthy after all.

  My fury lashed back, cutting her as deeply. You have no idea.

  Teeth gritted, back straight, I turned up the heat on Cypherion and did my duty. But not for her, never for her. For my real family. As my cousin crumpled, his pain searing me as the last of his magic surged into my body, my demon near hysteria from the power of his agony, I told myself I would never, ever take my grandmother's place on the throne.

  Ever.

  But I did at least understand why draining other demons was no longer permitted outside of special circumstances. It was as though my demon was suddenly high on pain, boiling away inside me, begging me to turn on Tanasharia, the need for more power fed by the pain she'd caused. No wonder it was forbidden and why demons had such a bad reputation. If this was a normal reaction, it was amazing my ancestor was able to convince them to stop stripping each other empty.

  Lucky for me I wasn't just a demon. With Shaylee and my vampire core to help, we wrestled her under control. When I finally felt like I was back in command I looked up, panting, to see Cypherion crumpled to the ground, shivering and vacant, amber eyes dull.

  Vandelarius was on his feet, shouting something while the family made their own noises, an echoing cacophony I could barely hear through my demon's begging to be set free. I turned slowly to Meira who stared at me with fear in her eyes, but her determination was more powerful.

  She must, Sassy sent, his sadness as crystal clear as the truth he spoke. When it's done, you have to control her.

  I reached for my sister. It's awful, I sent. But you can handle it. I'll be right here.

  She nodded once and turned to Tanasharia. The demon girl quivered in terror, twisting and turning, trying to tear free of us, but I grimly held her in place while Meira's power jerked hers free.

  “Wait! Stop!” Tanasharia's desperate cry made Meira pause. “This was all Father's doing!”

  Now silence again. Vandelarius's face twisted in rage, his power lashing at the shields between him and his daughter, but couldn't break through.

  “Lying little traitor!” He rose to his full height, magic blazing around him.

  “It's true, Ruler, believe me.” Tanasharia wept, crumbling under the weight of our energy. “It was his idea to kill the newcomers, to discredit Haralthazar, to ensure they could not interfere when he had you assassinated.”

  Oh boy. The smile spreading across Grandmother's face had nothing to do with humor.

  “Go on, my child,” she rumbled as guards pressed forward to surround Vandelarius. His power no longer crackled, but sputtered, his face paling, belly jiggling as he began to shake.

  “Ruler,” he said, “you can't believe a word from her lying mouth.”

  Grandmother's hand came down on the arm of her
throne, power coiling around him, pulling him down into his own seat. “I will hear her out,” she said in her booming voice, “and you will be silent.”

  Tanasharia, eyes alight with the chance she might be spared, spilled her guts. Everything from exact times and dates of conspiracy meetings to who was with her when we were attacked to the type of poison Vandelarius had just procured and the chef he'd bought to begin slowly killing my grandmother.

  I watched Ruler carefully as the girl spoke, absolutely certain not a word she spoke was news to Grandmother and appalled by the fact she’d allowed the plan to go as far as it had.

  When Tanasharia rattled to a stop, her trembling was worse, whole body twitching in our power. I finally let her go, leaving her for Meira to take, but my sister retreated as well, disgust on her face.

  The wards protecting the family from our battle fell as Grandmother glared at Vandelarius. Her rage was obvious, power spreading outward, the family cringing, some fleeing in terror though most remained, sick fascination on their faces as though unable and unwilling to leave such a fascinating show, while Dad stood rigid and furious. No fear there.

  “You have betrayed your throne,” Grandmother said, rising to her feet, body stretching and growing until she towered over all of us, a giantess, a titan, amber eyes like beams of pure sunlight, her voice making the mountain tremble. “Vandelarius, I disown you.” Amber power shattered in a rush of broken shards, the shining bits winking out like campfire sparks. Vandelarius cried out, falling forward, grasping his chest as the throne itself dumped him on his hands and knees. His power suddenly alone, unsupported by the Seat, pooled and eddied around him, uncertain, as though even his magic knew how much trouble he was in.

  Grandmother ignored him, turning her gaze to me, huge hands gesturing. “Sydlynhamitra, it is time. Take his power and your place at my side as Second Seat and serve your people.”

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Holy.

  It's not like I didn't expect some grand announcement from her, but no way was I expecting this. At least, not now. Me? Second Seat? But—

  We knew she was planning something, Sassy sent, mind like a whip, breaking me out of my gaping stare and stunned freeze. I warned you she might try something like this. You have to turn her down.

  Easier said than done.

  Still.

  “I’m not next in line.” As if I wished this on Dad. He stood there in silence, eyes locked on me, though he looked more sad now than angry.

  “I call on you to challenge,” Grandmother said. “If you are able to defeat Vandelarius, you claim Second Seat.”

  So much for that argument. Not much of one anyway. It was Dad or me. And neither of us wanted the job.

  “No.” It was the best I could muster, but from the scowl on her face I knew my best wasn't good enough so I tried again. “I am a coven leader, daughter of another plane.” That was better. Get a grip, Syd. “My duty lies elsewhere. I can't take the throne.”

  Grandmother's magic lashed around me, but didn't touch me, sending more of the family fleeing in fear of her. They were all afraid of her, all of them. Except Dad. And, as it turned out, while I stood there and felt her power push me around, me.

  “I'm a free soul,” I said, keeping my voice level though I wanted to show her she had no hold on me. “I choose, I decide. And I will not be bullied.”

  Grandmother roared, the shields holding back the outside world rippling, a breeze breaking through the vast bubbled dome surrounding the top of the mountain. She stomped one step toward me, hands reaching for me, but I blocked her with my power, Meira's fed into mine, joined by Sass and, with a surge of rage that shocked me, Dad.

  She backed off then, but her anger was still as powerful, the air thick with it.

  “You have run roughshod over our laws,” Grandmother boomed, “but no longer. You must challenge Vandelarius and, if you defeat him, his Seat is yours. You have no choice.”

  Why me? I sent it quickly to Sass and Dad.

  Cypherion was his heir, Dad sent back while Sassy hummed his unhappiness. Because it was Vandelarius who ordered your death and you defeated his heir, you must now fight his father.

  And if I say no for real? I shuddered at the press of Grandmother's power, not from fear but the sheer energy of it. I can't, can I?

  You'll be stripped, Sassy said sadly, for disobeying the Ruler's order and your power given to Vandelarius. He will then remain as Second Seat.

  Well, that was freaking stupid. Even though he wants to kill Grandmother?

  I didn't make the law. Sassy grunted like the truth hurt.

  Dad, I sent, desperation clutching at my heart as the truth hit me. I couldn't stay here, couldn't be trapped on a throne. I had to go home, had to keep trying, no matter what it took. There has to be another way.

  Dad's power hugged me close. There is, he sent. And if I hadn't been so selfish for so many centuries, this would never have happened. His amber eyes locked on mine, a sweet smile on his face. But I will never regret any of it. I love you, Syd.

  Before I could stop him from doing what I knew he was doing, all the while feeling like he was somehow saying goodbye, Dad turned to his mother, power surging. He rose, body growing as hers had, like he'd done at Mom's trial, until he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Grandmother, family scrambling from underfoot, Dad's power snapping and crackling around him in surges of amber lightning.

  “This has gone far enough,” Dad roared. “You've finally won, old woman. Are you happy?”

  Grandmother stilled, the surge of her magic pulling tightly to her. “Declare your intentions, Haralthazar.”

  “You've orchestrated this whole mess,” he threw his words at her with power behind them, ricocheting from her shielding, but she did nothing to stop him. Vandelarius skittered away from them, finally regaining his feet, staring up at Dad in absolute hate. “You've always wanted me in Second Seat. All the lies and deceit and trickery, really, Mother. Just to have me finally where you want me.” Dad's voice eased back to a low rumble. “I've never wanted this. And yet, you refuse to leave me be. But as much as I can tolerate you manipulating me at every turn, I won't allow you to use my daughters any longer. Nor will I let you force my child into ruling beside you.”

  Grandmother simply stared at him. “Declare yourself,” she repeated, a smile growing on her face, grim and self-righteous.

  Dad turned to the fallen Second Ruler, drawing his power around him. “Vandelarius,” my father cried in a voice that shook the mountain, “I challenge you!”

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Three

  Just like the cold-hearted snake he was, Vandelarius was prepared, surging immediately into massive shape to confront Dad, lashing out with his power without warning. I spun toward Meira, our power forming a protective shield around us and the scrambling Sassafras, just avoiding the fallout of the attacking demon's power. We ran for cover, away from the main concourse, just as Dad's massive hands latched onto Vandelarius and tightened around his rival's throat.

  Not just a battle of power. The two grappled with each other physically, Dad's fist impacting the smaller demon's face. Vandelarius spun sideways, energy pushing him up even further, making him bigger, shoulders pressing into the shielding around the throne room. Dad lunged forward, fists impacting the other's guts, but Vandelarius's magic lashed out at the same moment, leaving burning welts across Dad's chest, his tunic shredded and hanging from his muscular chest.

  Dad roared, body swelling further, joining Vandelarius in a push against the sky while his magic flew from his clawed hands into arrow-shaped fireballs, puncturing Vanderlairus's shields. The Second Ruler flew backward, landing hard, sliding along the polished floor, taking out part of a wall with his massive fist while the shielding flickered and fought to keep the dome contained. Dad went after him, us following. I held Meira so tightly to me it felt as if we were one person, gasping in fear as Dad bent over Vandelarius to deliver a blow only to ha
ve him fly back himself, landing hard on his back over the two thrones with a groan of pain, a large, smoking circle in the center of his chest.

  Dad! I reached for him, feeding him power, Meira and Sassafras doing the same. Dad surged to his feet, shaking off the attack, only to have Vandelarius shriek in fury.

  “Not allowed!” He pointed one black claw at Grandmother who had shrunk to her normal size when the fight began. “There can be no interference!”

  “Not true.” Her voice still seemed as loud, no matter her size. “You yourself can find allies to feed you power if you so choose, Vandelarius.” Was that satisfaction in her voice?

  He shrank back, fury vanishing, desperation taking over as his gaze flickered around the small group of demons huddled, watching. Not one of them seemed inclined to help him.

  Aw. What a shame.

  “Maybe if you weren't such an ass,” I suggested, grinning. Couldn't help it. Really couldn't.

  He snarled and attacked Dad again, but we knew now the party was over. His low blow could have taken Dad out if he'd been alone, a sneaky and underhanded shaft of fire aimed at Dad's more tender parts. But with us to reinforce his shields, leaving Dad his full power to fight back, the attack merely bounced off, returning to its sender, taking Vandelarius full in the crotch.

  Even I winced, though I had no sympathy for him as he crumpled to the ground, hands covering what had to be a world of pain, his body shrinking slowly. Dad tromped forward, power pressing down on his rival, a massive hammer of magic, amber glow throwing sparks, hovering over his head. With a set and determined look on his face, Dad began to pound the other demon into the polished floor, as though he were driving home a particularly stubborn nail. By the time he was done, they were both normal sized and Vandelarius lay, curled on his side much as his son had been, eyes vacant, a string of drool trailing from his lip to the floor.

  Someone was screaming, the same female demon I assumed was Dad's sister. She rushed forward with a hiss, hitting him over and over again. Dad turned on her, toward us from his hunched position over the fallen demon, eyes glowing with power, a massive bellow erupting from his chest as he struck her, sending her flying.