Lychos

by Larsen, Patti

  A stab of pain hits me as I again think of the dark-haired girl from California. I’ve tried to wall off the words of the young oracle girl. Zoe Helios’s prediction the werenation will fall if I return too soon burns holes in my optimism. He had to remind me when I’m ready to believe in success, didn’t he? But Sage is as practical as a wolf and stands there, supporting me, as I shiver and cling to his fur, my grandfather’s beloved face in my mind. Really, Charlie, he sends ever so softly. You have to stop doing this to yourself. It’s not your fault.

  I nod, saliva filling my mouth as my stomach rebels. I know, I send, though my heart screams it is, it is all my fault. I brought this on all of us, by my selfishness, by refusing to let go of Sage when I should have. I could have dealt with Caine and his people. Even that bastard, Andre Dumont, and his despicable sons, without the worry and stress of trying to keep Sage safe. If only I hadn’t been so weak.

  Sage stares at me in silence, tail curled around him where he sits in the scrub, black fur blending him into the night. When I’m finally dovetailing down into self-hate and being devoured by my guilt, he leans close and nips my leg. I cry out at the pain, not so much because it hurt, but because the sensation pulls me out of my inner torture.

  Enough, he sends. We have a job to do.

  A job that doesn’t involve going back to Ukraine to rescue my grandfather. How am I supposed to know when the time is right to return? Zoe never told me that. Am I supposed to guess? She mentioned a great trauma I must endure, but I will survive. Could it be my grandfather’s death she means? Must I wait until Oleksander is killed before returning? If so, it will be to avenge his murder and take Caine down. If it’s the last thing I do on this earth.

  All of that is for later. I will put Sage first one last time, get him to safety, his situation sorted. And then I will deal with the revenants, the sorcerer-made pack who has invaded my werenation. And make sure they don’t survive the attention.

  I reach for the veil, feel the fire in me burn, sizzle. It’s hotter now, since I spoke with Zoe. She, too, uses flame, though hers seemed to want to consume her, to devour me along with her. I can still feel her touch as I tap into the elemental power of my demon influence even as I tense and wait.

  We stand in utter silence, Sage’s head tilted to the side, ears perked, a wolf statue with a white crescent scar on his shoulder. The wait seems to take forever before magic pulses over us, the Enforcer’s pass of power ebbing and flowing around me. They have no idea we are here. The feeling of the magic is calm, almost bored, routine. I hope such blasé focus will serve to our advantage.

  One breath after the magic has passed over us I grasp Sage’s magic in mine. He softly bonds us together, rendering my grip on him unnecessary. I almost laugh, slightly giddy at the connection. He’s so beautiful inside.

  It’s Sage who reaches for the veil, a subtle touch. I take over, slicing it cleanly first on our end, then the other, knowing exactly where I’m going. The boost of his power is more than enough. We leap through together though, just as I pass through, I’m certain I feel the pressure of Enforcer magic snapping to attention. The veil slurps shut before I can know for sure even as I drop to my knees in the dark beside the shaggy form of the black wolf.

  ***

  Chapter Three

  I feel dull and empty, suddenly, the ache of where my magic usually resides dead in my chest. Sage shakes his head, paws the ground, then his ear as though in distress. I comfort him with a quick hug, gasping my own loss.

  “It’s all right,” I say out loud in the echoing quiet of the cavern, the dirt and stone floor cold under my knees, even through my jeans. I reach for his mind and come up blank. Sage licks his chops nervously, tail hitting me hard as he swings around then back to me. “I know, that’s the point. This place suppresses magic.” I look up at the perma-glow of the suspended witchlight overhead, smell the old taint of the demon who was trapped here, the magician and the vampire. “We need to stay a bit. I think they felt us cross.”

  Sage pants heavily, but nods even as relief rushes through me. I can’t hear him and the cavern suppresses power. There is a chance this place could have turned him into a simple wolf after all, something at which even his transformation hadn’t succeeded. I know it was a slim chance, but seeing him respond to me assures me he’s still in there. Sage is still with me, though I can’t hear him in my head or feel his power.

  He crouches next to me, shivering, whining softly on occasion as I hug him close and bury my face in his fur. I might not be able to feel his magic, but his solid wolf form is comforting nonetheless.

  I could have made a terrible mistake bringing us here. If the Enforcers tracked us after all, they could be on us at any second. And they would have us trapped, powerless. Surely, they know about this cavern? But as the seconds tick by and only the quiet of the cave embraces us, I finally relax and ease back from Sage.

  “They might know someone crossed the veil,” I say, “but they either don’t have the nerve to come into Syd’s territory to check, or they assume it’s her.” Hopefully, the second. They have to be tracking her movements, though. So if she’s not here, if she’s off on another plane or in the veil helping the drach leader, Max, the Enforcers will know something is up.

  No more time to wait. I have to risk it.

  I stand, ruffling Sage’s fur. “You’ll be safe here,” I say. “I’m going to run to the house and talk to Syd. As long as you remain inside the cavern, they won’t be able to find you.” If they capture me, I will never reveal his location.

  Sage shakes his big head, growling at me, showing his teeth. He stands and paces toward the exit, a dark tunnel leading off toward the surface. It’s difficult not to roll my eyes, but I do toss my hands and shrug. We’ve been in this together from the first. I guess I can see his point.

  Sage pauses at the tunnel mouth, looking back at me and I nod and follow him.

  A huge breath escapes me as I lean against the boulder guarding the exit and shove it aside. It rolls easily, releasing Sage and I into the outdoors, our magic back—to my gasping relief—into full power.

  It’s warmer outside than I remember, the valley where Wilding Springs was built holding in more of the autumn heat than the ridge where we parked our stolen car. I return the guardian rock to its place and ease through the trees on the way toward the center of town. We can’t risk another veil ride, not inside the bounds of Syd’s territory. We’d draw Enforcers, for certain. I feel around ahead of me, grateful to have my magic back and to have Sage’s power linked once more to mine.

  Sage moves with the confidence of experience and I remember then, with a little shake of my head, I’m not the only one who has lived here. He’s spent the last several years running the dojo downtown, his small apartment over the studio our secret rendezvous. I don’t have to guide him. He knows this place as well as I do.

  How easily I forget this isn’t just about me. Yes, I put Sage first when I chose to save him, but I fall so easily into the singular protection mode I was taught from childhood. Without a bonded master to protect, I’m supposed to be number one, my needs and my goals those of the pack and the throne. But Sage is his own person—wolf—and I have to keep reminding myself he has his own path to walk.

  The park is dark, the small copse of trees near the back end the perfect entry point. I circle the subdivision where Syd’s house stands, choosing to enter through the yard instead of taking the street. While the feeling of Enforcers remains outside the familiar touch of Syd’s magic, I refuse to take chances.

  The closer we get to the coven’s main house, the stronger the Hayle power becomes and I feel it welcome me. I shush it softly with a touch of energy, hating the risk, but knowing without it all kinds of alarms could be raised. Better to let the family magic accept my presence than set off the wards protecting the family.

  Sage hugs the line of trees bordering the park, staying at my side while I slip through the shadows, eyes everywhere as I wait for an atta
ck that never comes. By the time we slide past the family wards and into the back yard at Syd’s house, I’m wound tight and ready to fly.

  The shielding embraces me, hugs me with love. Syd’s made sure the family magic knows me as well as any coven member, and I’m grateful now for her thoughtfulness. I reach through it, feeling for her, knowing before I do she’s not here. If she were, she’d be in the yard by now, alerted by the family power I arrived. Instead, I quiver like a hunted animal, clinging to the comfort of the coven’s magic even as I contemplate running.

  This was a bad idea. She’s not here. And I won’t put the rest of the family at risk without her around to protect them.

  Sage seems to agree, backing up a few steps. We’ll have to retreat to the cavern and come up with a new plan. Or wait for Syd to come back.

  The back door opens, the motion-sensitive light coming on. I duck quickly to the side, hiding in the shadows with Sage shaking beside me, while a dark figure steps out into the yard. She looks worried, one hand clutching the door, the other clenched at her side. Dark, straight hair shivers around her as she takes another half-step onto the patio stones, the light reflecting from her dusky skin.

  “Charlotte?” Sashenka Hensley’s whisper carries into the night, backed by a thread of power, seeking me. I block off from habit as Syd’s second—Tallah’s sister—raises her free hand to clutch at the throat of her robe. She’s dressed for bed, feet bare, but she looks wide awake. “Charlotte, is that you?”

  I hesitate, not because I don’t trust Shenka. I do. Syd chose her for a reason, to care for the coven when she’s not here. But I need Syd, damn it. Where is she?

  “It’s okay,” she continues, still whispering. “I know you’re afraid. But I also know you’d want to hear this.” She pauses, looks around, steps out further, letting the door close behind her. “Piers is okay.”

  I choke on a silent sob, crumpling to hug Sage who licks my cheek. I’ve been so worried about the blond sorcerer, the relief of knowing he’s not harmed is almost worse than a blow.

  “He told us you were probably coming this way.” Shenka releases the chokehold she has on her robe and holds out both hands. “Syd’s not here, but you are always welcome. Let us protect you.”

  I shake my head in the dark. I can’t do this, can’t risk it. Not with the kids in the house. What if the Enforcers come? I won’t put Gabriel or Syd’s daughter, Ethie, in harm’s way.

  “Please,” Shenka whispers. “Trust us. Syd would want it this way.” One last pause. “You’re family, Charlotte.”

  She had to say that, didn’t she? I feel myself caving even as my traitor feet carry me out of the dark and into the light. Shenka doesn’t move, still holding out her hands. The last three steps I run, hugging her tight as she clutches me close, her face wet with tears as she kisses my cheek.

  “Oh, Charlotte,” she says. “Welcome home.”

  ***

  Chapter Four

  The back door swings shut behind me as I enter the familiar house, pacing down the hall toward the stairs. Quaid is just descending, catches me as he hits the bottom, pulling me into a giant hug that lifts me from my feet. I kiss him soundly on the lips, knowing Syd won’t mind, wiping tears of my own from my face with impatient hands. Quaid hugs me again, one big hand on my back, the other tangled in the cropped off mess I made of my hair.

  “You’re okay.” He’s choked up, deep voice rough. “We were worried.”

  I nod into his broad chest, the scent of chocolate and spices warming me. “Me, too.”

  Something hits my leg and I pull back from Syd’s husband to discover a very angry silver Persian perched on my foot. His round body quivers, fur on end, ears flat back as fire flares in his amber eyes.

  “Charlotte,” he snarls. “You are in so much trouble, young lady, I can’t even tell you.”

  I bend and scoop him up, hugging him though he hisses and spits at me, batting my face with his silver paws—claws retracted, so I know he’s not really angry—and kiss his furry forehead.

  “Sass,” I whisper into his fur.

  The Hayle family magic tightens around me even as Sassafras’s demon power triggers my own fire element.

  “Don’t ever do anything that stupid ever again,” he says. “I mean it.”

  I turn him to face Sage. “No promises.”

  Sass sighs and relaxes in my arms at last. “I suppose this is the boy in question?”

  That almost makes me laugh. The demon cat has such a way with words.

  “This is Sage,” I say as the big wolf dips his head. “Sage, you know Shenka, I think?” Surely he’s met her once or twice? Syd’s been training with him for years now, I can’t imagine she didn’t take her second to the dojo a time or two. “Quaid?”

  The big witch shrugs. “We met,” he says, dark eyes fixed on Sage. “Welcome.”

  “The kids.” I turn on Quaid who shakes his head, finger on his lips.

  “Galleytrot is with them,” he says, voice low. Gabriel and Ethie must be asleep, the big hound of the Wild Hunt their constant guardian. “Let’s go downstairs.”

  The basement. Of course, it will be safer there, hidden in the layers of protections around the family’s main pentagram. I follow Shenka, still carrying the Persian, hearing the soft pad of Sage’s paws behind me as I pass through the kitchen and down into the cellar.

  The cold concrete floor is etched and painted with a giant white pentagram, the single bulb illuminating the large space casting wide shadows into the corners. I finally set Sass down in the middle of the room and turn to face Shenka and Quaid, one hand falling to Sage’s broad head.

  Thank you for taking us in. Sage’s mental voice is strong and I know from the nod Quaid gives him, from the way Sass fluffs his fur, they’ve all heard his words. We know this is putting you in danger and that’s the last thing we want. He looks up at me. But things have developed we need to share, things that will hopefully change our situation for the better.

  Sassafras swipes one paw over his whiskers before wrapping his fluffy tail around his paws, amber eyes flaring with magic. “I assume,” he says in his most droll demon boy voice, “you’re referring to the fact you have, as of yet, to devolve into a soulless monster bent on killing everyone in sight?”

  Sage bows his head to the cat with a wolfish smile. Clever, he says.

  “For a human boy,” Sass says, “you’re not so bad yourself.” He cocks his head to one side. “And rather accepting of a talking cat, at that.”

  Sage coughs a laugh, his paw rising to his nose. I’d be a bit of a hypocrite if I didn’t accept such things are possible.

  “Touché,” Sass says before winking one eye at me. “You can keep this one.”

  If only it is that easy. But Sass’s approval means a lot to me, as does Shenka’s smile and Quaid’s grim grin.

  “We used the veil to get here,” I say, “but the Enforcers might still know we’ve crossed.” I fill them in on our little plan to use the cavern and Quaid nods.

  “Brilliant, actually,” he says. “They might come looking, but they’ll have no proof you arrived here. We’ll keep it that way.” He’s a former Enforcer trainee, thinks like them still. He hasn’t completely relaxed, but at least he’s not freaking out, so we probably have some time.

  “The family magic understands how important it is to keep you two safe,” Shenka says, blue fire forming at her feet before fading away.

  I nod to her, gratitude surfacing so powerfully I’m unable to speak. I do release a soft squeak as a black tunnel forms beside Quaid and though my heart soars at the thought it might be a familiar face, the two who emerge don’t fit my expectations. I realize then how much I miss Piers as Ethpeal and Demetrius step clear of the sorcery pathway and join us.

  She comes to me, hugs me firmly, though without judgment or any emotion beyond grim joy. I kiss her cheek, Syd’s grandmother’s blue eyes meeting mine as she pulls away. There are delicate threads of silver in her black hair, but
she is as stunning as she has been since her transformation by her own sorcery.

  “Hello, girl,” she says.

  “Hello, Ethpeal.” I gesture at the big lupine beside me. “This is Sage.”

  She bows her head to him. “Well now,” she says. “I suppose he’ll do.”

  More endorsements. I love this family.

  Ethpeal turns, including the others in our conversation as Demetrius slips forward quickly and quietly to kiss my cheek, his cherub face smiling, pale blue eyes shining with happiness. I squeeze his strong hand as his wife speaks.

  “We just missed you out there,” she says to me, gesturing vaguely beyond the basement walls. “We almost grabbed the pair of you ourselves, but you beat us to it.” She pokes the end of my nose with one finger. “Clever girl,” she says. “The cavern was an excellent choice. But the Enforcers know something is up.” She shakes her head. “I did my best to muddy your passing, but I have a feeling they’ll be by before too long.”

  We have to go. I flinch, almost take a step to leave, but Demetrius is still holding my hand and he won’t release me. And Ethpeal steps in to block me as I try to move forward, intense gaze narrowed. I know better than to argue with her.

  I won’t win.

  “Where is Syd?” Maybe I shouldn’t cling to the need I feel to see her, to explain all of this to her. These very capable witches and sorcerers are here now, for me, willing to help. But my irrational side wants Syd to protect them since I can’t.

  Quaid shows his first signs of anxiety, hands deep in his front pockets, shoulders hunching forward so his dark t-shirt bunches over his broad chest. “We don’t know,” he says in his deep and steady voice, it at least not betraying his nervousness. “She left with Max three days ago and hasn’t come home.” Chocolate brown eyes meet mine. “They are still fighting infestations of creatures from the Dark Universe, ones that crossed when Demonicon fell.” I slip my hand through Sage’s fur, the other tightening on Demetrius. Syd’s little sister is the Ruler of Demonicon and went through her own trial by fire, losing her world to a cult only to pull it back together again. She’s a true Hayle, like her sister, though the damage done did a number on the veil between worlds. Since Syd’s son, Gabriel, opened a gateway to the other Universe, the drach have been doing their best to repair the damage. The assault on Demonicon didn’t help matters. And though things are mostly back to normal, I know there is still much to be done to restore order and finish healing the hurts done to the veil.