“What’s that?” Gray inquired, approaching her.
“An ice crystal. Mined from the ice caves in Shadow World,” Celine informed him, removing the round, flat, colorless stone from the velvet bag. The stone emanated a frosty air around it. Gray crinkled his brow as he stared at it. “It’s a peace offering for the adjudicator. This is the second time I’ll interrupt its repose in Shadow World. I’d rather not be on its bad side.”
“Smart. Where did you get a hold of that?”
“From Marcus. Odd that I will use it to free him from there.”
Gray shook his head. “I hate to think of that man free. Are you sure you should go alone?”
“Yes,” Celine answered. “I’ll be fine. It would be best to go alone. We’re already disturbing the adjudicator. It would be best for only one of us to do that. And needless to say, the conversation with Marcus will proceed far better without your presence.”
“The idea of you having a conversation with that man makes my skin crawl.”
“And that is why it will proceed far better without you. You both hate the sight of one another. It will set him off right away if you appear.”
“Yes, I realize that,” Gray responded. “Don’t worry, if he does agree to help, I won’t get in his way.”
Celine smiled at him. “Thanks, Gray. Okay, I am ready. But first I want to check on Michael and Damien.”
Celine and Gray returned to Alexander’s and navigated to Michael’s room first. Celine sat on the edge of his bed, reading the monitors around him. His pulse was steady, his heart rate in normal range. He breathed in rhythm. He seemed the picture of health, if not for his blue lips and ice-cold hands.
They moved to Damien’s room. His status matched Michael’s. His vitals were within normal range, with the exception of his temperature. His lips were tinged blue and his hands frigid to the touch. Celine sat next to him for a moment. She slipped her hand under the covers, grasping his freezing hand. It sent a chill through her.
“Hang in there, D. I’m going for help. We’re going to bring you home, just hang in there until we do.” Celine kissed his forehead, caressing his face with her hand.
“Okay,” she said to Gray. “Now, I’m ready.”
Gray kissed her forehead. “Hurry back.”
“I will.”
Celine departed the room, heading back to her own room at Alexander’s. She took a deep breath, settling onto the bed. She relaxed her mind, shutting her eyes and the world out. She took slow, rhythmic breaths, concentrating. She slipped into Shadow World while imprisoned by Marcus. She could do it again. She focused her energy, allowing the earthly realm to fall away as she sought the cold and colorless realm of Shadow World.
Within minutes, she navigated to it. She stepped into the gray scale world, pulling her sweater tighter against the chill. She glanced around, listening for any sound in the stillness to locate the adjudicator. After a moment, she heard its shrill call.
Celine navigated toward the sound. She found the adjudicator near an ice cave, gliding through the sky, twirling from front to back, a sign of relaxation for the creatures. She stepped into view. The adjudicator spotted her on its next pass. Its wings fluttered in agitation as it ceased its barrel rolls through the sky.
The adjudicator shot toward the ground like a bullet, sliding to a halt and righting itself just before landing. “What is the meaning of this, Celine Devereaux Buckley?” Its eyes burned fire red and its wings flapped in agitation.
“Hello,” Celine began. “I’m sorry to disturb you… again. But it is urgent.” Celine slipped the ice crystal from the velvet bag. “I have brought a peace offering.” She offered the crystal to the adjudicator.
Its eyes grew wide, turning from red to white. “Is it…”
“Yes,” Celine answered, “an ice crystal. Mined from the caves here. Please take it.”
The adjudicator snatched it from her hand with its claw. It rolled the stone in its clawed hand, rubbing it. “Why do you seek me here, Celine Devereaux Buckley?”
“I must request that Marcus Northcott return to the material realm with me. I require his help.”
“You’ve sought me out during my repose to ask me to return Marcus Northcott to earth?”
“Yes,” Celine answered. “It is urgent. I require his help, only he possesses the knowledge I need.”
“Celine Devereaux Buckley, do you realize what you ask? You yourself landed here after a conflict with Marcus Northcott. To prevent further conflict while I enjoy my repose, I kept him here. Now you seek me to return him?”
“Yes.”
“And you use an ice crystal as a bribe?” it asked her, waving the crystal at her, its eyes turning red.
“No, no,” Celine corrected. “Not as a bribe, as an apology for disturbing your repose for a second time. It cannot be avoided, however. It is a matter of life and death, and Marcus is the only one I know who possesses the knowledge to assist me. No matter your decision, you may keep the crystal.”
“Has he agreed to assist you?”
“I have not spoken with him yet. If you are not agreeable, it makes no difference if he agrees or not.”
The adjudicator considered her statements. “Your request is granted, Celine Devereaux Buckley. He waits in the cabin behind you. Please speak with Marcus Northcott and depart from this realm at once!”
The adjudicator unfurled its wings to fly away, but Celine stopped it. “Just a moment.” It curled its wings against its back. Celine swallowed hard, realizing her request may ruin the progress she made. Still, she must try for her family’s safety. “Might you consider signing his soul to me?”
The adjudicator fluttered its wings, unhappy with the request. “Celine Devereaux Buckley!” it boomed, its eyes fiery red. “What do you mean by this request?”
“Only that you are correct. Our bitter battles have endured for centuries. I fear if he returns to earth unchecked, we may disturb your peaceful repose once again. If I control his soul, there is less chance.”
The adjudicator considered her request. “It is not unreasonable. He has sought to control my soul for centuries,” she reminded the adjudicator. “In fact, he holds a soul shard belonging to me right now.”
“His soul is not mine to give,” the adjudicator countered.
“That is not true,” Celine argued. “You are the current holder of his soul. You may return it to his master, to him, or give it to me or anyone you choose. I am asking that you give it to me for your own peace.”
The adjudicator considered it. “This is a most unusual request, Celine Devereaux Buckley.”
“But not an unfair one. I have no malicious schemes intended, I merely request his assistance and prefer to stave off any battles while you are… unavailable. We may revisit the subject at your convenience. Therefore, the situation I request is only temporary.”
The adjudicator mulled her case. “Granted, Celine Devereaux Buckley, as a temporary peace-keeping measure. We will revisit at the end of my repose. I shall place a portal outside the cabin. Leave when you have completed your business.”
“Thank you,” she stated with a smile.
The adjudicator shot into the sky, leaving Celine on the ground. She turned, finding the cabin the adjudicator mentioned near a grove of trees uphill from her. She drew in a deep breath, preparing herself. Celine hiked the gentle, sloping hill to the cabin. She stood straighter, squaring her shoulders and taking another deep breath.
Celine turned the doorknob, pushing through the door. Marcus sat near a roaring fireplace, a book in his hands. He glanced up as the door opened. An expression of shock covered his face. “Celine?” he questioned.
“Hello, Marcus,” Celine responded.
“I must admit, I am shocked to see you.”
“I am shocked to be here, but I had no choice.”
“The adjudicator?” he queried.
“No,” Celine answered. She paused a moment, swallowing hard. “I need your help, Marcus.”
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“My help?” Marcus questioned. “Is that what you said?”
Celine sighed, rolling her eyes. “Yes, Marcus. I need your help.”
“Oh, forgive me, my dear,” Marcus answered, standing and approaching her. “I presumed I misunderstood. Celine Devereaux, asking for my help? I never imagined I’d see the day.”
“Believe me, you were our last choice.”
“But I was still your choice.” He smirked at her.
Celine allowed him his moment. “So, you’ll help me?” Celine inquired.
“Why would I? After your most recent betrayal, what would make you assume I would deign to help you with anything?”
“Because it releases you from Shadow World if you do,” Celine responded.
“Hmm,” Marcus murmured, considering the information. “The question becomes, is my freedom worth the price you ask? Assumedly, I shall be free again anyway once the adjudicator finishes its repose.”
“That won’t be for months,” Celine pointed out. “Plus, there is no guarantee it will return you to earth afterwards.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow at her. “What are the circumstances of your request?”
“It’s Damien and Michael,” Celine responded, her voice wavering at the mention of Damien’s name. “That pulse that burst from our battle, the one that sent us here… it’s done something to them. From the symptoms, I believe they may be in Alterra.”
“What are the symptoms?” Marcus inquired. The barely discernible whimper in her voice as she mentioned Damien’s name did not escape him. While she presented a brave front, it was obvious the situation distressed her.
“They experience elevated breathing, heart rate, and brain activity at the same times. And their body temperatures are dropping.”
Marcus considered the information. “You may be correct. What do you want from me, Celine?”
“I want you to help me get them back.”
“How?”
“You’ve been there. You understand how to get there and how to get back. I need you to help me get them back.”
“It’s true. I have visited Alterra,” Marcus admitted.
“So, will you help me?”
“I cannot fathom Buckley agreeing to this,” Marcus answered.
“Gray has agreed. They are dying, Marcus. We have little other choice. I will not let them die.”
“So, here you are.”
“Yes, here I am. Now, will you help me? Please?” She rested her eyes on him, pleading.
He stared at her teary crystal blue eyes for a moment, then averted his gaze. “I’ll need to return to earth. Have you cleared your request with the adjudicator?”
“I have.”
Marcus smiled, raising his eyebrows and returning his gaze to her. “My, my, Celine, you really are talented. You have quite a way with that adjudicator.”
Celine sighed. “Well? You’ve yet to answer me. Will you help me?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Celine. I was just savoring this moment. The moment Celine has approached me to beg for my help. It really is quite a sensation.”
“Yes, Marcus, have your moment. Savor it all you’d like. I am imploring your help. You realize how much Damien in particular means to me. You brought him to me after you imprisoned me because you realized how important he is to me. I would do anything for him, including seek your help. His life is in your hands. What is your decision? Will you help or will you let him die?”
Marcus glanced at her. “All right, Celine. I shall help you. At the very least, it allows me to escape this frigid, desolate place.”
Celine breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Let’s go. The adjudicator placed a portal outside of the cabin. I’ll return the way I came.”
“After you, my dear,” Marcus replied.
They left the cabin with Marcus stepping through the portal. After Celine witnessed him depart from the world, she slipped from the realm and back to her own. She opened her eyes, glancing around. Marcus Northcott stood at the foot of her bed. “Welcome back, Celine,” he greeted her.
1812, Buckley Country Estate
Celine considered their words. She pulled her hands away from Damien’s, sitting straighter. “What you ask me to do is difficult, if not impossible.”
“We realize it won’t be easy. We’re not suggesting it will be,” Damien responded. “However, living with that man cannot be easy either.”
“Especially when it becomes obvious what kind of plans he has,” Michael added.
Celine sighed, wiping her face and sniffling. She stared ahead, making eye contact with no one. “I have been aware of his designs for years. Perhaps I am as wicked as he for turning a blind eye toward it for my own comfort.”
Everyone assured her she was not. “No, Celine. You did the best you could. He used you, manipulated you. We were there. We know what he said and did to force you into joining him.”
“My life has not been difficult. However, it has lacked true happiness and companionship. We are like players on a stage. Well-scripted and choreographed. Each playing our parts with no true emotion.”
Damien patted her hand. “Your life can be so much more fulfilling, Celine. We promise.”
Celine nodded her head, glancing to Damien. She swallowed, composing herself. “I shall write to my sister in the morning. Inform her of the situation and request that I stay with her. My brother-in-law can sort out the legal aspects of the matter.”
“No,” Michael and Damien answered simultaneously.
Celine’s brow furrowed with confusion. “Whatever do you mean?”
“You can’t go to Celeste and Teddy,” Damien explained. “They’re on the Duke’s side. They’ll tell you to stay with him, try to convince you or worse, force you.”
“Surely after I’ve explained his wicked deeds concerning our father, Celeste will not maintain her loyalty to him.”
“She will,” Damien informed her. “Trust us, she will. She’ll go straight to the Duke. Then you’ll be stuck.”
Celine shook her head. “Then I’ve no options. I have nowhere else to go.”
“Well…” Damien began.
Then Gray knelt in front of her. Taking her hand, he said, “You’ll stay here, Celine. With us.”
Celine paused a moment, staring in his stormy blue eyes. “It is very generous of you,” she began. “But I cannot accept.”
“For what reason?” Gray inquired.
“It will bring too much trouble to you and your family. Not only with Duke Northcott but the general scandal it will cause to your family.”
“We’ll handle Marcus Northcott. And I’m not worried about scandal,” Gray assured her.
“No,” Celine responded, pulling her hands from his. “I will not cause this type of scandal for you. I will find another solution.”
Gray opened his mouth to speak again. Damien cut him off, speaking first. “You don’t have to decide anything right now,” he assured her. “It’s been a stressful evening. Perhaps you should rest, and we can discuss your options tomorrow.”
Celine took the cue. “Yes, I shall rest and hope the dawn brings clarity to me. If you all will excuse me, I shall retire for the evening.”
“I’ll walk you to your room,” Gray offered. He extended his hand to her as he stood. She accepted it, threading her arm through his. Everyone said their good nights and Gray led her from the dining room.
Damien collapsed onto the chair as they departed from the room. “Wow, that was…”
“Stressful,” Michael finished.
“Yep.”
“I must admit my mind is still reeling,” Alexander chimed in.
“That was the most Celine-like I’ve seen her, though,” Damien admitted.
Michael agreed. “That moment, right before she started to cry,” he began. Damien nodded his head. “Reminded me so much of our Celine.”
“And somewhat like our Celine, she tries to take everything on to herself.”
“Yeah,” Michael replied. “
That’s definitely our Celine.”
“Well, stubborn or not, at least she’s starting to act like she’s supposed to. That’s a good sign,” Damien continued.
“Am I the only one of us concerned about the arrival of Duke Northcott?” Alexander replied as Gray rejoined them in the dining room. “I would have preferred she go to her sister’s. The fallout will, no doubt, be immense.”
“Celine can handle the Duke,” Damien assured them.
“Are we certain of that?” Alexander inquired.
“May I remind you, cousin, it was you assuring us only last night that no harm would come to us.”
“That was before you extended our home to her so she could leave her husband. Her very powerful husband.”
“If she stays here, she won’t let anything happen to you or us,” Damien reiterated.
“I’m not sure you understand,” Alexander began. “Marcus Northcott has extensive experience in his dealings. Not to mention a good bit of raw talent. He can destroy us without thinking about it.”
“We understand. And like we said, Celine will not let that happen.”
“I’m not sure she will be able to prevent it,” Alexander replied.
“Oh, she can prevent it, all right,” Damien answered. “The Celine we know has battled with the Duke for centuries. He’s never gotten the best of her. He’s made things uncomfortable, but she’s never allowed him to destroy anyone close to her.”
“We must help her,” Gray added.
Alexander sighed. “All right, all right. I shall remind myself of my own advice as of last evening and draw upon your confidence in Celine as we move forward.”
“Don’t worry, Alexander,” Damien responded, standing, “this is moving in the right direction.”
Chapter 23
Present day, Bucksville
Celine sat up, wiping the blood from her nose with the handkerchief Marcus offered her. “Does that happen often?” he inquired.
“No, only when I’m in Shadow World for an extended period of time. Or using most of my energy to keep Damien alive when he’s there.”
“You should rest, Celine,” Marcus suggested.
Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) Page 27