by Patti Larsen
“Ameline asked me about my court,” Venner said, speaking fast, face open and pleading. “And if you intend to enter the Unseelie lands, you will have to have me with you. Or my king will kill you before you make it three paces into his territory.”
I knew the moment Galleytrot rumbled his unhappiness, the floor shaking slightly beneath my feet from the pressure of his displeasure, Venner wasn't lying.
Craptastic.
Oh, come on, I sent to the big dog. Are you serious?
I hadn't even considered this, he sent. I'm sorry, Syd. But he's right. Queen Aoilainn might be tricky and up to no good, but King Odhran can be downright nasty. And if you enter his realm without permission or a guide, it's possible he won't even listen. Shaylee is his enemy's daughter, remember? And Cian is Seelie as well.
Lovely. There has to be another way.
There isn't. Gram's words cut across my mind. Just bring the damned fool with you.
Galleytrot shook his whole body, fur throwing green sparks. I'll tether him with the magic of the Wild Hunt, he sent. But there are no guarantees, if we pass into the Sidhe realm, my hold will be sufficient.
I turned to Mom and saw the doubt already on her face.
“Syd,” she said. Sighed. “I know better than to argue with you. But you realize, now that Venner has been declared a criminal, by liberating him to take him with you, you could be charged with aiding in his escape.”
Beat my head against a brick wall. “Shut. Up.”
Mom shrugged. Rubbed her temples. “We'll figure it out,” she said. “Just get him out of here before something happens.”
Venner's beaming smile did nothing for my temper, not even when he flinched as Galleytrot's magic whipped out and grabbed him in a fist of green energy. Venner staggered ever so slightly before nodding once to the giant hound.
I couldn't help but worry we'd just played right into Ameline's hands somehow. And if Venner had any plans to double-cross me, I was going to let Shaylee decide how we killed him.
***
Chapter Eighteen
Gram waited for us at the bottom of the stairs, outside the cavern entrance. She'd bundled herself up in a rainbow wool coat, a pair of white tennis shoes with florescent pink laces tapping impatiently as she waited, white hair floating around her like a living halo.
“About time,” she grunted before she hugged me, lips pressing a wet smack against my cheek before fixing Venner with a baleful stare. One of her very sharp nails pointed at him, scrawny index finger jabbing the air in his direction. “One false move,” she said before bringing her hands together with a loud crack. She cackled, doing a little jig in place before scowling at him again. “Bug guts. Got me, fairy?”
Venner's usually charming smile slipped from his lips. “No need to be threatening, Lady Rionach,” he said. Who? Oh, right. Gram had a Sidhe soul, too. Jeeze, no one ever told me anything. “Your human aspect seems to have affected your bearing.”
I took it as an insult, but it just made Gram cackle all over again. “My human form,” she said, “has all kinds of secrets. Now, move it, Venemeth.”
I waited for Galleytrot to drop the solid barrier he’d erected around the entry to the cavern before parting the shielding. Gram didn't wait, leading the way through, Galleytrot at her heels with Venner jerked along behind by the tether the big dog created. I had to cover my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing at a time when things were no laughing matter. But Gram's attitude helped ease the terrible tension holding me as tightly as the bindings wrapped around Venner.
I forced myself to keep my eyes forward, feeling Quaid and Charlotte close behind me. No looking right into Liam's room with the giant tree hovering over the neatly made bed. And no pausing to peer at the rows of books behind his desk in the archive on the left. I focused on the Gate and what I was going to say to Thalion to convince him to talk to the Queen so I wouldn't have to cross to the Sidhe realm.
Pessimism was winning that particular mental conversation.
Gram stopped, hands on hips, looking up at the old wooden Gate before turning to meet my eyes with her faded blue ones. “Don't ever trust any of them,” she said. “No matter what they say. Ever.”
I nodded as I joined her. “I figured out that much on my own.” Shaylee sighed as she released the doorstop around the Gate, the vibration of its magic trilling its own song at the loss of her touch.
Gram snorted and took my hand, squeezing my fingers. “You ain't seen nothing, yet, girl.” She gestured, green fire dancing over her hand as she touched the Gate with her power. Her Sidhe power. The Gate surged to life, its normal, soft hum that always took me a few minutes to get used to before I could ignore it growing to a song, the voice of the Sidhe realm transferred through wood and metal.
I added my power to Gram's, feeling Shaylee reach out with some reluctance toward the vibrating Gate.
I'm sorry to do this to you, I sent to the princess.
It must be done, she answered. It's only that I've been away so long and as much as I adore you, the pull of home beckons.
Wow. I'd totally misread her. You never mentioned that before.
The last time we stood here, I feared for our lives, she answered. And Thalion's call infuriated me. But this time... Sydlynn, if we cross, my heart will ache to remain.
Fair enough. You know, no matter what happens, you're not a prisoner. Unlike Liam, I knew I could survive without her. I had other parts to sustain me, after all. As much as it would hurt, and make my becoming a maji harder, she had to stay by choice.
We are one, now, she sent. I only warn you so you can steel your heart against the pain.
Okay then. I felt my demon and my vampire both hug her, the family magic coiling around Shaylee in support. Of all of my alter egos, Shaylee was the most sensitive and, at times, the weakest. But that didn't mean I wanted her to leave.
Not by a long shot.
This might be a moot point anyway, I sent to them all as the Gate's sound built to a crescendo of music, a line of green light glowing around the edges. If Thalion will talk to the Queen and pursue Ameline, we won't have to cross.
Such a liar. Like I'd let anyone but me track her down.
Shaylee sighed, but didn't answer.
The Gate sighed as it opened, first a crack, then creaking forward, yawning wide as it fell back toward me, forcing a quick retreat of a few feet. I squared myself as the green power dimmed, only a soft, sparkling rim remaining around the edge of the doorway. Beyond lay green grass, a narrow stone path leading into the distance and rolling hills. The sky seemed dark, no sun in view, no moon either, a kind of perpetual cloudiness dimming the world on the other side.
This felt weird. The ways between the planes were supposed to be off-limits. Even Gatekeepers didn't have regular contact with the Sidhe on the other side. From what Liam told me in his research, this Gate hadn't seen any activity since it was built by his great-great-great grandfather, Connell, aside from the yearly knock to test the keeper's vigilance.
“Time to see if the princeling will come when he's called.” Gram poked my ribs with her sharp index finger.
Right. I reached for the veil at the Gate, letting Shaylee's power touch the thin web keeping the Sidhe realm from contacting ours. Her magic stroked the delicate surface, sending ripples like a stone thrown into glassy water out across the barrier, distorting the view.
Thalion, prince, Shaylee's voice joined her touch, echoing in my head. Come to me.
I felt his answer, his surprise as he reached back, his cool but eager power pressing to Shaylee's through the veil.
My princess, he sent. I come.
Will this take long? Shaylee didn't answer my question. I turned to Gram to ask her, only to see her mouth turn down, eyes locked on the open Gateway. My own gaze was pulled back at the sight of Thalion, mounted on a pure white horse, galloping over the furthest hillock and racing toward us, his long hair and the mane and tail of his huge steed flying.
Like so
me bad romance novel. I shook my head, breaking free from Shaylee's romantic nature long enough to roll my eyes.
It was going to be one of those days.
Thalion's horse stopped, seeming of its own accord, barely prancing to a halt before the prince slid in a flowing motion to the grass, striding with liquid grace the last few steps to the barrier between planes. Unlike Venner, Thalion's shining silver hair hung unfettered, flowing around him like a cloak, his brilliant green eyes locked on me as he raised one thin-fingered and delicate hand in welcome.
“Your Highness.” His voice, cool and precise, actually vibrated with emotion as he fell to one knee and bowed his head. When he looked up, his porcelain skin gleaming in the odd light of his world, two crystal pinpoints of moisture stood in the corners of his wide eyes.
“Prince Thalion.” I gently pushed Shaylee aside as I addressed him. “Nice to see you again.” Pretty kind of me, considering he'd almost tricked me into crossing over with him the last time I’d seen him when the Gate's knock wasn't answered. Sneaky Sidhe, he had me convinced if I didn't, the barrier would fall and the Sidhe realm would once again be open to ours, making this world vulnerable to the return of their magic and the pending apocalypse that such a return meant. If it hadn't been for Liam's grandfather, Fergus, volunteering to cross, I would probably be in the Sidhe realm already, trapped there because of Thalion’s lie.
Thalion's calm expression didn't falter. “And you, my princess,” he said. “Well met.” His eyes drifted over the people around me before settling back again. “This is no pleasure calling, Shaylee.”
“Sydlynn,” I said. “And no.”
Shaylee sighed, shaking her head. He will never admit you exist beyond me, she sent.
That so? He was about to have a rude awakening.
Honey and vinegar, Gram snapped. Let the princess handle him. Or do you want to put all of us in danger?
Grumble, mumble.
Shaylee hugged me gently before rising to take over. I felt her power surge through me, the world tinted green a moment before she bowed our head to Thalion.
“Forgive the urgency of our summoning,” she said. “But we have grave news for my mother.”
Thalion reached out one hand, pressing it to the barrier. “I am your servant,” he said.
Shaylee quickly filled him in on what happened. Thalion's lack of reaction to Venner's presence or the mention a witch carrying stolen Sidhe power was in his playpen kind of pissed me off, but Shaylee held the peace.
When she finished, Thalion's hand dropped as he slowly nodded. “I must admit, there have been unsettling stirrings in the magic of our home.” The horse behind him nickered, tossing his big head, one front hoof pawing the ground as if to agree.
“You will speak to mother then?” Shaylee's relief was strong enough I knew any worry she wanted to leave me was baseless. Again, she hugged me, as Thalion answered.
“I will not,” he said. “It is not my message to deliver.” Sneaky bastard. Shaylee softly shushed me.
“Not even for me?” She reached out herself, stroking the barrier with her fingertips. A look of ravenous hunger crossed Thalion's face, only a flash, but enough I knew Shaylee completely misjudged him and sealed our fate.
Thalion stepped aside and gestured for us to enter. “Your mother will be delighted to see you,” he said.
***
Chapter Nineteen
I turned to Gram, still holding her hand while Shaylee retreated with a soft apology. “Looks like this is it.” Damn, I'd hoped it wouldn't come to this.
Moment of truth—who was I kidding? No way was I backing down, not considering what Ameline had almost accomplished on Demonicon. And, in all honesty, I already admitted to myself Ameline was my responsibility. No matter what Thalion had decided, I knew I'd be crossing over anyway.
How could I trust anyone else to deal with Ameline?
Sucker for punishment or craving danger? I'd leave that for history to decide.
Gram let go of my hand to shed the rainbow jacket, revealing jeans and a t-shirt underneath. I stared. I'd never seen her wear anything but faded dressing gowns and long skirts, fuzzy socks and oversized cardigans. Her thin body looked taller, more filled out. Less granny, more Ethpeal.
I grinned at her and offered her my fist, which she bumped with a wink.
“Let's get this over with,” she growled.
I turned to the others, letting Shaylee's magic touch them all, though I left Venner out on purpose.
“Stay close,” I said as I shared a bit of her magic with them. “Don't wander.”
Quaid just nodded while Charlotte softly chuffed agreement. Galleytrot didn't comment, eyes flashing red fire. I ignored Venner as I turned, drew a breath and stepped toward the Gate.
There's a chance we will never leave, Shaylee sent.
Like I needed to be reminded just as my right foot touched the barrier. Thalion's hand reached toward me, offering assistance, but I avoided his touch, sliding sideways as I parted the veil and crossed over.
I was used to the feeling of riding the veil between Demonicon and home, the rubbery membrane sliding over me. This was an entirely different experience. More like walking through the edge of a giant soap bubble. I worked my jaw as my ears popped, throat tight an instant before my body shifted from one plane to the next. One of my feet suddenly tangled in dense fabric, tripping me, sending me forward, forcing me to take Thalion's hand after all.
A look down at my former casual attire showed me the illusions of the Sidhe realm had taken hold already. I stood there in a flowing white gown trimmed in green and gold, my long, blonde hair hanging over my shoulder, threaded through with sparkling wire and delicate blossoms. The scent of some unbelievably delicious flower flooded my senses, Shaylee's delight bringing my lips up into a smile.
Until I met Thalion's welcoming gaze. Yup, shut her down, and fast.
My fingers explored the pointed tips of my ears, the smooth, cool skin of my arms and face. My neck was longer, too, a choker of woven gold wire hugging the flesh. A pointed metal tiara sat in my hair, poking my printless fingertips.
I felt lighter, as if I could float instead of walk and knew everything physically me was transformed thanks to Shaylee's presence. My demon grumbled her unhappiness at our seemingly weaker body, delicate and fragile, but my vampire didn't say anything, typical of her. At least I had them both with me still, as well as the family magic, though it sat coiled in the bottom of my heart, a sulking child not welcome to come out to play.
Shaylee's mental touch showed me an image of us, though I was familiar with what she looked like. This is Mother's doing, she sent. Her realm, her magic. But if we want her to cooperate, we must go along with her games.
I was used to games. Still hated them. But surely Queen Aoilainn couldn't be as ridiculous as the two vampire matrons I'd had to wrangle.
Could she?
Sigh.
I turned to look back through the Gate, saw the doorway slowly closing. I panicked, only to have Shaylee soothe me.
We can't leave it open, she sent. With Venemeth with us, at least there is no risk of someone stumbling on the chamber. But if we leave the Gate open, there are those who might try to cross without our knowledge.
The Unseelie. I didn't have to ask. You're sure we can open it again? Ridiculous worry, really. We were here now and we either would or we wouldn't.
I'm sure, she sent. You are still anchored to the other side, thanks to the family magic. We will be fine.
As long as the Seelie Queen didn't find a way to keep us here.
I wished I shared Shaylee's sudden optimism.
I said we could open it again, she sent. I didn't say anything about being able to cross back.
Nice of her to clarify and add to my ulcer.
As I turned to tell Thalion it was time to go, I leaped back a step, one hand over my heart. A giant wolf, as big as Galleytrot, stood trembling beside me, long, golden fur standing on end, eyes shinin
g with yellow light. It took me a moment to understand, to reach out and run my hand over the wolf's forehead, stroke her ear.
“Charlotte,” I breathed her name. “Wow.”
She shook her big head, her shoulder as tall as my hip, a sharp whine emerging from her jaws. She snapped her teeth shut, snorting into the dust before settling on her haunches with her muzzle under my hand.
“This has to be hard for you,” I whispered in her perked ear. “Thank you.” My eyes drifted over her and to Galleytrot. Who was still himself, if a little beefier, more shaggy. A shadow seemed to hover around him, a dark mist rippling as he moved.
“The shadow of the Wild,” he rumbled while the grass around him shifted as though from a stiff breeze. The trail of black led to Venner, also himself, dressed as Thalion was in tight breeches and a long tunic trimmed in gold. He smiled at me, a real smile, but I wished I could smack it from his face.
This wasn't supposed to be fun.
Quaid drew a gasp from my lips and an almost giggle. He creaked as he moved, tall, broad-shouldered body sheathed in metal. But this was no full plate armor like I'd seen in movies, a flowing, liquid armor that fit him perfectly, moving easily as he did, the helmet topped by a flowing white plume, a shield strapped to his left arm and a sword on his hip.
“I feel like an idiot,” he growled.
I resisted the urge Shaylee had to blow him a kiss. What was wrong with her?
“Are you going to stand around all day,” a woman's voice asked, “or are we going to move on already?”
She stood on my left, on the other side of Thalion, a tall, thin Fey with spiraling dark hair. Blue eyes. Pointed ears. Perfect skin. But I knew her face, had looked at that face almost every day in the mirror.
My face, Sidhized.
I had to try a few times before I finally managed to speak. “Gram?”
She snorted, smoothing her hands over the deep blue gown she wore, her own hair twisted into ringlets full of tiny silver flowers. “It'll do,” she said. And winked.