Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
“Everyone inside,” Rhys orders. “Cassie, where is your father?”
“He went looking for Uncle Danny,” Cassie explains. “He wants Brendan to stay in wolf form and watch over us, but he’s going back for our uncles and aunt.”
I would expect nothing less. So my other version had kiddos. I didn’t find a partner. I was too busy raising Lee. He was seven when she died. He was a handful. I’d like to talk to him before I go.
Go?
“We need to secure the doors,” Rhys is saying. “Shy, I want you to go with Cassie and find the safest place you can and secure it however you need to. Brendan, watch them.”
“There’s no need. They can’t get in here.” Lee sits on a window seat. The entryway to the temple is made of white marble, green vines with flowering plants climbing around the thick columns. There are four golden bowls that light with fire as Rhys walks by them. Above us the ceiling begins to glow with light as well. “I meant what I said. We’re safe. Look. They can’t even cross the yard.”
They can’t. We have spies, and I happen to know that Devinshea has tried everything he can to get back into his temple, and when that failed he attempted to destroy it. Neil’s voice is soothing. And I meant what I said. I’d like to talk to Lee before I go. I thank you so much for saving me. I know the wizard could take me because I was disoriented and confused, and I didn’t want to go. But it is my time.
Rhys looks out the window at the guards gathered round, but true to what Lee said they seem stopped at the edge of the yard surrounding the temple. Even from this distance, I can see they’re confused at the change. They look around in seeming wonder.
“They cannot get us in here,” Lee reiterates, his expression haggard. “But they certainly took out my men. And my uncle.”
His eyes close.
Can you speak for me? One last boon from you and I will go, Shahidi, and leave you the prince. With the god.
“Shy,” Cassie begins.
I shake my head. “Rhys, we’re fine. We can stay here and figure out our next move, but first my guest would like to talk to his nephew.”
Lee’s head comes up, eyes flaring. “What do you mean? My uncle? The fucking wizard took him.”
Rhys stands in front of the man who looks so much like his twin. “No. My goddess saved him. It is what she was doing when time seemed to slow. She fought with the wizard for his soul and she won.” He looks back at me with a wry twist to his lips. “Though this is a new power you didn’t tell me about.”
His complete faith that I saved Neil fills me with warmth. He couldn’t see what was happening. It probably looked to everyone else like Myrddin and I were simply pointing at a space. But Rhys knew what I was doing.
I need to stop thinking he doesn’t see me. I need to let him show me what he sees.
I smile back at him, proud that he’s calm even though our world upended. Again. “I didn’t know about it until tonight. But I will say there’s probably more to come. I felt something I never have before. A power. However, right now Neil wants to talk to his nephew before he goes.”
Lee stands, tears on his face. “He wasn’t destroyed.”
It isn’t a question. It’s an affirmation. It’s a settling inside of him. I let Neil’s words flow through me.
“I remember the day you were born. I held your mother’s hand and Deinny held the other, and then we were a family. Zandra slept, but I stayed up watching you. In awe of how something so perfect could come from your father. He wasn’t horrible then, but he was young and arrogant and selfish. You did what he couldn’t. You lost everything and stayed true to who you want to be. I adore you, Lee Quinn, and we will meet again. Stay with these people. I don’t know why but things are clearer here. They were sent for a reason.”
“Yes, so Myrddin can kill them, uncle,” Lee argues, but he holds my hands like he’s holding Neil’s.
My head shakes. “That was the intent, but it will not be the outcome. The wizard falls into traps, too. I love you, Lee, but your mother and true father are calling me. I hear them. He was, you know. Deinny might never have convinced your mother in this last life, but no matter biology, he was your father.”
“And you. I didn’t fall into selfish pity because I had you.” Tears flow freely down Lee’s face. “You’ll be okay?”
I feel so much love from this Fae. It flows through me, and hopefully Lee can feel it, too. I am merely a watcher in this farewell, but I feel it so keenly. The love, the life that was Neil’s. The hope. The odd joy he feels at moving on. “I am more than okay, nephew. I am blessed by the goddess, and you are as well. Stay with them. Take what is yours. Do not be afraid. The time has come. I know you wish for a simple life, but you will be king. Do not shrink away from the power you must take to free them all.”