Mystic Betrayal, page 27
part #2 of Mystic Series
She had no choice but to split her energy and hope that it held long enough for everyone to cross over. It wasn’t like she had any other great options. Demons hurtled against her shield with force. Every impact weakened her. With one hand, she reached out to maintain the shield. With the other hand, she opened the portal. Different shades of light poured from each side. A pale blue light created the shield while a soft green represented the portal reflecting the Meadows on the other side. It reminded her of all the times she’d played tug of war as a child except this time, she was the rope. The fatigue in her arms and legs became debilitating.
She started to think a big elephant had jumped right on top of her shoulders. She finally connected the portal fully to the Meadows. It was small, but each warrior went through one by one. While she resisted the urge to scream, ‘Hurry Up’, she sure could think it.
“Xavier, take Xander and Angie. I’ll make sure everyone crosses through. He needs to be healed and I need to know he’s safe. I can’t afford distractions right now.” She could barely afford to speak.
He started to argue but realized it was a wasted effort and would cost more energy. With a nod, he took Angie through the portal. Within seconds, he came back for Xander. “No heroics, Kate. As soon as the last warrior crosses, you jump through the portal. You’ve done everything you set out to do.” He kissed her cheek, picked up Xander, and returned to the Meadows.
For the first time in hours, she drew a breath of relief. The end was finally in sight. Ace and his pack were the last warriors to the portal. She noticed they were carrying the bodies of their fallen and wounded. Bringing the dead home. Leave no one behind.
The thought hit her fast and hard. What about Gregory and Roxy? They’d given their lives today for her and Xander. Their bodies were outside the perimeter so she couldn’t ask anyone to get them. Splitting herself again might destroy her or close the portal on Ace and his men. He deserved time to get everyone across.
She wasn’t leaving them behind. She couldn’t leave their bodies to the demons. Who knew what they could do or extract from their bodies. The images playing through her mind made her shudder.
“Kate, the last warrior has entered. Move closer to the portal. Drop the shield and jump in. I’ll make sure everything is good here and no demons follow.” She didn’t respond immediately. Zane wasn’t going to like her latest version of the plan.
“Once Ace goes through, I’m going to pull Gregory and Roxy to me. Send them home. Then I’ll cross over.”
Nope. Didn’t like it. “Are you insane? Maybe you’re blinded by grief but your body is on the verge of collapse. If you drop the portal, no one can rescue you. I can only protect you for so long. You can’t even enter the shadows from the Hell Realm. There’s only a one-way door for a reason. Could you find another way? Maybe, but the world doesn’t deserve you taking that risk.”
He had a point. She didn’t want to be trapped here. She also wouldn’t leave friends behind. Hadn’t they risked everything for her? She couldn’t do less for them.
“Be sensible. Get out of there. Find another way.” He must have sensed her determination. “Leave now or I’m getting Xavier.”
She closed her mind, shutting him out, and focused on the task. Zane was right about one thing. She didn’t have the stamina to be pulled in three directions. So which one did she drop?
“Have you lost your damn mind?” Xavier flew out of the portal and grabbed her around the waist. “I’m sorry but if you won’t come willingly, I’ll force you back. Xander is fighting off everyone to get back to you and he needs to heal. This is a fool’s errand. They’ve moved on. Let’s go.”
“NO!” She planted her feet and knocked him back. She couldn’t even say why this mattered so much to her but it was important. “They gave their lives to free Xander especially Roxy. The least we can do is give them a proper burial and not leave their bodies to demons. I’ll hold the shield and the portal. You cross them over. Please help me.”
He debated for a second and then shook his head. She’d won. Walking over to the edge of the perimeter, he lifted Roxy first. Zane use his portal to clear the path. Then he brought Gregory to them.
“Xavier, send them through. Angie’s waiting.” She was tapped out. Blood flowed from her nose across her lips. The scent of copper and electricity overwhelmed her. Another drop fell onto her shoulders. Her ears had begun to bleed as well. Her entire body would self-combust any minute.
She turned to tell Xavier to run. “I can’t hold it any longer.”
He launched toward her and scooped her up. He dove, sending them both through the narrow portal.
The landing could use some work. They rolled across the ground and were surrounded by people. Kate pushed through the masses to survey the damage. Most were healing quickly and Xander appeared as good as new. The fear gripping her heart eased.
She took a step toward Xander. The last thing she remembered was seeing alarm spread across his face. Then her body seized and she fell to the ground.
Chapter 19
“Your timing is impeccable, Cassius.”
“My daughter, we meet again.” They stood at the Cliffs of Moher where she’d been so many times in her dreams. There wasn’t a phoenix or dragon in the sky this time, only Cassius. He hopped over rocks and sat on the edge. She couldn’t help but notice that he looked so small against the cliffs and ocean, yet he’d once held the power of the world in his hands.
Since it was a vision, guess it couldn’t hurt to join him. Although, she really hated heights. She didn’t intend to test the theory about what would happen if she died in a vision. Carefully, she stepped across the rocks and sat beside him. The waves crashed around them and the wind whistled in the air. The tourist signs were gone so this must be how it looked during his time before people trampled such a beautiful place of power.
She’d never get used to these interactions with her dead ancestor. His disheveled light brown hair hung low in his eyes and brushed the top of his collar. Sapphire eyes penetrated hers, full of grief and regret. He hadn’t wanted this fate for her, yet here they were. The moonlight deepened his naturally pale skin. He’s avoiding what needs to be said, but why?
“Why am I here? You always have a purpose.”
He nodded. “I suppose that’s true. I had to match my visits with milestones that I knew you’d reach. This one is the completion of your second task. You’re so close and yet a lot of the journey is left.”
“What was my second task? I’m still not sure with all the chaos. I felt it click but…” She shrugged her shoulders.
“Becoming the true leader of the Council and loyalty to the new team in your life. Up until you chose to rescue Xander, you’d been perfectly content to let the Council members decide the direction of this battle. They believed it possible to control you, mold you into their vision of a perfect warrior. A Mystic is chosen for their unique qualities and possess a gift that surpasses all others. I believe you will be the strongest and wisest Mystic ever created if you survive. That piece of the future can’t be seen. I do see hope within you now that wasn’t there before. That’s power in itself.”
“Roxy shared a vision with me. Xander and I were laughing in the garden and had children running around us. We were in the Meadows. I’ve witnessed at least one possible outcome that’s worth fighting for. Right?” He sat closer to her and she leaned against his shoulder.
Projecting a memory, he shared his wedding day. Guinevere laughed as her long brunette hair flowed around her shoulders like a cloak. Her dress was simple, but the love shining in her eyes sparkled in anticipation. “She’d seen all the possibilities of our future before we married. Yet, she still chose this path. Neither of us would have traded a single minute of what we had even knowing the eventual pain we’d both endure. That choice brought us two beautiful little girls and you.”
“What were their names? I never knew.”
“Felicity and Trinity. It’s been so long since I’ve said them aloud.” His voice grew soft and sadness radiated in his eyes.
No regrets. Cassius had loved Guinevere enough to last a lifetime, and she’d given her life to celebrate their eternal love. Neither backed down from their calling and neither would she.
“I’m afraid time’s running short. We need to discuss your third task. You must go to Ireland to complete your final quest. Come to this spot and you’ll receive further instructions.”
“How do you know my path leads to Ireland?”
“The prophecy told you so. ‘You’ll find me where it all began. A war was waged to save this land.’ It has long been rumored that the very first Rising was in a place now referred to as Ireland. Plus, this place has been in your dreams since you were a child. In your heart, you already know.”
This cryptic crap jumped on her last nerve. Prophecies, predestined tasks, wars, and everything else never ended. Jumping through hoops wasn’t her strong suit. “Can you at least tell me where to begin?”
“You’ll learn everything you need to know once you arrive. Every final quest is unique so I don’t know what yours will be. I do know that your goal is to secure the amulet given to you by the Shadow Warriors. Its creator happened to be a Mystic and can only be brought back to life by one. It possesses untold powers and was given to the warriors to protect.”
His image began to flicker so he’d be leaving soon. She wanted his opinion on one more thing before she returned to the present. “Cass, you’ve seen the vision Roxy gave me. So, you know the new battle plan that Braxus is using. Without the Shadow Warriors, we can’t overcome the numbers. I have a thought, but it won’t be well received. I’m not sure I even believe it’s the right thing to do myself. What would you do?”
“Why do you think your second task was created, my child? The Council will follow your lead. You know what must be done to have any hope of winning the Rising. It’s time for a new battle plan. Shake the chains of the past and embrace the changes that only you can bring. Every Mystic is chosen for a purpose. This is yours.” His body became translucent, but she couldn’t let go. If he could stay a little longer, maybe she’d find more confidence.
Disappearing, he left one last thought in her mind. “The answer has always been inside you. All you have to do is ask the right question and be brave enough to accept the truth. I’ll always be with you.” The wind swirled around her, whipping her hair in front of her eyes. Xander pulled her back to him. She let go and returned home.
* * *
“Kate, Kate. You’ve been out a while.” He smoothed the hair back from her face. She expected to be sore and drained from the day’s adventures. Instead, she felt stronger than ever. Energy zapped in every fiber of her body.
“Did you heal me? You shouldn’t waste your energy.” She checked his entire body to make sure he was okay. It felt amazing having him back in her arms again. Quiet tears streaked her face as he stroked her hair. She had him back and in one piece. That’s all that mattered.
“It wasn’t me. The moment you woke up from your vision, your body fully restored itself.” Cassius. He’d helped her once again. She sent him silent thanks hoping somehow, he could hear it.
It sunk in that things were unusually quiet. As she looked around, they were completely alone in the middle of the street. She couldn’t get that to happen when she wasn’t lying in the middle of it. “Where is everyone?” She wasn’t lucky enough that they all just thought she needed a break.
“Rowena is preparing a memorial service for the ones who died. Once you fell into your vision, everyone decided not to intrude and help with preparations. She wants to honor them tonight if you’re up to it.” He forced her chin upward. She’d been avoiding looking directly into his eyes. The emotions she’d held so tightly over the past several hours came crashing down.
He rocked her gently while she cried. She couldn’t even say what had her most upset. The torture he’d endured and how she’d almost lost him or the friends that had died to save them. Or it could be all the friends willing to follow her into hell with no guarantee of return. It didn’t matter. He absorbed all her tears and didn’t say a word. He simply let her be.
All physical wounds had disappeared, but the shadows still haunted his eyes. She connected to his mind and saw that those wounds would take much longer to recover. Memories of the torture dominated many of his thoughts. The most powerful memory was when she’d stepped out of the portal. He hadn’t cared about being saved, but he’d wanted to see her one more time. She vowed to never be separated from him again if she could help it. Before disconnecting, she did something for him that he’d once done for his brother, she siphoned some of the pain and memories from his mind to hers. They would share this burden like they shared everything in this life they’d built together.
“You don’t have to do that. I’m fine, Kate.” He rested his forehead against hers.
“I know. This is ours to share. The good and the bad till death do us part.” The first kiss since their return proved to be the sweetest kiss she’d ever experienced. It contained a depth of love she hadn’t believed possible. The upcoming memorial would be emotional as it should be, but she would survive because he’d be by her side.
Hand in hand, they walked to the outer grounds of the castle to lay their friends to rest.
* * *
“Amazing how well you can block your thoughts from me now. I can no longer breach the walls of your mind, so I’ll have to ask the question. What are you hiding, Kate? I see the root of something taking place and my visions are altering with no clear direction. I ask again, what are you hiding?”
Rowena always had a way of getting straight to the point. She had no intention of revealing her new plan until she’d discussed it with her closest friends first. Tonight wasn’t the time, so deflection was her chosen course. “I guess that’s a question for both of us. Are you ready to reveal all your secrets?”
Her musical laugh filled the air. “Maybe not. Your confidence has improved after these last few weeks. Since we’re not ready to divulge our inner secrets yet, maybe you’d like to know what I’ve learned from Zane as the rest of the Council finishes the preparations.”
Calling Angie to join them, she filled Kate in. “Upon arrival, Angie mentioned Gregory telling her that she didn’t know everything. Not wanting any more surprises, she asked me about it. Gregory proved to be more adept than any of us gave him credit for. However, once Zane knew the traitor’s identity, he absorbed his entire subconscious level and memories. It’s one of the traits that Shadow Warriors and Seekers share.”
“You’ve discovered something big or you wouldn’t be taking the time to tell us now.” Angie elbowed her in the ribs. She must have sounded as agitated as she felt. She still had a lot of anger to work through.
Other than raising an eyebrow, Rowena continued, “This is the last piece of the puzzle in my opinion. Cassius had two twin girls…”
“Felicity and Trinity.” Both Angie and Rowena met her eyes in surprise. “I had another visit from Cass. It can wait. Continue.”
“The two girls were extremely powerful. Guinevere’s sister did the best she could to contain it by moving them to the New World in the middle of nowhere. I watched them play and age. Guinevere gave them a potion at birth to strip their longevity. While they lived abnormally long lives, they were not immortal. Both met handsome men who possessed a few powerful traits and had gorgeous powerful children. For the next two hundred years, their powers remained intact passed through bloodlines. The population of the world grew and anything out of the ordinary wasn’t tolerated. Humanity started to overshadow the powers that had once shined so bright. A few in the bloodline found the Meadows and married fellow beings. Most drifted into the Human Realm forgetting the past. I lost sight of the bloodlines about one hundred years ago.”
Kate wanted to be patient, but this had been a really long day. What the heck was her point? “I don’t mean to be rude. I’m exhausted and can’t seem to figure out why this matters.”
“Your impatience is not one of your finer qualities, dear. I didn’t realize it at the time. The reason I could no longer see them had to do with the spell Cassius created to hide you.”
Okay, interesting but not vital. What was she missing? Rowena tapped her on the head. Maybe she couldn’t read her thoughts, but she could still sense emotions.
Stepping on her toes this time, Angie mentally warned her to pay attention. How did any of this answer Angie’s question? Both of them were staring at her, so she decided to shut up and focus. She might learn something.
“Felicity’s bloodline became resentful of the past and hiding who they really were. Eventually dark magic seeped into her descendants. Not all were dark, but there were a few, including Lily’s grandmother. That’s how Lily knew to make the potion she used on Xavier and what led to her own death. Felicity’s bloodline was responsible for creating the love spell that could block someone even from their intended mate. What I didn’t know was how close Gregory and Lily were. Their family trees had crossed at some point. Lily shared the special potion she’d made with Gregory in case anything happened to her and it didn’t automatically reverse in Xavier.”
“He didn’t use it, obviously. She trusted the wrong person.” Gregory had wanted Xavier to suffer and knew the potion would continue to eat at his soul until it destroyed him.
Angie started getting restless. “How do I fit in to all of this?”
“Gregory used the original love potion on you, Angie.”
“He never gave me a potion.”
“Yes, he did. The night after your battle in the forest. The same day you met Xavier.” The memory surfaced. She and Angie replayed that night through their link. Xavier healed her and faded into the shadows. Their connection had been electric. Energy fizzled throughout Angie’s entire body. Then Gregory brought her some herbal tea. Her heart slowed and the intensity of her reaction faded. She laid her head on his shoulder. That was the moment the crazy love triangle began. Despite the potion, she’d still fallen in love with Xavier. Guess the potion wasn’t too great after all.
