Regali (A Walker Saga) (16 page)

As soon as we were bleeding all over the floor we linked our bloodied hands together and
, holding them out over the entrance, I started to chant. The girls quickly joined in.

“Invictius collasa repeta intombre. Invictius collasa repeta intombre. Invictius collasa repeta intombre
.”

We repeated it three times just to be safe. I watched the last of our blood rain down into the opening as the wounds healed. And I waited to see what would happen.

In that moment of pause, from the shadows flew three golden spirits.

“It’s the Seventine
,” Brace said, and without hesitation he threw out a shield around us.

They started to circle, and it took a few minutes before I realized something was hurting my ears. They were making a noise
. It was uncomfortably high pitched and increasing in frequency as they spun.

“They
’re speaking,” Brace said as he turned, keeping them in sight. “You need to use your ears to slow and lower the noise.”

“Oh
, right,” Fury said, “because all of us can just use our ears for that.”

“What are they saying?” I asked Brace.

He didn’t answer straight away. His eyes flicked around as he continued to follow their movement.

“They
’re freeing the fourth,” he finally bit out.

My head dropped
; our ritual hadn’t worked.

“Let’s try it again.” Ria grabbed my hand. “Maybe we didn’t do it long enough.”

I stared at her for an extended moment before nodding. I still held the knife so within seconds I cut into our palms again. Ignoring the sting, I held out my hand with the other half-Walker girls. Together we started to chant.

The Seventine were still circling us, their own high
-pitched noise mingling with our chanting. I could feel something then. It was as if our two energies or rituals were battling against each other.

“They
’re feeding energy into the prison walls,” Brace yelled. “There’s too much; you’re not strong enough.”

Screw that. I was not letting them free another one.

I threw out my tethers, connecting to each of the girls and bringing their power to life. I could feel Ria’s shock; I’d forgotten that she had no idea I could do this. Her power added another dimension, a real earthy feel to the fire and water. Fury was covered in her flames, a watery whirlpool surrounded Talina, and ivy sprung from Ria. I almost couldn’t believe it, but I was sure it came from her hair.

“That is incredible
,” I heard Lucy say.

“Remind me not to piss Red off either
,” Colton said. “She’s as lethal as Brace. Gods help us if they have little ones.”

For some reason I liked being thought of as badass like Brace. I met his eyes and his returning smile was as panty-dropping as I’d ever seen. Damn
, he rocked sexy like nobody’s business. I forced myself to turn away, back to the prison. This was my last chance to save my melding bond. A bond I wasn’t sure I could survive without.

We were still chanting loudly
. I started to feed our combined powers into the prison walls, my intent to strengthen the bonds. The Seventines’ screeching was still increasing in tempo and frequency; if that continued my ears were going to start bleeding.

I saw Lucy stumble to the ground, her hands covering her ears. I was about to panic but Brace knel
t beside her and placed his hands on either side of her face. Her relief was apparent.

It’s not working.
Ria’s voice sounded desperate.

Don’t give up
,
I encouraged her.

Her head snapped around to stare at me
. She also hadn’t known we could hear her.

We can all communicate when Abby tethers to us
,
Talina said.
She increases our power.

Okay,
Ria said,
so what else can we do right now to stop this?

I wished I had an answer for her, but I didn’t know what else we could do together
. There’d been no time to find out.

I’ve been practicing and despite the fact I can’t control the power when Abby is tethered to us, I can direct more energy into her
,
Fury said in rapid succession.
Pour all your power into her and she can send it out.

Finally something I knew how to do. I’d taken a lot of Fury and Talina’s power
the last time we’d tried this, but add in another half-Walker and the increased level was incredible. It felt like far more than just one extra.

The build-up hit me hard and fast
. I could feel the girls weakening as I drained their energy, and just as the golden cords tethering us started to fray I released all of that build-up into the prison.

Lights exploded and what felt like fireworks ricocheted around the stone room. The screeching of the Seventines stopped. Like they had been cut off mid-bellow.

The girls collapsed around me, exhaustion wracking their features. And after expelling everything from inside I too found my legs too weak to hold me.

Brace was at my side. He threw me over one shoulder and Talina over the other. From my precarious position I noticed Colton grab Ria and Dune gently cradle his Fury
, and then the men, followed by Lucy, zoomed out of the mountain.

I was disorientated from my lack of energy
, so it took me a few moments to figure out why all the rush.

Then I noticed the red light splashed along the rock surfaces
as we exited. We might have expelled the Seventine, but we’d failed to stop the fourth releasing.

I lifted my head to examine the determined planes of my mate’s features as he ran. He was so focused on getting us to safety he didn’t notice my examination. Tears pricked my eyes and ran down my cheeks.

I was going to lose him.

Lucy
, who was just behind, running as fast as her little legs could carry her, caught my eyes. Her face fell too. She blinked rapidly a few times, her expression a mixture of sympathy and pain. I had to bury my face in Brace’s shoulders or I was going to sob my heart out like a baby.

When we reached the outside, the sooty ash of the dead land rose around us. Brace opened a doorway and everyone filed through. We exited onto the grassed area in front of my house. I was thankful again that the Angelisian beach house was private and slightly isolated. Although our neighbors were used to strange happenings here, it was pretty common knowledge that Walkers were drama magnets.

“What happened?” Ria threw herself off Colton’s shoulder. She was still weak, stumbling. “Why did it not work?”

As she lay half collapsed on the ground
, tendrils of grass started to rise and wrap around her legs. Damn, she had an awesome power.

I rubbed my temples
. A headache was starting a low pound at the base of my skull. Brace lowered Talina down first. She sank into the lush grass. I sat next to her.

“I don’t know why it didn’t work
. It was never a sure thing.” It’s not like anyone had tried the ritual before. It was just legend handed down by the originals.

“So I can’t go back to Artwon yet.” Ria’s voice was barely a whisper.

“I think it’s because the Seventine were releasing the fourth at the same time.” Brace looked grave. I wasn’t sure I’d seen his face this coldly chiseled before. “The two energies collided.”

“It definitely looked as if the fourth was released
,” Lucy said.

We locked eyes again in a silent communication.

I squeezed my eyes closed so tight that they ached. I knew what I had to do now, but was I strong enough? And how could I go through this without sharing the secret with Brace?

Josian was pissed
off.

I’d totally forgotten to bring him to the mountain and only remembered when I’d tried to contact him and find out when he’d be back. Lucy and I
had decided we were going to need additional help. I had no idea how to break a melding bond. I was sure there had to be way – there was always something – but if there wasn’t, this life was over for everyone. Josian had coldly informed me that he was on his way home now, and that I was going to get my ass kicked.

I’d happily sent Brace and Colton off to Abernath
. They needed to go deal with the clan problems. And I needed a chance to gather information on how to break the bond.

“I’ll be back for you soon. We need a night in the snow
,” Brace had promised me when he’d kissed me goodbye.

I wondered if that would be my last kiss for a while.

Ria, Talina and Fury were hanging out by the ocean. Through the front window I could see the three of them splashing in the shallows. Ria was handling her worry and disappointment a little better now, but I could see a glint of desperation in her gaze.

I was so feeling that today. Lucy was with me in the front room. We were just silent, staring out the window at the girls. I was wondering when they’d had it repaired after I
’d smashed through it.

“I think the vision was wrong.” Lucy interrupt
ed my musing. “I’ve barely had a prophecy since the gathering. It’s as if something was prompting them.”

I snorted unhappily. “Can we really risk it?”

“I need to speak with Frannie.” Lucy rested her chin on her hand. “She might be able to shed some light on my messed-up version of being a soothsayer.”

Since Francesca’s visions had also dried up I wondered if she would be any help.

A doorway opened behind me. Josian’s power stormed through in a mass of energy that had my hair standing on end and my heart-rate increasing. He was followed by an unsmiling Lallielle, freaky white-haired Francesca and lastly Samuel.

I heard Lucy’s soft gasp.

I should have warned her that he would be coming. I knew that my parents would be keeping a close eye on him for a long time. He would have to earn their trust back.

I prepared for my father’s angry words
. I deserved them. Instead, he enclosed me in a tight hug.

“You’re trying your best to kill me. I’m not used to being stressed and now it’s all I do. My daily thoughts consist of: what’s Aribella doing right now? Have the Seventine hurt her? Do I have an ulcer?” He pulled back to look at me. “And I know I found a gray hair this time.”

I tried not to smile too broadly. “I’m so sorry. I got caught up in the ritual and … I forgot to call you. Where’s Quarn?” He hadn’t come through the doorway.

Lallielle laughed. I was so happy to see that. “Our daughter is just the same headstrong Walker personality as you
, Josian. And Quarn is still at the castle, helping to sort out everything.”

“Mom
, can you show me which room you’re moving me to?” Samuel interrupted. “After a few months of being a hanging energy bag … well, some new clothes wouldn’t go astray.”

“I second that thought
,” Francesca added.

Lallielle nodded, giving Josian a brief kiss as she moved toward the doorway. The entire time Samuel had been standing there he’d just stared at
Lucy, and she’d steadfastly kept her eyes on the floor. It wasn’t until he left that she looked up.

“Does he really have to stay here?”
she asked out loud.

Josian’s face hardened, his bronze eyes flashing. “I
’ve tried to reason with Lallielle, but she insists that it’s better he stay where we can keep an eye on him. I agree, but for different reasons to her.”

If Lucy’
s face was anything to judge by, she was moving out today and sleeping on the beach.

“Lucky we aren’t here much
,” I said.

“Any time is too much time.” She sighed.

It was strange how Lucy seemed to alternate between hating him and feeling sorry for him.

“What did you need to talk to me about?” Josian interrupted.

I took a deep breath and caught Lucy’s eye. This was her time to jump in.

“I had a vision, Jos
,” she started. “And it doesn’t look good.”

Josian sat silently while Lucy told her story. His expression didn’t change, although his eye color shifted often between bronze, gold and amber.

“So right now I need to know
,” I chimed in when Lucy had finished explaining, “is there any way to break a melding bond?”

Sympathy laced his expression as he faced me. “You do know what you
’re asking? To break the melding bond is akin to me tearing your heart from your chest.” He laughed. “Actually, it’s worse than that, because you won’t die, but you’ll wish you had.”

I nodded. “It
’s the last thing I want to happen. I can barely breathe when Brace is just off on Abernath world doing his Princeps thing. But we’re talking about the fate of every living thing on seven or more worlds.”

Josian nodded. “I know
: there’s no choice, but I just wanted to prepare you for how bad it’s really going to be.”

I gulped. “So there is a way? And do you agree with Lucy that I shouldn
’t tell Brace?” I think I’d been secretly hoping it was impossible.

He nodded. “Despite the fact no one has seen a melding bond since the beginning of our time, I have an idea that might work. And if you tell Brace, he
’ll never let you break the bond. I would kill for Lallielle. Walker men never see reason when it comes to their mates.” His smile was sad. “When do you want to do this?”

Tears pricked my eyes at the thought. “As soon as possible
, I guess. But I need a few days with Brace first. Then, after I break the bond, once I pull myself together, I’ll head to the next planet.”

Josian met my gaze. “If you pull yourself together
,” he finished ominously.

I sucked in sharply
. Damn, I hoped I was strong enough for this. “I’ll meet you back here in a couple of days. And can you make sure I don’t waver in my resolve?” I took my father’s hand. “I need you to be strong if I can’t.”

He nodded
, hauling me forward for a kiss on the cheek. “Your mother is planning on organizing a fair to celebrate the return of our people. Angelisian hasn’t had one for many years. It’ll be spectacular. You don’t want to miss it. We can leave straight after that.”

A smile crossed my face
. I remembered Brace telling us about the town fairs when we first came here. It would be a great opportunity to see the different gifts of the First Worlders since they often had displays and shows.

Josian left the room after promising to explain to Lallielle and the girls where I’d gone for a few days.
I hoped they would think I just needed time with Brace before going to the next world. No one could know of the vision. I needed them to keep the faith that we could beat the Seventine and, more importantly, Brace couldn’t find out. Apparently he would lock me up and throw away the key.

“Can I please come with you?” Lucy turned her pleading blue eyes on me. “I know you want alone
time and I’ll stay out of your way, but I just can’t be in the same house as Sammy yet. I’m not ready for that first conversation.”

I hugged her. “Of course, Luce, you don’t even have to ask.”

How
’s everything going?
I kept my tone light as I contacted Brace.

Missing you like crazy. I can’t get away for a few days, so let’s decide now when we
’ll be together again.

I mentally pictured his strong jaw and chocolate eyes. The sound of his voice was like coming home. I couldn’t believe I was going to lose that.

Funny you mention that, how about Lucy and I visit for a few days before I head to the next planet? I’d like to see Abernath world.

His tone lightened as he answered.
Sounds like the best idea ever, but are you sure you can waste any time before heading to the next planet?

Right now there was nothing more important than what was going to happen.

Lallielle is having a celebratory town fair in Angelisian in a few days. I really want to see that, so I figured I could go to the next world when it’s over.

I’ll be there in a few minutes for you and Lucy. You don’t need anything
. Our home here is very well equipped for visitors.

My heart fissured a little more at the words ‘our home’.

See you soon, love,
he said as he withdrew from my mind.

Lucy was waiting patiently. She always knew when I was physically but not mentally present.

“All good?”
she asked.

I nodded. “Yep
, he’s on his way now. Apparently we don’t need anything.”

“Yeah, sure, they always say that
, forgetting my legs don’t go on for miles.”

“Word,” I said with a laugh, “you’re single
-handedly bringing back the rolled-up pants look.”

“No
, I’m not.” She sniffed. “Should be a punishable offence to wear that bad a fashion statement.”

She rubbed her head then, her eyes closing. My heart stilled
. Was she having a vision? I was starting to dread the bad news her gift brought. Finally her lids popped open again, her hand still holding her head.

“I might not be getting many
, but when they do come the visions are a little quicker and easier now,” she said, dropping her hand. “The longer I fight it the worse it is when it comes.”

“What did you see?” I bit out in my impatience.

“Oh, right.” She laughed. “Nothing too crazy. We were with Brace, standing somewhere with very green grassed mountains, and for some reason you were lying flat on the ground.” Her nose screwed up a little. “Pretty strange vision, if you ask me. I’m not sure what the point was.”

I shrugged
. Couldn’t have been too important if that was all she’d got.

A doorway opened in the corner of the room and Brace’s power entered before he did. It was as if he had a circumference of energy around him at all times.

His strong features softened as he met my gaze. Like a magnet drawn to its polar opposite, I couldn’t stop my feet from crossing the room and entering his embrace. My feet left the ground as
he pulled me into his arms and up to meet his hard chest.

“Hello
, precious.” He kissed my lips, pressing down hard and capturing me completely.

“Get a room
,” Lucy trilled as she moved closer.

I laughed, pulling back a little.

“You two should stop rubbing in my lack of a love life,” she groaned.

Brace set me down so I was able to give her a gentle nudge. “I forgot that everything was about you.”

“How could you forget that?”
she asked. “I remind you at least once a day.”

She wasn’t kidding.

“Ready?” Brace moved toward the door, his hand entwined with mine as he pulled me along. “I was in the middle of a training session and need to get back.”

“Ready as we’ll ever be,” Lucy said.

I found myself unable to answer
. The faster time moved the closer I was to breaking the bond. I was never going to be ready for that.

We stepped into the doorway. I had one hand linked with Brace
’s and the other helped Lucy along, although we were using the doorways so much she was getting very good at negotiating the vacuum walk.

It was a fair distance along
; these worlds must be far apart.

I
was seeing lots of green at the other end. It was brightly lit, streaming light shining through the door. When we reached the end, Brace didn’t hesitate, stepping through and bringing us with him.

All I saw as I stepped out onto the brightest green grass I’d ever experienced
, was similarly shaded mountains in the background, and then, as if a ton had been dropped on me, I hit the ground.

Lucy let out a shriek
. I tried to lift my head to see what had happened, but I couldn’t move it off the ground. I also couldn’t speak and my heart-rate was doing something strange.

“Abby, hang on
, baby. I forgot about the gravity. Abernath has more gravity than any of the First World planets. We’re in another star-system.”

I could understand his words although my ears were having trouble adjusting
. I might have missed some of what he said.

“I
’ll help Lucy with a little bit of shielding energy, but your Walker side will adjust for you in a moment.”

He had barely said that sentence when I felt my body ease slightly.
The pain and pressure in my chest and along my joints lessened, and I could move my head a fraction of an inch. Another few minutes and I was able to lift it off the ground. Breathing was easier and my heart stopped trying to pump itself out of my chest.