Page 117 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

“We made it, Maddy. The gateway didn’t read you as a Scourge.” She was a hybrid. The passage out of Angor proved it.

She rubbed her hand on his chest, begging, “Let’s go further, Dom. Can we fly to Vast?”

He wanted to please her. It might be his last chance. “I don’t see why not.” He tossed her high, and she flicked out her wings with a squeal and shot forward.

They approached from the south and Contemplation Bay. When the Lakelands were below them, Maddy hovered in place, taking in the new dimension. “Everything is so green. The grass. The giant trees. And the blue sparkling water is vivid, almost neon.”

They passed a few Immortals who nodded at him but stared at Madeline. She smiled and waved.

After they spent hours exploring the dimension, the horizon glowed as the sun dipped lower in the sky. “Let’s go home, Dom.”

A pleasant silence accompanied them on their return journey. This time Maddy flew through the gateway on her own. She was an anomaly Dom didn’t understand. His mate was unique among the beings in OneWorld. While glorying in the observation, he also stewed over it. What would the OC make of the new Maddy when he saw her? He expected that to be soon.

As they floated into the salon, she asked, “Do you think everything I can do now is because we mated?”

“I don’t know, Maddy.”

Inside a welcoming committee awaited them. His Feard brothers. Grim expressions all around, and Dom knew why.

He pathed Maddy,Remember, we’ll keep your new-found skills to ourselves until we understand them.

Gotcha.

Madeline greeted the visitors, chattering about her new, improved wings, flicking them out for all to admire. She prattled on about their adventure through the passageway and on to Vast. He didn’t have the heart to stop her. Let her enjoy while she could.

Freki loped up the steps and into the salon. “Great. Visitors.” He snuggled alongside Maddy on the sofa.

Dom circulated with hot cider, appropriate since storm clouds roiled above the house. Afterward, he sat on the other side of Madeline, looping an arm over her shoulders and glaring at the wolver who made himself at home on the couch.

Freki tossed his snout in the air. “Maddy said I’m allowed on the furniture if I don’t shed.”

Having bigger problems, Dom accepted the answer and faced his brothers. “Why are you here?”

Ohngel sipped his drink. “Can’t it just be a friendly visit?”

“I’m not catching that vibe.”

Remi scrubbed a fist along his jaw. “You need to stay calm, Dom. We’re here at the order of the OneCreator.”

Dom’s muscles tensed, preparing for a fight.

Ely said, “Don’t go battle mode on us. We gotta take you in.”

“Is that why the OC sent three of you?” he asked.

Ohngel smirked. “We tried to talk him out of the whole routine, but he wouldn’t listen. He was on a rant, screaming about how you broke the law. He said he’d come for you himself or send Michael if we didn’t bring you in. You gave Madeline your blood. And how damn stupid are you, Dom? You both flew over Vast, where every asshole Immortal reported the presence of a Scourge-like female.”

Remi added, “You know I enjoy pushing boundaries, but blood?”

“I forced him,” said Madeline.

Dom patted her shoulder. “Hush. I made the decision. Willingly.”

Ely shrugged. “I don’t think the OC gives a shit about the whys. We’re to bring both of you to him.”

Dom shot from the couch, spread his feet apart, and flung his black wings out like two giant weapons.

Madeline ducked under one to stroke his arm. “We have no choice, Dom. We knew the consequences.” She looked at the three Feard. “What happens now?”

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