Page 134 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

Dominion and Michael, longtime enemies, shook hands, appearing to mend their centuries-long rift. The Bearer of Death, today the defense, hugged Madeline, a unique being in OneWorld.

The OneCreator pulled Terrell and Jasmine to the side. Scribe, who must know Vast’s business in order to document it, moved close to listen in on the conversation.

“How many young are in your camp?” asked the sire.

Unfortunately, since Terrell lowered his voice to a whisper, Scribe could not hear the answer, but the OneCreator arched a royal brow.

As the courtroom began to clear, the grand sire handed theLaw for Mated Pairsto Scribe. “Please document this book and pass it to Librarian to be housed in the Hall of Time.”

The OneCreator signaled for Dom and the hybrid Scourge Madeline to remain behind. Again, for the sake of his duty, Scribe tried to listen in but was shooed off. Obeying, he tucked theLaw for Mated Pairsunder his arm and hurried to complete his worthy task.

****

Maddy preferred togo home, but no one ignored the OC, certainly not a human-Scourge-Immortal whatever. So she laced her fingers in Dom’s and approached the throne.

The OC cocked his head to one side, studying her until she shifted from foot to foot nervously. She bit back a “What?” Then she felt a thousand probing fingers exploring her mind. Her knees weakened, and Dom’s arms came around her to keep her on her feet.

“Stop,” her mate commanded.

The OC halted. “Madeline,” he said, “OneWorld has not treated you well.”

She steadied herself with a hand on Dom’s shoulder. “Not at first. But I think life is looking up.” The OC was correct, up to a point. Her kidnapping and torture had been horrible. She could do without wanting her mate’s blood or the trial. But finding Dom was worth all the unpleasantness. And she was accepting her physiological changes. Al-Anon’s three Cs. “I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it, and I can’t change it.” For once, she was happy for her childhood and its lessons.

The OC rested his elbows on his knees. “Somehow you have obtained gifts along with your unique hybrid form. You can heal and extinct.”

“I’d give them back if I could.”

“I believe you. Do you wish to use these gifts in service to OneWorld?”

“No. Hell, no. I mean, I wouldn’t mind healing things, but not the rest. I don’t want to be an assassin and kill Immortals who become Scourges. Never. That’s not me.”

“I see that, Madeline. You have a sympathetic heart.”

No time like the present for her question. With confidence, she asked, “Since I’ll be sticking around, there’s one job I’d like.”

“What’s that?”

“I want to be a librarian again.”

“Angor or Vast?”

She glanced at Dom. “Angor?”

He nodded.

“Angor it is. I am uncertain how you became what you are or why you are here, but I am satisfied you are worthwhile. I have no inclination to kill what I do not understand. I do have an inclination to keep an eye on you and to find answers to my questions.”

“We want answers, too,” said Maddy.

****

Dom tapped his mateon the shoulder. “I’ll be just a moment. Wait for me outside.” He added, “Please.”

She dawdled out of the throne room, probably curious about why he stayed behind.

Dom had a request. It was time.Damn. It was past time.

The OC relaxed into his throne, his elbow on an arm. “You are gonna ask for a vacation, aren’t you? Granted.”

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