Page 23 of The Aether

Josie’s heart seized in her chest. Her only thought was to get to her sisters before Morgan, and she teleported straightaway.

The sight greeting her was terrifying. Viv, Taryn, and Soleil were all physically bound to chairs centered in their living room. Two additional chairs remained, and Josie could only assume one was for her. But who was the fifth one for? Damian? Sabrina?

“Ah! Josephine, you’re just in time,” Morcant said as if he were hosting a tea party.

Vivian was fucking terrified—and heartsick. Morgan, that lying sack of shit, wanted her daughter and was willing to sacrifice her entire family to do it. It wasn’t surprising someone from outside her circle would betray her, but her own sister? When had Josie become so self-centered and evil that she’d contrive to hurt a child?

Hatred burned in Vivian’s chest, and she’d never believed she was the type of person to despise another. Yet she did. Oh, she might not murder her sister outright—unless she had no choice—but she would definitely cut Josie out of her life for good, with a middle finger raised to show she meant business.

Vivian could only pray Damian would protect Sabrina as she’d so foolishly believed she could. Thank the Goddess he’d come when he did, foiling Morgan’s plan. Trying to shove down the overwhelming angst she was feeling, Vivian sat straighter and stared coldly at Josie. If it weren’t for the gag, she’d curse her sister to hell.

As if he could read her thoughts, Morgan slowly faced her and smiled.

She shuddered.

With his glamour gone, he was gruesome. His hollowed-out features, sunken eyes, and pallid skin were positively frightening, and Morgan was a far cry from the handsome character he’d presented himself as when he was wooing Taryn. What the hell did Josie see in him?

Their gazes locked, and firm understanding took root in Vivian’s mind.

Josie had done it for them! She’d seen through the glamour all along and found him just as distasteful as Vivian did.

Thank you for your gift of insight, Damian.

“You’re welcome, my love.”

At first, she was convinced she’d imagined his voice, but the warming sensation she always experienced in his presence settled over her, and sheknewhe was close. Purposefully blanking her mind, she gave a nearly imperceptible nod in case he was watching her.

“Beastie is safe,” he whispered to her.

Vivian almost jumped when she felt his invisible hand brush her shoulder.

How did you read my mind? You’ve never been able to before.

“Sabrina’s power.” When she tensed, his fingers tightened on her shoulder. “Not like that, Viv. She and Nate gave my magic a boost when I prepared to come here.”

You’re not really here right now?

“Yes and no. I’m here through you. Different than a standard cloaking spell.” His lips felt as if they were a hairsbreadth from her temple, as if he wanted to kiss her but held himself in check. “You are about to experience the magic of an Aether. Be prepared to let me take over. Can you do that?”

If it will save my family, yes.

“Courageous to the last.”

A compliment? Perhaps, but she didn’t have time to mull it over. Morgan was stalking Josie around the circle. When her sister passed by, Vivian felt the bonds at her wrists loosen.

“Why hasn’t Damian followed you?” Morgan asked. For a second, she thought he was questioningher, but his focus was locked on Josie, who kept a healthy distance from him. “That’s where you went, isn’t it? To seduce your sister’s husband and get him to heal you?” Morgan narrowed his beady eyes. “Looks like it worked.”

“She sought help, Viv. All isn’t what it seems. Don’t be taken in by his lies again,” Damian warned.

His lies? Not Josie’s?

“I’ll explain when this is over, but for now…”

Her husband’s spirit stepped into Vivian’s body. It was the only way to describe the shocking merging of his abilities with hers. Incapable of hiding her reaction, she convulsed. Her cells weren’t made to accept the type of power Damian’s held.

“What the fuck is wrong with her?” Morgan demanded.

Her sisters all stared as if they’d never witnessed a seizure before. Maybe they hadn’t, but either way, it was scary as hell. Both for them and for Vivian, who couldn’t seem to get control of her own limbs.

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