Page 37 of The Aether

“This one is for Ronan, Papa. Her name is Buttercup.”

Ronan.

Since the meeting of Ronan O’Connor and his daughter, the man had become one of Beastie’s favorite people. He’d selflessly protected Sabrina when his cousins sought to murder her and consume her power for their own, causing himself untold pain in the process. Not only had he almost lost his life, but hedidlose his magic for a time. Seeing him for the reluctant hero he was, the Goddess had promoted Ronan from renegade warlock to Guardian status, restoring what he lost and then some.

“I think you should ask Ronan before assuming.”

“He needs her,” Sabrina stubbornly insisted.

“I’ll take your word for it, and that’s something you’ll need to work through with Ronan when the time comes. For now, point out the two you’ve chosen for Nate and yourself, and let’s get back home.”

Leaving Vivian and Nate for longer than necessary was causing him anxiety. Who the hell knew what dangers lurked in the shadows these days? It seemed he was in for more trials in the coming months.

It was time to secure his position with the Authority.

CHAPTER13

Yes, I’m continuing my time-honored Thorne Witches tradition in this spinoff series. So, this chapter has been omitted. Time for a bathroom break. Also, you may want to hydrate and stock up on munchies. This story is about to get REAL!

CHAPTER14

Full of bitterness for having no choice but to accept the Authority’s offer, Damian pasted on an aloof expression. He stood center stage in front of the U-shaped table where the thirteen council members watched him with varying degrees of curiosity from their raised platform.

He’d tried his damndest to get them to see reason over the last week, even going so far as to request an audience with the Fates, but they’d refused.

No one but him seemed to care that Morcant might still be alive or that Damian’s children were his intended target at some later date. All they wanted was to have the Aether under their thumb.

He resented them all for forcing his hand, but he needed his full abilities without restrictions.

“Are you prepared to stand by your word and do your duty, Aether?”

Damian met the gaze of the smug-faced leader. “I am.”

“You’ll be contracted for life,” another council member warned.

If he didn’t know better, he’d almost believe the stately woman held compassion for his plight. But those belonging to the Authority were ruthless and controlling, without an ounce of empathy for others.

“I’m well aware of the conditions, Ms. Otherman,” he replied coolly.

What he didn’t say was that he intended to end his employment at his earliest opportunity. He’d grant them twenty years, and when his children were old enough to survive without him, he’d find a loophole. The Goddess Isis would assist him, he had no doubt. She’d been against the Authority’s blackmailing scheme from the start. But if he couldn’t trick his way out of his contract, he’d accept the penalty of death that went with breaking trust with the Authority.

“And you’ll lead a team of Sentinels on missions of our choosing,” the lead council added.

“You act as if I’ve forgotten the terms, Butthanger,” Damian said, tone as dry as dirt.

“It’sButtagier,” the man snapped.

“My bad.”

Someone along the sweeping panel snickered, earning a dark look from Buttagier.

A buzzer sounded, and a glass panel on the floor in front of Damian slid to the side. From beneath the ground level, a desk-sized altar rose, and the stone it rested on locked in place of the previous panel.

“Step forward,” Buttagier ordered.

Teeth gritted, Damian moved to take position behind the ceremonial table.

A female dressed in the long black robes of the Authority rose from her seat and crossed to him.

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