Page 81 of The Aether

“She’s alive and encased in a protective shell of her making.” A wicked smile curled her lips. “I may have given her an added boost when she conjured the shield.”

Relief profound, he nodded, blinking in rapid succession to dispel the unexpected tears filling his eyes.

“Thank you.” His voice was gravely but packed with gratitude.

“Your daughter is like none I’ve ever seen, Beloved. In her blood is the culmination of all her ancestors’ power before her. Your mother’s and yours, as well. When you die, she’ll be stronger still. Do you understand what I’m saying to you, Damian?”

“Yes and no.”

She held a finger to her lips, then gestured him closer.

Touching his temples, she drove him to his knees. It was as if she’d impaled his brain with a white-hot poker, and he gritted his teeth in soundless agony. One by one, images rolled through his mind as if they were a movie reel. Snippets of conversation wove together. Some of the Authority in heated arguments, others of the Fates debating the merits of stripping the Dethridge line of their power.

None had ever seen a witch will their power into being with a simple wish.

There were those who argued in Sabrina’s favor, Isis among them. But the bottom line was grim. The majority feared a tiny girl who possessed the ability to effortlessly kill them if she chose. Sabrina was in peril because grown men and women were terrified of her. Damian was, too, because those same people feared his retaliation should they harm a single hair on his daughter’s head.

Morcant had indeed died the day Nathanial cut off his head. But he’d been revived by the Authority to destroy a peaceful family.

Little did they know, they’d woken the sleeping beast within Damian. Had they come to him and expressed their concerns, he’d have found a way to lessen Sabrina’s power. Now, he’d channel her gifts to use with his own. Those who opposed him, who had voted to sacrifice his family, would one day pay.

“You understand what you must do?” Isis asked him solemnly.

“I do.”

CHAPTER28

“If any of you have reservations about helping, now is the time to voice them.” Damian checked the clock on the wall behind his mahogany desk. “In ten minutes, I’ll take whoever is willing and retrieve my family from Morcant.”

When he arrived home a quarter of an hour ago, he’d found everyone in attendance: the Death Dealer, the Seer, the Traveler, the Siren, the Healer, both Guardians, and the Wraith. In addition to them, Alastair Thorne, Mackenzie Thorne-Drake, and Creed Caldwell were present. Drawing on all the cumulative power available between them, their group soundproofed and cloaked the room from prying eyes.

“If you’re in, take a ring and wear it at all times. There will be no spoken communication from this moment on.” He spared the time to look each of them in the eye. “If you’re out, no hard feelings, but your memory of this meeting will be wiped for group safety. I’d also encourage you to stay away from the Authority for the foreseeable future.”

One by one, every member of his rag-tag team of Sentinels slipped on the signet ring, expressing no reluctance to do Damian’s bidding.

“Thank you,”he mentally projected.“A few of you will be familiar with how telepathy works. For others, it will seem strange at first. All you need do is think of the person you wish to speak with and play the thought in your mind. Please, one at a time, try it now.”

He conversed with each and had them practice with one another.

“We’re at the seven-minute mark. Split into your teams.”

Mack, Ronan, Creed, and Jordan formed the first team. Fintan, Kass, Trevor, and Draven made up the second. Alastair, Narissa, Castor, and Damian were the final four.

“Each grouping has a Seer and someone with the power of a Guardian or stronger. Ronan, Draven, and Castor can manipulate time. Stay close to them unless I tell you otherwise. They, and only they, have the ability to reverse time to save your ass, should the need arise.”Pointing at those able to predict the future, he said,“Mack, Fintan, and I are to be consulted before any move is made. There will be no reckless stunts. My daughter’s life is at stake, and I’ll decimate the soul of anyone who jeopardizes her welfare. Am I clear?”

As one, they nodded.

“Good.”

“Damian?”Mack’s face was without her standard smile.“What about those left behind?”

He grinned and pointed toward the hall.

Nathanial and Evie, in their corporeal forms, waved.

“They’re on loan from the Goddess.”Crossing to Mackenzie, he gently squeezed her black-clad shoulder. Inspired by Kass’s ninja-like outfit, Mack had created something similar.“They’re here to protect our babies, Mack. Nothing will happen to Delaney or Nate. I have guarantees.”

The room was brighter when her sunny smile flashed.“Then let’s go kick some bad-guy ass!”

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