Page 80 of Choosing Jenny
Discord’s voice broke through, thick with emotion. “Gods, I wish I could speak to Aphonic like you are.”
Aphonic’s eyes glistened with tears. “Can you tell Discord something for me?”
“Of course.”
“Please tell her I loved her like she was my own, and it was a privilege to watch her grow up into the lovely cunning woman she is today.”
My throat closed up. I managed to relay the message, while I tried not to cry.
Discord swallowed hard and to my surprise, she appeared to be fighting tears as well. I would have thought she didn’t have tear ducts at all.
After a moment, Discord sniffed and straightened her spine. “Tell her I love her, and she will always be my mother, no matter what comes of this.”
Aphonic began to sob softly.
I placed a hand on Discord’s arm. “You just told her. Aphonic can hear and see everything happening in here.”
“Then hear this, Aphonic,” Discord whispered fiercely. “Wearegetting you out of this curse.”
Surge stepped closer. “Are you ready to begin?” he asked me.
I nodded. “What do I need to do?”
“Come here.”
He looked nervous, which didn’t exactly comfort me. Still, I joined him on the far side of the bed. He placed a hand over my heart and held the Vulaven Egg in the other.
“This is different than when I put Omeninthe egg,” Surge said. “I need your conduit powers and the magic of the egg to be able to embody Aphonic, and when that happens…well, you don’t need the details to help. What I need you to do now is to concentrate on Aphonic’s ghost, keep her centered in your mind. That way, I can find the tether between her and her body.”
I swallowed hard. “I can do that.”
“Then let’s begin.” Surge closed his eyes, and the egg began to glow softly in his hand.
Beads of red formed on his brow.
Discord gasped. “What is that?”
“Blood. Pay it no mind. Here we go.”
CHAPTER 26
Malice
There was but one way to deal with our situation. Send yet another message.
Pacing the hall near my front door, I had lost my ability to maintain my usually cool demeanor. With everything happening, I had not been able to meet with Pierce and I messaged him regarding the delay, conveying my apologies.
His reply was succinct.
When?
Soon, I swear it,I responded.Provided I do not end up dead tonight.
Serious?
Quite.
The palace tonight, right?
