Page 58 of The Illuminated
Katherine stood in a dimly lit bedroom, looking into a mirror as she rocked a child with black locks of hair against her chest. The boy whimpered.
“There, there,” she said, flinching at the sound of a door slamming. “Shhh.”
“Why isn’t he in bed?” Gregory bellowed, appearing in the mirror behind her like a specter.
“He had a bad dream,” she murmured, bowing her head. I could sense her fear and hyperarousal as if it were my own, watching her partner’s every movement with extreme caution.
“You’re coddling him. He needs to be stronger if he is to survive in this world—if he is to replace me one day as leader of the realm.”
Katherine nodded. “Maybe you’re right. I’m sorry.”
Gregory watched her closely as she stepped passed him, and my heart jumped in my chest when he grabbed her arm roughly.
“We’re going to work through this,” he said. “It’s just the stress from the war. Soon it will all be over, and we will be the most powerful family in the entire realm.”
Katherine smiled, her lip twitching slightly. “Of course. You’re just working so hard. I worry about you.”
“Mom?”
Katherine slumped down against the wall of a different bedroom—much grander, like that of the castle—her dark hair in disarray as she shook and sobbed silently. At the sight of Lucius, she straightened, still sitting, and quickly wiped her tears away.
“I saw,” he said quietly. “You said he stopped.”
“He did. For a while,” she said weakly. “I’m sorry.”
Lucius stepped into the light of the lamp on the dresser. He was older now.Sixteen.He sat down in front of her and grabbed her hand.
“The others know, and they do nothing,” he said angrily. “He’s going to kill you.”
“No, no, Lucius. Of course he won’t.”
“Yes, he will. Especially if he succeeds. But I won’t let him. I know that he’s going to betray the others and seize the power for himself. He told me so. He thinks I’m just like him, but I’m not. I have a plan to save you,” he said, and even though he was a child, he spoke with the confidence and determination as a wizened elder.
Katherine put her hands on his shoulders. “No, Lucius. You mustn’t interfere. It will only put you in harm’s way. Just do as he asks. I can’t lose you.” She peered into his eyes, and his bottom lip quivered slightly. “Promise me.”
But Lucius stood, his features hardening. “There’s no one else coming to save us. To saveyou.I have to do it myself.”
I stood now in a clearing in an autumnal forest, a ring of tall flames encircling the space with protection and the concentration of magickal intent. An altar made from a slab of dark stone stood in the center.
“Gregory, please.” Katherine’s voice was strong even as it shook. “Tell us what we’re doing here. What is all of this?”
Gregory’s dark eyes were wild as he bustled about in a deranged mania. Angelina hovered close by, dressed in a long black dress that hung off her shoulders. It was the same dress she wore when Lucius resurrected her over a decade later. Her eyes were pure white as she chanted and channeled from beyond herself.
“Father,” Lucius said. “You’re unwell. You—”
Gregory shook his son’s shoulders, and Lucius tensed and glared. “No, son. I am on the cusp of a whole new world order. On the brink of becoming the supreme leader. Of not only this realm, but all realms. A god among mortals, with you by my side. The others—they weren’t strong enough to assume this power.”
“He’s right,” Angelina said. “This power is here for the taking. It was proof of their own weakness to not seize it, and their foolishness for entrusting anyone at all with the power to change the world. Words are meaningless, but actions are forever.”
“How does it work?” Lucius faced them bravely as his mother cowered in the shadows, but I could sense his fear that hid underneath. “Tell me.”
“Lucius, you have to understand—once this ritual is completed, anything is possible—but it requires sacrifice.” Gregory smiled, but his eyes were already swimming in blinding darkness.
“The war has created a magnificent well of power, untapped and ripe. It needs somewhere to go—a vessel—and that vessel is your father,” Angelina said. “But first he must kill someone he truly loves, to open the channel unto him.”
Katherine paled, but resignation passed over her features.
Katherine spoke to Lucius telepathically.Let him, Lucius. He is going to kill me anyway, if he comes into this dark power. Please let him. Do not interfere. Let it poison and destroy him like I know it will.
