Page 89 of Enchanted Kisses
“I know you think Dagan is capable of reform, but I think he’s up to something. He’s not like Caiden.”
I told Raysa about the TV image of the girl and her mother, and what Dagan wanted to offer her. How he wanted to use my healing abilities to resurrect the girl in exchange for her mother’s soul.
“Oh my…” Raysa stood, her hand lifted to her throat. “That would have severe repercussions.”
“Like what?”
“It’s not our job to rebirth life and return souls to their bodies. Once the person is gone, they’re gone. Altering that—there are restrictions for a reason.” She paced the room, her features pinched. “The Realm of Death only collects dark souls. If he trades one of those for one that is Heaven-bound, it will seriously disrupt the balance. The soul he replaces will return wrong. For a short time, the person will be normal, but eventually, their intended fate will play out. That individual will die in the exact way as before, and the Realm of Death would get two souls instead of one. The ramifications would be catastrophic. Everything is connected.”
I’d read that in my book, and I couldn’t believe I had brought it to pass. This was my fault and I had to fix it. “Then we have to eliminate the problem. You have to get rid of me.”
She froze. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m the key to his plan. The healing element that will allow him to trade souls. And I vowed myself to him. Even if you could hide me for a while, maybe years, he’d find me. I know he would. And even if I refused to help him, there is always my blood. I can’t stop him from taking it.” I paused with a dreadful thought. “What if he uses my dad to lure me out? What if he hurts him?”
Even more, I was convinced I had to go. In my book, there had been a poem about the gods being able to summon a soul to their realm. I wondered if it could be done to me. First, I’d have to find a way to communicate with my mother.
“I’m not talking about killing myself,” I explained. “But I would have to die.” My thoughts raced. “My mom’s realm would accept me. Right? I’m part goddess. They wouldn’t turn me away.”
Raysa touched my arms.
A calming warmth radiated to my toes.
“Caiden and I can handle this. You have to give us a chance to prove that. If we fail, your plan to be with your mother is good but extreme, and not necessary at the moment. We can keep your father safe. Wewillkeep him safe.”
I shook my head, not sure I believed they could.
“There is something else we can do. If all else fails.” Her tone turned somber. “It would assure you and your father’s safety without forfeiting your earthly existence. Virgil mentioned it, though at the time, I didn’t understand.”
Was there hope?
“It would involve erasing you and your father’s memories of this life. Your abilities would go dormant. We’d relocate you, implant memories of a new life, and wipe this one from your mind completely. It’d be as if none of this ever existed, and you wouldn’t remember us, nor could we communicate with you ever again. It wouldn’t be safe.”
“What about my mother? Would my dad still see her, or would that finally end?”
“It might. You’d look different. I can’t say that it would keep her from seeking you out, or your father from breaking through. His connection to her is extraordinary.”
That made me wonder if Caiden and I shared a similar bond. And if so, would it put us all back in danger?
I looked Raysa directly in the eyes. “I want you to do that for my dad now. I want him to be free of this, of me. He’s suffered enough, and I only add to it. Without me, he might have a chance at happiness.” It was the least I could do for all he’d given up for me. “Dagan was going to do it. If you beat him to it, you could hide my dad, and I would feel better about staying.”
Raysa didn’t speak at first, but I could tell she was thinking about my request. Finally, she nodded. “Itwouldmake things easier for Caiden and me, as well as guarantee your father’s safety. But are you certain? You could never see him again.”
“Then take me to him now and let me say good-bye.”Before this newfound boldness dissipates and I change my mind.
“We’ll have to go quickly. I don’t want Dagan catching our trail. In and out.” She stepped close to me. “You’re certain you want to do this?”
I lifted my chin, even though my eyes stung with unshed tears. “Yes.”
She took my hands. “Sure you don’t want to think about it awhile longer?”
“It’s the right thing to do. I’ve brought him nothing but heartache.”
24
Death And A Vendetta
Amoment later, we were in California, in the bedroom part of my dad’s hotel suite. Only one light was on near the bed. Outside the windows, the LA skyline illuminated the view.
