Shadows of Fate (Shadow Born) Read online

  “An attack on the Underground is a declaration of war on all deviants, not just the IRT. Our attack on the compound doesn’t seem to have fazed them.” Brenna considered. “We need to shut down these portals now. We don’t have time to wait until we’ve investigated each site.”

  “There is a better way,” said Seraph. “If we repair the Veil, those portals will stop functioning.”

  “What do you mean?” Brenna asked.

  “The Veil is a living organism, taking up an entire dimension. The tears are a symptom of a larger problem. We know Orien made it sick from the inside, using the Brotherhood to do it. It’s the only way he could have poked so many holes in it. And I’m afraid Brenna knows something of the hows and whys.”

  Brenna blanched. “You can’t mean… not my father’s…”

  Seraph nodded. “Orien would have been privy to the spellwork involved.”

  “How did you even know about it?” Seraph didn’t answer her. “So we need to heal the Veil?” Brenna shook her head. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

  “There is a place a few miles from here where I suspect the Veil is the most fragile. If we go there and try to heal it, the Veil may recover enough strength to heal the other tears, closing the portals.”

  Gray crossed his arms. “What about the Guardians? They might object if they think we’re interfering.”

  “I suspect they might welcome our help. If you treat them with the appropriate respect,” Seraph warned.

  “What makes you think we are strong enough to heal the Veil, when the Guardians can’t?”

  Brenna started at the sound of Mira’s voice. She had forgotten the vampire was there.

  “You aren’t,” Seraph said, shaking his head. “But Brenna and Gray are. I always knew this was a possibility. It’s why I kept Brenna and Gray together. Brenna’s ability to heal others is the strongest I’ve seen, and Gray has more raw power. Together they might be able to treat it.”

  Brenna glanced at Gray. “We would have to fuse our magic together.”

  They would have to reach a level of vulnerability with one another that took years of training. Aside from the mating bond, sharing power was the most intimate act a Shadow Bearer could perform. It wouldn’t bind them for eternity, but it would connect them for the short term. And in their current state, the release of that much power could drain or kill them both.

  “There is no other choice.” Gray smiled, cocksure of himself. “There are worse ways to die.”

  Brenna wanted to smack him. “This isn’t swapping blood, Gray. Fusing power is like putting your soul on display. You know what that means. No more secrets.

  Gray came to Brenna, his face expressionless. Cupping her chin, he lifted her face. “We are already linked, Brenna. You’ve known that from the day we met. It would only strengthen a bond that already exists. And the time for secrets is drawing to an end.”

  He was right. The moment she walked into her office and found him at her desk, she had felt it. Sometimes, like when he had gone missing, it was so strong it was smothering. She had been so sure Dunham had been her true mate, but what she felt for Gray was just as strong, if not stronger, as what she had felt for her late husband. How was that even possible?

  He was right. There were worse ways to die than binding yourself to someone else to save the world. She needed to put her petty fears aside. Gray had proven he was honorable. She needed to trust him, but it would require an enormous leap of faith.

  “When do we leave?” She stepped away from Gray’s embrace, suddenly finding it difficult to look him in the eye.

  Seraph studied the pair. “Go get some sleep. You both look like hell. We’ll leave at dark.” He motioned for Mira and Hilda to follow him, disappearing down the hall.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Gray woke, savoring the feel of Brenna’s warm skin against him. Pushing onto one arm, he peered down at her still face and brushed a stray hair from her cheek. He would convince her to forgive him. He wouldn’t live without her. They belonged together.

  Brenna’s eyes were closed, mouth slightly open in sleep. He wanted to caress her, pull her closer, but he couldn’t. Not until they saved the world.

  He pulled his aching body from the bed. Sleep had done wonders for his injuries, but it would take time to heal completely.

  Dressing in the moonlight, he began to fully wake. He studied Brenna as she shifted in her sleep. The dark sheets illuminated her pale skin. Sweat beaded on her brow. He prayed it was just the warm room. They would be in a lot of trouble if one of them got sick. He pressed his palm to her forehead. It was hot beneath his touch.

  “Wake up,” he said, his hand still on her brow. When her unfocused gaze met his, he watched the memories of the day play across her face.

  “Is it time?” Her voice was raspy with sleep.

  “Past.” He handed her a black hoody from the dresser beside him. “We need to get moving.”

  Slipping out of the bed, she pulled the sweatshirt over her head and grabbed the jeans she had left lying on the floor. Placing a foot on top of the dresser, she hiked up the leg of her pants, strapping an athame to her calf. Her hair fell in a thick curtain around her shoulders. She pulled it into a messy bun.

  Even half asleep and tousled, she was beautiful. Gray’s body tightened in response. The urge to touch her was overwhelming, but that would be a mistake. As she slept, he had used his magic to slip into her mind. The belief she had failed Dunham ate at her. He had tasted the guilt she carried. Regardless of his need, he wouldn’t toy with her emotions anymore. He refused to cause her more pain.

  He looked away. “We should go. Gray pulled one of his blades from his pack and slipped it into the strap on his forearm.

  They found Seraph in the living room sprawled across the pink floral couch. His legs swung over the edge, close to the roaring fire.

  “Are you ready?” Seraph jumped to his feet. He glanced at them before moving to a stack of duffel bags. Grabbing one of the bags, he threw it to Gray. “You need to wear layers. We are going to be traveling a long distance into higher altitude.”

  “Yes, Mom.” Gray dumped the contents onto the floor, He threw a sweater jacket, ski pants and a downy overcoat toward Brenna, then pulled the same over his clothes.

  “According to the map, there are a set of tunnels several yards from the cabin that will take us to the mountain, one of the few that survived the Fall. You’ll be tempted to use your power to make yourself more comfortable up there. Don’t. You’ll need it all to close the Veil.

  “The others are asleep. We should leave before they wake, so they aren’t tempted to follow us. The Guardians will tolerate the three of us because of what we are, but they may simply choose to kill anyone else.”

  Brenna nodded. She looked to Gray, then Seraph. “Let’s go then. Time’s a-wasting.”

  The tunnels had been melted into the snow, the ice probably kept intact with a minor enchantment. The narrow passageways forced them into a single file. It often took three steps to move one step forward. Gray let out a breath of frustration as he slid backwards yet again. Seraph set a breaking pace, never seeming to slip. It was impossible to keep up. By the time they reached the top, Gray’s heart was pounding and he struggled for breath. The combination of the cold and the altitude had left him spent.

  Suffering similarly, Brenna lay atop a snow drift. Her face was flushed, her breathing raspy. Gray stumbled to her side.

  “You okay?” He pressed the back of his hand to her clammy forehead.

  “Always.” She swatted his hand away and stood. “What is this place?”

  It was as if they had reached the Earth’s precipice. Traces of white clouds could be seen on all sides and the air was so thin it was difficult to breathe. Gray could see for miles. The Earth looked like a mere toy for giants to play with.

  They pushed their way over the ice covered ground to the shard of violet light that had broken through the higher cloud cover. Power from the
Veil spilled out as they drew close.

  A humanoid creature stepped into the clearing. Nearly seven feet tall, its purple skin was camouflaged in the violet light. It was not of this Earth, or any other.

  A Guardian.

  Gray had never seen one, but he had been taught from a young age to fear them. As the creature stopped before them, Gray could see the golden ceremonial marks in its flesh. They held the line between the planes of reality, only appearing where the Veil was weak. They were part of it, existing everywhere and nowhere. Their ability to shift through the dimensions at will allowed them to police the portals and protect it. They were more than immortal. They were unstoppable.

  Seraph fell to his knees. Gray and Brenna quickly followed. A Guardian could kill them with a thought and they were known for their short tempers.

  “We are glad you’ve come.” Its voice sang like the rush of a tide. “The Veil is sick. Infected with a disease we do not recognize and cannot fight. It wears away at the Veil and weakens us.” It turned and motioned to the light. “It came upon us like a thief in the night. Once we noticed it, it was too late. It stinks of Shadow Bearer make. Your fault. Your magic. But we know you wish to heal, not harm.”

  “May we enter?” Seraph asked, head still bowed in submission.

  The creature nodded and disappeared into the mist.

  Seraph rose, motioning them to follow. “Come on. Do not interact with a Guardian unless it takes an interest in you. And pray it doesn’t take an interest in you.”

  Gray stepped into the thick mist. The light rose in intensity until it was blinding. He shielded his eyes and searched for the gate. A golden disk the size of a small pond hovered above them. Violet light streamed through its empty center.

  From his backpack Gray pulled the five amethysts Seraph said they would need to set the circle and complete the ritual. There was more to this than a regular power-binding, and Gray had to trust Seraph’s instructions. Unsheathing his katana, he sliced open his arm. When his blood fell on the crystals, they flashed with power. Kneeling, he reached out to place the first crystal.

  Brenna moved next to him. Crouching down, a fresh wound on her palm, she allowed her blood to fall over the stones and mix with his. She took his hand as she closed her eyes. A surge of power lifted the stones and set the circle.

  Gray rode the power. His spirit left his body to join Brenna on the eternal plane between the realms. The Veil pulsated around them. It would occasionally shudder, sending out waves of energy.

  “This deviltry is my family’s fault. My father’s. It was meant to be a way to open the Veil and conquer new worlds.” Her spirit placed its hands into the center of the disk. “In his youth, he wasn’t strong enough to open the portals on his own, and he knew the Council wouldn’t help him.” She glanced back at him. “Put your hands inside. Add your power to mine.”

  Gray’s spirit rose and did as she asked. “Why would he want to conquer a new world when he’s already fighting a civil war?”

  “He saw two options. Kill all the Vires, or move his people to another plane. Peace has never played into the equation.” She pushed aside the layers of the Veil to reveal a thin membrane full of dark spots, like a cancer in healthy tissue. “It’s so weak. I’m surprised it hasn’t shattered.”

  Gray sucked in his breath as she pulled on his magic.

  “The species on the other planes were weaker. Easier to conquer.” She smoothed her hand across the membrane. It flared beneath her touch. “He’s insane. I gave up trying to understand him years ago.” She took a deep breath. “I need to concentrate. Follow my lead. Do what I do.”

  It was a laborious task. They had barely begun when Gray’s power failed and he started to slip back into his physical body. He fought to remain with Brenna on the astral plane, but it was a battle he couldn’t win.

  Then he felt something new breach their circle. One of the Guardians moved between them and placed a hand on each of their bodies. Power streamed through Gray and allowed him to rejoin Brenna. Together, imbued with alien energy, they were able to heal the Veil, the black spots closing, and the purple membrane thickening around them, before at last Gray passed out.

  He awoke to find himself returned to his physical body. The Guardian released them and stepped away. Bemused, Gray met its eyes briefly then quickly looked down, remembering Seraph’s warning.

  “We owe you a debt,” the Guardian said. “And we do not forget.” It stepped outside the circle and disappeared into the mist.

  Gray felt like he had been trampled by a herd of elephants. He felt Brenna beside him. She was out cold, her heartbeat faint and her breathing shallow. He placed a hand on her chest. He wrapped his energy around her heart and revived it to a normal cadence. Brenna sat up with a gasp.

  “Am I dead?”

  “Not yet.” He stood and offered her a hand. Her skin was cold and clammy. The magic had drained them both. Arms wrapped around each other for strength, they stumbled across the icy ground back to where Seraph stood by the ice tunnel. Gray forced Brenna to keep moving. If they stopped, they might never start again. Adrenaline was the only thing keeping them upright.

  Brenna was still conscious, but he could feel her strength declining. Her breathing had deteriorated to a quick rasp. Lifting her wrist to his mouth, he bit down so he could taste her blood to see how deep the damage went.

  The magic they had used had sent her body into shock. It would take too long for her to heal herself without an infusion of fresh blood and power. She wouldn’t make it back to the cabin. Not like this.

  He laid her down in the knee-deep snow inside the entrance to the tunnels. What he needed to do would weaken him considerably, but without it, Brenna would die.

  “Do not interfere,” he said to Seraph. “When I am done, get us back to the cabin as quickly as possible. Our blood will need to warm, so hot water and heated blankets, whatever you can find. It may take several hours before either of us awakens.”

  Seraph nodded as he stepped back. “I’ll stand guard.”

  Gray freed the knife strapped to his forearm. To heal her, he would have to drop his glamour. He was too weak to maintain it and give her the amount of blood required. And, though she was in a weakened state, she would have residual memories of the exchange. She might learn the truth.

  Shutting his eyes, He released his glamour, leaving him in his true form. Slashing the blade across his wrist, he pressed the wound to Brenna’s lips and willed her to drink. As she did, he lay beside her on the snow, holding her body to his until the world went black.

  Brenna woke to a world stained in red. Flat on her back, she couldn’t move. It was as if someone had swaddled her in a wool blanket and placed her in a sauna, or perhaps like a baked potato in an oven. The heat was suffocating, but she couldn’t escape it. She pushed upright, crying in pain.

  Why couldn’t she see?

  Her arms were bound at her side. She pushed from side to side, but couldn’t free them. Panic threatened. Seraph’s voice penetrated her anxiety. Caressing her forehead, he urged her to be still. Fear replaced the panic. The last thing she remembered was sealing the Veil alongside Gray.

  Seraph began to unravel her restraints. As the pressure lessened, she was able to focus. She had been cocooned in a bundle of thick wool blankets. When her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she stretched her arms beneath her and tried to push herself up. She failed. The best she could do was roll to one side.

  There was another body pressed next to her, also wrapped in wool. She knew it was Gray. She tried once again to rise, but Seraph stopped her.

  “If you wake him too soon he won’t heal.” The bed sank gently as Seraph sat by her side. “How do you feel?”

  Closing her eyes, she tried to focus. “Nauseous. My blood is buzzing in my ears.” She blinked a couple times. “What happened? The last thing I remember is the Guardian lending its power.”

  “You used too much. That added to your bad habit of not taking care of yourself p
roperly—”

  “—Sent my body into a tailspin.” She groaned. It was a miracle she was still alive.

  “Gray gave me his blood.” At first she felt guilty, but, because the emotion was too intense, she smothered it with anger. “He left us vulnerable. We could have been killed.”

  “I was there.” Seraph stood. “He saved you, almost at the cost of his own life.” He gripped her shoulders, pulling her up. “A little gratitude would be appropriate.”

  Her anger was irrational, but she wasn’t ready to cop to it yet. “Will he be all right?” Gray had not moved and there were no visible signs of breathing. “How much blood did he give me?”

  “More than he should have.” Seraph placed his hand above the thick wraps covering Gray’s face. “It will take days to regain his strength.”

  “Days we don’t have.” Brenna shifted in the bed, the bottoms of her bare feet hitting the cold wooden floor. A wash of pain took her breath. Standing would be impossible without assistance.

  She grabbed at Seraph as she forced her shaky body to stand. She needed to tap into the wellspring of her power to get some strength back.

  The result was not what she expected. Her power sang differently through her blood. She tried to understand what was different but she was too weak.

  “Okay, that’s enough. Baby steps. Get some more rest first.”

  Seraph gently pushed her back down on the bed. Exhaustion made her forget about the changes in her body and close her eyes as he covered her with the thick wool blanket.

  When she next woke, Gray was no longer at her side. She slung her legs over the bed, stronger, ignoring the fresh pain in her temples. Stumbling from the bedroom, she said a quick prayer with each precarious step. Seraph sat in a chair outside the door, waiting for her.

  “Ah, you’re awake. Looking for something?” His voice was filled with wry amusement.

  She grabbed his shoulder for balance. “Where’s Gray?” The world floated around her as she fought to concentrate.