Page 9

Lanie/Lamia

D id I hear him right? They were preparing to take on the Hunters? Mac offered a small smile.

“I’ve shocked you. However, that’s why we’re all gathered here. So, the children can be raised without fear of being slaughtered. Women will have families and be safe, and men aren’t frightened of coming home to a massacred family. Five hundred years have passed since Refuge was created. Our numbers have grown from the ragged four hundred that started it to the city you see today,” Mac said.

“We understand what the Hunters don’t. If you’re killed, the Sins run rampant without a host. They would destroy the world in a matter of a few paltry years. Somehow, the Hunters are blinded to this possibility. Why or how is not our issue. What is, is stopping them. Some might call you monsters, but we do not. Those who live here understand all too well what will happen,” Mac continued.

“We have been tracking them for years. Our intelligence knows where their bases, homes, and families are. While we don’t condone the massacre of a family, we’re aware that, with Hunters, we need to wipe them out, even down to the children. So many times, we’ve raided a nest over our lifespans and left kids alive, and they always, always come back at us with more hatred,” Chimera stated.

“Not this time. They will be put down, just like they did to the Saviours,” Mac explained.

“You’re talking about killing women and children,” Lanie replied, shaking her head.

“Let me show you the Hall of Memory,” Mac said, and Lanie got to her feet as he stood.

Her siblings remained where they were.

“I can imagine how hard this is for you to understand. However, when you see the Hall, you shall realise that we didn’t reach this decision lightly,” Hydra added.

“Keep an open mind, sister,” Tisiphone added.

Lanie nodded, and Mac grabbed her hand and led her through several streets. At the heart of the city stood what Lanie had assumed was a temple. In Ancient Greece, it would have rivalled the temple of Zeus. Mac stopped at the golden doors of the white marble building and removed his boots.

“Please remove your shoes. We have slippers in there we can use,” he said.

Lanie slipped her shoes off and entered behind him.

The first room was an ante chamber, and Mac handed her some slippers. He washed his hands and face in a bowl of water and bade Lanie to do the same. Then he pushed through a second set of gold and wooden doors and led Lanie inside.

Lanie gasped as her eyes took in the multitude of statues standing on plinths around them. There were too many to view at once, and Mac took her hand.

He guided her to the first. “Ogre, he was the first to fall.”

Lanie looked at the date with tears in her eyes. Ogre had been caught four months after their transformations and had been tortured for a year while Hunters figured out how to kill him. He’d been the first of them captured and murdered. The statue’s likeness was unbelievable; she could blink and believe he was there in front of her. It was so realistic. On his plinth was a plaque.

It read his God’s Protector name, Tor’und Melina, and the age he was when changed. The plaque continued with the Sin he’d held, the monster he had become, and the date of his death. It also stated who had killed him.

“Note this killer is in gold writing,” Mac said, and Lanie nodded. “Press that button.”

Lanie did and gasped as the statue shifted, and Tor’und Melina stared out at her. His handsome visage was etched into her mind like all her siblings, but seeing this… it choked her.

“Every child from the moment we can walk is brought here to learn their names and stories,” Mac explained. He pressed another button and Tor’und faded, and Ogre reappeared. He began speaking, telling of his capture and murder.

“Children shouldn’t be exposed to this,” Lanie stated.

“Saviour kids should. They should understand the sacrifices made by God’s Beloved. That is what your squadron was known as. They should learn about Pandora’s betrayal and what led to this. Come, Lanie, let’s check the others,” Mac said.

Lanie wasn’t sure she was ready for this as her gaze landed on the next plinth, Behemoth. He was followed by Troll, Frost Giant, Moth Man, and Typhoon; they were all here. Then Lanie noted the difference in the name of the killer. Some were in silver, others in gold.

“What does it mean?” Lanie asked.

“Those in silver, touch their name,” Mac encouraged.

Lanie did so with distaste and gasped. They were Hunter children who’d been left alive after the adults had been murdered.

“There’s so many,” she murmured.

“Over half of those killed were done so by offspring that Legends left alive. The temple has several levels. I shall take you to a Saviour one,” Mac said.

Lanie followed him down a couple of flights of stairs and into a corridor. They entered the first door and discovered a marble and gold room. “There are many like this, each room dedicated to a family. Come, Lanie. I’ll explain,” Mac ordered, walking to the far wall. “This was the person who began the first Saviour family. And these are his children and descendants. If their name is in blue, they died a natural death. If their name is in gold, they helped a Legend. Red means Hunters murdered them.”

Lanie looked around and hissed. Too many names were lit up in red. Loads were in gold with a red edging. Lanie touched one. An image appeared of a person and a Legend. A voice told how the person had aided a Legend and then had been killed for doing so. Lanie shook her head in disbelief. Lots of deaths.

The family tree covered the far wall and then branched out onto the adjacent walls, where it abruptly stopped. All names were in red.

“There’s nobody left?” Lanie whispered. Hundreds of names were written on the walls, and over half were in red or gold and red.

“No. And there are too many rooms like this,” Mac said, bitterness in his voice. He waved Lanie out and showed her the next five rooms. Each family ended as abruptly. At the seventh room, he stopped and hesitated but opened the door.

Lanie studied the names, and her eyes widened as she gaped at him. “This is yours and Ranson’s family tree!”

“Yes. We are the only two left out of hundreds. This is our maternal line. You can see highlighted where they joined with our fathers. This is repeated in my paternal line room.”

“I am so sorry,” Lanie gasped, staring at the red names. There was far more red here than any other colour.

“My family was a militant line. We seem to risk our neck more,” Mac said. “That’s why Tisi values Ranson and I so much. Our family did not just help Legends, we helped Saviours. We are leaders. The Hunters would love to get their dirty, murdering hands on us.”

“None of my family knows about any of this,” Lanie replied.

“I didn’t expect you to. There are still Saviour families out there we’re hunting down. Emmaline and Willow were two of them. But the majority are now here. Those outside Refuge are single families, orphans, or families who’ve lost their past. We seek them out and, inform them of their history, and give them a choice. If they choose to join us, they are welcome. If they refuse, we secure them a new life so Hunters don’t kill them,” Mac explained further.

“I have no words. This is so much to take in,” Lanie said.

“I shall leave you if you wish. You can wander the Hall of Memories and recall your fallen brothers and sisters. Know this, though: there is a statue for every single one of you, even those who are alive. At Refuge, we know how many remain living,” Mac stated.

“You do?” Lanie gasped, spinning on him.

“Yes. You have Lilith, we have Tisiphone. The Erinyes were as powerful as Lilith. And when Alecto and Megaera died, their magic went into Tisiphone. I would wager she is the most powerful being on this planet,” Mac elaborated.

“Please stay, I don’t wish to be alone,” Lanie asked.

“As you wish,” Mac said and allowed Lanie to lead him where she wanted. She headed back upstairs and took her time studying each and every statue on this level. There was seventy-five. The next two levels also held Legends, and then they descended into the Saviour rooms.

McIntyre.

To his surprise, Lanie lingered as long in the Saviour rooms as she did in the three Legend Halls. Lanie genuinely wanted to pay her respects to each family and would take a candle from a box outside each room and light it in remembrance.

Lanie knelt in every room and repeated The Lord’s Prayer for the families, too. Hours ticked past, but Lanie refused to stop until she’d visited them all.

“We owe them so much. We should be bowing at Emmaline and Willow’s feet,” she muttered.

“Vampire and Poseidon’s soul mates. Yeah, we’re aware of them. That took us all by surprise,” Mac said. His eyes twinkled. “As did the children!”

“You know?”

“Yes. Lanie, we watched over you, of course, we knew. Each of you has been protected by a family for many years now. Once we organised and began to grow, we started sending people out to keep an eye on those left. At one point, we were about to bring you all in, but then Lilith, Baba Yaga, and Pandora pulled off that miraculous spell,” Mac explained. “Tisiphone decided to leave you alone.”

“If she’d reached out, we probably would have accepted her help!” Lanie said.

“A tip. Don’t piss her off. Tisi’s temper is legendary and for all the wrong reasons,” Mac replied with a smirk.

“Why do I think you’ve been on the end of that?” Lanie laughed as they headed towards the top floor.

“Several times. Tisi took Ranson and I under her wing, metaphorically speaking. And we were healthy, mischievous boys. Ranson’s father passed in an accident shortly after my dad died, so Tisi took it upon herself to bring us up. We didn’t make it easy on her,” Mac admitted, and Lanie chuckled.

“I can imagine. Although let me tell you. Tisiphone caused her own share of mischief.”

Mac laughed in response to her reply. He liked the fact Lanie was opening up and dropping her shield. He’d guessed she was in awe of his home, and that was understandable. Nobody expected to be dropped in the centre of an Ancient Greek city. Then again, he had not been ready to find himself in Dracula’s castle either.

They’d not known how the Legends from Dracula’s castle had been moving about. Now they understood it was Bloody Mary, or Mary Worth’s, whichever name she preferred, mirror network.

“I need to tell the others about this,” Lanie said.

“Yeah, you do. But know this. Refuge won’t be risked. The army is ready, and we’ll continue to train daily. If your people don’t approve of our plans, we couldn’t care less. We’re still going to go after the Hunters,” Mac stated.

“I can see that,” Lanie responded.

“Good. We need to get you back. Lanie, remember, time moves differently here.”

Mac flinched as Lanie screeched. “What!”

“Lanie, let’s get you fed, I’ll explain and then send you home,” Mac replied with a laugh.

“They’ll be frantic,” Lanie cried.

“Tisi would have sent them a message after we ate. Come. I’ll take you for dinner,” Mac said.

“Will I see you again?” Lanie demanded.

“I’m your personal guard,” Mac said, closing on her and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re stuck with me.” His whisper made her shiver, and she gazed up at him wide-eyed.

“Somehow, I’m perversely happy about that,” Lanie muttered, and Mac smiled. Lanie’s returning smile warmed him deep inside.

Lanie/Lamia

Mac led Lanie to the Food Hall, where they sat and ate.

Lanie’s mind was whirling. None of the Legends back at the castle had any idea about this. It was astounding and beyond belief. Somehow, Lanie didn’t think they were in the same dimension as the castle. The Erinyes had been rumoured to be able to plane jump, and Lanie guessed this was a pocket dimension within their world. But she couldn’t be sure.

There was a babble of conversation around them, and many were sending curious looks their way.

Lanie felt self-conscious, and even more so when people came and greeted Mac with deference. She had treated Mac and Ranson like common security guards, yet it was clear they held high rank here. Lanie was amused, and also a little peeved, when several beautiful women spoke to Mac. It was obvious they were interested in the handsome man by her side, but Mac treated them all with a detached friendliness.

“Would we be able to see Ranson before we leave?” Lanie asked.

Mac’s lips twitched.

“Speak of the devil and he’s sure to appear,” Mac replied and nodded in a direction.

Making their way slowly to them was Ranson. He sat in a wheelchair and was being pushed by a nurse. He was pale and tired-looking but was alive.

Mac grinned as Ranson kept getting swarmed by women, all offering to help him out.

“God, Almighty!” Ranson exclaimed as he finally made it to them. “Next time, it can be your ass that gets shot.”

“Not fond of the attention, cousin?” Mac teased.

Ranson scowled, and Lanie laughed. “Miss Cross.”

“I think you should call me Lanie, don’t you?” Lanie asked.

Ranson made a moue with his lips. “Probably. How are you, Ma’am?”

“Shellshocked is a good word to use,” Lanie said.

“I can imagine. And how do you feel about us continuing as bodyguards?” Ranson questioned.

“Selfish. You are obviously leaders in this community, and yet you’re playing security guard to me. I feel you both could be using your time better,” Lanie answered honestly.

Ranson held her gaze. “We know who Alainen is. The question is, do you?”

“What do you mean?” Lanie sought puzzled.

“The Hunters are led by a secret group of leaders. Some think they are families who’ve been in on it from the beginning. But… that is not true. The Hunters have a… let’s say, boss. We don’t know his identity. But under him are those who run the Hunters. The Five, as they are called. Alainen is one of the Five. He is second to one person only. If Alainen says jump off a cliff, they obey instantly,” Ranson explained gently.

“No, that can’t be. Alainen became bitter when he discovered what happened to me,” Lanie denied.

“That is a false narrative you’ve believed for thousands of years. Alainen met that day to kill you. Whatever he said to you was lies.”

“God’s Protectors can’t lie!” Lanie exclaimed.

“Says who?” Griffin challenged, joining them.

“Were you aware that Alainen had been questioned by his commander about his relationship with you, and he’d denied it? Several months later, he was interviewed again and blamed you for seducing him. A case was being built against you by Alainen and his squad commander,” Griffin said gently.

Lanie reared back in her chair. “That can’t be true! Alainen shouldn’t have been able to lie! What do you mean, build a case?”

“They were going to argue you were defective and had seduced him. They planned to argue for termination and for you to be stripped of your God’s Protector powers. Alainen was going to ask for you to be forcefully turned human and banished,” Tisiphone answered.

“No!” Lanie exclaimed, shoving her chair backwards and rising to her feet. “He said he loved me!”

“Alainen was twisted. He lied to everyone. Whoever was behind our great betrayal had got to Alainen a long time beforehand,” Hydra informed her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Pandora did not do what she did by choice. She was forced into it. Whoever it was has something over Pandora that stops her spilling the truth. Pandora is also protecting someone. There is more to the story than Pandora being curious. Who the hell gave her such a powerful spell that we did not even sense her? Pandora didn’t have powers at the time!” Chimera explained.

“This is all too much. Please, I want to go home and think. I need…” Lanie broke off and looked guiltily at them.

“You need those who’ve been with you solidly for the last two centuries. We understand, Lanie. Go with our blessing. When you return to your human life, Mac and Ranson will be waiting. Should you wish to converse with us, call Mac. He can mind speak us,” Tisiphone replied.

“Thank you.”

“Lanie, come. I’ll open a portal for you,” Mac offered, holding out his hand.

Lanie nodded and took it. Then she turned back and hugged those at the table.

“You’re all in my heart,” she murmured and then left before she broke down.

Mac was quiet as he steered her through the city to the platform. Once they arrived, he drew her close and cupped her face.

“This has been a day of shocks for you. Know this. Ranson and I are loyal to you. We will always protect you. When you need me, call. I shall hear,” Mac said and kissed her gently.

Then he opened a portal and ushered Lanie through. The last thing she saw was his crooked smile and him sending a wink.

◆◆◆

Lanie lay in her bed at the castle. Beside her were Sela and Liadun, who were offering silent comfort. She had been gone nearly two weeks during her short visit to Refuge. She’d explained in great detail everything she’d seen and heard, and the castle’s inhabitants were in shock. All except Andie, who listened and then took herself off.

“Andie didn’t confirm or deny what Chimera said,” Lanie muttered.

“No. I’ve thought for many centuries now that there was more to Pandora’s story than we knew. She was human, although beloved by God. Yet she is one of the most powerful beings alive today. How could a human have become so formidable?” Liadun questioned.

“That is a good question. One that’s probably crossed everyone’s mind, and we dismissed it!” Sela agreed.

“Alainen, do you think they’re right about him?” Lanie asked.

“Oh honey,” Sela replied, squeezing her. “Mir’ald had been planning to speak to you. We’d heard the rumours.”

“Damn. I thought I was so in love with him, and now I discover he’d planned on betraying me all that time,” Lanie said and closed her eyes on the threatening tears.

“Alainen was born wrong, and we know he made the first moves. He was also much older than you and knew better. But Alainen’s group was not the Beloved of God, and there was jealousy,” Liadun soothed.

Lanie frowned. “How could there have been jealousy? The Sin’s hadn’t been released.”

Sela and Liadun blinked. “The Sins are human. Not God’s Protectors. But Lanie is right. Negative emotions shouldn’t have existed. What is going on?” Sela murmured.

“How have we never considered that before?” Lanie asked, sitting up.

“It doesn’t make sense. How the hell could human emotions affect us, and how could they have affected us before they were freed?” Liadun demanded. She, too, sat up.

“Alainen was showing all the signs of being infected. Jealousy, lies, hate, spite, possessiveness, yet the Sins hadn’t been released,” Sela mused.

“Or had they?” Lanie asked.

“There is a big chunk missing from this puzzle,” Liadun agreed.

“And Andie has the answers. Do we push her?” Sela inquired.

“No. Andie will retreat into herself. Maybe even flee. I believe we are close to something. A breakthrough or confrontation. The truth is near, I can sense it,” Liadun murmured, her eyes unfocused.

“Then we sit tight and wait. The truth will always come out,” Sela said.

“It’s just a matter of time,” Lanie stated.

“Indeed it is.” Liadun nodded.