Page 10 of Dead End (Crossroads Queen #9)

CHAPTER TEN

Alicia was my first call. “I need to talk to you about something important. Can you and your mom come to the Castle today?”

“Is Grampa okay?”

“He’s fine, but he’d like you to come as soon as possible.”

“Hold on.” I heard a muffled sound as Alicia spoke to her mother away from the phone. “Mom says traffic out of the city is bad. We can be there in an hour and a half.”

“We’ll be waiting.” I hung up and called Ashley next. She asked no questions and agreed to arrive at the house with Steven at the same time as Alicia. I wondered whether she sensed what was about to go down.

“What do we do now?” Nana Pratt asked.

“Spend time in your favorite spots around the house or in the yard.” I figured Nana Pratt would make a beeline for the garden, and I wasn’t wrong. Ray chose the rocking chair on the porch.

“I thought you’d choose the library,” I said.

He kept his gaze on downtown Fairhaven at the bottom of the hill. “I didn’t build that for me, Lorelei. I built it for you.”

“I need to run an errand, but I’ll be back before your families arrive.”

His eyebrow quirked. “Wouldn’t you rather be inside with Kane?”

I would, but this was important, too. “I’ll see you soon.”

I hurried deep into Wild Acres and whispered the secret code at the requisite oak tree. Brown bark darkened to a black doorway, and I entered One Oak, an underground speakeasy run by Madame Thea, a small troll known as huldrefolk. The larger trolls were the jotunn. Both groups lived underground in Fairhaven and, therefore, out of sight.

I descended the stairs and was met by two larger trolls. “I don’t have a poker chip,” I said quickly. “I’m here to see Madame Thea. Tell her it’s Lorelei Clay.” Madame Thea tended to stay out of Fairhaven affairs. Her only concern seemed to be One Oak and how those events affected her business.

“We know who you are,” the larger guard said. “Follow me.” He left the second guard at the entrance to guide me through the speakeasy to Madame Thea’s office. The various rooms were teeming with guests. The bar was hopping. The poker tables and roulette wheels were at capacity. What a luxury to gamble with money instead of lives.

“Business is booming,” Madame Thea declared, before I even had a chance to ask. Her small and dainty frame was decked out in a silver sequined gown. A shiny onyx earring adorned each delicate lobe. Her chignon hairstyle sparkled like a rainbow.

“I noticed. Congratulations.”

She fidgeted with an earring. “I suppose you’re here to thank me.”

Her comment threw me for a loop. “For what? ”

“Half the demons that accompanied Lucifer to Fairhaven spent most of their time down here. They do love their vices. If it weren’t for my illicit entertainment, they would’ve been topside wreaking havoc.”

“I didn’t realize that. I assume they’ve all gone now.”

“Oh, yes, but we managed to retain the customers they enticed here.”

“They didn’t cause you any trouble?”

“We’re equipped for it, much more than you are, doll. My entire business is set up for their kind of clientele.” Madame Thea popped open a compact to inspect her face. “If you aren’t here to thank me, then why are you here?”

“I’d like to ask you to help watch over the crossroads.”

She snapped the compact closed and looked at me. “And why would I do that?”

“Because you’re part of this community, whether you want to be or not.”

She cackled. “Oh, I do love a pot calling a kettle black. You’re a part of this community, too. Why do you get to opt out?”

“I’m leaving town to return to the underworld. My absence will leave Fairhaven vulnerable.”

“Oh, please. This town existed long before you ever came along, and it will endure long after you’ve gone.”

“The world has changed, Madame Thea.”

Her gaze shifted to the closed door. From behind it we heard the energetic cacophony of celebratory cheers, pulsating music, and jingling coins. “The world seems pretty happy from where I sit.”

And I knew all too well that it could all go away in an instant.

“How about this?” she proposed. “If I get wind of any important intel, I’ll be sure to pass it along to Kane. Does that satisfy you? ”

“You’re not immune to the dangers that come through the crossroads just because you’re underground. A tragedy topside can still have repercussions down here.”

Madame Thea’s pencil-thin eyebrows raised almost imperceptibly. “Is this a hypothetical or do you know something?”

“It shouldn’t matter.”

At least the troll had the decency to look sympathetic. “I’m fond of Fairhaven, but unless it impacts my bottom line, I’m not getting involved. One Oak is my priority.” Her posture was as rigid and unyielding as her answer. “I have no further interest in discussion unless it involves cold, hard cash.”

“In that case, I thank you for your time, Madame Thea.” I turned on my heel and left One Oak.

My footsteps were heavy as I returned to my truck. I spent the drive home replaying our conversation in my mind. I wasn’t sure why I felt disappointed. The trolls had always been an insular group with their own agenda. There was no reason to believe they’d change course simply because I asked nicely.

Back at the Castle, I was surprised to see Ray still seated on the porch. “Anybody here yet?”

“Not yet. And Kane went out about fifteen minutes ago.”

“Want company?”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to spend these next few minutes alone. Sun’s about to go down. I’d like to marvel at nature’s grand finale in solitude.”

“You know you’re facing east, right?”

He snorted. “I’m sure going to miss that sass.”

I retreated into the house. Taking a cue from Ray, I walked upstairs to the balcony that overlooked the town. I knew the moment the sun dipped below the horizon. The air cooled and the eastern sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of deep orange and vibrant pink. They swirled together, blending with soft purples and hints of indigo. I hugged myself as the fading light cast a warm glow over the landscape, illuminating the river to the east and the silhouettes of trees to the south. Wispy clouds caught the last rays, glowing like molten gold against the encroaching twilight.

A sense of calm washed over me. This world was a beautiful place. I was sure going to miss it.

I wiped a stray tear from my cheek. Life ebbed and flowed. Change occurred whether we invited it or not. The only part we could control was how we received it.

I exhaled, long and slow.

By the time I abandoned my perch, the stars were competing with the lights below for brightest distraction. I passed Goran in the upstairs hallway and told him what I was about to do.

The Slavic prince blinked. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve enjoyed my cooking lessons with Nana Pratt.”

“You can tell her that yourself, but I’d do it now. Their families will be here any minute.”

While Goran hurried downstairs calling Nana Pratt’s name, I stopped by the guest bedroom to check on Kami and Libby. The goddesses were playing a game of cards on the bed.

“Hey,” I said.

Libby glanced up. “I hope you don’t mind. Goran found these in the kitchen drawer and thought we’d like to play.”

“I have an assortment of games. I’ll show you where they are before I go.”

Kami and Libby looked at each other. “We’re just wondering whether we ought to leave before you,” Kami said.

“I don’t expect you to leave at all. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need to. In fact, I’ll feel better knowing the Castle is being well looked after.”

“They’re here!” Nana Pratt’s voice rang out.

“I need to go downstairs now, but we can talk later.”

Renee and Alicia were first. Alicia had her mother by the hand, practically dragging her across the bridge. Renee’s stiff body language suggested resistance, as though she, like Ashley, suspected what was to come.

The ghosts hovered in the foyer. One seemed as nervous as the other, but I knew their anxiety had nothing to do with the decision they’d made and everything to do with telling their families. There was something to be said for an Irish exit.

Once Ashley and Steven arrived, I ushered everyone into the parlor room and waited for Ashley to cast the spell that allowed them to see and hear each other. She was even quicker this time than the last. Phaedra was proving to be an excellent teacher.

“I’m sorry for the late notice,” I said, “but your family members have requested that I help them cross over tonight, and they wanted a chance to say a final goodbye.”

Alicia looked stricken. “Is this because we’re moving? I told you that you can come with us, Grampa.” She turned to glare at her mother. “He thinks we don’t care about him anymore because he’s dead.”

Renee placed a gentle hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “I don’t think that’s the reason, sweetheart.”

“Which realtor are you using to sell the house?” Nana Pratt asked. “I hope it isn’t that Justin Blake. I hear he’s lazy.”

“No, we hired Big Boss,” Renee said.

I nodded with satisfaction. “Fatima. I should’ve guessed.” Naturally one powerful woman would want to hire another. She knew who’d get the job done. ‘Big Boss’ had handled the sale of Bruce Huang’s house and was the reason I had water in my moat.

“Oh, well that’s all right then,” Nana Pratt demurred.

Ray cupped Alicia’s chin. “We’ve made peace with the situation. I hope you will, too.”

Tears welled in the teenager’s eyes. “This isn’t fair. I’m finally getting my family back and you’re taking that away.”

“We’ve been fortunate to have this time at all, baby girl. Most people don’t get a second chance,” Ray said, his voice gentle.

I turned away, unable to listen.

“You didn’t tell them that you’re leaving, too,” Nana Pratt said in a low, accusatory tone.

“Because this isn’t about me,” I whispered.

“They’ll want to know,” Nana Pratt insisted.

I shook my head mutely. They needed time to come to terms with the new reality of a world without their loved ones. That was the priority in this moment.

Nana Pratt turned to Steven and Ashley. “I have something for you. Check your emails when you get home.”

“Email?” Steven laughed nervously. “You sent an email?”

“Technically, Ray sent it. He’s a better typist.”

My throat thickened. “I’ll give you all a few minutes alone. Come outside to the cemetery when you’re ready.”

From the back of the sofa, Claude jumped onto my shoulder. I exited the house and walked to the rows of headstones to wait. The night air hit me like a slap to the face—cold, sharp, and bitter, despite the season. It suited the occasion.

I sank against a headstone and glanced at the fresh dirt where Posy’s head was buried. “It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, buddy.”

Claude nestled against my neck.

“I need you to do me a favor,” I said to the revenant. I felt the hand shift position. “I need you to look after everyone in the Castle, especially Kane. He’s going to act like he’s fine, but he won’t be.”

I stopped talking when I spotted the cluster of silhouettes moving across the lawn. Alicia held her grandfather’s hand. Even in the relative darkness, I could see that her eyes were rimmed with red. I braced myself for the next and final step.

“Will it hurt?” Alicia asked. A common question that was easily answered.

“Not at all.”

“We’ve said our goodbyes,” Ray said with a nod to his family. “But I still have one more.” He engulfed me in a hug. “I know you’ll do what it takes to protect everyone else no matter what I say, just don’t lose yourself in the process.” He gave me a final squeeze. “I’ll miss you like you were my very own.”

I choked down my grief. “Thank you for everything, Ray. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“Well, you’d be ten pounds underweight if it weren’t for me, that’s for sure,” Nana Pratt interjected.

Laughing, I wiped a runaway tear. “Thank you, Nana Pratt. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.” I hugged her fiercely. “I’ll miss you every day.”

“That’s what memories are for, dear. Use them well and you’ll never be without me.”

The ghosts clasped hands and stood facing me, looking far more prepared than I felt. “What now?” Ray asked.

Gathering my strength, I held up my hand, palm out. “It’s time to continue your journey, Ray and Ingrid. Be at peace.”

“That’s it?” Alicia asked.

I shrugged. “Death is only complicated for the living.”

Slowly their forms dissipated until all that remained was a wink of starlight. I released a shaky breath and let the tears flow freely. All this time, I thought they were ghosts, but they weren’t, not to me .

To me, they were angels.

Light streaked through the bedroom forming a golden web as dawn began to break. Under different circumstances, I would’ve taken time to appreciate the beauty of it. I would’ve watched the light bend and brighten as the sun continued to ascend.

But not today.

Today I only had eyes for the demon prince beside me on our last morning together. I nestled against his chest and swallowed the ball of grief that began to rise. The taste was bitter on my tongue.

Kane’s eyes opened and looked directly into mine. Neither of us spoke. It felt like the moment we uttered a word, we’d break a protective spell and end up back in a reality we didn’t want to face. His gaze never left mine as he ran his hand along my arm and came to rest on my hip.

His eyes had always appeared whisky colored to me, but this morning they gleamed with a golden hue that matched a summer sunrise.

I wouldn’t see the sun again for a long time.

I broke the silence. “Do you think you’ll stay in the Castle or go back to the club?”

“Undecided. I don’t think I could bear to live at the club again, but I’m also not sure I can bear to live here without you.”

I threaded my fingers through his. “I’m sorry for this. I know it isn’t the future we discussed.”

“We can’t control the future, only how we rise to meet it.” He raised my hand to his lips and grazed my knuckles.

“You’re not angry?”

“Oh, I’m quite angry, make no mistake, but not with you.” His fingers touched my cheek, feather light. “I’ve endured so many nightmares in my lifetime but being parted from you might be the worst one of them all.”

My heart thrummed in my chest. “We won’t be apart forever. Once I’m on the throne, I’ll find a way to see you. Have Cerberus sneak you in through a back entrance for conjugal visits.” My attempt to make light of the situation fell flat.

“That won’t be any kind of life, Lorelei. Not for you and certainly not for me.”

“Then what’s the alternative? We never see each other again? Never speak?”

Deep lines of consternation formed across his brow and his eyelids slammed shut. “I don’t know. Every time I think I’ve come up with a solution, I think of ten reasons why it won’t work.”

“Same.” I inhaled deeply, memorizing the scent of sandalwood, pine, and musk. His scent.

“It wasn’t supposed to end this way,” he murmured.

“It wasn’t supposed to end at all.”

He fisted my hair. I could feel his frustration in every grunt and tug.

“Talk to me,” I urged.

He strained to speak, as though forming words was the most challenging thing he’d ever done. “I’ll have all this love and nowhere to put it.”

I rested my cheek against his chest. “Carry it inside your heart—because then I’ll always be with you.” It took every ounce of strength I possessed to tear myself away from him.

Goran awaited me at the base of the staircase. He held out a brown paper bag. “I wasn’t sure how long the journey would be, so I packed you breakfast for the road.”

My heart swelled as I accepted the bag. “Thank you, Goran. ”

“No, thank you . I promise I’ll be an excellent keeper of the Castle. Whatever needs doing, I’ll make sure it gets done.”

No small task without Ray and Nana Pratt to assist him. They’d become professional caretakers. At least Goran wouldn’t be alone.

“The keys to the truck and the motorcycle are hanging on the hook in the kitchen. Gary is temperamental, so be patient with him.”

“Gary is the motorcycle?”

“The truck. Betsy is the motorcycle.”

Goran closed his eyes as he tried to commit the names to memory. I appreciated the effort.

Kami and Libitina appeared in the kitchen doorway. “You look well, Libby,” I said.

“I feel almost back to normal.” She hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t mind if we stay?”

“You’ll have to figure out sleeping arrangements. I only have two beds and a sofa, but as far as I’m concerned, this is your home. There’s an inflatable black swan for the moat. The weather’s warm enough…” I trailed off, unable to finish the statement. I wanted to be the one floating around the moat, feeling the sunlight warm my skin.

“Good luck, Melinoe,” Libby said. “I hope everything works out for you.”

“It will,” Kami said.

I smiled. “I appreciate you saying that.”

I cast a glance at the library on my way out and another wave of grief crashed over me. Maybe the underworld had a decent library; I couldn’t recall.

Outside the crows stood sentry on the finials of the iron fence.

“I have to go away,” I told them. “I wish I could stay here and feed you popcorn kernels every day, but I’m needed elsewhere. ”

Although the crows stared at me in silence, their keen eyes shone with understanding.

“You’re welcome to loiter around the Castle. There will be others here to feed you.”

The crows clicked. One of them tossed a small object at my feet. I picked up the silver dollar. “Thank you, friends. I’ll keep it as a memento of our time together.” I heard the strain in my voice as I slipped the coin into my pocket. I’d held myself together this long; I refused to fall apart now.

I felt Kane’s presence beside me. Silently he clasped my hand, and together, we passed through the open gate. I wanted to imagine life as it was before I unleashed hell on it. Just as Pops feared, my mere existence managed to make everything worse.

He drove as far as he could and parked on a dirt path. We walked the remainder of the way through the forest. Beams of light burst through the branches. It seemed strange that the day would carry on here without me.

My heart lurched when I saw the line of silhouettes standing outside the crossroads. Phaedra stepped into a patch of light. “You didn’t think we’d let you leave without saying goodbye, did you?”

“As if,” Gun chimed in. “I’d sooner wear polyester than let you go without an obnoxious sendoff.”

“I was hoping to sneak out of here without a fuss,” I admitted.

Camryn threw her arms around me. “After everything we’ve been through, that is unacceptable.” She sniffed. “Keep in touch. I want to hear all about the underworld.”

“No, you don’t,” Gun admonished her.

“No, I don’t, but I just want to hear from you,” Cam said. “I don’t care what the topic is.”

“We’ve got a rota for the crossroads,” West said. “You’re leaving this place in good, organized hands, Clay. ”

Chief Garcia shook my hand. “We’ve got everything under control. Don’t you worry.”

“I know.” I was the only reason the residents were in peril now. The monsters that had wandered through the crossroads over the years were nothing compared to the monsters I would’ve unleashed on the town if I’d stayed. It was difficult to acknowledge, even harder to accept.

Even Otto made an appearance to bid me farewell. “Gun was kind enough to escort me,” the vampire said.

“I appreciate that you didn’t get behind the wheel on my account,” I said. Blindness didn’t seem to stop the vampire from owning a fleet of luxury vehicles.

“I’ll think of you every time I listen to Rachmaninoff.”

“And I’ll think of you every time I eat a finger sandwich.” Gods, I’d miss meals at Otto’s house.

“We’re going to continue the tradition of game night in your honor,” Otto said.

Kane made a noise at the back of his throat. “Josephine.”

The vampire looked momentarily startled. “Oh, right. We got you a gift.” She thrust a box in my hand in one swift, awkward motion. “It’s Scrabble. Thought you might want to play with your new friends in the underworld.”

“Thank you, Josie.”

Alessandro raised his hand. “I’m the one they sent to the store to buy it.”

I smiled at the incubus. “Thank you.”

I set the box and the breakfast bag on the ground and hugged each and every one of them, marveling at my ability to do so without triggering any nightmares. So much had changed, I reminded myself, but not all of it was bad.

Kane walked me to the spot between the two large oak trees that marked the entrance to the crossroads. “You will always be my inamorata,” he whispered, and kissed me one last time .

Emotions pummeled me as I crossed the threshold. I fought the desire to turn back and run straight into Kane’s arms. I wanted him to hold me until all this chaos and drama faded away. I’d taken five giant steps forward and now I was being forced to take three steps back. All my progress had been for nothing. I’d be back to hiding. Back to solitude. It was a life that didn’t suit me anymore.

Be careful what you wish for , I thought. My entire adult life, I’d longed for a home to call my own and now I was getting one. An entire domain that belonged to me.

Hip hip hooray.

I forced myself forward, picturing the entrance to the underworld. The toe of my boot located a cleft in the ground. Anyone else would’ve walked right over it without noticing. Another crack in the earth.

But I knew better.

Maybe I heard the hum of my homeland or felt the reach of my realm. Regardless of the reason, I knew this cleft was the doorway I sought.

Fairhaven was my past now and I needed to leave it there. With one final look at the path behind me, I slipped through the gap to meet my future.