Page 55 of Hex

Nodding sharply, Hekate stands from her own chair, waving her hand to make it vanish before holding her hand out to me.

I take it, making my chair disappear with a less dignified wave of my arm.

“Demon Slash.” Even her yell is graceful, if that’s at all possible.

“Are we ready to rumble?” Slash practically jumps into the room, and I swear he must have been standing outside this whole time just waiting for the call to action.

“We are. Prepare yourself. I will be able to create a one-way portal with a connection to Sage, meaning you’ll have to find your own way back, but once open, time will be of the essence.”

“Got it. Be quick.” He nods in confirmation.

I have to say, I don’t think I like the sound of this plan. We have no idea where he is, what awaits Slash on the other side, how he will get home; will he just be walking straight into a trap too?

Is this exactly the way the person who left the message thought it would play out?

I hate not knowing things.

“Okay, Sage, remember what you learned about how to draw on the strength of the line of power?”

“Yes.”

“Do that to the thread linking you to your chosen, but do not pull too hard because you will be pulling from his essence if you do so.”

Well, that’s not scary.

I’m lying.

It is…very fucking scary.

I don’t want to pull on Hack’s essence…

“Close your eyes and concentrate. Breathe. Center yourself…”

I do everything she says, using the techniques she talked me through, then ever so carefully, I follow the thread, mentally stroking along it to feel it out.

It’s different than the others, more like a lifeline, and the fact that it’s linked to Hack makes it all the more precious.

“Yes, keep going.”

I’m clearly doing something right.

A gentle breeze begins to pick up around us but I keep my eyes closed, concentrating on that single thread and what lies at the end of it.

“There! Now, Slash. Go!”

Opening my eyes, I see the portal—into another fucking cave. What is it with kyn and caves? It’s cold, it’s dark, and scraping sounds can be heard coming from within.

“I’ll bring your demon back, Sagey.” Another of his trademark winks and Slash charges toward the portal a few feet away from me.

I can’t stand here and watch, waiting yet again…I have to help. I can make fire and shit now, I’m not useless.

It takes less than a second to make my decision and I rip my hands away from Hekate.

“I’m sorry, thank you, and all the things…but I have to go.”

She shakes her head as I walk away from her, but she’s still smiling. Always smiling.

“I know, child. Be careful.” The first hint of motherly concern crosses her features with a slightly raised brow, giving me a warm feeling inside as I leave her behind, following through the portal after Slash.