Page 53

“They can’t in the way we do, but they’re still of use to Mephistopheles in that some can extend life, others reshape elements to a point, and many can rip holes in the fabric of space and time itself.

” Tanis lowered his voice as if worried about someone listening.

“I also heard tell that there’s a demon king who can grant just about any wish if the sacrifice is right. ”

My mind spun at all these horrific revelations. “I will have to inform the Queen and the General about this as soon as possible. Do you have any other knowledge that can help with this war?”

“I do. But…” Tanis took a deep drink of tea and leaned back in his chair. “I’m still very drained from that place. My mind is dulled and scattered and I’m trying very hard not to let it shut down again. It’s already taken this long before I was able to articulate the things I’ve told you today.”

“I understand.” The first time I’d seen Tanis in his catatonic state, I’d been disturbed on a level I’d never before experienced. “I should probably depart and let you get your rest.”

“Wait!” Tanis grabbed my hand before I could rise from the sofa. “Do the all of the matriarchs and patriarchs of Luminista know about the portal to Qua’ al-fán?”

“I’m not sure.” I finished my tea and searched my memories. “Queens Silvara and Lucretia both keep many secrets, but I don’t know if they’d keep that information from the other clan rulers.”

“Well, make sure they know,” Tanis said severely. “Because that portal gives me great worry.”

“Why?” Sylvis had done a good thing, hadn’t she? My confusion increased even as tendrils of worry sprouted in my gut. “Mephistopheles has been tearing his own way to other worlds for thousands of years. What’s the difference if the good side gets a way into his world?”

Tanis leaned closer to me, his voice and eyes eerily intent. “Because, if a Jagwolfe can create a portal to Qua’ al-fán, where else could they create one?”

I pondered Tanis’s words, but didn’t fully comprehend what he was getting at until I arrived in Luminista with the news that I was going to marry Kerainne Leonine.

Before my mother called Lucretia who would then call Silvara, she looked around, took my hand and transported us to a mountain overlooking the palace.

“Mother?” I shivered and muttered a warming spell. “What are we doing here?”

“I don’t want anyone overhearing me.”

“I think you may have gone further than necessary.”

“Perhaps.” Lucinda conjured my favorite blanket, lifting on her toes to throw it over my shoulders. The absent manner of the gesture warmed me and reminded me why I loved her despite her flaws. “Do you remember the first time we visited Medicia?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I was a baby. Which was strange because someone would have had to kill me so I could go back home with you and Father.”

“Exactly.”

“What do you mean?”

“You were born there. Silvara was still the ruler at the time, but she was close to retiring and letting Natalya and her newly wedded mate, Kiernan, take the crown. Her mother, Glenda, was done ruling over Leonine clan here and ready to return to the elements…and so was her mate, your grandmother.”

“Why are you telling me this now?” I didn’t know if I was asking about being born in Medicia or my grandmother and Kerainne’s great-grandmother being mates.

Mother answered both. “Your father loved Medicia. And so did I. But when a messenger told us about my mother being prepared to say her goodbyes, and unwillingness to wait, Silvara let me in on a family secret. With their magic, her mother and mine created a portal to Luminista.”

“Fates,” I whispered. “Does that portal still exist?”

“No. Silvara had it closed the first time Mephistopheles attacked Aisthanesthai. Lucretia disagreed with having it closed in the first place, because only a luminite can open it. She wants another one.” Mother gave me an intent look.

“And it takes combined magic from a true-bonded Leonine and Jagwolfe couple to create that portal.”

“Like Gabriel and Sylvis created from Qua’ al-fán to Earth.” I shivered, though not from the cold. “Del—I mean, the Keeper of the Prophecy says that the Evil One will capture another Luminite. If it’s one of us or a Leonine…”

“Yes.” Mother nodded gravely. “You and Kerainne must never create such a portal. No matter what Lucretia says or does.”

“Do you think she’ll do something drastic?”

“Not with the lack of support she has from those of us who currently know this secret. And probably not even then with the war going on. However, with the way she was insisting on a match between our families that could produce biological offspring…We’re not certain if she’s still after a portal or something else. ”

“Why were you and Silvara also in a rush for such a match?” I demanded.

“Originally to keep control of such power here where it belongs.” Mother frowned and corrected such imperious, rehearsed wording.

“Where it would be safer. The ultimate goal was to bring all unmated Leonines back home so they wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet an Earthside Jagwolfe,” she smiled, doubtless thinking of Sylvis and Gabriel, “and there wouldn’t be as many visits to Aisthanesthai and thus less desire to create a portal to avoid having to die.

The temptation would be too great. Even more recently, there’s the Prophecy and the war. ”

I raised an eyebrow. “The war you and everyone else here wants to avoid being involved with?”

“That’s the official stance, yes,” Mother admitted with a touch of shame.

“However, Silvara’s daughter is in Qua’ al-fán and I know that if she believed there was any way to save her, she would.

As for our clan, there has been talk over recent years of founding another luminite stronghold in Aisthanesthai. Only this time…”

“You want to rule it.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about having my parents also relocating to my new home.

Mother nodded. “Your father misses Aisthanesthai. And I miss being out from under Lucretia’s thumb.”

“And what if we manage to bring back Medicia and its people? Or if King Zareth is unwilling to upset any of the rulers of Aisthanesthai’s remaining lands by giving them to you?”

“There are always places that no one cares about.” Mother’s blue eyes, identical to my own, locked intently on mine. “And if there aren’t, we can build our own space. That’s what we do.”

“Then will you help me with this betrothal contract?” My mind spun with all this new information about my grandmother, portals, and my own parents’ hidden ambitions. But the first priority was getting what we needed to win the war and to return to Kerainne. “You know what I want. What we need.”

“Yes.” Mother took my hand and squeezed it. “It will take a few days, but I’m certain we can arrange it.”