Page 95 of The Mating Quest

Turning into shadow was death for the immortal wizards. Destined to wander the shadow lands forever as a ghost, never to know peace orlove.

Alia ran over to him. “I’m sure all will be well,” he tried to assureher.

No matter what, his beloved must survive. He held out his arm for Caderyn to inspect. Of all of them, the Shadow Wizard held the most power, for even though Gideon and Alia had tremendous magick, Caderyn’s magick was ancient, and his store of knowledge seeminglyendless.

“Tell me there’s a cure for this and it does not involve a potion as noxious as those Tristan makes.” He tried make his voicelighthearted.

Tristan turned away, cursing in a low voice. Xavier’s face tightened. Alia was trying not to weep and Lacey comfortedher.

It was the Shadow Wizard he focusedon.

“The only cure is to retrieve your talisman from the dark force holding it. Tis as Danu feared would happen. Something evil has found your talisman and is using it to drain your magick and send you forever intoshadow.”

Gideon’s heart clenched, but he forced a smile. “I was hoping you’d tell me I could drink apotion.”

Caderyn grimaced. “There is nothing any of us can do. Danu forbid us from sharing our powers. The women are immortal and may sharetheirs…”

“But they are young in their powers and it may not be enough.” Gideon looked at his belovedmate.

He nodded. “There is one failsafe against fading into shadow forever and walking as a ghost in the Shadow Lands, my friend. You can turnmortal.”

Gideon stared. Alia turned from the window, wiping her eyes. “You mean Faeagain.”

“Not exactly. Surrender all your remaining powers. Do you remember how Danu had stripped you of your powers when you went to the Summer Kingdom and met Alia and marriedher?”

A terrible foreboding filled him. “I lacked my Crimson Wizard powers, but still retained my Dark Fae powers. Does this mean giving up… everything? Being fullymortal?”

Caderyn’s gray gaze filled with sympathy as henodded.

No more Crimson Wizard. No more Alia. He would be forever banished from Tir Na-nog and when he died to the mortal life, what then? Never to see his beloved again? Hisfriends?

His family in the Fae world, the fairies and sprites he’d sworn toprotect?

Gideon flexed his remaining fingers on his left hand. “But there’s still a chance Dakota can stop this, stop the Dark Fae from claiming my spirit through thetalisman?”

“Yes.” Caderyn gave him a meaningful look. “But she cannot do it alone. There is one who is pertinent to thisquest.”

“And if she does, I shall retain my Crimson Wizardpowers?”

“Yes.”

He thought of all the beings who needed him, and the gathering darkness. How the Dark Lord had gained in power, and if the rumors were correct, was raising evil beings from the dead to servehim.

His fellow wizards and the battles they faced could save the world, and they neededhim.

“No. If there is a chance, even the smallest chance I can remain the Crimson Wizard and aid my people, and all of you against the Dark Lord, I will riskit.”

Approval shone in Caderyn’s face. But Alia rushed to his side. “Gideon, my dearest love, if you become mortal, we may still have a life together. I can visit you on earth. We can betogether.”

His heart broke for her, and himself. After centuries of being apart, their souls had found each other again, only to face separation once more. He wanted to tell her yes, he would do it forher.

Gideon managed to sit upright. “I cannot, Alia. My love for you is the greatest thing I carry inside me, but I vowed upon my life and honor to protect those under my care. The Dark Lord is growing stronger and if there is the slightest chance I may be used to fight him, I must takeit.”

Caderyn gave Gideon a solemn look. “This expedites the quest for your talisman, and makes it even more dangerous for Dakota and her team. They must find the talisman before your body fades. Stay here and rest if you can. No magick. You must avoid the Fae kingdom. You are too vulnerable. Do not use your powers for anything other than necessary maintenance of yourbody.”

Tristan squeezed his shoulder and Gideon felt grateful he could still feel his friend’stouch.

When the other wizards left, Alia turned to him. “What can Ido?”