The bloodstone burns hot against my skin with a sudden burst of power and suddenly I feel as if the weight of a thousand pounds has been lifted from my shoulders. My connection to my majic is back. Testing my ability to pull the fire element to me, I form a blazing ball of flames in my hand. Laughter burst from me and I look up to see Daxell watching with the hint of a smile, our bond is no longer blocked and I definitely share his pleasure at that. It’s then that I feel movement along my back under my skin, as if they can no longer be contained, my wings unfurl and burst from my back with a resounding snap. At the same moment, something fractures deep within me and I sense the moment that she gains consciousness. Nemesis pushes forward with a strength that I could not have anticipated. I push back, but she’s strong and has taken me by surprise.
Blinking, I take a look around me to get my bearings.
Suddenly my mind is clear.
My purpose is my own.
I am Nemesis.
I am Retribution.
I am back.
Now that I’m free from unwanted bindings, my wings snap to attention, at last. In two downward strokes, I’m above my friends and family, but are they my friends, my family? They are Lillie’s family. I am Retribution. In two more downward strokes, I’m ready to leave them all behind me. The only reason why I pause is that Daxell has followed me into the air. His demon form is magnificent. Our mate is truly a sight to behold.
A harsh laugh escapes me, “I’m awake, at long last. So long I’ve slept. I’m finally free. Free from all my bindings. Daxell, it’s so invigorating. Come with me! We have much to do. Souls to conquer. Souls to send to The Underworld. So many souls in this world and the next. So much to do. First, I must wake my mother. Nyx has no idea who she really is.”
“LJ? This is not you. Come back to me, honey cheeks.”
“We’re bonded? You and I? Surely, you can accept me as Lillie accepted your demon.” Nemesis coos as I struggle for control.
“Daxell, help!” I scream through our link.
“I’m afraid that may prove to be an issue, Nemesis. The only way that I will be able to accept you is if you are playing for the same team. Freeing Nyx is not on our agenda. Now, be a good little primordial and let Lillie free.” Daxell demands, his demon’s eyes flash in anger.
It’s like I’m watching a damn movie and someone else has the freaking remote.
Cocking my head, I observe him for a moment before flicking my hand out in a shooing motion which sends Daxell cartwheeling through the air, “If you are not with me then you are against me, … mate.” The words are devoid of any emotion while I’m screaming at the deranged bitch that has highjacked my body. I just can’t seem to take control. Nemesis is now front and center and I’ve taken a back seat to her will, her desire to control me like a puppet is unnerving and I need to break free of her hold. Daxell reaches out to me through our bond and latches on to my very essence, giving me strength.
“The bloodstone, Lillie Joanna. Use the bloodstone!” My aunt Lexie calls from below me as I steadily climb higher on the wings I so desperately wanted. The same wings that are now betraying me under Nemesis’ guidance. Carrying me away from my family.
“Everyone. Help her.” My mother shouts and my Keeper bond flares to life. Keepers and Guardians alike lending me their strength, bolstering me as I latch on to them and the majic of the bloodstone.
Nemesis falters.
Love. Overwhelming and beautiful outpourings of love have the great Primordial goddess faltering. “What is this?” She whisper asks.
“Love. Have you never felt Love?” I ask her.
“Never. Not like this. It’s beautiful.” She sighs, marveling in the outpourings of strength and love from my fellow soul keepers.
“It really is a pity, Nemesis. You’ve missed out on the one thing that could have made a difference in your existence. You can have this, but we must come to an understanding.”
“An understanding?”
“We must integrate.”
“No. No. This … this love I feel, it is for you. Not me.”
“That’s not true, you are part of me now.”
“No. You try to trick me. I will rule this vessel.”
“Bitch, I asked nicely. Now I’ll do what must be done.” Pulling on the power of the bloodstone, and the strength of Daxell and my family, I imagine the two of us meshing together, pulling the most important parts to the forefront and the less desirable aspects pushed to the back, praying like hell that I won’t be forever changed after this is done.
“What are you doing?” She screeches and we falter in mid-flight. The sky around us has become dark and menacing.
“What must be done. Nemesis, you will live once more through me. It is what our creator wanted. We will be one and we will be Retribution, not as you once were, but as we are now.”
The wings beating at my back continue their slow downward strokes as Nemesis and I forever change, becoming one with the other. She has a particularly nasty outlook on every soul, something that I will have to get used to and temper. She also has a vile, wicked tongue that will be useful on certain occasions. Pulling one final time on the strength that my family, my order, and my kindred are feeding me, I unceremoniously shove Nemesis into a box that will allow her and me to become one. Finally, the combining of our
