Why not give me that knowledge now? Not all of it, just the tiny bit I need to make the right choice. Why do I have to go so far with all of them?
Ah, I was wondering when you’d ask.
Holly rolled her eyes.
If you knew I’d ask, why not tell me ahead of time?
Because then you would accuse me of being unhelpful and cryptic.
Holly started to argue but stopped. The Maiden had a point.
You need to learn the deepest, truest natures of the firstborn sons. I have a…limited understanding of the hearts of men. I cannot advise you the way you need to be advised. That’s why the choice is ultimately yours. I do not believe you will falter.
The unexpected affirmation loosened the anxieties that had taken hold of Holly’s heart. It’s nice to know you have some confidence in me.
I chose you for a reason. I would not subject you to this if I did not think you could handle it. You are far from where you need to be, but I believe you will get there.
I still don’t understand who or what you are. Holly’s temples began to throb. Taking in so much information and dealing with the pressure of making life-changing decisions was overwhelming her.
There are no words in your language to describe what I am, the Maiden explained. I am a guardian of all that thrive in the natural world. The shifters are the bridge between the world as it once was and the world as it has become today. They are both natural and unnatural. As such, they have great power over the balance of the natural world.
Are you like Mother Nature, then?
An inaccurate and oversimplified term, the Maiden said. But, in a way, yes. I am one of the many hands that keep nature balanced.
How many hands are there?
Too many to count, even for me.
Do they have vessels, too?
Some do. Some do not have the need. The hand that pushes the tides has no need of a corporeal vessel. The hand that oversees the wars of mortal men requires many.
Hands… Holly mulled the word over in her mind. Like the hands of fate?
Again, an oversimplified and inaccurate term.
Sorry. Holly laughed inwardly. My mortal mind is doing the best it can.
I know. It is for that reason why I withhold information. If I were to tell you everything, it would break your mind and quite possibly end your life.
Has that happened before?
Not to my vessels. There was a note of pride in the Maiden’s voice. I learned from the mistakes of others and took many precautions when I first chose Phaedra Glint. I hoped that she would be the only vessel I would ever need. Unfortunately, the human nature of the shifters has made that impossible. If there is power to be taken, humans will take it by any means necessary. Your very history proves me right.
I can’t argue with that, Holly admitted. You must know the firstborns want to assemble an army.
Yes, I am aware of the conversation that took place.
What can I do to make sure I don’t lose any of them? Even Trevor. Just thinking his name sent a shiver down her spine. As much as the thought repulsed her, she knew he was vital to her mission as the Maiden’s vessel.
Strengthen your body. Strengthen your mind. You are already seeking the right answers. Keep digging. You will find what you need.
Holly pursed her lips.
I don’t suppose you can cut me a break and just tell me.
If I did, I would be doing you a disservice.
Of course, Holly muttered more to herself than to the Maiden.
Rest now, the Maiden commanded. You will need your strength.
Before Holly could say anything else, the Maiden retracted her presence from her mind. As always, Holly felt drained after the lengthy discussion.
As she slid under the covers, it occurred to her that she handled the brief conversation with the Maiden she had in the diner without any noticeable side effects. Even now, though their conversation was lengthy and left her feeling drained, it wasn’t as terrible as it was before. Perhaps, she was getting stronger after all.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN—Holly
Holly slammed onto the deck. Her shoulder made a terrible crunch when it came into contact with the hard wood.
“Again,” Loch barked.
“Are you kidding me?” Holly groaned. “I don’t understand how this is supposed to help me!” She staggered to her feet. Every inch of her body ached.
She and Loch had been training on the deck since dawn. Now, the morning sun shone brightly down from above. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
“Your reflexes are too slow,” Loch said. “All you have to do is dodge my attacks.”
“Easier said than done, obviously!” Holly exclaimed.
Loch effortlessly twirled the wooden staff in his hand. “I’m not even asking you to block or counterattack.” Loch grinned. “All you have to do is move before I smack you.”
“I’m starting to think this isn’t a training exercise at all,” she huffed. “I think this is just an excuse for you to hit me with a stick.”
“It’s not a very heavy stick.” As if to prove his point, Loch tossed the staff in the air.
“It’ll feel a lot heavier when it’s knocking you off your feet. Go easy on me this time.”
“No. Going easy on you will not help you in the long run.”
“You’re worse than the Maiden,” Holly muttered. “How about we change things up?”
Loch arched a brow. “What do you have in mind.”
“Give me the stick and you’ll find out.”
Loch considered her, a wry smile playing on his lips.
Holly
