Grandma stopped in front of Kevin and gave him a bracelet that looked similar to mine, only his turquoise was greener and mine was more robin’s-egg blue. “Take care of yourself, u-we-tsi. And remember, love is always present, but you must open yourself to accept it, or it might pass you by.”
My brother hugged her tightly. “I’ll remember, G-ma.”
She went from him to Darius and Aphrodite, handing Darius a bracelet first. “Wise, loyal Warrior, my Zoeybird tells me you will remain here to fulfill your duty by protecting this school. I have made your power bracelet an exact replica of your prophetess’s and had a Tsalagi brave imbue it with courage as he strung the aquamarine beads beside the turquoise. Do not worry. I have dreamed that you and your prophetess will be reunited in this world.”
Darius wiped tears from his cheeks as he bowed to Grandma and slid the bracelet on his wrist. Then Grandma gave him Aphrodite’s matching strand, and he placed it on her wrist, kissing her hand.
Impulsively, Aphrodite hugged Grandma. “Thank you, Grandma Redbird. We needed that.”
Grandma patted her cheek. “My Kevin will look after you, though the truth is, you can easily take care of yourself.”
Kevin stepped up beside them and went to one knee, looking up at Aphrodite.
“Prophetess of Nyx and beloved friend of my sister. I swear to you and to your Oathbound Warrior, Darius, that I will stand in for him while we are in my world. I will honor your bond while I serve and protect the Goddess Nyx by serving and protecting you. Do you accept my oath?”
Aphrodite didn’t hesitate. “I do.”
Kevin stood and turned to Darius. “I give you my word I will protect Aphrodite with my life.”
“I will hold you to that oath, Kevin Redbird.”
They clasped forearms, and then Kevin returned to my side.
“Okay,” I said, pulling everyone’s attention to me. “Let’s go outside to the east wall and the tree that we already know is filled with earth power. Remember, our intention is to maintain the balance of two worlds by defeating Darkness in one world that is threatening to overwhelm Light in two. We walk in Light. We honor the elements. And we also honor the strongest force in the universe, love—always love. Are you ready?”
My group solemnly murmured their agreement.
“Let’s go take our places. Aphrodite, did you and Kacie decide whether you would stand for fire or water?”
My prophetess friend nodded. “We did. I’ll be fire and she’ll be water.”
“Good. Stark and Rephaim—you’ll need to be inside the circle.” I met my brother’s gaze. “Will you go before or after us?”
“I’ll wait until you’re safely gone and then call Aphrodite’s spirit to guide James and me over. We’ll meet you at the east wall in my world.”
“That’s the plan,” I said a little nervously.
“It’s a good plan,” he assured me.
Jack rushed up and threw his arms around Damien and kissed him intimately. Then he stepped out of his lover’s embrace and smiled bravely. “I didn’t want you to go over there—to my old world—worrying about me. I’ll be here, waiting with love, always love, for you to return. So, you go kick Darkness’s ass for me too!”
“Sweetheart,” Damien touched Jack’s cheeks gently. “Thank you. I needed that. And don’t forget that this isn’t goodbye. It’s only à bientôt.”
“I won’t forget. Ever.”
“Come on, child,” said Grandma, taking Jack’s hand. “Perhaps you would like to help me string turquoise light catchers to hang in the trees surrounding the school as a boost to the protection spells the professors are casting.”
Jack’s eyes brightened, and he nodded enthusiastically. “I would. I really, really would!”
Grandma led him away after blowing me a kiss. I had never appreciated her more than I did at that moment.
“You okay?” I asked Damien.
He wiped his eyes and nodded. “I am now that I know Jack is good and that Grandma will be with him.”
I led my House of Night tribe across the foyer and through the school toward the rear doors. All the way there, fledglings began to appear until they lined the hall like a living tunnel. As we passed them, they saluted us and called well wishes.
“Blessed be!”
“You’re our heroes!”
“Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!”
“We believe in you!”
The red fledglings were especially vocal as Stevie Rae passed. “You can do it, High Priestess Stevie Rae! Tell earth to kick Batshit’s butt!”
With tears in her eyes, Stevie Rae met my gaze. “Looks like the name has stuck.”
“It’s accurate,” I said.
“We’re pulling for you, Prophetess!” they cheered as Aphrodite walked by, with Darius at her side. “You can do it, Aphrodite! Nothing can stop you!”
“May the Goddess bless you and keep you safe, Damien!” echoed around us and I saw my friend’s face take on that stubborn look he got when he was presented with a problem he was set on solving.
“Go, Ice Cream Shoes, go!” I was happily surprised to see the entire swim team, in their warm-ups, clapping and cheering for Kacie, whose grin was like a blazing star.
And over and over until my eyes were also filled with tears I heard:
“May the Goddess bless you, High Priestess Zoey!”
“You can do it, Zoey!”
“High Priestess Zoey is awesomesauce!”
I hadn’t asked them to—truthfully, I hadn’t even thought about it, but the fledglings followed us out to the rear grounds and made a huge circle around the tree by the east wall. There they went silent, but even though they said nothing, I felt their positive energy and their belief bolster me and chase away my nerves.
I didn’t have to direct my circle. They took their places quickly, holding their candles and looking somber. Kevin and James stopped outside the circle. My brother hugged me.
“See ya soon in my world.”
I gave him one last squeeze. “See ya soon. Be safe, ’kay?”
“I’ll do my best,” he said as we broke apart.
I waved at James, and he nodded and smiled at me. Then
