“That’s an Ancestor. They can’t keep their human form,” I said, watching as three more attacked the barrier, showing razor-sharp teeth. “I have no idea why they change forms, but it scares the shit out of me. I’m afraid the barrier won’t be there one day. They’ve attacked me before.”
“We have a message for you,” one of them hissed.
Turning around, I tried to find the one speaking, but another one started talking.
“You must do what we are about to ask. Failure...”
“...means your life,” another finished.
I took a deep breath, debating if I wanted to ask my question. Feeling secure in Ethan’s arms, I asked, “What is it that you want us to do?”
“Not you.” A bony hand came up to point at Ethan. “Him.”
“Your Mage must kill Drake. You are not up to the task because you allow your feelings to get in the way of what is important,” one whispered.
I pulled out of Ethan’s arms. “Why can’t you help Drake? Why do we have to kill him? I know you can save him!”
One of them slammed up against the barrier, hissing, making me stumble away. “You dare speak to us that way? How dare you disrespect your Ancestors!”
“She only wants to save him. If there is a way, why not allow him to live? Why must it end in death?” Ethan asked.
One slammed against the barrier on his side. He jumped and glared, obviously getting annoyed. “There is no saving the Vampire. The demon is in control now. Kill him, or the Mage will take his place.”
The roaring noise returned, the room spinning. Ethan grabbed me, trying to keep me on my feet. Suddenly, we were back in the living room. Dizzy, I fell onto the couch, unable to hold myself up. Ethan stumbled, hitting his legs on the coffee table.
“Motherfucker!” he ground out in pain.
Stunned, I stared at Ethan, who looked back at me with the same expression. The silence between us was heavy. Basically, I had to make a choice between Ethan and Drake. Drake was probably already lost to the demon. I felt tears well up in my eyes as the reality of the situation hit me. Ethan walked over, sitting down on the couch and wrapping his arms around me.
“Even though it’s a difficult one, you do have a choice, Sophie. We could find a way to save him.”
“If he doesn’t die, they will kill you instead.” I threw up my hands. “How does that make sense? What do you have to do with anything?”
Ethan brushed hair out of my face and looked at me. “My death would only be a punishment for them. They will take care of Drake, despite what you decide. But if we can find a way, you could possibly save him.”
I sighed, slumping into him. So much had changed between us, I was surprised we were this close. My need to huddle into him and try to disappear kept growing the longer I sat there.
I pulled away, brushing away the tears. “Everyone says there’s no way to save him. I think we have to face facts, Ethan. Drake’s disappearing. The demon is taking over. The longer we wait, the more bodies there will be.”
Nodding, Ethan lifted my chin. “Whatever you decide, I support you completely. Just say the word and I’ll do what needs to be done.”
Chapter Eleven
The two Witches battled to the death. At least I thought they were Witches. When I watched them, fear in my heart, I sensed so much more. The power rolled off them in waves, suffocating. I knew if the wrong one won the fight, the world could possibly fall into dark times. People would live in fear as the Dark One destroyed cities, destroyed races. There were a lot of unknowns. The Light One would bring all races together, despite those who’d do anything in their power to make sure it wouldn’t happen. The supernatural would follow, worshipping the strength hiding within the Light One. But if the Dark One managed to gain the upper hand, there would be no stopping the end of the world. His desire to destroy all that was good would consume him completely.
Shooting up in my bed, I looked around the room, gasping. I glanced down, seeing Ethan’s hand over my stomach. He had no idea how dark one of the twins was. My kids would eventually fight each other to the death. If my dream was any indication, there was no way to save Drake’s child. I knew in my heart that his child would allow darkness to consume him.
What was a mother supposed to do when she realized that bringing a child into the world could be devastating? Lives depended on my decision. Could I destroy my own child to protect everyone around me? There had to be a way to save them. I couldn’t just abandon my child when they needed me the most.
HEARING CRUNCHING NOISES, I opened my eyes and blinked, feeling Ethan’s arm stiffen around my waist. When I glanced up to look into his face, his eyes were wide. He called to his magic so quickly, I found myself gasping on the power.
“Put your magic away, Mage,” a voice from the left side of the room said.
I sat up, calling to my own magic, then realized who the voice belonged to. Mary. The Lady of the Lake must have sensed I needed to talk to her. I didn’t even make a call yet.
I looked at her sitting in the chair and frowned. These
