She didn’t respond. It was almost as if she’d tuned him out. He looked over to Cassie. She was helping Vivienne stand. Her twin was no longer clutching her midriff, but she wore a grimace of pain on her face.
Cassandre, please. They are innocents in this all, and they are close enough that they can almost touch their freedom. Don’t send them back.
Lifting her eyes, she looked directly at him. You hurt my sister, after promising that no harm would come to my family. I don’t trust anything you say, and I hope to God you rot somewhere in Hell for the rest of your days.
He nodded solemnly. If that’s what you want, I will give it you, Cassandre. You have my word. Resurrect my people and I will spend an eternity in hell.
She swallowed, and then she turned to look at the portal. A look of pain crossed her features, and even before she spoke, he felt his hope float away.
No. I can’t take that risk.
***
Cassie tried to blot out the faces across the portal and Alexander’s look of anguish as she led Vivienne over to one of the stones. She’d thought he killed her sister, and had known pain she’d never felt before as she ran to her twin. Her relief had been palpable. She’d found that Vivienne was only injured, and healing quickly. But he’d hurt her. He’d promised not to, but he had.
Once Vivienne was sitting up, she turned to look back to Alexander. He’d stepped from the pentagram and was now as close as he could stand before the portal. A small girl, pale with mousy brown hair, was at the front, reaching out a tiny hand. He knelt and did the same, until it seemed like they were touching.
Something tugged at her heart. She wanted to trust him, but how could she?
“Help us, Cassandre.”
Spinning around, she noticed the same woman she’d seen before. The apparition. The only difference was that now she appeared real. Instead of a pale, almost luminous complexion, her skin seemed to exude life. And she was strikingly beautiful. Tall and lithe, with spirited eyes, and an easy smile.
Vivienne stared at the woman in confusion as well. Conall rushed over, burying his muzzle in Vivienne’s lap. Her twin turned away immediately, hugging the wolf closer, despite the tenderness of her ribs. They remained like that for a few seconds more before Conall positioned his body before Vivienne, and eyed the druid.
“Nicolette?”
“Yes, Cassandre. I told you that you would have to follow your instincts.”
“Every cell in my body is telling me I shouldn’t trust him…or you.”
The light in her eyes dimmed briefly, but she replied, “Because you think he betrayed you?”
“He has.”
“No. In order to perform a resurrection, there has to be a gathering of powerful immortals: witches, druids, warlocks. There would have been no way to resurrect the druids unless the grand wizards helped.”
She looked over her shoulder at Alexander. Another little girl had stepped forward and she, too, was reaching for him. The adults seemed to hold back, as if refusing to get their hopes up.
“Why didn’t he tell me that?”
“Would you have allowed it to happen?”
Cassie chose not to answer. No.
“How are you here when all of the druids were banished?”
Nicolette smiled sadly. “I, too, am banished, but my mother took pity. That is why my time has been so limited. I cannot remain on earth for more than a few minutes. It’s different tonight, because we are at a crossroads between banishment and resurrection. The decision you make will be difficult, and one you must live with.”
There was something else on her mind, and as Cassie stared at Alexander, looking quite defeated before the closing portal, she asked, “Why do you look familiar?”
“Because you and Vivienne are my descendants, Cassandre.” Cassie looked to the woman at that revelation, knowing instinctively she told the truth. She was familiar because she reminded her of her mother. Oh God, where was her mother? “She’s safe, Cassandre. I’ve removed her to a safer place for the time being.”
“Where?”
“My mother is caring for her.”
“But your mother is a goddess?” Selene…House of Selene. Artemis.
Nicolette nodded. “Yes. As I said, she is quite safe at the moment.” The druid returned her attention to the portal. “Time is running out, Cassandre. Before you know it, the decision will be made for you. We have waited for you for many centuries. At least give us the benefit of your decision.”
She gave her a little smile, turned to Vivienne and Conall, staring from one to the other for a brief moment, before disappearing.
***