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  Did it involve the idiot currently on the throne?

  It did and still does. I'll try to explain it later. We'll be checking on all the hub worlds before this is over.

  Because interruptions on those worlds could cause a cascade of events, huh?

  Something like that.

  Nothing like starting wars over shortages and discontent, eh?

  And those wars, as devastating as they could turn out to be, could be a distraction from other things.

  Don't scare away my appetite, I warned. I haven't had anything cooked by Reah in a long time.

  Sorry. Hal and I are a bit testy after questioning the vampire who's been whispering in Larvalis' ear for the past few months.

  You're kidding?

  Not.

  Come here. You need a brotherly hug, I told her.

  I'll take it, she said and allowed me to squeeze her against me.

  "Don't squash your half-sister," Denevik mumbled.

  "I won't," I said and let her go. "Now, who's taking us?"

  "You can do the honors," Zaria said.

  And so I did.

  Zaria

  Reah served a fish course, a beef course and, for the lone vegetarian (me), she served a noodle dish in a delicious sauce, then a type of mushroom that grew larger than Vik's palm, which had been sautéed in red-wine and seasonings, and served with tiny, herb-crusted potatoes.

  "Is that good?" Hal, who sat on my left, asked.

  "Want a taste? It's awesome," I told him.

  "I'll try it."

  I cut a piece of the mushroom, made sure it was coated in the red-wine sauce and offered it to him.

  His eyes lit up as he chewed.

  "That is delicious," he said. "I would definitely eat that again."

  "I can serve it as a vegetable course in the future," Reah beamed at us. "The mushroom has a denser consistency than most, so it's perfect to serve in this way."

  "The sauce is good with the potatoes, too," I said. "Ilya and I will beg for this recipe."

  So far, the topic hadn't turned to Vik being Torevik Rath, Lexsi's father, and still among the living. I'd watched Lexsi when she wasn't aware of my gaze; she knew something was up but hadn't speculated.

  Yet.

  Who is Vik? Really?

  Lexsi's mindspeech didn't surprise me.

  Do you want to hear it from me or from him?

  Please tell me it's Daddy, she begged. He's tall, like Daddy, but he doesn't look the ah, same. I know you could have saved him if you wanted to. Tell me you did that.

  I opened a channel to Vik, allowing him to hear her words.

  It's me, baby, he told her. Zaria made me look different, well, because.

  I barely recalled that Lexsi could turn to mist, just as her grandmother, Lissa, could. She was beside Vik's chair in two blinks, with her arms wrapped around him and sobbing her happiness onto his shoulder.

  He pulled her onto his lap and soothed her with words so soft I barely heard. Words of love. Explanations of how proud he was of her. So many things that he hadn't been able to say to her before.

  Kory, who'd kept his seat across the table, now listened intently while Reah whispered in his ear. I saw his eyebrows shoot upward as he learned what Lexsi had only realized moments earlier.

  A sly smile tugged at Denevik's mouth; Vik had already told him. Halimel knew because I'd explained things to him before meeting with Denevik and Vik.

  And, because the food was too good to waste, Hal and I kept eating. After all, we'd skipped at least two meals before coming for dinner.

  Lissa

  "So we have another group of vampires on Hraede, posing as the Rith Naeri?" Merrill, Gavin and Tony joined Rigo and me in the library. Merrill was the one who spoke, however, after I explained what we'd learned from Sworden.

  "Except these vampires have a very different view of what the Rith Naeri should be doing," Rigo fumed. I'd never seen him this worked up about anything. "We kept our deeds secret. How did they learn of this?"

  "I'll ask Zaria if she saw that in him when she gets back from Kifirin," I said. "Then, Rigo and I need to sleep, and then we need to start hunting the others in Sworden's fake group of vampires."

  "Zaria says that Sworden is only a lackey in the group and knew little," Rigo reminded me.

  "I know. Honey, I'm so tired I can't even think straight anymore."

  "What if every hub world now has a secret group infiltrating the ruling offices?" Gavin asked.

  "I'm worried that this is exactly what's happening," I said. "While Larvalis is gullible enough to take Sworden's advice without compulsion, others may not be as malleable."

  "I doubt anyone is as malleable as that incompetent fool," Rigo hissed.

  "Why don't you two rest while we investigate for a while?" Merrill offered. "I can take Kiarra, Adam and Gavin with me. We know where all the hubs are, and Kiarra will know if something is wrong, even if she can't read those in power as easily as Zaria can."

  "Thank you. Rigo and I will appreciate updates when we wake."

  "I'll see that you get them, Cara," Gavin promised.

  When they folded space, leaving Tony, Rigo and me in the library, I yawned.

  "I can get you both to bed," Tony told us. "You look like you could sleep standing up."

  Zaria

  Vik stayed to talk with Reah, Denevik and Lexsi. Hal and I begged off and returned to Le-Ath Veronis.

  Lissa is asleep, Tony informed us when we landed in Lissa's library and sent mindspeech. You should get some rest, too. Gavin, Merrill and a few others are out checking the other hubs right now. You may have new information when you wake.

  Good. We're going to bed. Wake me if the apocalypse happens.

  And only if the apocalypse happens, Hal added. "Come," he said aloud. "I can mist you to your suite. Mine is down the same hallway."

  "Then what's the holdup, dude?" I leaned against Halimel.

  "There is none, my lady," he whispered and turned us both to mist.

  "Love or breakfast. Which would you prefer?"

  Edden's breath warmed my ear and woke me at the same time. "Who turned the air frigid?" I mumbled, refusing to open my eyes.

  "An unexpected cold snap occurred while you slept," he chuckled. "It is late fall on Le-Ath Veronis. So far, the residents are enjoying the chill in the air."

  "Because they're vampires and don't feel it," I complained.

  "It is their nature," Edden agreed. "Shall I fetch another blanket for you?"

  "How is it," I began, while attempting to open my eyes and sit up at the same time, "that all three of my mothers were vampires, and not one of them graced me with the ability to not feel the cold? Never mind, I'll warm the air myself."

  "How do you know your third mother was a vampire, and in the past tense, my love?"

  "I can read Lissa when I want to," I mumbled like an obstinate child. Employing power, I warmed the air in my suite considerably. "I also saw that she's been reborn, but Lissa doesn't know who she is, now."

  "Do you have any idea who it could be?"

  "None yet. I'm working on it. I'm also starving."

  "Then we'll find breakfast for you."

  "No, I think I'd like a kiss, first."

  "I was hoping for that."

  Edden is a diplomat of the highest order. Not only did I get love, but breakfast in bed shortly after. Giving him mindspeech was one of my better decisions.

  "Hey, crew," I said, walking into the library with Edden. Ilya, Bleek, Tamp, Vik, Denevik and Halimel waited there for me. I wasn't surprised that Halimel chose to come to the meeting; we waited for Lissa, Rigo, Merrill and several others to join us. We'd discuss their findings on other hub worlds.

  Tea, coffee and snacks had been laid out for us; I poured coffee for myself while Vik stacked a small plate with cookies.

  "Things went well last night, I take it?" I asked him. He grinned in reply. Thanks for smoothing the way, he sent, before giving me a wink and moving away to fi
nd a chair.

  Anything for you, bro, I teased.

  Travis and Trent walked in with Lissa, followed by their fathers, Drake and Drew. Gavin, Merrill, Rigo and Kiarra came in after those five.

  "We've found four other hub worlds that are acting suspiciously, as if obsession has been laid," Lissa announced. "Others could be targeted, too. I've already sent images taken yesterday of all the leaders of hub worlds to Quin; she should get back to us at any moment."

  "We're here," Quin, announced. Her smile was aimed at me, however, as she and Justis walked into the library, royal-red wings folded tightly against each back.

  I patted the sofa cushion next to mine; Quin and Justis joined me on the couch I'd chosen. My crew had elected to stand during the meeting, so they filled the space behind the sofa.

  "What can you tell us?" Lissa asked Quin.

  "The four you suspected are obsessed," she pulled her comp-vid from a pocket and handed it to me, so I could look at their images, too. "So far, the others aren't affected by obsession, but three are under some kind of duress."

  I thumbed through images of two Queens, one President and a Prime Minister. Each of them bore an obsession, although the type of obsession was never evident. Part of the Sirenali curse, that even the most powerful couldn't get past the obsession to see the content of the original commands.

  "I need to go to each of these worlds to see if there is anyone around these leaders who recalls seeing D'slay, or whether we have other Sirenali to contend with."

  "I think we should infiltrate all of the hub worlds, to see if and when they fall under an obsession, or to stop it if we can." Lissa sounded angry; I didn't blame her. Something was afoot, and I figured it would be Alliance-wide war before it was over.

  "I think the Prophet and D'slay are working in tandem, even if we can't put the two together," Vik snorted. I turned my head to look at him, only to see a curl of smoke escape his nostrils. His Thifilathi was upset, and that was a good indication that Vik was right on the money.

  When Quin and I had healed him, we'd reset everything about him, including his ability as a guli, or High Demon truthsayer. Another thing he had that many High Demons no longer listened to was what they'd been intended for in the beginning. They knew, through instinct, when the dark races posed a threat to any others.

  His Thifilathi knew that Sirenali, combined with other forces, were threatening everything. In the past, that was supposed to be a sign for the High Demons to mobilize and quash the offenders.

  Most High Demons no longer paid attention to that small voice within them. Vik was listening carefully to everything it said, likely amplified by the spirit coin he carried on his chest.

  "I agree with Vik," I turned back to Lissa. "They're working in tandem, whether they realize it or not."

  "You think a master hand crafted this, don't you?" Kiarra studied me carefully. "I think the same," she added.

  "We probably agree on who that hand was attached to in the beginning," I told her. "I can't begin to tell you how much that infuriates me."

  "It's like land mines left behind after the war is over," Lissa sighed. "Planted by design, because they never want to give up the fight, no matter what."

  "A hollow victory, indeed, if you can even call it that," Charles appeared beside Kiarra and pulled her close to kiss her cheek. He'd been present as a father in her life far longer than he'd been in mine. I wasn't jealous; I merely wondered why.

  I had to be sure of some things, he sent to me, as if he'd read my thoughts. You'd never have conquered the Metal Library if you hadn't been worthy.

  You realize you keep digging the hole deeper, I snapped at him. Perhaps you should go hide in it.

  That is the Mighty Heart speaking—with the passion she possesses, he informed me.

  Right. And that is Wisdom, telling me this with the cold, calculated, unfeeling sentiment that he's so famous for.

  I don't mean to do this to you—to both of us. I'm sorry for the hole I've left in your life, and for the confusion I handed you with the mystery of your parentage. I should know better.

  Well, I guess Wisdom doesn't know everything, now does he?

  Far from it, he agreed. Sometimes, Wisdom means the willingness to accept your mistakes and learn from them. Wisdom means learning—constantly. I suppose it's far too late to take you fishing, so father and daughter can bond.

  I'd be healing the fish you caught and arguing about catching them in the first place.

  Now, that's the daughter I love so much, he replied, a slight smile forming on his lips.

  Do you?

  Do I what?

  Love me?

  Daughter, I love you so much it hurts. That's why I didn't rush in every time you skinned a knee or got into a jam. You had to learn to fly on your own. I only interfered with the giving of the drug. I needed you at this point quickly, and that's the only way it could happen. I'm sorry for any pain that brought you.

  You know, I wish I could believe that.

  I understand why you don't. It was a great risk to my heart, and now I pay the price of it.

  Will you answer a question, then?

  Anything.

  Who is the reincarnated Sarita?

  Ah. I should have expected that dagger in your hand, he said. You know her well, daughter. She sits beside you now.

  With that, Charles disappeared—as if he couldn't bear to see the shock on my face. "Is something wrong?" Quin touched my hand, sending a jolt of recognition through me. Charles had blocked that information from both of us—until now.

  Chapter 4

  Zaria

  "It's fitting," Merrill raked fingers through fine, black hair. "As she was one of your mothers, now you are hers."

  I'd asked to see him alone after our meeting. He'd turned Sarita centuries ago on Old Earth. He'd had no idea who she'd become, once reborn. I figured there was more to this story, too, because it was a given that Liron never provided Quin with a soul. Someone else had done that, and I suspected my father.

  "I don't think this information should be given to Wlodek," I shook my head at Merrill, whose bright, blue eyes confirmed my decision.

  "He is past that, I think, but there's no reason to tempt fate. It will only upset both of them to know this."

  "Agreed."

  "Thank you for telling me, though. I've worried about her over the years. Now I know she is loved and in the best of circumstances."

  "I was hoping you'd feel that way."

  "What are your plans for the rest of the day? Don't tell me you're going to rush off to four worlds to deal with obsessions," he chided. "Child, you are exhausted. Come to NorthStar and stay for a few days. You can always bend time, if necessary, to deal with the problems we face."

  "I know." I hung my head. I'd driven my crew just as hard as I'd driven myself, too. "Can I bring my crew? They're just as weary."

  "Of course. Bring anyone you want. We'll expect you for dinner." He smiled, patted my shoulder and folded space.

  "We're going to NorthStar for a few days."

  "My love, I am grateful you accepted the invitation," Tamp breathed a sigh.

  "Merrill pointed out that all of us are exhausted. I can bend time if it's necessary. We'll take five days off and see how we feel."

  "Ah, rest for all six lobes," Bleek's four arms settled around me for a tight hug.

  "Honey, I just want to float in the pool," I told him. "That sounds like heaven right now."

  "I can do some reading," Edden breathed. "I'm so far behind on my book lists."

  "Will there be anyone available for sparring?" Ilya asked.

  "I think we can find someone who'll wave a sword at you," I shook a finger at him.

  "I'll do it," Vik walked in, wearing a grin. Denevik strode behind him; I could see those two were becoming fast friends.

  "Good enough," Ilya fist-bumped Vik.

  "Guess who's going to replace Renellia on Hraede?" Vik grinned at me.

  "No idea," I said
.

  "Nissa is doing it, while Trik and Toff act as her bodyguards."

  "Nothing like getting the hairs singed off your nose if you act up around those three," Bleek laughed.

  "Well, Lissa said it should be someone who could take care of themselves," I said. "Did they volunteer? I'm surprised they allowed them away from Grey House for such an assignment."

  "Ah, Mom offered to bend time," Vik cleared his throat.

  "That's a solution, then. Is everybody packed up?" I asked. "They're expecting us for dinner. It's casual," I held up a hand before Vik could offer to change out of jeans and a pullover. "Dinner is served poolside—Kiarra sent mindspeech half an hour ago."

  "Who else will be there?" Vik asked.

  "No idea. Don't get cold feet, bro."

  "No cold feet here," he declared.

  "Then let's go." I folded everybody to NorthStar, landing us beside the pool, as directed.

  Vik

  I had no idea that Valegar, Nefrigar and Pheligar would be at NorthStar, or that Nefrigar would bring Reah with him. I thought we'd left things on a good note on Kifirin, and that I'd likely see Reah only now and then, when I visited Lexsi.

  Did you know about this? I accused Zaria in mindspeech.

  Val may have told me—at the last minute. I hope this doesn't make you feel uncomfortable.

  I'll get over it.

  If you need help, let me know.

  I wanted to snap at her for leading me into this, but it hadn't been her plan. Nefrigar and Pheligar probably conspired to bring this about.

  You lack patience, young demon, Master Morwin used to tell me. There was nothing for me to do here except suck it up and behave.

  "There is a proposition in this, you understand," Edden held out a glass of bourbon.

  "What are you talking about?" I took the offered glass and downed half its contents.

  "One of the affected hub worlds is Galk."

  Galk. Where the Queen ruled and the King either hid in the library or went fishing in the ocean from his private yacht. "Which one is affected?" I asked before emptying my glass.