Warrior (Book Three of The Silver Society)

Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

Beth screamed as Timmy's corpse fell at her feet. Aideen and Jade both immediately tried to resurrect him.

After a few minutes, Spencer shook his head. "It won't work," he said gently. "This was meant to happen. His protection is all around Beth now, almost like a shield."

"No," Aideen said. "We're supposed to be protecting him. He can't be dead."

"I won't let this happen," Jade said stubbornly.

"Jade... You have to," Spencer said. He tried to touch her arm, but she pulled away from him.

"I can't let him die, Spencer!" Jade insisted. "He's only fourteen! He..." She shook her head as tears formed in her eyes. Aideen started to cry subtly, too.

"Do not shed tears now," a voice said. A woman with a lion's head suddenly appeared before them.

"Sekhmet," Jade whispered, recognizing the Egyptian Goddess.

Sekhmet nodded. "This boy is my son, and you and Aideen are his soul's guardians," She explained. "That is why you both felt compelled to protect him from the moment you met him."

"We failed him," Jade said.

"No, you protected him. His time has come, Jade. This was meant to happen. He vowed to protect the one he served in past lives. She has a protection that few will be able to get past now. This sacrifice will give her strength when she needs it the most."

"I won't let him die," Aideen said. "He's just a kid."

"He chose this path, Aideen. Trust me. He is at peace with his decision. Thank you both for keeping him safe until the time was right." She bowed her head and lifted Timmy's corpse into her arms. Sekhmet and Timmy vanished from sight. Just like that, he was gone.

Beth stood sobbing in Randy's arms. "It's my fault," she said. "It's always my fault that everyone else gets attacked."

"No," Randy whispered. "This isn't your fault, honey."

"He died to protect me, Randy... He gave his life to save mine."

"I know," Randy replied softly, uncertain of what else to say.

"Why would he do that? Why would he...?"
She shook her head as she began crying harder. "Take me home please," she said numbly. "I just... I need to go to bed."

"Okay." Randy helped Beth walk home. The others gave them room, but followed them.

"The one he served..." Aideen suddenly repeated softly.

"What?" Jesse asked.

"Sekhmet said he died to protect the one he served... People usually only serve first generation deities. Why would he serve Beth? She's second generation."

"I don't know," Jesse replied. "That's a good question. Alex?"

"I'll look into it," Alex promised.

As they arrived at Beth's house, the door was opened by a handsome-looking boy who appeared to be a few years older than Beth. Beth squealed, seeming to forget how upset she was for a moment, and flung her arms around him.

"Kevin! What are you doing home?" She asked.

"I withdrew from school... Mom and dad don't know that yet," Her older brother replied.

Aideen grinned, also taking comfort in his unexpected arrival. "Welcome home!" She said.

"Wait, Aideen... You know my brother?" Beth asked.