Outrunning Her Past

Chapter 30

I expected something out of a chapter of Dante's Inferno when Wyatt said it was time to go to his realm. Of course, most if not all of my knowledge came from bad movie depictions of demonic hellscapes or religious dogma. What I didn't expect was the entire realm awaiting us and calling out our names. I'd probably have run for the hills if I knew how to teleport. Less than ten minutes in the realm and Xander had already stepped down, formally handing over the crown to Wyatt and myself.

Now we're sitting in a cavernous chamber with Xander, the Demonic Council, as well as Leo's parents. "Your father is gathering clans and plans for war," Samuel told Dean, who gripped the edge of the table tightly.

"How many?" Dean seethed.

"At least a dozen so far as we can tell," Samuel replied.

"Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly will a war achieve? The bonds are sealed," I asked.

A towering demon with a large red eye where a nose should be, spoke his mouth a jagged wreath of teeth. "Your Majesty, bonds are a fickle thing and with the right magic, they can be broken, or," he hesitated, looking hesitantly at Wyatt, "if the center of the bond ceases to exist..."

Despite the warmth of the room, a chill ran over my skin. "So their goal is to kill me," I replied plainly.

"That isn't going to happen," Wyatt growled as the others echoed his sentiments.

I started to reply when the room began to tremble. A roar of flames shot up from the floor near Xander, then receded to reveal Hecate. The entire room dropped to their knees as I stared in wonder, slowly kneeling as well. The goddess let out a sharp laugh, "You, my child, should never kneel to me or anyone else." I raised my eyebrows at her statement.

"My Lady, to what do we owe the honor?" Xander asked, his head still lowered.

Hecate gave me a mischievous look that made my heart race then sent the room into chaos with her words. "I decided my daughter should have someone other than her mates in her corner as you proceed with your plans." The Council seemed to have a meltdown as Leo's parents looked between the goddess and me in confusion.

Was that really necessary? I asked her telepathically.

She smirked, No, but it was fun. I just rolled my eyes in response, then she raised her hands. "Enough!" Her voice boomed and silenced the chamber immediately.

"Why were we not informed of her witch lineage?" A councilman demanded.

"Because it was none of your business," Hecate snorted. "Her bonds were set long before you walked this plane of existence, old man."

"And I suppose you are who set those bonds?" He countered.

A brief look of discomfort crossed her expression. "No, I was not. The origins of her bonds are even older than I am. While she is a descendant of my line of witches, her fate is not set by me, nor any other that I've been able to determine. She is more than she appears to be."

I groaned, palming my forehead, "Not that again. I swear you are all so cryptic, why do you keep saying that?"

She stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder, "Because it is true. The lives of every creature in this room are already set, held in the balance by some higher being, everyone except you. I can only claim you as a child in the craft, but Daniella, you are more than just a witch, and you are not human at all."

"What? That's not even possible," I sputtered, "My mother..."

"Was probably only disguised as a human," Hecate answered, cutting me off abruptly. "Whatever she was, whatever your second half is, well, it is stronger than any magic I've ever sensed even with it being blocked."

"How might this information help our Queen, My Lady?" Xander asked, eyeing me curiously.

Hecate giggled, "I have no idea, but I do know I want a front-row seat when she is unbound and kicks their high and mighty asses!"

Dean snorted, "Who knew the Goddess of Witches had a sense of humor?" She shot him a glare, making him blanch. "Okay ... so what do we do now? Who is willing to stand with us?"

"The Demon kingdom stands with their King and Queen and her consorts," Xander proclaimed.

"All of the kitsune clans have pledged support to Leo and Daniella," Thea smiled, "Additionally, a representative of the Fae Council, Resa, I believe, says the Fae stand with you as well."

That shocked me and I could see the ripple of surprise around the room. Even Hecate seemed taken off guard. Only Thea seemed unimpressed. Whatever she knew, she was playing her cards close to the vest. I'd hate to ever play poker with her. I felt Wyatt's hand squeeze mine as he asked, "Now we need to decide if we wait for them to make a move, or if we move first."

Hecate cleared her throat, "Daniella needs to train first. The spell Kvia placed is unraveling allowing her memories to flow again, but she needs to work on her magic. If you agree, I would like to take you to my domain briefly to train." Wyatt's hand flinched, making my gaze move to him and the others.

"What aren't you saying this time?" Her lips turned up slightly at my question.

"They can't come with you." I felt every inch of my body tense along with the bond, my head shaking no. "Where we go, only a witch of my line can travel, Daniella. You risk their very souls if they accompany you, and all your lives if you do not harness your magic."

"We aren't going anywhere," Talon whispered in my ear as he knelt next to my chair. I blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears. He placed the palm of his hand over my heart. "Close your eyes and feel us, Kitten. No matter where you are, our connection keeps us tethered."

I let out a ragged breath as I felt them all. I opened my eyes as Wyatt stood, pulling me to my feet. My mates surrounded me, their bodies forming a shield around me as they spoke softly. We spoke of our love, our need for one another, and our promises for the future, but mostly we spoke of hope. Hope that this challenge will pass from all of us so that we can build our lives together as one.

Author's Notes:  Things are about to get a bit sticky for our lovers...

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