halo 'n horns [klance au]

27. Lux and Nox

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Mister

It happened so fast, I almost thought I imagined it. A quick shock, a little jump in my system. It happened while I was in the Throne Room, alone, looking over an ancient book that Kuron had found. It was full of spells and all sorts of magic, but nothing that really interested me.

But, as I had been turning the page, a jolt of electricity shot up my arm to my chest, then down through my body. I'd dropped the book, snarling, thinking that it had been the object to cause the shock but, as I calmed down, I realized that I actually recognized the electricity.

It was, to my supreme annoyance, the shock of Missus' halo. That was one thing I certainly hated about her- to get your attention, she'd just send you a shock of electricity. Not even a 'Hello, how are you?'.

The last time that she'd called me like this, it had been when Keith was born. It had been a long time since I'd heard from her. Scowling, I stood, dusting off my suit and picking up the book I'd dropped.

"Shiro, Kuron. I need you."

In seconds, the twins were in the Throne Room, panting slightly but otherwise attentive and alert. Placing the book on a shelf on the wall, I grimaced at the thought of what I had to do next.

"Boys," I said carefully. Shiro stood stock-still, and I was aware of his anxiety. I'm sure he thought that he did something wrong, even though he couldn't be more perfect as his job. On the other hand, Kuron was slouching, looking bored. When I looked to him, his yellow eyes bore into mine, jet black hair damp with sweat.

"Missus has called me for a meeting. I need to go to the Midworld for a while. You and the Blade are perfectly capable of holding down the fort here, eh? I'll only be gone for the night, back in the morning, and I expect everything to be perfectly normal when I get back. Am I clear?"

Shiro nodded tightly. "Yes, sir."

I looked at Kuron. With what looked like extreme effort, he straightened, saluting me with a lopsided grin. "You got it, boss."

Sighing, I cracked a smile. "Good. I'll see you later. Tell Ulaz, Thace, and Kolivan what's happening. I won't be long."

Shiro and Kuron nodded, then walked out of the room in sync as they headed down the hallway to the Blade's quarters.

I had to admit, I was a little nervous to see Missus again. Before heading up, I checked my reflection in the mirror, smoothing back my hair and straightening my tie.

Then, with a grimace, I headed to the Upperworld.

...

Our meeting place had been the same for years. We'd met here when we were children. When I was born in the core of the Earth, I'd felt a pull- a deep, longing desire and warmth that led me up through the layers of molten rock and sediment, up through the crust of the Earth and into the ocean's waiting arms. The first thing I remember seeing was the night sky above me- cloudy and grey and without stars, but it was the sky.

The cold, rough waters of the ocean had led me to the beach, where I now stood. Back then, I hadn't known anything. I hadn't known who I was or what my purpose was. But now...

As soon as I landed, I almost doubled-over in shock. I'd forgotten how much Missus' presence affected me physically. I struggled to stay upright, the rushing feeling of warmth and love almost overwhelming.

Standing before Missus was like standing under a waterfall. Wincing, I straightened with effort, rolling my shoulders back and walking towards the figure several meters away from me. She glowed softly in the darkness, her wings folded neatly behind her, golden halo turning slowly.