Chapter 5 Chpt

"Gabby"

I figured I'd find you here.

I sat on a large branch of the enormous oak tree and peered down at my uncle. I had developed a habit of climbing it and observing the crossing from a distance over the past ten or so years. To my father's dismay, it quickly turned into a necessity. Sadly, the branch was not high enough to conceal me.

200 yards away, I turned around to look at the mysterious doorway while holding the flask to my lips. Despite my agony, I pushed myself to take a sip of bourbon and took solace in the searing path it left behind as it traveled down my throat.

I snuck booze when I could because I wasn't allowed to drink it. This guideline was never clear to me because my devil burned it off quickly. Even though it took a lot of work, I could get intoxicated. My human side, I believe, wanted to find a method to oppose my father, so I did it. That and the fact that I adored bourbon immensely.

In addition, I was not permitted to enter the field without Gregor or Fabian. As a result, I would perch on a limb and lecture my father about his constant need to endanger me before ordering me to leave the area. The jury was still out after fourteen years of deliberation.

He was, as far as I could tell, trying to check if I had enough strength to get through. Maybe by being exposed to the wonder of the crossing in little doses, one could become accustomed to it. Perhaps my father was simply a jerk, though.

I never thought he would want me to cross until now. Not with all the other options available to get rid of me.

"Great investigation, G."

He made a noise and kicked at the nearest root, stirring up dust that dispersed like a cloud of smoke in the gentle breeze. He never allowed anyone else to touch him except for me. Everyone else retreated. I believe he enjoyed it when I teased him in private.

The question "What was that?" As I cupped my ear, I chirped.

"Nothing. Come on down so we can talk.

I am just around six feet above the earth. I'm here and we can discuss it right now.

The second time I tried to lift the flask, it was ripped out of my hands before it got to my lips. Stupid dude with his ridiculous height and tremendous reach.

The metal container's contents were released onto the ground when Gregor tipped it. The flask was then broken by his superhuman power. As he ejected what must have cost more than $200 in premium mash, I sighed. How wasteful.

"Gabby, you can get down or I'll take care of you. Three seconds are given to choose a choice.

My uncle never used exaggerated language. I was ready to either land on my feet or face first. He presumably believed that by giving me the option, he was being courteous.

I gracefully hopped down the branch and landed on the patches of grass tucked between the thick roots. I maintained my defensive stance and maintained a sufficient distance from Gregor in case he still chose to lash out. He preferred to express his annoyance by speaking with his fists.

"Wise decision," he said before heading out in the direction of the training center.

I snorted, then stood up straight, sure that I was secure. At least for the moment. I ran a short distance to catch up with him.

Are we now going to choose my death-day armor? Or maybe my coffin?" I asked with a smile.

Such a pessimist.

"You are aware of his request. You can't possibly believe I'll make it through.

With such a mindset, no, I say.

Again, unable to control myself, I snorted. Although it wasn't hilarious, it was in my tendency to find the humor in almost everything. I had a propensity to laugh at everything that made me feel uncomfortable.

If I hadn't developed coping mechanisms, I would have been miserable my entire life. More wretched than I already was, at least.

Gee, Coach, thanks.

Gregor abruptly came to a stop, grabbed me by the biceps, and gave me a quick, violent shake. His normally placid demeanor hardened, and his cheeks went red.

He bit out between his teeth, "This isn't a fucking game, Gabby. "Your life itself is in jeopardy. Stop making jokes for once in your life. Put an end to your snobby attitude. You might end yourself in a better place than when you started if you pay attention to what I have to say.

I shook my head incredulously. Never did Gregor insult anyone. A sliver of optimism appeared for the first time since Father's order.

After releasing me not too gently, he continued to march toward the big steel structure. I kept going while focusing intently on his final remarks.

"Your creation?" As we passed Gabe the Dummy, he nodded in his direction.

"I enter a fifth plea."

"Gabby, it was rhetorical."

"No, shit, G."

While barely slowing down, he threw open the door. It bounced off the wall stopper and I had to use both hands to keep it from hitting me in the face.

Gregor turned on the lights as he proceeded directly to the armory. I let myself observe my environment. I might have seen this place for the last time.

He said, "Sit," indicating the long bench against the back wall.

I moved toward the table after spotting a sizable box that wasn't there before. How nice, I bitterly remarked. He was getting ready for my vacation.

I sat and saw him moving swiftly about the space, removing objects from the wall and opening and closing cabinets. He placed everything in front of me on the table.

He never wavered in his decisions. He appeared to have a strategy in place because he knew exactly what I needed to bring.

When did you start knowing? I queried.

It's been "too long."

"Wh-"

He cut in, "Where is the pill Fabian gave you?"

I took it out of my military-grade jeans' side pocket and slammed it down on the table. He glanced at the lethal capsule before turning his attention to the drawer he had just opened.

"Good. At least he paid attention to one suggestion I made.

I halted my breathing. When Gregor finally stopped moving to look at me, he must have realized.

"You may now remove that expression from your face. That is your failsafe, he said, pointing. With that in your system, you'll be better off if something goes tragically wrong.

Better off, you think? My skull was about to explode as I questioned.

"Gabby, there are certain things that are worse than death. You might think I'm being unfair to you, but I'm nothing compared to even a little portion of what is beyond that gateway. You may take a kick to the behind. You can probably withstand a certain amount of torture. But believe me when I say that taking that pill is preferable to spending your final hours praying for death.

I took a sip. I wasn't the sort to be easily scared, but Gregor was frightening me. I was aware that the Otherland was much riskier than the Earth Realm. The plant life itself posed a risk. There were gigantic blooms that could swallow your entire body, sometimes over months, and slowly digest it.

He hurriedly threw everything he had gathered into a big box. I was too preoccupied with his commentary to pay attention to the choice he made.

He finished his task and sat down across from me. Gregor lifted the tiny metal container with care, pinching it between his thumb and index finger as if it were a ticking time bomb.

"This is the last weapon you should reach for. Although I don't believe you'll ever need it, I would never leave you without a way out, especially if you have no prior experience with the Otherland.

Do you believe that I won't use the crossing to return?

"I believe that if you want to come back, you will. Frankly, I'm more concerned with your movement across the Shadowlands than with your time in Dusk's fortress. You'll be fine, in that regard. Dusk's not ..." 


He paused, scratching at his chin. 


The question "Not what?"

"Nothing. I'm not permitted to say too much.

"Helpful. Thanks."

Gregor relaxed his posture as he raised his crossed arms to the table. He was striking the Gabby-is-getting-a-lecture pose.

"Things are going on that you aren't aware of. For his reasons, your father has chosen not to share them with you." 


His palm came up, halting my open mouth. 


"Don't ask. It's not my place to say. I'm not Dominus and, as such, I must obey him. But what I will say is that you can survive this." 


"How?" 


"Trust your gut. Your instincts are spot-on. You're smart, Gabby. Don't let your brain persuade you out of what you feel. If you feel yourself reaching for a blade, but your intuition tells you to back off, you listen. If you think you should trust someone, but your instinct screams no, you listen. Can you assure me you'll do that?" 


I nodded. 


"As I said before, you'll be fine within the fortress and most of the area surrounding it. Shadow demons are good at securing the regions around their populous areas. You need to be at the top of your game if you end up nearer the Borderlands.

Not all borders are close to the crossing, I thought.

The area that the Shadows controlled was roughly the same size as Kentucky and Tennessee put together. The Otherland had no automobiles, therefore traveling to another region would take time.

"Perhaps you'll take a horseback ride. Waterway, perhaps," he remarked. "You could put a craft on the Pale River, even though it's not very big."

The Pale River entered the province from the northwest and left it from the southeast, as far as I could remember. The Primus Crossing and Embour, the capital of the Shadow, were situated around the middle of a map, close enough to access the water supply.

The river essentially divides the Shadowlands into two quadrants, G. I would still have a ton of distance to travel. Or not. I have no idea what I'm getting myself into.

"Avoid getting sidetracked by logistics. They'll have already planned their travel. Your attention must be on the actual mission. Work on maintaining composure and being vigilant. Fortunately, in the Otherland, you'll be more in touch with your magic. As he pointed to my face, Gregor said, "You'll also be much stronger, but don't let that fact get to you."

My mouth quirked. Gregor knew me too well.

"Now, tell me exactly what Fabian told you."

I repeated my conversation with my father. Gregor's jaw became ever more tightened as the minutes went by. We were both enraged when I was finished.

I must thus live a life of service to Dusk, in whatever capacity. I could also murder him and return home. I don't want to die, therefore I'll probably end up as the Shadow Lord's maid or something. Other than delivering me as agreed upon, I am unsure of Fabian's true motivations in this.

Gregory muttered. "No one understands my brother's thoughts. Although I don't like the way he's handling this, I am not Dominus. You have the option of killing Dusk. does not imply that you must. I advise against giving it a second thought.

I massaged my eyes, suddenly feeling quite exhausted. I was unable to bear the room's depressing silence.

"G, why is this taking place? What is there for either of them to gain?

You can't be that foolish, I assure you.

My spine straightened as my hackles rose. It's "Fuck you, Gregor."

"Gabby, I'm serious. Use common sense. It was necessary for two strong leaders who don't particularly like one another to form a solid partnership. A daughter belongs to one of them. How has forming such an alliance been done historically?

My brain's gears began to click and spin. I shook my head as my nails drove into my palm.

"No," I reaffirmed.

"Yes."

That is problematic.

What is, is what is.

"The fifteenth century is not now! He cannot simply demand that I get married.

"He can. I'll nevertheless draw your attention to two crucial omissions.

First of all, devils often pair rather than marry. A signed document and a shared last name are not nearly as serious a commitment as getting a partner. The majority of demons have a strong conviction that their souls should only merge with a person who is deserving of sharing their life.

I was powerless to contest that. For the majority of Other species, that was true. My father had taught me that when two beings mate, a bond is formed between their souls that can only be destroyed by death. It wasn't something to be taken lightly because the majority of Other species lived practically forever.

Fabian had never mated with my mother, in my mind, since his soul had deemed her worthless. I was aware that in actuality, the male had never thought of her as anything more than a passing diversion.

According to what I understood, most Other species could only procreate through mating, unless one of the partners was a human. Their bodies were built for champion reproduction. It was the manner that nature compensated for limited lifespans.

Fabian ought to have known better than to engage in conversation with a female human. I waited for Gregor to conclude his presentation while trying to shake the horrifying idea of my father engaging in safe sex.

The second point is that Fabian didn't specify you had to mate with Dusk. He didn't even mention it.

"Because he enjoys playing mind games! He meant to say that I would be expected to truly serve the bastard when he claimed I would be in the Shadow Lord's service.

When I spoke it out loud, I felt unclean.

After seeing you fight, Dusk might not want that from you. He's aware of your abilities, which is one of the explanations for his earlier-than-expected request for you. He didn't ask for you right away because he believes he is prepared to deal with a partner he has never met. Believe me when I say that he currently has much greater things on his plate.

Furthermore, he had the choice to forego the entire mating process.

My eye sockets were pushed by my palms. He has a say, and I'm supposed to agree with it? What a bunch of misogynistic nonsense that is. I honestly have no idea what's going on at the moment.

I yearned to leave. must leave the complex on foot and find my route. The truth was that I had nowhere to go. No one else would assist me, especially given that I had fled. The Petrov from Gabon. I had no choice.

You're entering that crossing tomorrow, screwed up or not. The mission is the priority. Later, worry about the rest.

I sputtered, "Right," and put my hands on the desk. "Make it over unscathed. Perform the task about which I am ignorant. Later, worry about eternity.

Gregor made a gesture of devotion he had never before shown by reaching over and placing his broad hand on top of mine. My vision became hazy.

"Finish the mission. Whatever it is, you can do it with ease. The Shadow Lord will be able to see what your father cannot if you reveal who you are. He would be a fool to assign you to roles that are often performed by women, and Dusk is no fool. Gabby, be who you are. If you stand your ground, he will respect you more.

I'll probably die if I challenge him, G."

He gave a headshake. I'm not suggesting that you confront him. Just don't be afraid. You have a great deal of courage and determination, which he rewards. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be in charge of the army of the Shadow Lord."

I half-joked, wiping my eyes with the back of one palm, "If that happened, I might not want to come back ever."

Greg grunted. "I don't think you want to be here right now. Why not embark on an expedition and find out?

I chuckled. "Wow. Your very first motivational speech. You've performed admirably. I must have worked on it for days."

I yelled when Gregor smacked the back of my head. "Smartass."

It's good to know you still have your touch.

He told me to "get up," but disregarded my remark. It's time to choose your weapons.

We discussed what I would need for the following hour. Since I hadn't been given any information about what I was supposed to be doing and Gregor wasn't permitted to discuss it, it was difficult for me to make a choice.

He did say that I would probably be startled by the Shadowlands in a good way. I had questioned what that meant, but he had studiously disregarded it.

I put the cyanide vial back into my pocket before I departed. Although I was inclined to throw it away, I wouldn't rule out my father giving me a patdown in the morning.

I wasn't going to allow him to annoy me. I intended to follow Gregor's suggestion. No matter what assignment was assigned to me, I would finish it. I would take names and kick some asses. Dusk would see exactly what I was capable of.

He might realize how easily I picked things up and how useful I might be. Technically, the arrangement didn't begin until I was twenty-eight. Others-particularly demons-are legendary for upholding such contracts, blood oath or not.

I had seven years to understand the entire mating process. It should take him seven years to realize that I would be better off living in the barracks and assisting his army.

I set out for the main home with a renewed sense of purpose and a box of weaponry in my possession.

‡ ‡ ‡

Run Gabby, Run.!

I sprinted as quickly as my legs would allow, jumping over branches and downed trees. The shadows were behind me. It felt like it was reaching out to me.

My waist was gripped by cool, powerful fingers, which caused me to recoil and fall to the ground. I rolled in an attempt to see what had attacked, prepared to fight, but it had already gotten to me. My legs extended out as the mysterious figure's strength engulfed my entire body.

I screamed in pain anticipation from the barrage of sensations prickling my flesh. The energy burnt and soon transformed into a painful pleasure.

The shadows moved over, around, and inside of me, illuminating me from the inside out with a sensual vibrational dance. My body began to hum. At the intersection of my thighs, a storm that was forming in the center of my being was weighing heavily.

When it broke and crashed into the shoreline like a tidal wave, I yelled. I jackknifed off the bed and screamed out in alarm.

My skin was covered in a fine layer of sweat. I was wheezing like I did after a strenuous sprint. It took me about thirty seconds to notice my hand was tucked inside my underwear.

Sacred hellfire.