“But . . .” That meant Talia was there.
And, as if reading his mind, Saren’s body shifted. The blue leather changed into a shimmering white dress and her blue-tipped black hair transformed into deep auburn curls. The flame didn’t lessen or change, but it was Talia’s body in front of him.
“Are you—” His eyes roamed over her, taking in every aspect of her. The small dimple in her cheek, the curve of her waist where his hand used to rest so many times. “Talia?”
She nodded, a small and impish grin appearing. “It’s me. Saren stepped back and is allowing me to come through, but it’s not for long. We’re all here, Lucas. All of us together. It’s such a glorious event.”
“Glorious?” The end of his mouth dipped down.
“It is. All of the thread-holders are united, and we’ve been waiting.”
“For what?”
“For one purpose.”
“And that is?”
“To help the last thread-holder. She will need us when she battles the only threat to The Immortal line.”
“Jacith,” Roane breathed out. His own flame of fury started inside. He knew the sorcerer was mounting allies against them. “Is he close?”
“He’s close to Davy. He’s talked with her.”
His fury lit up, like gasoline had been thrown onto it. “He was close to her?”
“Only his spirit. Not in body. He can’t do much to her, not unless he’s in closer proximity. There are some limits to Jacith’s power.”
“But he’s tried to hurt her?”
“Not yet. She was weakened from the witches. He’s underestimating her right now.”
His rage lessened, just a bit. “How do you know all of this?”
“Because we watch, Lucas. All of us together. We’re everywhere, watching, listening, protecting. Saren is the one chosen to be here in body, but we’ve all connected as one.”
Roane had been around enough in the world to know that every being, no matter how powerful, had limitations. The Immortal was no exception. While that was in the back of his mind, he asked, “Christian is here. Would you like to talk to him?”
“No.” The impish smile returned. She lifted and pressed her hand to the side of his face. She cupped his cheek. “I came forth because of you. Thank you, Lucas. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving Davy as a separate entity. And thank you for taking in my sister.”
“Tracey?” But as he said the name, he knew that was who Talia meant.
She nodded, a wistful sound coming from her. “She will find my child and raise her. When she does, and when you’re reunited with Davy, I’d like to come forth again. I’d like to talk to Davy and my sister.”
He nodded. The wolf would be pissed when he told him that Talia could’ve spoken to him and declined. Roane was looking forward to passing along the message.
“I must go now.” Talia waved a hand at herself. “Saren is balking by how long this is taking. We wanted to show you that we’re all together. We’re here to help Davy and to be reassured. We will be victorious. You don’t have to worry. I know you still will, but we, also, are watching out for your soul mate.”
“Thank you, Talia.”
She nodded, her eyes growing fond. As if she couldn’t help herself, she leaned forward, then wavered. She paused, but her eyes grew determined and she closed the distance between them. Her hand fell from the side of his face to his chest and she leaned forward until her lips pressed against his cheek. She whispered, “Be assured, Lucas. Not all is as it seems. You will have more on your side than you realize.”
Still standing there, he felt a tear fall from her eyes onto his cheek, but he felt her distancing. It was changing again. And as soon as Saren had taken over the body, her eyebrows arched high and she sucked in her breath, realizing the closeness Talia had been standing. Her eyebrows snapped down and a scowl formed, but before she could spew something out, Roane’s hand was at her throat.
He did what he’d wanted to do since he met her.
He snapped her neck and let her body fall.
DAVY