“This is not a guaranteed path,” Enid insisted. “The wolf could still die. I will not play Russian roulette with Bianca’s life!”
“What are your terms, then?” Pandora asked.
Enid looked surprised. “What are you talking about? What terms?”
“I believe Jessica’s sacrifice is guaranteed, you don’t. In order to make it a success, what are your terms?” Pandora turned to give me an encouraging smile. I returned her smile with a sharp intake of breath. She was beautiful, with long, flowing dark hair, wide eyes, full lips, all her makeup gone. I missed the old Juanita, but the person in her place was elegant and regal—a powerful supernatural in her own right. I couldn’t believe she’d given up so much to be my guardian.
When Enid didn’t respond, Pandora turned back to her. “Surely there is something that will make this a certainty for you.”
Leo spoke, surprising me by getting down on one knee, facing Enid. “Let me help you with this decision. I vow to be your sister Bianca’s protector, beginning now until she returns to you. She will have no greater guardian angel than I. Those who seek to harm her will not succeed. You have my solemn oath.”
I cleared my throat. I was getting worried. “I don’t understand what’s happening,” I said. “Does anyone care to explain?”
Pandora came down the step and grasped my hand. “I realize this is confusing for you,” she said, her voice low and melodic. “But the timing to tell all is not right just yet. There are still things in motion that must happen without our interference. But you will find out soon enough.”
Rourke stood shoulder to shoulder with me.
His tension rolled off of him in waves. He pinned his gaze on Enid. “What are your terms?” he said. “I will see my mate safely from this place.”
Enid appraised him thoughtfully. “On second thought, I do have terms, and if they are not met, I will kill your mate. She is in a precarious position. I will not sacrifice my sister’s life for anyone, no matter how much you try to convince me.” She turned her eyes to me. “You are missing a member of the Coalition, and she will not be given up easily. There will be fighting, and there will be bloodshed.” Her gaze was piercing. “My conditions are as follows: When all is revealed, you will come to me. Alone. I will be the judge and jury of your sacrifice. If I deem your answers satisfactory, you will live. If not, you will die. Do you accept?”
Rourke began to growl.
I answered, “I accept.”
There was no other way.
Enid had just heard her sister and Leo plead their cases and offer their help. This was what it had come down to.
It would be her and me in the end.
She crossed her arms. “The moon will rise twice before your coronation is set to take place. You will meet me here, alone”—she glared at Pandora and Leo—“at midnight the evening you are to take your sacred vows. You will answer my questions to my satisfaction, or die.”
I nodded once. “I vow it.”
Enid seemed satisfied. She turned her back on us and walked off the altar and out of sight. Pandora came to embrace me, giving me a bear hug like the ones I remembered. “You did well!” she said enthusiastically. “You have so much intelligence and will make a great leader. My sister is headstrong, and her heart is in need of mending, but I am confident she will see things our way. And you are just the person to make her understand.”
“I’m not going to lie,” I confided. “I don’t understand everything that was said here today, and I know you have faith in me—and I hope to uphold that—but I’m scared. I’m worried the sacrifice will be too great and I won’t be able to answer the questions to Enid’s satisfaction.” I didn’t want to think about what would happen if I didn’t.
Pandora placed her hands on either side of my face, stroking my cheeks. “The sacrifice will not be too great, I promise you. I know you well, Chica,” she whispered. “I would never ask you for something that you would not be able to deliver. Now stop worrying and go with your mate. Reunite with your family. There will be much to do tomorrow. Love each other and be happy. You are moments away from being fully back on your true path. And once you are there, we will celebrate.”
Leo gave Pandora a small bow. “It was nice to see you again,” he said. “Your rebirth has done you well.”
“It has,” she agreed. “The world has much to offer still.”
He glanced at me. “If you are choosing to take another route back to Florence, I will take my leave,” Leo said. “Now that my presence has been revealed to the masses, I must make some provisions for my new life.” He took my hand, his power unsettling in its strength as it raced up my arm. “I look forward to seeing you again, Jessica. You are a brave warrior.” He bowed his head and then turned and walked out of the church.
“Are you coming with us?” I asked Pandora.
She shook her head, her shining locks swaying. “No, I will stay and talk with my sister awhile. We have much to catch up on. I’ve been gone for over fifty years. That’s a long time for wounds to fester, but it’s time for them to heal. All will be well. Trust me.” She leaned over and kissed the top of my head.
“Will I see you again soon?” I asked.
“Yes.”
I hugged her. “Thank you for always being there for me. I was lucky to have you, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.”
“It was my pleasure,” she said.