Seventh Seal - Jacquelyn Faye Page 0,31

at the diner. Then, I got a couple hours more sleep after Jimmy, Dar, and Shea left.

But I didn't sleep alone. In an unusual moment, Yuki came into my room, lifted my arm, and crawled into the bed in front of me. With a small chuckle, I wrapped my arm around her and gave her the snuggles that I needed.

"Snuggle whore," she whispered, and I felt the life drain from her as she fell asleep, too.

She was better than a teddy bear but wasn't one of those long term snugglers. She was gone by the time I woke up again. In fact, the entire house was empty when I went to go make another cup of coffee. Even Ellis was nowhere to be found.

"Well, okay then," I said crankily and hit the brew button.

The machine sputtered, and I grabbed the mug to go sit at the table and check my messages, but suddenly, there was somebody already sitting in my seat. Somebody I didn't recognize. Somebody I'd known my entire life. He smiled as I took a step closer, my hand shaking badly enough that coffee sloshed on my hand. It burned, but the pain wasn't any worse than the tear running the length of my heart. "Father?"

He smiled and faded but came back with a nod. "I can't stay long."

"How are you here?" I dropped the mug on the floor, splashing coffee across the tile and up the cupboard.

"You're getting stronger." He smiled as if that was the answer.

"So, what? I can just bring you back?"

He shook his head slowly. "You are projecting me, nothing more. Much like your lover's wife. You need to get a grip on the power flowing through you."

"I would if you would tell me how? I'm just fucking winging it here, Dad."

"Language, Daughter."

"Sorry." I bowed my head in shame and sat next to him, trying vainly to touch him, but my hand passed through his leg.

"I am nothing more than a waking dream. Here in spirit, but my body is far, so far, away."

"Just hang in there. I'm coming to get you!"

"No. You're not."

"Bet?"

"I was in your grandmother's workspace. Their plan is foolish. There is more to crossing Ethereum than just having a guide. Do you truly think Belenus will help you? It is because of her that I am where I am. She would just as soon as add you to her prison than release me. Do not be foolish. You are too smart for that."

"No. Not really. If I have to whip her ass to get her to free you, then I'm going to start taking kung fu lessons."

"She has been a god since the dawn of time. While your power grows, she would…wipe the floor with your face, as they say. Do not do this, Daughter. I beg of you. I led a full life and have no regrets."

"But your people need you."

"They have you."

"I need you."

"You have me. I am always with you, Dorothea. Do not forget that. Time, space, and the planes separate us, but I am always right here."

The tears were already dripping hotly down my cheeks. When he reached out and I felt his fingers touch my face, the waterfalls started. "I don't want your power. I was happy being me. Just plain old Dot."

"You were never plain, and just like your mother, you will never be old. Use the power I have given you to change the world. Too long has the mortal realm been separated from the fae and magic. Technology is making them cold, selfish, and ignorant. Find ones you trust, share your power, and make the world as it should be."

"Magic?"

"Better."

He faded away and I knew I would never see him again.

∞ ∞ ∞

Chief was already sitting in my booth talking to Marge when I opened the diner door at one minute after noon. It took one look for him to know I wasn't having the best of mornings, either.

"You okay, Darlin'?" Marge did that mom thing where she grabbed my head and checked my temperature with her lips. "Not runnin' a fever at least. Can't be too careful with all those nasty bugs goin' around."

"Thanks, Marge. Just been a long morning." I sat and she took off running.

"You're either going to end up with chicken soup or a Marge Totty."

"Do I want to know?"

"Here you go, Darlin'." She set a coffee in front of me. I could smell the whiskey in the vapors. The slice of lemon I could have done without.

"Thank