about Visio and its people?”
“Last time I was out there, humanoid-like creatures inhabited that world. This was more than five million years ago. Not sure you remember, but Thieron’s absence sort of messed with my omniscience.” Death’s tone was dry.
My cheeks were hot. I’d learned a lot since I’d been around Death—about her quirks and limitations. About the entire hierarchy of the Reaper circles, particularly the First Tenners. But I was still eager to learn more about their respective powers, and how they all fit into the grand plan of creation and existence, across its many planes and dimensions.
For now, however, it seemed like it was back to work. I would’ve loved to get out there with Seeley for a change of scenery. But I also looked forward to freeing Death from these seals. She looked so weak, so not herself. I wanted her free, back at full strength, wielding Thieron once more and restoring the order which Spirit and Brendel had so recklessly disturbed.
Derek
The shuttle was just about ready to leave, with Dmitri doing one last sweep and check of its systems and our supplies. I appreciated his thoroughness. He and Douma had wanted to come along, but they’d understood that we wanted to keep this mission small and effective.
I could not contain my smile anymore. This was an adventure we were embarking on, and however it would turn out, it would be a step farther away from our Hermessi horror. And that, I found exciting.
It was a little before noon, though we could only tell by our watches and not by the sky. The moon shone beautifully over The Shade, the wind rushing through the tree crowns. The scent of acacias blooming traveled toward the beach, filling my lungs with delicate sweetness. Even if we did find a day-walking cure for all vampires, I was sure we’d all feel conflicted about doing away with The Shade’s night. It was such an integral part of the place, threaded through the very heart of its history and our memories. Maybe we’d keep half of the island permanently in shade, just for nostalgia.
Either way, first things first. Don’t count your chickens, and all…
Esme and Tristan carried their backpacks inside the shuttle, then came back out and hugged their parents. Amal spent a few more minutes with Amane and Ridan. I could tell that Amane was on edge about this. Sisterly love was a wonderful thing to witness. Vivienne and Xavier had visited us the night before, and Vivienne had given me plenty of hugs and words of wisdom—not that I’d needed any, in particular, but what kind of brother would I have been, had I not let her tell me what was on her mind or in her heart?
“Will you two promise not to get into trouble?” Rose asked.
I could feel her and Ben’s eyes on us, even when we weren’t looking. I grinned. “That’s the whole purpose of this mission. We keep our heads low, and we focus on the day-walking protein. Nothing more, nothing less,” I said.
“I’ve had enough wars to last me a lifetime,” Sofia grumbled.
Nethissis hugged Lumi and Kailani one last time, then made her way toward the shuttle, her knee-high boots sinking into the golden sand. She carried a satchel over her shoulder and an additional bag with what I assumed would be extra spell paraphernalia. Out of the entire group, Nethissis had the responsibility of keeping us healthy and safe if we couldn’t do it ourselves. I admired her greatly for her involvement in the Death Squad, and I trusted her to have our backs during this mission.
“It’s going to be okay,” I reiterated to Ben and Rose. “We’ll check in every twenty-four hours. If we come upon something we cannot handle by ourselves, we’ll let you know. I just want you both to keep a tight rein on things while we’re gone.”
“Don’t worry about GASP, Dad,” Ben replied. “It’s grown so big and sturdy, it’s pretty much running itself these days…”
The ocean lapped at our shore, white foam glistening as the tide withdrew lazily. Beyond, the starry night sky stretched on forever, the celestial bodies twinkling across the rippling water. It was quiet and cool, and the breeze sent delicate shivers down my spine. Many thoughts crossed my mind, though I did my best to steer them away from any worst-case scenario. There was no reason to invite the universe to spoil a potentially great thing.
“You know what’s been on my mind lately?” Ben