Part 24 (1/2)

”We're outgrowing the house,” Camille said. ”Morio and Trillian can stay with me, but I think we need to build a studio or something on the land. Roz, Shamas, and Vanzir can sleep there when they need to. Sort of like a stable.” She smiled softly, staring at the water as it rippled under the fading stars.

”Sounds like a plan to me,” Menolly said. ”Did Queen Asteria have anything to say about Trillian?”

Camille shook her head. ”No, and I didn't ask. I'm not supposed to know about his secret mission, but now that Father's safe, we should be hearing from him soon. I only hope that he can adjust to all the changes.” She let out a long sigh, looking a little nervous. ”I guess we start searching for the fifth seal now. At least Father's safe.”

Our father had been captured by a party of the Goldensun, or the golden Fae as they were often known. With gilded skin and jet eyes, they were xenophobic and lived high in the mountains. They'd imprisoned him when he accidentally stumbled into their lair. They hadn't harmed him, but it had taken him a while to escape. The information he managed to deliver to Queen Asteria had turned the tide in the war and allowed Tanaquar to route Lethesanar. Our father was a hero. And he'd always been one in our our eyes. eyes.

”Whatever happened to Fraale?” I asked. ”I lost track of her during the fight.”

”She returned to Otherworld. Roz says they can't be around each other without arguing. She still loves him. He doesn't think they can make it.”

”Maybe he should give it a try,” I whispered softly. And then, under the stars s.h.i.+ning so brilliantly, and the moon deep in her dark cups, I knew it was time. ”I met my twin sister.” And I told them about her, about the fight. ”She didn't give me her name, though. I'll ask Father. He'll have to be straight with me about what happened.”

”So we had a fourth sister,” Menolly said. ”It feels odd to think about.”

”What are you going to do about Chase?” Camille asked, after a moment.

”We've decided to give it a try. We aren't promising exclusivity, not right now. But Chase asked me about something and I didn't know what to say.”

”What is it?” Menolly gazed at me.

”He wants to know more about the nectar of life. I think he wants to stay with me-with us-for the long haul.” In the depths of my heart, I wanted him to. ”I'm going to talk to t.i.tania about it. She'll understand, and maybe she'll be able to help prevent what happened to Tam Lin from happening to Chase. If he only takes a small dose-enough to let him live with me through my allotted span . . . maybe it would work.”

There wasn't much to say after that, and thankfully, my sisters didn't even bother trying. We watched the water lap on the sh.o.r.es for another few minutes, and then Menolly took my hand and pulled me to my feet.

”Come on, Kitten. I think it's time for Jerry Springer. Jerry Springer. I've still got an hour or so. I'll join you, and we can feed Maggie while Iris and Camille rustle up a big breakfast.” I've still got an hour or so. I'll join you, and we can feed Maggie while Iris and Camille rustle up a big breakfast.”

Suddenly lighthearted, I pushed worry to the side and let loose, racing along the path. Camille and Menolly ran full tilt behind me, all three of us laughing under the solemn moon. We were heading home. Home to our father. Home to our lovers. And home to our family.

GLOSSARY.

Calouk: The rough, common dialect used by a number of Otherworld inhabitants. The rough, common dialect used by a number of Otherworld inhabitants.

Court and Crown: The The Crown Crown refers to the queen of Y'Elestrial. The refers to the queen of Y'Elestrial. The Court Court refers to the n.o.bility and military personnel that surround the Queen. refers to the n.o.bility and military personnel that surround the Queen. Court and Crown Court and Crown together refer to the entire government of Y'Elestrial. together refer to the entire government of Y'Elestrial.

Crypto: One of the Cryptozoid races. Cryptos include creatures out of legend that are not technically of the Fae races: gargoyles, unicorns, gryphons, chimeras, etc. Most primarily inhabit Otherworld, but some have Earthside cousins. One of the Cryptozoid races. Cryptos include creatures out of legend that are not technically of the Fae races: gargoyles, unicorns, gryphons, chimeras, etc. Most primarily inhabit Otherworld, but some have Earthside cousins.

Earthside: Everything that exists on the Earth side of the portals. Everything that exists on the Earth side of the portals.

Elqaneve: The Elfin lands in Otherworld. The Elfin lands in Otherworld.

Elemental Lords: The elemental beings-both male and female-who, along with the Hags of Fate and the Harvestmen, are the only true Immortals. They are avatars of various elements and energies, and they inhabit all realms. They do as they will and seldom concern themselves with humankind or Fae unless summoned. If asked for help, they often exact steep prices in return. The Elemental Lords are not concerned with balance like the Hags of Fate. The elemental beings-both male and female-who, along with the Hags of Fate and the Harvestmen, are the only true Immortals. They are avatars of various elements and energies, and they inhabit all realms. They do as they will and seldom concern themselves with humankind or Fae unless summoned. If asked for help, they often exact steep prices in return. The Elemental Lords are not concerned with balance like the Hags of Fate.

FBH: Full-blooded human (usually refers to Earthside humans). Full-blooded human (usually refers to Earthside humans).

FH-CSI: The Faerie-Human Crime Scene Investigations Team. The brainchild of Detective Chase Johnson, it was first formed as a collaboration between the OIA and the Seattle Police Department. Other FH-CSI units have been created around the country, based on the Seattle prototype. The FH-CSI takes care of both medical and criminal emergencies involving visitors from Otherworld. The Faerie-Human Crime Scene Investigations Team. The brainchild of Detective Chase Johnson, it was first formed as a collaboration between the OIA and the Seattle Police Department. Other FH-CSI units have been created around the country, based on the Seattle prototype. The FH-CSI takes care of both medical and criminal emergencies involving visitors from Otherworld.

Great Divide: A time of immense turmoil when the Elemental Lords and some of the High Court of Fae decided to rip apart the worlds. Until then, the Fae existed primarily on Earth, their lives and worlds mingling with those of humans. The Great Divide tore everything asunder, splitting off another dimension, which became Otherworld. At that time, the Twin Courts of Fae were disbanded and their queens stripped of power. This was the time during which the Spirit Seal was formed and broken in order to seal off the realms from each other. Some Fae chose to stay Earthside, others moved to the realm of Otherworld, and the demons were-for the most part-sealed in the Subterranean Realms. A time of immense turmoil when the Elemental Lords and some of the High Court of Fae decided to rip apart the worlds. Until then, the Fae existed primarily on Earth, their lives and worlds mingling with those of humans. The Great Divide tore everything asunder, splitting off another dimension, which became Otherworld. At that time, the Twin Courts of Fae were disbanded and their queens stripped of power. This was the time during which the Spirit Seal was formed and broken in order to seal off the realms from each other. Some Fae chose to stay Earthside, others moved to the realm of Otherworld, and the demons were-for the most part-sealed in the Subterranean Realms.

Guard Des'Estar: The military of Y'Elestrial. The military of Y'Elestrial.

Hags of Fate: The women of destiny who keep the balance righted. Neither good nor evil, they observe the flow of destiny. When events get too far out of balance, they step in and take action, usually using humans, Fae, Supes, and other creatures as p.a.w.ns to bring the path of destiny back into line. The women of destiny who keep the balance righted. Neither good nor evil, they observe the flow of destiny. When events get too far out of balance, they step in and take action, usually using humans, Fae, Supes, and other creatures as p.a.w.ns to bring the path of destiny back into line.

Harvestmen: The lords of death; a few cross over and are also Elemental Lords. The Harvestmen, along with their followers (the Valkyries and the Death Maidens, for example) reap the souls of the dead. The lords of death; a few cross over and are also Elemental Lords. The Harvestmen, along with their followers (the Valkyries and the Death Maidens, for example) reap the souls of the dead.

Ionyc Lands: The astral, etheric, and spirit realms, along with several other lesser-known noncorporeal dimensions, form the Ionyc Lands. These realms are separated by the Ionyc Sea, a current of energy that prevents the Ionyc Lands from colliding, thereby sparking off an explosion of universal proportions. The astral, etheric, and spirit realms, along with several other lesser-known noncorporeal dimensions, form the Ionyc Lands. These realms are separated by the Ionyc Sea, a current of energy that prevents the Ionyc Lands from colliding, thereby sparking off an explosion of universal proportions.

Ionyc Sea: The currents of energy that separate the Ionyc Lands. Certain creatures, especially those connected with the elemental energies of ice, snow, and wind, can travel through the Ionyc Sea without protection. The currents of energy that separate the Ionyc Lands. Certain creatures, especially those connected with the elemental energies of ice, snow, and wind, can travel through the Ionyc Sea without protection.

Melosealfor: A rare Crypto dialect learned by powerful Cryptos and all Moon Witches. A rare Crypto dialect learned by powerful Cryptos and all Moon Witches.

OIA: The Otherworld Intelligence Agency; the brains behind the Guard Des'Estar. The Otherworld Intelligence Agency; the brains behind the Guard Des'Estar.

Otherworld/OW: The human term for the UN of ”Faerie Land.” A dimension apart from ours that contains creatures from legend and lore, pathways to the G.o.ds, and various other places like Olympus. Otherworld's actual name varies among the differing dialects of the many races of Cryptos and Fae. The human term for the UN of ”Faerie Land.” A dimension apart from ours that contains creatures from legend and lore, pathways to the G.o.ds, and various other places like Olympus. Otherworld's actual name varies among the differing dialects of the many races of Cryptos and Fae.

Portal, Portals: The interdimensional gates that connect the different realms. The interdimensional gates that connect the different realms.

Seelie Court: The Earthside Fae Court of Light and Summer, disbanded during the Great Divide. t.i.tania was the Seelie Queen. The Earthside Fae Court of Light and Summer, disbanded during the Great Divide. t.i.tania was the Seelie Queen.

Soul Statues: In Otherworld, small figurines are created for the Fae of certain races and magically linked with the baby. These figurines reside in family shrines, and when one of the Fae dies, their soul statue shatters. In Menolly's case, when she was reborn as a vampire, her soul statue re-formed, although twisted. If a family member disappears, their family can always tell if their loved one is alive or dead if they have access to the soul statue. In Otherworld, small figurines are created for the Fae of certain races and magically linked with the baby. These figurines reside in family shrines, and when one of the Fae dies, their soul statue shatters. In Menolly's case, when she was reborn as a vampire, her soul statue re-formed, although twisted. If a family member disappears, their family can always tell if their loved one is alive or dead if they have access to the soul statue.

Spirit Seals: A magical crystal artifact, the spirit seal was created during the Great Divide. When the portals were sealed, the spirit seal was broken into nine gems, and each piece was given to an Elemental Lord or Lady. These gems each have varying powers. Even possessing one of the spirit seals can allow the wielder to weaken the portals that divide Otherworld, Earthside, and the Subterranean Realms. If all of the seals are joined together again, then all of the portals will open. A magical crystal artifact, the spirit seal was created during the Great Divide. When the portals were sealed, the spirit seal was broken into nine gems, and each piece was given to an Elemental Lord or Lady. These gems each have varying powers. Even possessing one of the spirit seals can allow the wielder to weaken the portals that divide Otherworld, Earthside, and the Subterranean Realms. If all of the seals are joined together again, then all of the portals will open.

Supe/Supes: Short for Supernaturals. Refers to Earthside supernatural beings who are not of Fae nature. Refers to Weres, especially. Short for Supernaturals. Refers to Earthside supernatural beings who are not of Fae nature. Refers to Weres, especially.

Unseelie Court: The Earthside Fae Court of Shadow and Winter, disbanded during the Great Divide. Aeval was the Unseelie Queen. The Earthside Fae Court of Shadow and Winter, disbanded during the Great Divide. Aeval was the Unseelie Queen.

VA/Vampires Anonymous: The Earthside group started by Wade Stevens, a vampire who was a psychiatrist during life. The group is focused on helping newly born vampires adjust to their new state of existence and to encourage vampires to avoid harming the innocent as much as possible. The VA is vying for control. Their goal is to rule the vampires of the United States and to set up an internal policing agency. The Earthside group started by Wade Stevens, a vampire who was a psychiatrist during life. The group is focused on helping newly born vampires adjust to their new state of existence and to encourage vampires to avoid harming the innocent as much as possible. The VA is vying for control. Their goal is to rule the vampires of the United States and to set up an internal policing agency.

Whispering Mirror: A magical communications device that links Otherworld and Earth. Think magical videophone. A magical communications device that links Otherworld and Earth. Think magical videophone.

Y'Elestrial: The city-state in Otherworld where the D'Artigo girls were born and raised. A Fae city, currently embroiled in a civil war between the drug-crazed, tyrannical Queen Lethesanar, and her more levelheaded sister Tanaquar, who is trying to claim the throne for herself. The civil war has escalated to other lands, and many races are taking sides in the fighting. The city-state in Otherworld where the D'Artigo girls were born and raised. A Fae city, currently embroiled in a civil war between the drug-crazed, tyrannical Queen Lethesanar, and her more levelheaded sister Tanaquar, who is trying to claim the throne for herself. The civil war has escalated to other lands, and many races are taking sides in the fighting.

Youkai: Loosely (very loosely) translated: j.a.panese demon/ nature spirit. For the purposes of this series, the youkai have three shapes: the animal form, the human form, and then the true demon form. Unlike the demons of the Subterranean Realms, youkai are not necessarily evil by nature. Loosely (very loosely) translated: j.a.panese demon/ nature spirit. For the purposes of this series, the youkai have three shapes: the animal form, the human form, and then the true demon form. Unlike the demons of the Subterranean Realms, youkai are not necessarily evil by nature.

And now . . .

a special excerpt from the next book in the Otherworld series by Yasmine Galenorn . . .

DEMON MISTRESS.

Coming soon from Berkley!

”Could you at least wait until I open the window to shake that thing?” Iris shot me a nasty look as I yanked the braided rug off the floor and started beating it against the wall. ”I can barely breathe, there's so much dust.”

Chagrined, I dropped the rug to the floor and gave her a sheepish look. ”Sorry,” I said. ”Open the window and I'll shake it outside.”

Rolling her eyes, she lifted the sash and pushed it up as far as she could. I took over, finis.h.i.+ng the job. A wash of warm summer air filtered through the open window along with the sounds of horns honking, blaring music, and laughter from a gang of street kids who were smoking weed in the back alley behind the Wayfarer. The air had a happy-go-lucky feel to it, a stir of excitement, like a street party about to spontaneously erupt.