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Chapter 13
“Absolutely not!” AuntGwen’s voice echoed from the doorway. “That’s far too dangerous, Cassie. The ancestors may not be able to keep a consistent connection while you’re in there and it’s risky. If you become corrupted, I’m not sure we could bring you back.”
“It’s a chance I have to take.” I rose from Damian’s lap and walked forward to meet her as the tears lingered in her eyes. “My soul is in danger, auntie. You know I have to do this.” I hadn’t called my Aunt Gwen ‘auntie’ since I was a little girl.
She shook her head as a few tears escaped. “I can’t lose you. Don’t you understand? I promised Liz.” She pulled me in for a hug. “It wouldkillme, Cassie. You’re my family. I love you like you’re my own, as much as I love Gypsy.”
A sob escaped my chest as I squeezed my aunt back. “I love you, too. You’ve always been here for me, but I have to enter thefade. This is the only way.”
“I’ll be your anchor,” Gypsy volunteered as she ran into the room and wrapped her arms around me and Aunt Gwen. “If a loved one is here to bring you back then your chances of becoming lost or corrupted decreases.”
How did she know that? “Gyps, have you done this before?”
Aunt Gwen turned to my cousin sharply, awaiting her answer.
“Yes,” she admitted, blushing. “Autumn, Seb, the Bishop brothers, Drake, and I have entered thefadea couple of times. As long as someone is anchored here, the others can return easily.”
“That’s awful arrogant and presumptuous.” My aunt was furious. “You should have told me about this. How can you be certain you weren’t tainted, or a portion of your essence siphoned like Cassie?”
“Mom,” Gypsy breathed, “I’ve done this several times. Each time we returned from thefadeour circle performed a cleansing ritual and none of us have been affected.” She turned to me with a small smile. “You can do this, Cassie. You’re strong and powerful.”
I hugged her close and nodded. “Thanks, I’m going to need your help.”
“Not just her help.” Sebastian Wildes entered through the back door. “I’m not letting Gypsy do this alone. Count me in.”
“Seb, this isn’t necessary. I can handle it.”
He grabbed Gypsy’s hand and tugged her into his embrace. “Listen, kitten, we’ve been over this. I’m not letting you place yourself in danger, especially not alone. There’s no further discussion. I’m helping and I think we should include Autumn, Kane, and Karter as well. If Drake were home, I would suggest he join us too.”
“An excellent idea,” Ryder agreed. “The more power and connection here to anchor Cassie, the better.”
“Willow will be furious. Why would you girls do something so foolish?” Aunt Gwen shook her head. “Do you understand the severity? Messing around in thefadecan have far reaching and dangerous consequences.”
Gyps pulled out her cell and began texting. It was silent a few minutes before she smiled. “Kane and Karter are on their way. Autumn is talking to Willow and then she’ll be over.”
Sebastian turned to my aunt. “I accept responsibility for this. It was my fault Gypsy became involved. I realize the seriousness of the situation and will do everything in my power to keep her safe from harm.”
Watching this all unfold, sudden understanding dawned on me. Sebastian Wildes was in love with Gypsy. I wondered why I didn’t see this before. It was so obvious. He couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off her. When she was willing to place herself in danger to help me, he was here immediately to protect her. After everything that went down with Jadis, I think he wanted to prove that he was dedicated to the thirteen and would protect the Salem bloodlines.
