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Dad’s phone rings. His normal business one is turned off. Only his most trusted acolytes have this number, and they know only to use it in the direst of need. He picks it up and listens to the voice on the line.
“I see. I’ll have sufficient protection deployed.” He hangs up and throws the phone across the room.
“Well?” My mum’s wearing the same frown she always has whenever Dad loses his temper, whether justified or otherwise.
“Thornber scum attacking both The Windmill and the Cardamom restaurant in town. It’s a distraction, obviously. I’ll send some of our men over there. But we need to focus the family’s attention on the hill.”
The doorbell rings.
“It’s Connor,” Chrissie says confidently. She gets up and returns a moment later with him in tow.
I’ve not seen him since the day we broke up. Even amidst all the overwhelming emotions surging through my brain, the sight of him still brings back that toxic mix of guilt and sadness I felt at the time. I’d almost forgotten how attractive he is.
Connor gives me a longing glance that catches me off guard, then turns to my parents with a more respectful expression. “What is it, sir?”
Dad’s still pacing the room, but he gestures to the sofa, and Connor sinks down into it. “You’ve always been one of the most promising enforcers amongst the younger generation. I don’t tend to waste my time with compliments and praise, but I hope you know that’s how I feel.”
Connor gives a hesitant nod.
“I know the last few weeks haven’t been easy for you. Sadie and all that. But I hope I can still count on your loyalty.”
This time, his nod’s more insistent. “Of course.”
I look at the floor and try to pretend I’m not listening. Memories flood my mind. We hadn’t spent that long together, but it had all been so… nice. Just sexy, and fun, and comforting. Such a pleasant contrast to the chaos of the rest of the summer.
I’d never felt a tenth of the emotional intensity I’ve experienced every time I’ve so much as spoken to Gabriel, never mind slept with him, but is that really a bad thing?
“I’m more used to issuing orders than making requests,” my father continues. “But tonight, I need absolute loyalty and total bravery, and so I need to know you’re willing to take part of your own free will.”
Connor stands up and looks Dad straight in the eye. “What are you asking me to do?”
“Go to Summer Hill with my family. They’ll provide a defence and channel magic to you. Your job is to blast Gabriel-fucking-Thornber clean in two.”
“No.” I say the word almost without thinking.
The family turn to stare, their universal frowns suggesting they’re worried I’m developing some Thornber sympathies.
“Connor’s a powerful practitioner. But he can’t stand against Gabriel. We saw that in the Casino. I can.”
Dad walks over and puts an arm on my shoulder. “No one doubts your powers. But you know what you were like in court when you had to cross-examine him. This’ll be a thousand times worse. You can help your brother and sister with protecting Colson.”
I tell myself I could kill Gabriel to save my family and the Dome, but if I’m strictly honest, Dad’s probably got a point.
“Can’t you do it, then?” I ask Dad.
He clenches his hands into fists. “Twenty years ago, I’d have taken that bastard out without a second thought. I’ll lead the troops at The Windmill—I’ve still got enough fight in me to bring down his minions. But not him. I’m putting my ego aside. You need to do the same.”
TWENTY-ONE
Less than an hour later, we’re on the hill. It’s full moon again. Maybe that’s part of the magic, maybe it’s just a coincidence. I’m back in my red dress and jewels. There simply wasn’t time for the elaborate make-up and hairstyle associated with the Ritual and there certainly wasn’t time for the fasting and the potions.
No one’s entirely sure what form Gabriel’s plan is going to take. Our best guess is a few preliminary blasts of magic to take out those foolhardy enough to defend the hill, then one huge spell directed down into the earth. Even he’ll probably have to do some sort of ritual to summon the necessary degree of power and channel it so precisely. Using just the power of his will surely won’t be enough.
Connor’s task is simple: attempt to destroy Gabriel before he can do any of those things. My role and that of my siblings is twofold: protect Connor long enough to allow him to achieve that aim, and block any spells directed at the crystal and the tomb.
On the brow of the hill, Chrissie grips my left shoulder like she grips her hair straighteners when she’s styling her hair, and Liam places his hand more gently on my right shoulder. They’ll funnel their power into me. I’ll merge it with mine and create enough of a shield to allow Connor to fight. He’ll be free to focus all his energy on attacking, while Gabriel has to split his attention in order to protect himself.
Gabriel’s a hell of a lot more powerful than any of us individually, but together, this just might work.
