First Plane by Patti Larsen

Author:Patti Larsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: paranormal, young adult fiction, ya fiction, young adult paranormal, ya paranormal, ya witches, ya demons, young adult witches, young adult demons
Publisher: Patti Larsen

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Chapter Nineteen

I wasn’t all that surprised to be called on again in the middle of the night. In fact, I was expecting it, already up after a short nap.

Sassafras warned me about the possibility as we dined in private with Dad.

“She’s fishing for something,” he said of my grandmother. “Don’t underestimate her.”

“She’s a mistress of subtleties,” Dad agreed. “You won’t know what she’s after until she has it from you.”

“Just be careful what you say,” my demon cat said. “And for goodness sakes, control your temper.”

I fell into a short sleep after leaving the others to talk, feeling much more refreshed for a bit of rest despite the fact I should have been exhausted. A long shower in the amazing bathroom, piping hot water pouring from a huge fountain gushing over my body, did wonders for my state of mind.

By the time Pagomaris knocked, I was smiling and ready.

No more hesitation. I strode into Grandmother’s presence like I was the one ready to ask questions. Her powerful magic didn’t intimidate me this time. What was the worst she could do? I was already trapped here, fighting for my status. It wasn’t like she was going to challenge me. Maybe she could make my life miserable, but I was willing to take the chance if it meant keeping my dignity and my head.

She clearly saw the change because her welcome was cooler than the night before. When she sat next to me on the same couch, observing, hands reaching for the nectar, I laughed out loud.

“Just ask me,” I said, not sure where my bubbling good humor came from, but willing to let it ride and see where it took me. Maybe I was so past the stupid games I felt I had nothing to lose.

Grandmother’s smile was dark and dangerous, but she nodded and began.

This time she pulled nothing, direct and blunt. But she didn’t quiz me about home or my other magicks, but about the battles I’d fought and won so far. Why did I choose this particular attack or that specific defense? Was I thinking when I went in this direction or just reacting? How much of a disconnect was there between me and my demon?

That question made me pause. Consider. Laugh again.

“None,” I said with total honesty. “We’re one.”

My demon rumbled her agreement.

By now my happy-go-lucky feelings faded. How did she know anything at all about who I’d been? How Gram’s magic kept me from bonding with my demon from birth? Where was Grandmother getting her information? As far as I knew, the only other demon who understood my story was Theridialis.

No way. A traitor? Would he really betray us?

I found myself mentally shaking my head as Grandmother’s prying questions went on. It couldn’t be. It wasn’t like I knew every single demon Dad confided it. It was likely one of them betrayed him. Or, for all I knew, he’d told her himself.

That would be a jackass move, yes. But I couldn’t bring myself to believe Theridialis stepped over the line like that.

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