Page 113 of (Sur)real
Thomas wrapped his hands around her from behind. Light ignited in the canyon. Strings from every werewolf floated from their centers to an Elder and from the Elders, a single thread floated to Thomas. I couldn’t see what emerged from Thomas’s chest, but I saw the thread from Charlene turn into a cable.
The rest of my sisters’ chosen companions stepped forward and held them.
“Mimi!” a childlike voice screamed.
“Uncle Gregory,” another voice yelled as a wolf howled.
Michelle jerked, as if hit, and tried releasing my hand.
“Do not let go!” I yelled. “Everyone will die if we fail.” I was relieved when Isabelle and Emmitt both held tight to Michelle as well. She wailed and screamed as did the children.
Winifred, who still stood with the werewolves protecting us, snarled and leapt into the Urbat, the fighting starting anew.
Blake laughed. “I’ll make this choice even easier for you, Michelle. I’ll kill all the werewolves so there’s only one way you can vote to save your brothers.”
My heart hammered and my palms grew sweaty as the dark strip grew wider, and the Lady stepped out.
Bethi swore.
The Lady looked right at Charlene.
“Only you can bring balance. Feel your sister’s connection, just as you can feel all the connections through Thomas. Use it.”
Everyone around us stopped. Urbat and werewolf alike. I could feel Charlene’s influence in my mind, touching my link to Blake because of her physical connection to me. I wanted to weep as I finally understood why the Lady said I must remain Blake’s until the end.
“The time for Judgement is at hand,” the Lady said. “How will you bring balance to the three races?”
Tears ran down my cheeks, and my hands trembled.
“I will give the werewolves courage to continue on until the next Judgement.”
I turned my head toward Charlene.
“I will give them Strength,” she said.
“I will give them Hope,” Gabby said.
“I know you want me to say I’ll give them Wisdom, but how? I don’t feel wise. I feel bat-shit crazy, thanks to you.”
The Lady stepped toward Bethi and smoothed her hand along her cheek.
“Daughter, you are more Wise than you know.”
Bethi exhaled slowly.
“God, that feels good. I will give the werewolves my Wisdom. Thanks for giving me back my sanity.”
“I will give them Peace,” Isabelle said.
Michelle made a small sound between a sob and a hiccup.
“I will give them Prosperity. They deserve it.”
The Lady turned to me and held out her hand. Behind her a shadow slipped from the darkness.
“What the hell is that?” Bethi asked. The Others moved around me, caressing my skin. I shivered.
“The Judgement has been heard. Payment must be made,” the Lady said.
