Page 140 of The Spider Queen
A water troll.
I’m dying. Aren’t I?
Thane’s eyes were somber. He nodded.There is one last thing we can try—
What? I don’t think my spidey silk will get me out of this one.
He smiled, but it was tormented.You need to ask Aisling to live.
Who is—
Ask her to live. Do it now Poppy, we don’t have much time.
I can’t plead for someone to save my life when I don’t know who she is.
Aisling is Queen Beyond the Veil. And she has enough power to save you.
You don’t?
No. Not here. This is Aisling’s domain. I can do things, small things. But saving your life requires a great power. Ask her, Poppy. And hurry.
I closed my eyes and cut off my mental connection with Thane. As soon as I did, I felt even weaker, frail. He must’ve been infusing his strength into me.
Queen Aisling? Are you there?
I’m always here,came a benevolent, soothing voice somewhere inside my head.What is it you desire, young one?
I wish to live.
Don’t we all,she said in amusement.
I wish to love.
Queen Aisling paused.You love already. You love two.
Yes,I admitted.
The one here with you now would not sacrifice himself for you. He carries a great burden, a great obligation. He is Guardian of the Bridge—the world needs a Guardian.
I know he is the Guardian, but I’m still not sure what that means.
You’ll find out…in time. The other—he would sacrifice himself for you. Gladly.
My heart saddened.I know. At one time, I thought I would’ve done the same for him.
It’s not easy for you to love openly, and yet you do. You have intense feelings for two different lovers, and that takes great power from you.
I was dying on a stone altar while the Queen Beyond the Veil pointed out I was in a messy love triangle.
Unbelievable.
You must choose,Queen Aisling said.You must choose right now.
My heart went to Thane for reasons I could not say, and blood began rushing through my veins, humming and vibrating beneath my skin. I felt the vampire plant detach from my neck, and then my body stretched deeply and then relaxed. My limbs elongated and all the tension left me. I heard snapping and popping and felt the pressure of death release, but still my eyes remained closed.
There was no more pain as I gave into the sensations.
Chapter 56
