“We’ve discussed this, Foster,” Gabe cut him off with a sigh. “The spell to bring your mother back isn’t one that’s considered acceptable. Whether they know about the child or not, they would not approve.”
Foster swallowed roughly, picturing the gentle little girl who lived in A2. Piper, who had smiled when she saw him and took great pride in modeling all her headscarves for his approval. He remembered her mother’s exhausted face and glazed eyes when he had approached her to ask how the latest oncology appointment had gone. The sound of her quiet sobs still haunted his dreams.
“But from a couple deaths to the end of the world?! That seems like a bit of a leap, even for my dad.”
Gabe looked away, but not before Foster caught his pained expression. “Eden was supposed to be a paradise, a beautiful piece of Heaven for the mortals. But after Lucifer defiled everything, his brother became even stricter and harsher. Any piece of magic that was even the slightest bit controversial was outlawed. And this one requiresdeathenergy.”
“So even though the killing might be merciful…”
“It’s still illegal.” Gabe finished, nodding somberly. “And for those who were burned by your father, well… It’s just a slippery slope in their eyes before?—”
“Before I do something even worse,” the younger man finished glumly.
“I’m sorry, Foster,” Gabe reached out, as if to put a consoling hand on his shoulder, then drew back when he remembered theywere realms apart. “Maybe I should come to see you? We could grab a drink, talk about it?”
“No.” Foster rose, anger and frustration making him restless. “I’m not some little boy anymore. I never had a father who gave a shit, and I know you’ve tried to be there for me, but you aren’t my father either.”
Gabe had looked poised to interrupt but deflated at Foster’s words. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be a father to you, Foster. I’m sorry you had the one you did.”
Foster scoffed. “So am I. His actions have tainted me since I was born.”
“You’re your own man, Foster. His reputation might shadow you, butyouractions will define you, not his.”
“If I bring my mother back—no,whenI bring my mother back, everyone will see that this magic can be used for good. They won’t fear it anymore, and they’ll see I’m nothing like that spineless coward.”
“I have always believed in you, Foster,” Gabe swore. “Have you been searching like I told you, for the next conduit? Have you found a suitable candidate?”
“It would be a lot easier if you’d be less vague about it,” Foster grumbled. “All you’ve told me is that they need to be ‘wise and experienced’. Experienced inwhat?”
“Well,” Gabe shrugged, “it could be anything, I suppose.”
“The first time you flat out told me a child was the only sensible choice, because we needed purity and light and blah blah blah. Now it’s just ‘someone wise’, which is not helpful.”
“You seem frustrated,” Gabe mused, sipping from his freshly refilled goblet. “We can always stop the rituals, let things cool off, give you time to find a conduit. I’d completely understand.”
“No.” Foster steeled himself. “If they’re concerned enough to send my dad to harass me, they’ll only keep getting in the way. We have to keep moving forward, I’ll figure it out.”
“But if it’s too much?—”
“I need to do this.” Foster pounded his palm with his fist. “My mother is the one person who loved me unconditionally. She was beautiful and kind and she loved the entire world. She immediately befriended anyone she met. If my father showing up here proved anything, it’s that I will never have someone in my life love me the way my mother did.”
Gabe hummed softly. “I can appreciate that…I met your mother only once, and she was kinder to me than anyone else I have ever known.”
“She’s a beautiful soul, and I will find a way to do whatever it takes to return her to where she belongs—with me. And I’ll never let anyone take her from me again.”
“You know, kid,” Gabe said with a smile, “I really believe that.”
“This is an unforgivable betrayal,” Luce declared somberly, gripping the edge of the counter until his fingertips went white.
“Unforgivable,” Remi agreed vehemently, slamming a balled-up fist onto the black marble.
Mags chewed her lip, averting her gaze. “That’s a little extreme. It’s not like there’s no coming back from this.”
“You’re all being ridiculous.” Rag laughed, reaching into the pizza box and grabbing a slice. “It’s just pineapple.”
“But it’s onpizza!” Remi wailed, both hands fisted in her short hair.
Luce closed the box decisively and reached for the second, only to freeze as soon as he lifted the lid. “Unbelievable.”
