“I don’t think they’re legends, Ava,” I replied. “I think that Rhiannon wanted Gaius to create theanimavorewith that intent in mind. Their purpose was to increase her power. What she didn’t count on was how strong they would be in their own right. I think Cornelius was too strong for her and that he was going to turn the tables on her. She had to run for her life. Just like she did tonight.”
Rhys cocked his head to the side. “I’ve always been weaker than Cornelius. Why didn’t she come after me?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think she knew about you until Cornelius was dead. I think that’s why Gaius made you after he turned Cornelius. He didn’t want her to know that he had two test subjects. That would certainly explain how you escaped her notice for so long.”
Rhys didn’t look convinced, but I couldn’t think of another explanation. “She’s still out there,” he commented.
Ava nodded. “Yes, but what Savannah did…it depleted Rhiannon’s power. She’s not as strong as she was before. It will take time for her to rebuild her strength.”
“And she doesn’t have Macgrath to help her any longer,” I pointed out.
Ava rolled her eyes. “She might. For all you know, he went straight to her when he left us in the field tonight.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. He’s done with her. We’ll be okay.”
“We’ll see,” Rhys replied. He rose from the floor. “I’m going to take a shower and get ready for bed.”
I was grateful that he was giving me time alone with Ava. There were things I wanted to discuss with her.
He leaned over and gave me a kiss before disappearing down the hall to my bedroom. Satchel jumped off my lap and darted out of the living room after him.
Unconcerned with my pet’s abandonment, I turned toward Ava.
“What?” she asked defensively.
“When were you going to tell me?”
“Tell you what?” She wouldn’t meet my gaze.
“That you’ve been touched by the Goddess.” I’d known as soon as I saw her floating there above Rhiannon’s protection circle that she was more than a witch. Her hair was longer and brighter and her eyes had changed to an intense purple. I could see the glow of the goddess emanating from within her, a light that hurt to look at even though it was no brighter than a candle.
Being touched by the god or goddess meant they shared a piece of their power with you, that they acknowledged you as their child. Being touched by the deities should offer you protection. Witches and warlocks, both light and dark, acknowledged the deities. Most wouldn’t risk incurring the wrath of the god or goddess and avoided those who had been touched.
Ava rubbed her hand over her forehead. “I don’t remember much about it. Just that the goddess gave me power when I needed it. I can’t even remember why. Then one night I woke up on the ground next to a stream. I couldn’t remember how I got there or where I had been before. Small parts of my past have come back to me over the centuries, but there is so much that is still a blur.”
“Why didn’t you tell me any of this before?” I asked, feeling hurt. Ava and I had been friends for a decade.
“It’s not something I like to talk about,” she murmured. Her gaze finally met mine and her indigo and violet eyes were sad. “You’ve always said that you were lost when you met me, that I made your life better.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “But you should consider that it was you who made my life better. There are things…” she trailed off and then swallowed hard. “Things I don’t talk about because they hurt. Just thinking about them, like right now, hurts too badly. Even after centuries.”
I could sense the pain welling inside her. They were emotions she usually kept tightly leashed. I pushed myself off the floor and went to sit next to her on the sofa. She hugged me close and her breathing was ragged. A few moments later, she released me and leaned back. Her eyes were bright but dry as though she had fought back tears and won.
“I love you, Savannah Baker,” she stated. “You are the sister I always wanted.”
“I love you too, Ava.”
She kissed my cheek. “Now, I’m going to go home and get some sleep. Then tomorrow I’m going to get up and order a new mattress for Rhys’ house because that thing is uncomfortable as hell.”
“I don’t think it’ll matter much longer,” I replied.
She grinned. “Why do you say that?”
“I’m going to ask him to move in with me.”
“You’re going to live in sin? What would your grandmother say?” she teased.
“Probably ‘Good for you. He’s a hot piece of ass.’”
Ava burst out laughing. “No way. I don’t think I ever heard your grandmother cuss.”
