Apportens Mortis. That’s what Jax had called her. His greatest creation. She understood why now.
Before, she’d only been half of a whole. The pandora’s box and the secrets kept within were the second half.
Without them she’d never be complete.
Wind stirred the air around her, whipping her hair into her face as paper fluttered. There were cries from those around her as a force pressed down on them, increasing with every second Tate remained motionless.
With a long sigh, Tate exhaled. Ilith didn’t fight her as she pushed away the possibility.
She’d never wanted to rule. The idea of traveling the stars again was tempting, but everything she needed was already on this planet.
Sensing her decision, Ilith withdrew mentally.I chose my Savior wisely.
Tate’s lips quirked. As she remembered it, there hadn’t been much deciding on Ilith’s end so much as a fortuitous set of circumstances.
Gold light tinged with sapphire and violet and emerald erupted. Gasps came from the others as they stared at the space in front of Tate where several images formed.
Three men and one woman looked at Tate with love in their eyes. Wearing a uniform Tate recognized, their hair was grayer than she remembered, and their faces filled with lines.
Suze reached out first, her transparent hands hovering over Tate’s jaw as she leaned forward. “Big sister, the box was created to release our message in the event you chose to pass our gift to another. We trust your decision just as we’ve always trusted your leadership.”
Suze stepped back, letting Trace sling an arm around her shoulders. From their postures it was easy to tell they were a couple.
Tate almost laughed at the sight. She never would have guessed they’d develop a relationship like that. When she knew them, not a day would go by when they didn’t end up in some type of argument.
Kenneth’s somber gaze met hers. “Time has separated us permanently, but we remember and honor your memory.”
Trace spoke next. “Our wrongs cannot be righted but we know you are in a better place because of them. Jax believes this is the best course and will solve your mental instability while ensuring a better future for our descendants. Live well, Sergeant, in the world we created. Until we meet again.”
Tate’s gaze caressed the features of each person. Jax, she saved for last.
“I will. I promise you,” she said in Ancient.
She clenched her fist, flexing her will as she urged the power toward Roslyn. It streamed in her friend’s direction. Tate’s forehead furrowed a split second later.
Too much. This relic wasn’t meant for one person.
Tate’s smile was wicked. “As twisted as ever, I see.”
If she had tried to keep this for herself, her ending likely wouldn’t have been pleasant. It was their way of ensuring Tate was the person they remembered.
She broke up the relic’s power, redirecting a portion to Night and Vale. For a second, she contemplated fixing a blessing on Keel before discarding the idea.
The last of the light poured out of her, streaming toward the bodies of those she’d picked. As abruptly as it started, the process shut off, the remaining motes of light absorbing into Tate’s skin.
Tate turned her hands over, carefully examining herself. The world felt sharper. Clearer than before.
We got stronger,Ilith said happily.
Tate looked up to check on the others. Vale held his hands up with a wondering expression, looking very much like he’d just had a spiritual experience.
There was a repressed excitement on Roslyn’s features as she touched the center of her chest. Night was the only one who looked like he’d experienced something traumatic.
“Are you okay?” Tate asked him.
Next time a warning would be appreciated.
Tate pursed her lips and nodded without arguing. There wasn’t going to be a next time.
