Chapter 778: Stronghold

I had already taken a step toward the door, reaching for the veil.

Power rippling in waves of near-uncontrolled vitriol.

Mom's hand on my arm, her magic touching mine, broke enough of the hold hate had on me to stop me from going after Ameline right then and there.

Barely.

"Syd." She pulled me back, face calm, though I knew it was a mask. That she was trying to keep me from tearing off.

Good luck with that.

"We need to form a plan," Mom said, slowly. Steadily. Like she was talking to my son and not to me, as if I were the child.

"No." I staggered, feeling my physical weakness, reaching for strength to hold me up. Found it as Enforcer power slipped in beside me and supported me as it did only moments before. I looked up at Quaid who lifted one hand, pressed it between my shoulder blades, feeding me energy and healing magic.

"You need to eat," he said, chocolate eyes soft around the edges though his lips pulled tight in concern. "Get some rest. You've been gone from us for so lon