Page 27 of Echoes From the Void
“Like particularly persistent fungus.” I adjust my collar, ignoring how his shadows dance with my temporal energy. “An infestation of chaos and inappropriate humor.”
“Don’t forget the amazing cologne.”
“I’m actively trying to.”
The curse marks on my skin shift, adapting to accommodate pack magic. Time marks us all, it seems. Even those it cannot keep.
“This is no longer just about preserving myself,” I say, finally letting go of the last bit of resistance.And maybe, letting go feels almost like relief. “We need to stabilize the realms. The twins’ unique abilities are crucial for reinforcing the barrier, not through the curse, but through their resonance with the energy between realms. Blackwood knows this, and he wants to use that resonance for his own ends. We have to act quickly before he gains control of their power.”
Leo nods, his expression softening, shadows mingling with mine. “We’re with you,
“All of us are,” he says, squeezing my shoulder. “You’re not doing this alone anymore, Dorian. That’s what pack means.”
I straighten up, pulling away slightly to regain my composure, but I don’t shrug off his touch completely. There’s comfort in his presence, warmth in his ridiculous optimism that I’ve come to need more than I’d ever admit. “Then let’s not waste time,” I say, the urgency reasserting itself. “We need to gather everyone. The diary’s instructions on harmonic resonance could be crucial in stabilizing the barriers. If the twins can amplify it?—”
Leo grins, his eyes bright. “Then we’ve got a fighting chance, right? Let’s go save the realms, Mr. Eternal Youth.”
I snort. “Your enthusiasm will be the death of me.”
“And yet, it’s the only reason you’re still standing,” Leo retorts cheerfully, already turning towards the stairs. He glances back, offering a hand. “Ready to go be brilliant and save the world?”
I hesitate for just a heartbeat before I take his hand. His grip is warm, solid, and, to my begrudging acceptance, reassuring. We climb the stairs together, the lingering weight of the diary a reminder that time might not be my friend—but at least, for now, I’m not facing it alone.
Uncle Everett’s voice follows us as we ascend, his tone a mix of pride and amusement. “Don’t forget, Dorian. You’re more than a guardian of time. You’re part of something bigger now. Maybe it’s time you stopped trying to hold all the pieces alone.”
The sentiment lingers, stubbornly making itself comfortable as Leo and I head toward the medical wing—toward the chaos, the potential, and the family I never quite realized I had. As inconvenient as it may be, the truth is undeniable.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what I need.
Chapter 10
Frankie
Three AM.The witching hour. I’ve always been strongest when the rest of the world sleeps, but tonight my shadows feel... different. They reach for Finn’s unconscious form, merging with the light that radiates from him even in sleep. Like puzzle pieces finally finding their match after years of being forced into wrong spaces.
The medical wing hums with machinery and magic. My shadow wolves pace restlessly, their ethereal forms casting no reflection in the equipment. One keeps nudging my hand, trying to get me to rest.
“I’m fine,” I tell it, getting an unmistakably judgmental look in return.
“You said that three hours ago,” Matteo says from the doorway, his new fangs catching the dim light. He’s been switching guard positions with Bishop every two hours, though neither will admit to coordinating it.
“And two hours before that,” Leo adds, appearing behind him with what looks like an entire bakery’s worth of cookies. “But these are medicinal chocolate chip. Guaranteed to cure all ailments, including stubborn-sister-itis.”
“That’s not a real thing.”
“Tell that to Luna. She’s writing up a legal brief about enforced rest periods for shadow shifters.”
Before I can argue that I don’t need rest periods, Bishop appears with a stack of papers, his new oath marks glowing faintly. “Emergency Council meeting in an hour. They’re discussing the void breach in the east wing.” He eyes the cookie mountain. “Are those the ones with dark chocolate?”
“Made a special batch just for you, Mr. Grumpy Guardian.”
“I am not—” Bishop starts, then sighs as Leo shoves a cookie into his mouth.
“If we’re having an impromptu midnight snack party,” Dorian’s precise voice carries from the hall, “I should point out that the library’s protection wards need adjusting. Also, this book on Nyx’s involvement in realm stability might be relevant.” He appears in the doorway, perfectly pressed despite the hour, holding an ancient tome. “Not that I was researching specifically for you. It simply happened to be in my organizational path.”
“At three AM?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Time is a construct.” He sniffs, then adds almost reluctantly, “There are also some interesting passages about twin bonds and healing resonance. Purely academic interest, of course.”
