Anything beyond that reach was not so lucky.
He was a monster. The sooner he accepted that fact, the better off he’d be. Yes, he’d been provoked each time he attacked. Had a perfectly good reason for those he’d gone after. But did they deserve to die for what they’d done?
He hadn’t decided to do it. He’d just acted. The rage had risen and taken over. When he’d blinked, the world had been minus a few villains.
They deserved to die.
His rage had agreed with the inner voice. But what about those who’d done nothing? The birds and insects and trees? The elderly woman in the apartment? The collateral damage was what really twisted his heart.
You lack training. But sometimes, collateral damage is acceptable to achieve the greater goal.
Greater goal? Or greater good?
They are often one and the same.
Nikolai didn’t agree. He’d sensed the terror washing through him from Lucas. Nothing was worth that.
Heisnothing.
The assertion sparked a brief resurgence of rage that Nikolai struggled to subdue. Black wisps drifted off his skin.
Who are you?
The tall older Watcher walking ahead of him twisted to glance back at Nikolai. If the voice wasn’t so distinctly male, he would have wondered if it was her. She looked away again, and the voice remained silent. Was it only a figment of his fractured brain?
Six Watchers had formed a group around him as they descended the stairs. Despite their calm expressions, their life essences radiated their angst. Their fear of him. With their long, white braids and loose-fitting clothing, they didn’t exactly blend in with society. Add him to the mix, and they were sure to cause a stir exiting the building.
Perhaps that was why they didn’t do so. They continued past the ground floor to the basement.
Nikolai sensed what was going on. His heart accelerated—two other Watchers were building a gate. He’d hoped they would first go to Cara’s garden. Hoped for a little more time. But they were taking no chances of losing him again.
They used the doorway to the furnace room, and chaotic light already lit the frame. The group paused as the two Watchers sketched their hands in the air, calling the energy to them and weaving it into the gate.
A familiar voice spoke from behind him. “We are taking you to Elandriel.”
He hadn’t noticed Cara join them. “Is that your home realm?” he asked.
“It’s our home realm,” she corrected gently. “You will join the ranks of the Bellatis. They will look after you.”
Nikolai supposed “look after” was Watcher speak for “guard.” Still, what did he expect after what he had done? His gaze scanned Cara. “Where is Mai?”
Cara’s lips twitched into a smile. “I left her with Aria, for now.”
“So you are spying on Aria?”
One brow rose. “She wanted me to keep in touch.”
Nikolai snorted. “Aria hates bugs. Who knows what Mai will end up eating.”
Cara shrugged. “Won’t kill her.”
The thought of Aria wanting to keep in touch reassured him, if only a tiny bit. The expression on her face after she’d seen what he could do—up close and personal—had pierced him straight to the soul.
This was for the best. He knew it. He turned away from Cara and faced the gate.
The Watchers stepped back from it. Through the glow, he thought he saw mountains in the distance, and rolling meadows up close.
The Watchers in front of him passed into the light, emerging in the meadow. Cara gestured with a graceful hand.
