Chapter 16

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Dyson sprang upward, screaming. As though he just woke up from a nightmare.

"Dyson, it's okay. You're here. You're alright." Danielle breathed a breath of relief. She hugged him tightly. "You really scared me. I'm so glad you're okay."

"Oh, god. The last thing I remember is—" Dyson started.

"Saskia draining your chi to death." Danielle nodded pulling away from him. "Yeah, I saw it happen."

"Dani, I'm so sorry—" Dyson started to apologize.

"It's okay Dyson." Dani stopped him. "She's a succubus. It's what she does." Dani stood up and walked away from the bed. "But that's not what you're sorry about, is it?"

"Danielle, I never meant to lie to you." Dyson said.

"But you did. You lied to me. You lied to Bo." Dani walked back to the bed. "I just want to hear you say it. Tell me who is Aife?"

"Aife is Bo's mother." Dyson answered. Dani nodded while crossing her arms over her chest. "How did you know?"

"I recognized her voice from my premonitions." Dani explained. "And since the moment I mentioned her name to you, I knew you were hiding something. I didn't push but now—"

Dyson got off of the bed and grabbed her arms. "Banshee—I'm sorry."

"You have to tell her." Danielle didn't move away from his touch. "She needs to know."

They went together to the Clubhouse. Danielle had been quiet during the whole ride. She did not know what to think or do. On one hand, Dyson had lied to her and lied to Bo—and she was mad about that. On the other hand, she understood he had his reasons. She just wanted to know what his reasons were.

"How long have you known who my mother is?" Bo asked Dyson angrily. Dani was standing on the side. Quiet. "How long Dyson?"

"Since before we met." Dyson answered. "I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you everything but it wasn't my story to tell, Bo. It's Trick's."

"What does Trick have to do with my mother?"

Danielle avoided his gaze when he looked at her. She avoided Bo's gaze, she didn't answer to Kenzi when the latter spoke to her. She just didn't know what to think. She trusted him and he had lied to her. He had lied to Bo. The latter had looked for her mother since the moment she entered the Fae world. And to know that Trick and Dyson kept it a secret all along—hurt her more than she thought it would. Danielle had trusted them both and they betrayed her in the end.

"I let your mother down, long before you were born." Trick said. "I failed her."

"Tell me." Bo walked up to the table he was standing behind. "All of it."

"She was of my clan. The Faes were constantly at war back then. We nearly fought ourselves into extinction. I've grown weary of trying to earn a true peace." Trick explained. "So, I forced one."

"How can you force peace?" Bo asked.

"Trick is a Blood sage." Dyson answered. Dani looked up at that. "What he writes in his own blood, comes to pass."

"A nifty little skill there, Trickster." Kenzi commented.

"Not really." Trick shook his head. "Nothing that powerful comes without a price. As I've learned."

"What was the price?" Dani finally spoke.

"Aife." He sat down. "Peace demands forgiveness. And in every war there are those who find it to dear a price."

"Your mother led a small rebellion." Dyson continued. "She killed one of the Dark Fae clan leaders. She was caught."

"But she escaped. She came to me." Trick said. "I could have shielded her but that would have restarted the war. So, I handed her over to the Dark for execution."

"Well, they need to go back to executioner school because they totally didn't kill her." Kenzi commented.

"No. God forgive them." Trick agreed. "But it was a long time before I found that out."

"She has hated and plotted against Trick ever since." Dyson added.

"Are you telling me everything?" Bo asked Trick.

"Yes."

"Well, this doesn't really make sense, does it?" Bo leaned over. "Befriending me and attacking Dyson, this is obviously personal. So, what does she want with me?"

"I don't know."

"And why now?"

"I don't know, Bo." Trick snapped back. "And I don't care to find out. What matter is getting you the hell away from her?"

"Amen."

"I've prepared for this." Trick continued. Dani knew he was right. If her premonition was anything to go by—Aife would try to kill her. But she also knew Bo. The Succubus had been looking for answers for a while she was not about to back down now. "We can get her out of town if we act quickly."

"No." Bo shook her head.

"Now is not the time to be stubborn. Please, you need to listen to me." Trick pleaded with her.

"You two haven't learned anything from this, have you?" Bo asked. "You think you get to decide what I do next. I just found my mother and you want me to what? Run."

"Bo, you and Dani saw what she did to me." Dyson reminded her.

"Yeah, I did. And now, I heard what was done to her." Bo retorted. "Look, I'm not saying I trust her or that she's Fae of the freaking year. But she is my mother. And I wanna hear her side." Bo looked over at Trick. "Good or bad. Whatever answers she has, I need them. I'm ready to know who or what I really am. Whatever the costs." And she left. Followed by Kenzi. Dani was about to follow before Dyson stopped her.

"Banshee, wait!" He grabbed her by the elbow. "Listen, you have to understand—"

"I do." Dani nodded. "This is bigger than Bo. Bigger than you—bigger than us. I get it, okay?" She exhaled. "I—just—I don't know what to think anymore. I need some time, okay? Can you give me that, Shapeshifter?" She smiled and he nodded.

She should be mad but she wasn't. She understood his reasons. Dyson and Trick were protecting Bo against her own mother. Gail had been doing the same for her over the years. She understood more than anyone. And it was not just about Bo and Aife. There was a war. And the Fae's survival was at stake. Trick did what he had to and unfortunately Bo was about to pay the price for it. He could have not foreseen it. Dani didn't hate him for this. She understood.

"—God my bullshit detector totally failed." Kenzi said angrily as Danielle walked into the clubhouse.

"Hey." Dani greeted weakly.

"Hey." Bo said back.

"Listen, if I'd known about this before, I would have told you right away. You know that right?" Dani continued.

"I know." Bo smiled at her.

"So, we're good?" Kenzi asked her.

"Kenzi, we are always good." Bo reassured her human friend. "I can always trust you two to have my back"

"Hey, big news in the world of you. You have met your mama." Kenzi said excitedly. "So, how does it feel?"

"Weird. Great. Scary." Bo said. "I mean I know she's kind of a big crazy bitch. But still she's my mom and she's alive. This is good. I mean I've been letting everybody else interfere and now I get to call the shots."

"So, you want to find Aife." Dani asked her.

"Find her how? I mean when she was Saskia, she always found me." Bo retorted.

"Right, look, we do this for people all the time." Kenzi said. "Find missing Fae. If Aife was just a case where would we start?"

"With Lauren." Bo sighed.

"Why Lauren?"

"Because if Trick is right and Aife has something planned for me. I need to know how to defend myself." Bo explained. "And besides him, Lauren knows more Fae lore than anybody."

"Yes! That is my girl, cynical and protective." Kenzi cheered her. "I'm so proud, of you, really. It's like my little baby is all grown up."

"Trick is right, you know?" Dani said as they walked to the car. "Aife is going to try something against you."

"How are you so sure?" Bo stopped.

"Aibell Banshees don't just wail when Death comes." Dani explained. "The voices that whispers let them foresee some deaths or possible ones."

"And what did you foresee?"

"I wasn't sure at the time." Dani answered. "But with everything I know now—I think I saw yours."

"Well, let's make sure it doesn't happen."

"I'm sorry, I—I'm just in a bit of a rush today." Lauren said as they followed her into the infirmary.

"Who's Captain dead guy?" Kenzi asked her.

"He's a light elder. He was killed last night." Lauren answered.

"By a Succubus?" Bo suggested.

"By something sharp and pointy." Lauren pulled the sheet to show them the wound. "I have to get my report to the High Elders this afternoon. Just standard procedure, but it is a mountain of paperwork. Go." She urged one of the nurses as she handed them a chart.

"So, you can't help me, then?"

"What Succubus are you so afraid of facing?" Lauren asked her.

"It doesn't matter. I just need to learn how to protect myself from her." Bo answered. "How do Succubi fight one another?"

"Slow-motion pillow fights?" Kenzi suggested. "Crotch lasers?"

"You're the only Succubus I've studied. I could ask the Ash, but—"

"I think it's best if we keep this between us." Dani said.

"At least, until I know more." Bo agreed.

"Alright. I'll see what I can find out." Lauren nodded. "On one condition. That afterwards you and I finally have that talk and you let me explain myself." She paused. "I've missed you."

"Okay. Deal."

"I have to go meet a guy about this thing." Kenzi interrupted them. "So, can I meet you guys back at the clubhouse? Yes? Cool. Okay." And with that Kenzi walked out.

As the two of them walked back to their cars, Dani received a call from her aunt, Gail. The latter barely spoke on the other end; her only words were: "we need to talk." And then she hung up. Dani did not like the sound of that. So, she left to go find Gail. Leaving Bo to go home alone.

"What was so important that you couldn't tell me on the phone?" Dani said as she walked into the house.

"Hello, sweetheart!" She was greeted by her mother, Deirdre.

"Where's Gail?" Dani asked her.

"Oh, don't worry. Your aunt is alright." As she said those words. Gail being held by Darcy walked in view. The girl's sword was on Gail's throat.

"I'm alright, Danielle." Gail said. "I'm okay."

"Look, I don't have time for your theatrics." Danielle turned to her mother. "Let her go and we can talk at another time."

"This cannot wait." Deirdre raised her hand and Darcy let Gail go free. Gail immediately rushed to Dani's side. "I'm not here to discuss our—little misunderstanding."

"That's putting it mildly. It's not like you want to kill me or anything." Dani couldn't help but sassed back.

Her mother ignored her. "Aife is a dangerous Fae. She wants to start a war. Reignite the hatred that once divided the Light and the Dark Fae."

"And you don't want that?" Dani was confused.

"Of course not." Deirdre said. "A war would not serve my purpose. And neither would your death."

"Okay?"

"What do you want, Deirdre?" Gail asked her.

"I want daughter dearest to stay safe."

"You almost sound as though you care." Dani said.

"I do." Deirdre walked up to her. "I would hate for Aife to kill you before I can." She grabbed her daughter's chin. "Stay away from Aife. Let your Succubus friend deal with her own mother."

"Is it part of the deal that you two have? She doesn't hurt your daughter and you'll let her deal with hers? Is that it?" Dani asked pulling away.

"We do have a deal." Deirdre exhaled. "But as I said, I don't want war. So, I'll say again. Do not get involved with Aife."

"Too late for that." Dani replied. "Aife has already attacked me and my friends. And I don't intend to let her get away with this."

"You'll regret this, child." Deirdre retorted. "As a Banshee you should know there are far worser fate than death." She said ominously. "Go and be a good friend, if this is what you wish. Who am I to stop you after all? I hope you won't regret any of it." And with that her mother and her half-sister left.

"What game is she playing?" Dani wondered.

"I have no idea." Gail answered. "But if what she says it's true, you need to be careful."

"Not going to try to stop me."

"When did I ever?"

"Are you alright?" She asked Gail.

"Yes." Gail hugged her. "Go and find Bo, make sure she's okay."

What did Deidre meant by that? Was it a threat? Would she try anything against her or Bo? Against Kenzi? What mind games was she playing? She drove back to the clubhouse. As she stepped in she was met by Dyson and Kenzi. Only for her to be told that Aife got to Bo first. Dani was wondering if all of this was just a distraction on her mother's part. To allow Aife to carry out her plans. Maybe she wanted War after all.

"Are you sure it was Aife?" Trick asked them.

"Unfortunately, I know her scent." Dyson answered.

"Dude, gross." Kenzi said.

"I don't even want to know." Dani just shook her head.

"Well, I can't keep this from the Council any longer." Trick said.

"What does that mean?" Kenzi asked him.

"It means this is bigger than us. And Bo." Dyson answered.

"I was hoping to get Bo out of the way before alerting the others." Trick explained. "But the Elders need to know that Aife has returned."

"Where are you going?" Dani asked him.

"To speak with the Ash." Trick replied.

"Well, you might want to tell him that Aife is not alone this time." Dani said. "There's a Banshee on her side."

"Your mother?" Dyson glanced down at her.

"Yes, my mother. I don't know what her plan is but she is on Aife's side." Dani crossed her arms on her chest.

"I will." Trick nodded.

"Yeah, and what the hell are was supposed to do, huh?" Kenzi asked him.

"Pray." Trick told her. "If Aife has Bo in her grasp there's no telling what hell she's putting her through."

"Hey, you're okay?" Dyson asked her.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Danielle said. "I'm okay." She said before hugging him. Her mother's words still resonated in her brain. A far worser fate than death, what did she mean by that?

"I never meant to hurt you or Bo. You have to believe me." Dyson said to Dani. They were both sitting on her bad, his back was to the headboard, as she sat between his legs.

"I know." Dani kissed his forearm. "Like you said, this is bigger than Bo. This is bigger than us. Bigger than you and me."

"You forgive me?" Dyson asked her.

"I do." Dani replied. She pulled away from Dyson and turned around to face him. She placed her hand on his cheek. "I love you. I do. Just stop keeping secrets from me."

Dyson kissed her. "No more secrets." And he kissed her one more time. "I love you too."

Bo had escaped Aife. She explained quickly what happened. How Aife planned to take down the Elders, On how she planned to destroy the Faes, Light and Dark alike. She geared up and so did Dani. The two Faes and their human friend paid a quick visit to Lauren. However, when they stepped in the building, many people were rushing around, shouting orders. Gurneys were being wheeled into the infirmary.

"There's a med evac out of the south doors. Move." Lauren ordered her workers.

"Fae-Con on, huh?" Kenzi commented.

"Bo, thank God, you're okay." Lauren said relieved.

"What the hell is going on?" Bo asked her.

"There was an attack at the meeting on the High Elders." Lauren explained quickly. "A suicide bomber. The Ash is on life support. And it does not look good."

"Oh, shit."

"The rest of the wounded are being moved to safe site. As well as the noble families, until we can just figure out what the hell is going on."

"We know what's going on." Bo told her.

"This is about that other succubus, isn't it?" Lauren sighed.

"And possibly a Banshee." Dani added.

"Bo, you listen to me very carefully." Lauren started. "A hit like this looks like a declaration of war from the Dark. And it would not be long before our side retaliates. If someone else is involved in this, we have to stop her now. You can't afford to protect anyone—"

"She's my mother." Bo cut her off.

"What?"

"Doc." Hale called rushing in. "You got that list. I need it now."

"Yeah—uh—right here." Lauren gave him the list. "Most are expecting you." Hale left and Kenzi followed him.

"Look, Aife is her mother and this is exactly what she wants. Start a war." Dani explained. "And you're right we need to stop her. But we need some time."

"I will either stop her myself or bring her in, I promise." Bo continued. "I just need one more chance to get through to her before you bring the entire damn light Fae army down on her."

"I don't know, Bo. You—" Lauren exhaled.

"Look, you have to trust me I have a plan." Bo continued. "She told me about some king of amulet that blocks chi—"

"Yeah, yeah, it's a koushang." Lauren typed on her computer. "I looked into it after you asked."

"Well, where do I find one?" Bo asked the doctor.

"The Light Fae have a trophy room. Things passed down from Ash to Ash. We keep on in there inside an amethyst crystal." Lauren pulled out a piece of paper and a solid object. "Here. Take these."

"What is this?"

"It's a key and a map." Lauren said quickly. "The guards are helping with the evac. So, you have got to hurry."

"Thank you." Bo thanked her. "I know the risk you are taking. And if I get through this, I owe you that last talk."

Lauren pulled Bo in for kiss. "Will you please just come back safe?"

"Thank you." Bo whispered.

"Hello, Wolf." The Banshee walked up to him. Dyson could see the resemblance between daughter and mother.

"What do you want?" Dyson asked her harshly. Almost growling.

"Don't be like that." Deirdre chuckled. "I know the last time we saw each other did not go well but can you really blame me?"

"I don't have time for your games." Dyson turned around to walk away.

"I'm here for Danielle." Deirdre said stopping him in his tracks. "This may come as a surprise but I want her safe as much as you do."

"So, you can kill her yourself later." Dyson retorted.

"True." Deirdre agreed. "But you can worry about this later, right? I'm talking about now." She stepped closer. "You know she would do anything to protect the Succubus, Bo. She may die trying. And I know you would do anything to stop that from happening." She looked him up and down. "You are in love with my daughter. And she is in love with you."

"What do you propose?" Dyson asked her.

"Give your strength to my daughter. Allow her to help her friend and you'll save her life." Deirdre said. "You do that and your mate will live to see another day. What say you?"

"Why are you helping her?" Dyson asked her confused.

"As I said before, she is my daughter and I do love her." Deirdre answered. "For now, I want to protect her. So, what do you decide?"

"The Koushang should be in here." Bo said as she placed her key in the door.

"Wait. What if it's a booby trap?" Kenzi asked. "Like, payback for rejecting Lauren's hot, hot lady love?" Bo shushed her.

The Succubus pushed the door opened. "All clear."

"Good." Kenzi sighed. "I thought there would be guard dragons." Both Bo and Dani looked at her. "What? These people are very freaky, you never know."

"Thanks. Less sassing and more searching." Bo told her.

"Alright."

The three friends walked their separate ways, this place was not as impressive as Dani would expect it to be. Sure, there were many items but they didn't look as impressive as she thought they would. Also, this room was very dusty, filled with cobwebs.

"So, what are we gonna do when we face mommy dearest, huh?" Kenzi asked them. "Other than pee our pants a lot. Also, I think I might cry."

"Look, I just want one more shot to reason with Aife." Bo said. "Get her to turn herself in before the Fae come for blood."

"Mm. Well, good luck with that, because I vote we just knock her head unconscious and drag her in by her hair."

"That's an idea." Dani hummed.

"Whoa. Shiny." Kenzi whispered. "Well, no, offense, babe but uh, if Aife scares Trick and got the drop on Dyson, I'm thinking she's pretty much like, a grade ten Succubus."

"So, what grade am I?" Bo asked her.

"Oh—you know—kindy garten—with, uh, pigtails and a muppet lunch box."

"So why come with me then?" Bo asked.

"Well, two Faes are better than one. And we got your back, no matter how stupid." Dani replied.

"You know that." Kenzi slapped her arm.

"Yeah, I do." Bo and Dani glanced at each other as Bo grabbed a pair of old manacles. "Ooh, Jack and pot, bitches." She showed them a necklace she had just found. "This koushang thingama-fae looks a lot like this, right?"

"That's it."

"How do we know it works?" Kenzi wondered.

"Well, there is only one way to find out." Dani glanced at Bo.

"You up for a test run? Lock lips see if I can drain your chi." Bo said to Kenzi.

"Dude, seriously?" Dani chuckled. "Did you rig this whole thing up just to make out with me?"

"Yeah, you caught me, Kenzi." Bo laughed. "Now hold still, Lovah."

Kenzi groaned as the Succubus leaned in for a kiss. She drained Kenzi chi but choked on it.

"Oh! You just got succu-busted!" Kenzi smiled. "Not so tough now, little succubus, huh?"

"Kenzi, I love you." Bo said. Kenzi realized that she was now handcuffed to one of the shelves.

"We both do." Dani nodded.

"This is why we can let you risk yourself for us." Bo and Dani both walked out as Kenzi called after them.

"Ready to do this." Dani asked as they walked into Aife's home.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Bo said as they walked side by side.

As they stepped into mansion, they realized it was relatively empty. There was no one there. Although, Bo did mention that Aife had many thralls, slaves of sorts. But none of them were in sight.

"Hello?" Bo called out. "Mom?"

"Oh, pooh." Aife appeared. "I was expecting a sneak attack. You know, it's usually best not to announce your arrival if you want to keep your advantage."

"Well, I know better than to underestimate you like that." Bo said back.

"And I see you've brought a guest." Aife smirked. "Well, so did I." Deirdre walked out from her hiding place.

"Hello, mother." Dani glared at her mother.

"Daughter of mine."

"Where are your thralls?" Bo asked her mother. "Or are you actually ready for a fair fight?"

"I gave 'em the night off." Aife retorted. "Well, the ones who haven't blown themselves up yet. I thought we could use some privacy, a little girl talk."

"You know, mothers to daughters." Deirdre added.

"So much for not wanting war." Dani muttered under her breath.

"We agree. We came to officially ask you to stop your attacks." Bo told them. "If you come with us, we'll plead with the Light Fae to go easy on you."

Aife laughed. " You are adorable." Dani noticed that her mother wasn't laughing. "Ooh, an armed. That's my girl." She said as Bo and Dani pulled out their weapons. "You still rejecting my beautiful plan? I'm sad."

"You'll get over it."

"We'll see, shall we?" Aife grabbed a spear.

"No chance we can hug this out?"

Aife attacked Bo and as Dani moved to help her friend, Deirdre pulled her away. And threw her in another room.

"Don't be stupid, girl." Deirdre pushed her against wall.

"I thought you didn't want war."

"Still don't." Deirdre said as Dani kicked her away from her. "But I can't let you fight her."

"Why not?" Deirdre slapped her across the face and sent her flying on the ground.

"Aife and I have a deal and I intend to hold my end of the bargain."

Dani stood up. "That's a first."

And she wailed, taking Deirdre by surprise and sending her flying across the room. Deirdre's back slammed on the opposite wall and she was knocked out. Dani ran out of the room to find Bo. She could hear Aife talking. She followed the sound of her voice. As she ran up the stairs, Danielle felt a sharp pain in her chest. As though her heart was being ripped away, she crumbled on the floor, gasping for air. Blinded by the pain, struggling to breathe, she failed to see her mother kneeling down next to her.

"I have warned you, child. There are far worser fate than death." Deirdre whispered in her daughter's ear.

Danielle blinked and her mother was gone. She could hear Bo and Kenzi. When she looked up, she could see Bo holding onto Aife. Stopping her from crashing down. Dani stood up, her chest on fire and she went to rush up the stairs. She came up two flights of stairs before Aife finally let go and came crashing down. Blood pooling around her body.

"What the Houdini?" Kenzi exclaimed when the three of them reached the bottom stairs. Aife's body was missing. "What the hell did she do, fly off with a broom?"

"Wouldn't surprise me." Bo smiled. "Come on. Let's not push our luck. Let's go."

Danielle sat with her friends in their living room. She absentmindedly took the beer Kenzi handed to her. She felt off. Her chest was fine, it didn't hurt as much. But something was missing. A part of her was gone. She just couldn't figure out what was missing. Maybe it was just her imagination, but her mother's last word to her was playing in her head repeatedly.

There are far worser fates than death.