Hey guys! We're nearing showdown, but first, Bo experiences a couple of very important encounters. Enjoy!
Chapter 9
The next morning, they were woken up by a phone ringing to remind them of their meet-up. After a quick breakfast, they headed downstairs hand in hand and were welcomed by Ali, who was sitting in yet another inconspicuous car together with Kenzi to take them to the Dal. Bo sat next to Ali in the front, and Lauren chose the back, making use of the short time they had to thank Bo's new-found bestie for saving her from the raging succubus that first day back at the Compound.
"No problemo, Hotpants", the young woman replied with a lopsided grin. "Besides, now that you owe me, I might come by at some point to ask a favour or two. I hear, you bake?"
Lauren laughed. "I do! Tell you what, if all goes according to plan today, I will bake as many cookies and cupcakes as you can eat."
"Oh, Lauren, you don't know what you just got yourself into", Bo chimed in from the front seat. Last night, she'd mentioned Kenzi's sweet tooth and the insane amounts of food she devoured on a daily basis, but she wasn't sure if the blonde understood just how much the tiny woman ate.
"Can't take it back now!", Kenzi hurried to exclaim, before anyone could protest. "Besides, if the good doc's muffins are as good as I've heard, I shall be very grateful."
Bo snorted. "Oh, her muffin's delicious, believe me", she said, throwing an evil grin over her shoulder.
Lauren chortled, Ali laughed out loud, and Kenzi rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant, and tmi, thanks very much."
The rest of the drive was spent with good-natured bickering between the four of them, so when Bo and Lauren got out of the car in an alley behind the Dal, they felt a little calmer. They'd been tense all morning, but the young woman's cheery mood was contagious. They said goodbye to Ali, who was going to take Kenzi to a safe place, where they both planned to wait until further notice.
The Dal was empty, and Trick was already expecting them. Without a word, he gestured for them to follow, and they descended to the very room, where he'd presented Lauren with Myrddin's book. It was only when the door was closed and Trick had made sure they hadn't been followed that he took a deep, calming breath and stepped to Lauren, reaching out to embrace her.
"Thank you", he said earnestly. "For trusting me." He glanced over the doctor's shoulders and looked at Bo. "And for bringing her here."
The blonde smiled and nodded. "You're welcome. Thank you for everything you're doing for us."
Bo stood by, watching the two a little awkwardly, when she noticed his warm gaze. "Hi", she said with a hesitant smile and reached out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Trick. I'm Bo Dennis."
He threw Lauren a quick look, which she answered with an almost undiscernible headshake, signalling him that she hadn't told her. He was both grateful for the doctor's discretion, and scared about what lay ahead of him. Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat, he pulled himself together and accepted Bo's hand. He wasn't easily scared – he was the goddamn blood king, after all – but still, seeing Bo standing right in front of him after all these years made the memories come back. And his bad conscience.
"I know, who you are, Bo", he finally said, returning her smile. "And I think it's high time for you to learn, who I am." He gestured for her to sit and took a deep breath, before starting to tell her about their shared past.
While they were talking, Lauren busied herself looking through Trick's bookshelves, leaving the two in peace. A week ago, after revealing to Lauren that he was Bo's grandfather, they'd spoken for a long time, in the course of which he'd told the doctor more about himself than she'd ever thought possible. Beforehand, he'd been a huge mystery to her – and, as it turned out, to most fae as well – but that day, he'd explained that the bond she shared with his granddaughter changed everything.
"You deserve to know", he'd said and opened up to her. About his wife Isabeau und their daughter Aife, who, centuries ago, had tried to avenge her mother's murder at the hands of the Dark. About how she was supposed to be executed for her deeds, but instead was kept prisoner by a Dark king, who abused and tortured her for centuries, until she fell pregnant with Bo.
It was a tragic story, filled with so much loss and pain and heartache that Lauren had started crying and ended up spontaneously hugging the usually rather distant man. That moment, they'd shared something unique, and Lauren was grateful for the immense amount of trust he'd placed in her.
Bo was grateful, too, but unlike Lauren, she remained calm, in spite of everything Trick had told her. When he'd ended, she sat in silence for a long moment. Not because she was upset – she just needed a while to process the heap of new intel. It was a lot to take in, but in the end, it all came down to one fact, which outshone everything else Trick had said… That just like that, and totally out of the blue, her life's most pressing wish had been fulfilled: To learn about her biological family. And even though Trick's story wasn't a happy one and Bo felt all kinds of feelings afterwards – such as compassion with her mother and grief over the loss of Isabeau – the dominant sensation in her heart was relief.
Because all remaining questions aside, knowing that she had a place to come home to was all she needed for the moment. Besides, there were much more pressing matters at stake right now, so after hugging him for a long time, she finally let go and wiped a tear off her cheek.
Then, she got up and reached for Lauren's hand, waiting for her to rejoin them, before addressing her grandfather once more. "Lauren told me all about your plan, so…" She braced herself. "Did you manage to schedule that audience with the Ash?"
Trick nodded. "Setting up the meeting wasn't all that hard. He agreed immediately after I presented him with the idea of an official hearing."
"Does he know, what's expecting him?", Lauren chimed in.
"No." Trick sighed. "I figured it'd be wise not to tell him about the law just yet. It'll be safer for the both of you going there with him being in a good mood."
"What on earth is he so excited about anyway?", Bo asked, a little irritated. "I mean, he doesn't even know me."
"That's irrelevant to him. He mostly cares about convincing you to choose the Light over the Dark. That's why he agreed to a meeting on such short notice. News spread fast around here, and he's hoping to steal you away before the Morrigan beats him to it."
"The Morrigan?"
"Leader of the Dark", Lauren explained. "You met her that first day at the Compound."
Bo scowled. "That woman was the leader of the Dark? Wow. So, they expect me to choose, and my only two options are a stuck-up bitch and an arrogant control freak? Yay, me."
Lauren squeezed her hand. "Let's not focus on that now."
"You're right", Bo said, smiling at the doctor. "Both the Dark and the Light can kiss my arse. I'll deal with them later. For now, I mostly want to see you freed from the Ash."
"And I'll do everything in my power to make that happen", Trick assured them. "But we have to be smart about this. If we want a real chance to convince the Ash, you need to show him respect, Bo. As hard as that might be."
The brunette shrugged reluctantly. "I'll be respectful if he is."
Trick grimaced. "Yeah, see, that's the problem. I believe, by now, you've learned enough about the fae to know that they can be…"
"Arrogant? Snobby? Patronising? Condescending?"
Trick chuckled. "Yes, that. Just think about what's at stake and play along. Just for the duration of the hearing."
Bo sighed. He was right, of course. She couldn't jeopardise everything Ali, Lauren and Trick had worked so hard for. Especially because it would put Lauren in danger, and that was unacceptable.
"Okay, I'll be good. Let's do this", she said with grim determination.
They sat down and talked for a long time, in which Trick and Lauren explained the loopholes and traps of fae politics to prepare Bo before facing the Ash. Two hours went by, and soon, it was time for the meeting. They didn't have to worry about transport, as the Ash had personally sent a car to pick them up.
For the entire drive to the Compound, Bo was tense, and her state rubbed off on Lauren as well.
From his position opposite of them in the Ash's spacious Limousine, Trick observed the two, who were holding hands as if clinging to an anchor and staring out the windows. He wanted to do something to calm their nerves, so he decided to tell Bo some more about her family. Bending forward, he took his granddaughter's hand to catch her attention.
"You're a lot like your grandmother Isabeau, you know", he informed her with a warm smile. "She was fierce and brave, too. With high morals. She helped the helpless, whether they were human or fae, and always fought for what she thought was right." Bo beamed at him, but remained silent. "She was loved by many, feared by some… and despised by few", he continued. "What I'm trying to say is, no matter, what happened, and what hardships she faced, she always remained on her chosen path of righteousness. And I believe, you will do the same."
Bo swallowed and lowered her gaze. She could only hope that he was right. She was still so new to the world of the fae, and the things she'd learned over the past weeks, and especially in the last couple of hours, overwhelmed her.
Lauren saw the wheels turn in her lover's head, so she placed a finger underneath her chin to catch her gaze. "I believe in you, too", she whispered and placed a tender kiss on her lips. "Remember, Bo, you're not alone anymore."
Whether it was the kiss or the way in which she'd said it, Bo didn't know. But Lauren's words stirred something inside her. All of a sudden, she felt brave. Like she could do anything she wanted. And just like that, the tension was gone.
"You're right", she whispered. "I'm ready. Thank you. Both of you." She looked at Lauren and then Trick, and an almost forgotten warmth filled her chest. It was love. The love of a true family, who would watch her back, no matter what.
Without incidents, they passed through the large gate leading to the Compound and parked in front of the same building Bo had seen before. The lobby area was just as vast and intimidating as the last time she'd been here… with its colossal flight of steps, the rows of statues and the cold sandstone surface of the spotless walls and clean floors. But this time, Bo was prepared.
They passed by a lot of people, who obviously weren't here by chance. They were standing up at the gallery, openly gawking at the unlikely trio as if they were zoo attractions, probably wondering, what the old bartender's business was with some human slave and the mysterious new girl in town. Bo fearlessly returned everyone's gazes as they passed by, while Trick ignored them in truly royal fashion and Lauren subserviently lowered her eyes in order give no-one reason for attack.
After walking for what seemed like at least ten minutes, they finally arrived in the Ash's personal quarters, where the meeting would take place. Their escort – the same burly guy, who had driven them here – held the door open for them and then disappeared from view to stand guard outside, as soon as they'd entered.
"Welcome to my humble quarters", the Ash's voice boomed from a corner of the room, startling Bo, who immediately entered her fighting stance. The man chuckled. "Not to worry, Miss Dennis, I'm not intending to hurt you."
"We'll see about that", she mumbled, throwing Lauren a sideways glance and then straightened her back. "Thank you for meeting us on such short notice", she said aloud and with a respectful bow.
The dark-skinned man got up from his seat, gave Trick a curt nod and ignored Lauren, which made Bo's blood boil. But she pulled herself together.
"Special circumstances call for special measures", he informed her in his deep bass. "I suggest we cut to the chase right away, shall we?"
Bo exchanged a gaze with Trick, who nodded. "Yes, let's", she said. "I hear you want me in your club."
The Ash chuckled again, like a father, who was about to reprimand his teenage daughter. "Correct, although that is not, how I would have put it. The Light are an ancient and highly respected union of clans, and I believe a partnership would greatly benefit both parties."
"Right. Well, I'm sure you realise that this decision bears extensive consequences", Bo replied evasively. "And given the fact that you summoned me here, I get the feeling that those consequences don't only concern me, so…" She looked at Trick once more, who smiled reassuringly – an exchange, which didn't go unnoticed by the Ash. "Before we proceed, there's something you should know."
The Ash frowned – which surprised Lauren, who couldn't remember ever seeing the man anything but unwaveringly confident.
He turned to Trick. "What is the meaning of this?", he demanded to know.
The old fae stepped forward, and Bo registered with satisfaction that the Ash winced, before quickly composing himself.
"With respect, Ash", Trick said in a tone that was indeed respectful, but also self-assured. "Over the last couple of weeks, Dr Lewis and I discovered something that involves my granddaughter."
The other man didn't flinch, Lauren noticed. Apparently, Trick had already informed him about his relations to the succubus.
"Go on", he said, his sinister gaze now fixated on the bartender.
Trick cleared his throat. This was it. After this, there would be no turning back. "Shortly after her arrival in the city, Bo's succubus chose a mate", he said, looking at the tall man without even a hint of fear. "And that mate is Dr Lewis."
Then, something happened that Lauren had never witnessed before in all her time with the Light. The Ash laughed. Out loud. His face showed genuine amusement. It baffled her. So much so that she forgot her manners for a second and stared at the man with her jaw dropped.
Bo on the other hand was angry, but before she could say anything, Trick grabbed her wrist and threw her a warning stare. She closed her mouth and clenched her jaw.
"I was not making a joke", Trick boomed, and the laughing stopped as suddenly as if someone had stolen the Ash's voice. "The bond is true", he continued, effortlessly holding the other man's gaze, which had turned from amused to furious in a split-second. "Dr Lewis and I have spoken about this at length and come to the conclusion that there is no doubt. Which means", he added solemnly, "that the ancient Law of Claim has already taken effect. Dr Lewis is no longer your ward. You're obligated to officially free her from your claim effective immediately."
Heavy silence filled the room. Lauren held her breath. She didn't dare look at her former master and stared at the ground, fists clenched, heart racing. A second later, she felt Bo's hand touch hers and loosened her fingers to take it. The protective gesture calmed her, but she kept her gaze down, intently studying the artfully crafted mosaic of the floor tiles.
The Ash was quiet for a long time. Minute after minute trickled by, as he stared at the ground, hand on his chin, pondering his options. He'd lost. He knew it the second the old king had mentioned that godforsaken law, and he was currently thinking about how to replace the invaluable Dr Lewis. He was no fool – he knew exactly, what her work meant to the Light, and if he wanted to keep her tied to him at least in some way, even under these new circumstances, he had to think quickly… An idea popped into his head, and he grinned inwardly. If he played his cards right and convinced the succubus to join his side, maybe she would allow her mate to remain in service of the Light.
"You'll understand that I will need proof, I hope", he finally said, straightening his posture and interlacing his fingers behind his back.
Trick nodded. "We expected you would say that", he stated. "We accept the conditions of any means necessary to prove the authenticity of the mating bond, as long as no harm comes to either party in the process."
"Of course, I won't harm them", the Ash said indignantly. "I would never hurt a fellow fae nor their assets." He turned to one of the guards by the door. "Go, fetch Laiana at once."
"Yes, sir", the man said with a bow, then he was gone.
Bo had no idea, who this Laiana was, but one look at Trick told her that she needn't worry. They only had to wait a few minutes, until the guard returned, followed by a woman that looked so old that Bo feared she might fall apart at any second – an impression that she quickly abandoned as soon as the newcomer spoke.
"Why did you summon me, boy?", Laiana demanded to know. Her voice was deep and her tone so intimidating that Bo wasn't even capable of grinning at the disrespectful address she'd chosen for the leader of the Light himself. Trick bowed his head in earnest respect, and so did the Ash. He seemed to be undisturbed by her tone and regardfully held out a hand to lead her to a comfortable sofa in a corner, where he quietly spoke to her for a few minutes.
Finally, he got up and faced both Bo and Lauren. "Laiana is ready for you now. Do what she says. This won't take long."
Carefully, they approached the dark-skinned woman, whose head was covered in short white curls. She had clear ice-blue eyes that rivalled even Kenzi's, and her gaze seemed to pierce right through the both of them. She motioned for them to take a seat on each of her sides. "Take my hands and each other's, and create a circle", she instructed. As soon as they'd done what she asked, the Ash's quarters faded, making way for a place of complete blackness.
"Where are we?", Bo whispered, looking around in awe. She couldn't see Laiana, nor Lauren – not even herself. And her voice wasn't coming from within her, but instead, it resounded all around them, like an echo.
"I believe, you call it limbo", the ancient woman answered.
Lauren couldn't stop herself. She needed to know more. "What exactly is it?", she asked eagerly. "And how did it come to be?"
"You are indeed insatiably curious, Dr Lewis", Laiana replied with a low, rumbling chuckle. "It is a place of pure magic, likely created by your mutual bond. It is yours alone. Nothing here is real, but anything is possible."
The doctor would've loved to ask this incredible woman about a million questions, but she felt that she wouldn't get any more answers for now. So, she remained silent.
For a minute, nothing happened. All they heard was a low humming, and then, as quickly as the blackness had appeared, it vanished. Within a second, they were back in the Ash's quarters.
"Wow", Bo breathed, staring at her hand, where the old woman's had been a moment ago. She felt like she'd just ridden the world's most thrilling rollercoaster without even moving an inch. One look at Lauren told her she'd experienced the same thing.
Despite her age, Laiana gracefully rose from her seat and faced the Ash. Then, she declared in a firm voice: "The bond is true. The Law of Claim has taken effect." Without another word, she turned away and left the room with flying robes.
"Wow", Bo repeated with her jaw dropped, too taken by the old fae's captivating presence to process the meaning of what she'd just said.
"Dr Lauren Lewis", the Ash announced solemnly, to which Lauren quickly rose from her seat. "I hereby release you from my claim and all bonds tying you to the Light. As of now, you are property of the temporarily unaligned succubus, Bo Dennis."
"She's no-one's property", Bo growled with a sinister look and then winced inwardly at her thoughtless little outburst.
But the Ash surprised her yet again. "Of course, you're right", he said.
Now, this was a reaction Bo hadn't expected. She looked at him, anticipating a lashing at any moment, when he continued with a smug grin.
"However, having said that, you surely realise, now that Dr Lewis is no longer my ward, and consequently, no longer under my personal protection, she might be in danger… grave danger."
"What are you talking about?", Bo asked in a challenging tone, instinctively positioning herself between the Ash and Lauren to protect her.
He took a step backwards and lifted his hands in a defensive gesture. "I swear upon my honour that neither of you have anything to fear from me. The Dark, however…" He threw Trick a meaningful look. "A public statement needs to be made, and soon", he declared and at Bo's questioning frown added: "The Test."
"Test?", Bo echoed. "What test?"
Trick sighed. He'd expected something like that, but not this soon. "It's a demonstration of strength. And power", he explained. "The traditional way to make… undecisive fae choose a side. A fight to the death."
"And what if I refuse?"
"You will be executed", the Ash replied dryly.
Bo searched for Trick's and then Lauren's gaze. "What should I do?", she whispered to the blonde, who, to her surprise, gave her a reassuring smile.
"Your power is immense, Bo", she replied equally quietly, so that the Ash couldn't hear. "I feel it within me, whenever we're together. Because of our bond. The Test is no walk in the park, but I know you will pass it. I know it", she repeated emphatically.
The uncertainty about what to expect scared her, but Lauren's confidence rubbed off on Bo. With a determined expression, she turned around to face the Ash. "Alright, I accept. I will take your test."
"Very well. It will take place tonight, nine o'clock sharp, at the old glass factory. I shall make all the necessary arrangements." He turned to look directly at Bo, a serious expression on his face. "I have no doubt that you have the power to pass the Test with ease, child. A well-meant word of advice though… When it's over, choose wisely. The Light will protect both you and Dr Lewis for as long as you both live." For a split-second, his eyes flickered to Trick. "Your grandfather can attest to this fact, as he has been part of our side for centuries. Keep that in mind, when the Morrigan approaches you to try winning you over. Which she will do." He threw a glance at his guards, and without another word headed for a door, disappearing from view.
Almost there! Let me know what you think – your input is always appreciated. Much love, and see you soon!