Chapter Twenty-Four

I texted Mrs. E as quickly as possible so I wouldn't dwell on Toby and how I should NOT call him because he was NOT my boyfriend anymore and I did NOT have the right to barge into his life because of some possible threat. Mrs. E said she'd go to him immediately instead of texting and she'd text me back as soon as she knew if Toby had been targeted.

Then I had to smile and read bedtime stories to my children as I anxiously waited for that text. It came while I was putting the twins to sleep. Toby still had his feather. All was well with him, and he was now on high alert. For the time being, he and Doba (his dog) would be staying with Mrs. E and Mr. T., circling the wagons as it were.

I let out a sigh of relief and went back to the story. It felt odd to be tucking the boys in without Azrael, and they noticed the difference too. Sharply. They wouldn't even get into bed until I let them kiss Daddy goodnight. I didn't want the kids to see him like that again, but they already knew he was “sleeping” and the manacles were hidden under the blanket. Plus, Holly helped, pasting on a bright smile when we came in.

After the boys were asleep, I went back into Azrael's room to update Holly. Re had already texted Odin about the theft of his scepter, and Odin said he'd tell Luke.

“Do you really think this trickster has our best interests in mind?” Holly asked.

“I don't know for sure, but his game ended well for us last time.” I took Azrael's hand. “He couldn't have known that Az would end up like this.” I paused. “Although, he does know a lot that should be impossible for him to know.”

“What are you saying, Vervain? Do you think he's some kind of super god?”

I considered the question. “I don't know. Maybe he's a god of knowledge or a seer.” I blinked. “That's it! I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. He must be psychic. It would explain why he acts so strangely. Every psychic I've met has been a little unhinged. It just comes with the territory.”

“Brevyn is psychic,” Holly reminded me gently.

I lost some of my enthusiasm. “Yes. And I'm going to do everything in my power to keep him sane. I think Ull's ancient soul helps, but I've already noticed the toll it's taking on him.”

Holly laid a hand on my knee. “He's a strong boy. Ull's soul does steady him. And with you as his mother, I'm sure he will be fine.”

“Thank you. That boy has gone through so much already. He came into this life saving me. A child shouldn't have to save their parents. I'm supposed to protect him.” I cleared my throat. “But I knew he was going to be special. How could he not be with Ull inside him?”

“I thought he was fully Ull?”

“He is. But it's in the way that I'm fully human. There are other parts of me too. Ull is there. All of his soul. But there's more to him now.”

Holly nodded. “Death changes things.” She looked down at her son. “I never thought it would turn on Azrael. He's served it so well. So diligently. He practically gave his life to death.” She looked up at me. “Until you showed him what it is to truly live. I never thanked you for all you've given him, Vervain. ”

“You shouldn't.” I shook my head. “He has given me far more than I could ever give him. Az sacrificed a lot to be with me.”

“You need to get past that guilt, sweetheart.”

“Guilt? I don't feel guilty.”

“Oh, yes, you do. And I get it. You have a lot. So much love. And in your eyes, they have less because they share you. But that's not the truth. They chose you because you fulfill them. Sharing you is nothing compared to that. You've given them love, children, and, in Viper's case, life itself. Get over the guilt.”

I snorted a laugh. “I guess I do feel a little guilty. They're just so wonderful. Sometimes, I wake up and I can't believe this is my life.” I smirked at her. “Then the kids come screaming into the room, and I really can't believe this is my life.”

She giggled. “They are a lot of work, but they offer a lot of love in return, and you have a lot of help with them.”

“I do. And I'm glad you're here to help this time.”

“I'm glad you don't mind me being here. He's my son.” Holly looked back at Az. “I need to be with him.”

I glanced at the doorway and across the corridor to the twins' door. “I understand.”

Then Jesus appeared.

“Mom,” the J-Man came rushing into Azrael's bedroom in a cloud of patchouli and pot. He was in bell-bottom jeans, a band shirt, a leather fringe vest, and sandals, but he was missing his sunglasses.

Holly stood up and went into his arms. “Jesus.”

“Mom,” he said again, staring at me over her shoulder. That piercing blue stare shifted to his brother, and he set his mother to the side. “Luke told me. Maybe I can help.”

“I'm so sorry,” I said. “I didn't think to call you.”

“It's all good, sis,” Jesus said as he sat down on the bed near Azrael's hip. “I'm here now.” He drew back the covers, then scowled at the manacles.

“We had to suppress the Wild Magic,” I explained before he asked.

“Bummer,” Jesus said. “That might mellow my magic.”

I was still getting used to his buff body. Maybe because he was still getting used to it too. I could see it in the way he moved—with the loose movements of a lanky man. His father's magic had given him that body and rulership over heaven. It was that rulership that made me forget about Jesus's original magic. Healing and Resurrection. Resurrection!

“Take the manacles off!” I said urgently.

“But what about the Wild Magic?” Holly asked.

Jesus looked at me and grinned. “I can hold it back. Maybe not for long, but should be enough to send some flower power into my bro.”

“He's in a type of stasis, Jesus,” I said. “I can't pull him out of it.”

“That's some heavy shit. I'll do what I can, Vervain.”

I nodded and helped him remove the manacles. Before the first flower could sprout, the King of Heaven laid his hand over Azrael's heart and Light encased my husband. Jesus closed his eyes while Holly and I stared back and forth between him and Az.

After a few minutes, Jesus opened his eyes and put the manacles back on. His Light went out .

Holly and I sighed in disappointment.

“I'm sorry,” Jesus said. “Resurrection can't latch onto him. Death repels it.”

“It's the opposite,” I said. “Like the Wild Magic.”

“Yeah, I think so. They don't vibe. I would be able to reach Az if he wasn't pushing me away.”

“You tried, honey,” Holly said and stroked Jesus's long hair.

Jesus's face crumpled. “I have so much power now, Mom. And I still can't help my brother. He always helps me. I wanted to be there for him this time.”

“I know.” She hugged him.

“None of us could reach him,” I said. “Don't feel bad about it.” Then I remembered what I had concluded about the trickster. “Oh! I need to tell the others about the trickster.”

“What about the trickster?” Jesus asked.

“I think he's psychic.”

“Groovy,” Jesus murmured. “Yeah, I can see that.”

“Go. I'll text Lucifer,” Holly said. “But remember, Vervain. That's just a theory.”

“Yeah, I know. I can't let myself get carried away with assumptions. But it makes so much sense. And maybe it will narrow down our list of suspects.”

“Good luck,” Holly said as she pulled out her phone.

I glanced at Az. “It really is a relief to have you here with him.”

She smiled wanly. “Go, Vervain. We'll look after Azrael.”

I hurried out.