Sweet Legacy (Sweet Venom) (30 page)

CHAPTER 35
G
RETCHEN

W
hen everyone else is gone—all the friendly monsters, Grace’s folks, and the women of the Sisterhood of the Serpent—the gorgons ask to speak with us privately in front of the door. The boys wait for us in the parking lot to give us time to talk. Sillus races after them and tugs on Nick’s hand, and Nick lifts the furry freak onto his shoulders for a ride. I watch with a smile.

“What’s up?” I ask, turning back to our immortal aunts.

Ursula and Sthenno glance at each other and nod, which makes me nervous.

“You girls did a marvelous job today,” Ursula says. “Far better than we ever dreamed.”

Sthenno smiles. “You made us proud.”

When she says that, I feel myself stand up straighter. It is amazing how powerful and proud that makes me feel. There is more behind her statement than a simple acknowledgment of success. There are thousands of years of expectation and anticipation.

“We have awaited this moment for millennia,” Ursula continues, “to see, if not our sister’s death avenged, then at least proper order restored.”

I can’t imagine what it’s been like. Their sister was murdered, and the killer has been running free, living without guilt while raising troops to kill even more of their family. If something happened to Grace or Greer, I don’t think I would have the patience to wait until some prophesied future date.

They have more patience than I could ever hope—or want—to have.

That makes our victory all the sweeter.

“Us too,” Grace says. “I mean, we haven’t been waiting that long, but . . .”

“We are glad to take over the legacy,” Greer finishes.

Grace gives her a grateful smile.

“Yes,” Ursula says, “taking over. That is what we wish to speak with you about.”

Things will change now. In the short time since I learned about the entire scope of our destiny, about opening the door and becoming the guardians, I’ve never had much chance to think about what would happen after. I was too busy trying to keep my sisters alive, trying to get to this point.

“Now that the battle is over,” Sthenno explains, “you must close the door.”

“Close the door?” Greer tilts her head.

I ask, “How do we do that?”

“It is the same to close the door,” Ursula says, “as it is to open the door.”

Sthenno gestures at the portal. “Now that the seal has been broken, it will require only one sister to perform the ritual.”

Pulling out one of my daggers, I quickly slice the blade over my palms, drawing out thin stripes of blood. I tuck the dagger under my arm and slap my palms together. Just as quickly as it opened, the door swirls shut, contracting like a whirlpool.

“You must always remember,” Ursula says, “to open the door at least once each day. Otherwise it will seal, with all the consequences that accompany a permanent closure.”

Always remember?
Why does this sound like some kind of last lecture?

“What do we do when we open it?” Greer asks.

“I have the scanned versions of the monster binders,” Grace says. “Will they help us figure out which ones to let through?”

“Yes, they will help,” Ursula answers. “But you should know by now that the world in which we exist is not black and white. You cannot look in a book to know a creature’s heart.”

I have listened to enough of her lessons over the years to understand her meaning. “We have to trust our judgment.”

“Yes,” she says.

I can feel her pride.

“We won’t be perfect,” I argue.

“Of course not,” she replies. “You are human.”

“Besides,” I say, flashing my fangs. “That’s what these babies are for.”

“Now that the seal is broken,” Sthenno explains, “things will change in the abyss. Access to the door from that side will be more orderly. All creatures within will have an equal opportunity.”

“But how many do we let through?” Grace asks. “How long do they get to stay? How far are they allowed to go?”

Ursula shrugs.

“I think that’s up to us,” I say, finally getting the message. “We’re the head girls in charge, and we sail this ship however we see fit.”

“Your sole charge is to ensure the balance in this realm.” Sthenno looks at each of us in turn. “Interpretation of that charge is yours to determine.”

“That is the true responsibility of the legacy,” Euryale finishes. “To balance the freedom of the monster realm with the safety of the human one.” She beams at me. “I am certain you will be fair and generous guardians.”

“But you’ll be here to advise us, right?” Grace asks. “You can help us figure things out.”

My gut clenches. I’m afraid I know the answer to Grace’s question. The gorgons are passing us the torch—preparing us to carry on . . . without them.

My fears are confirmed when Ursula shakes her head.

“We have trespassed in this world too long,” she states. “It is time for us to move on.”

“Move on?” Grace chirps.

“It is time for us to leave this realm,” Ursula says. “To go to Mount Olympus.”

“The Olympians have extended us an invitation we cannot refuse,” Sthenno explains. “In an attempt to make amends for . . . all that has passed, they will elevate us to the rank of goddesses.”

“We shall sit on the council of justice.” Ursula presses her palms to her stomach, and I can tell she’s excited. “We will be able to prevent wars like this from happening in the future.”

“Besides,” Sthenno says, “this world is rightfully yours now. You have earned it.”

I don’t understand why they’re doing it, why they’re leaving just when we’ve made everything right. I want to argue, to tell them we will still need them, maybe more than ever.

But I know how stubborn Ursula is. She’s made up her mind and there is no changing it.

Grace does the arguing for me.

“You can’t leave,” she insists. “We need you.”

Ursula smiles in that way she has that says there is no point in arguing. Goodness knows she’s given me that look enough over the years.

“You have all that you need right here.” She gestures at me and my sisters. “As long as you have each other, you will not fail.”

“And as this afternoon has proved,” Sthenno adds, “you have abundant help should you need more.”

My emotions break free. I rush forward and hug Ursula.

“Thank you,” I whisper so only she can hear. “For . . . saving me.”

“It is you who saved me.” She leans back, presses her palms against my cheek. “You are the daughter I could never have.”

My chest tightens, because that’s how I feel too. She is the only mother I’ve ever known. The thought of losing her . . . it hurts. But if she’s taught me anything, it’s how to push past the pain.

When she pulls away, taking her sister by the hand, I let her go.

“With our departure,” she says, “we give you not only the legacy of guardianship. . . .”

“We give you our immortality,” Sthenno finishes.

“Immortality?” Grace echoes.

Greer stands utterly still.

“There is a catch,” Sthenno says. “We have but two immortalities to give.”

“The balance must remain as before,” Euryale explains. “Two immortal sisters . . .”

“One mortal,” I fill in.

She nods. “We shall leave it to you three to decide. When you are ready, speak the decision and it will be done.”

Grace, Greer, and I exchange a glance. Grace looks confused. Greer looks terrified. I’m sure I look determined. My sisters can have the immortality. I refuse to watch either of them die.

“Time to go, sister,” Sthenno says, tugging at Euryale’s hand. “Olympus awaits.”

“Good-bye, Gretchen, Grace, and Greer,” Euryale says. “The world is safe in your hands.”

Then, as I watch, they disappear into mist. I can’t stop the tears from streaming. Except in those moments before we brought Greer back to life, I have never felt so much emotional pain. I have to physically squeeze myself to keep from sobbing.

Next thing I know, I’m wrapped in a big hug with one sister on either side.

“I love you both,” Grace says. “So much.”

I suck in a deep breath. “Me too.”

There is such a long pause that Grace and I pull back. Greer is scowling as tears stream down her cheeks. She looks like she’s struggling to keep it all together.

“Oh, all right,” she finally blurts. “I love you too.”

I smile at my sisters. I’m amazed by how far we’ve come—how much we’ve grown and changed and accomplished—in such a short time. We are amazing, and the monster world had better behave, because the Key Generation can kick some serious beastie butt.

We found and opened the door between the realms without even a single casualty on our side. We’re taking up the legacy that began with our ancient ancestor, Medusa, and has been passed down through countless generations. We have each other, we have boys and friends and family who care about us, and we have definitely earned the right to enjoy the moment.

“That’s it, enough blubbering.” I start toward the parking lot, one sister under each arm. “Let’s go celebrate.”

CHAPTER 36
G
RACE

A
round us, the coffee shop bustles with late afternoon activity. I’m amazed to watch these ordinary humans go about their daily lives, unaware of just how close they came to a monster apocalypse earlier today.

It’s better this way, I suppose. Better my sisters and I keep them from ever finding out.

Milo and Thane return to the table, each with an armful of drinks.

“One strawberries-and-cream frappe,” Milo says, handing me my drink as he takes the seat next to me, “and a double espresso for you, man.”

Nick accepts the drink with a nod of thanks. He looks pretty comfortable, sitting there with his arm around Gretchen’s chair—around her. And she looks pretty comfortable too.

Thane hands her a red eye—more caffeine than a person should be legally allowed to consume in a single cup—and she relaxes back against Nick’s arm. Then Thane takes a sip of Greer’s nonfat, half-caff vanilla latte before setting it down at her empty spot.

“Not bad,” he says with a shrug, but then he goes back to his hot apple cider.

When Greer gets back from the restroom, I raise my cup.

“A toast,” I say. “To a battle hard won.”

“And more to come,” Gretchen adds.

That’s a fair toast. We might have succeeded today, but there will be more challenges to come. Not as big, I hope, and not as terrifying. We all cheer and are about to take sips of our drinks when we are interrupted.

“Isn’t this sweet,” a sickly female voice says. “Three pretty huntresses and three pretty boys.”

I turn, appalled to find Nyx standing at our table, all dark and cloudy looking, though now she’s more of a charcoal gray than the inky black that surrounded her earlier.

I knew we hadn’t gotten rid of her permanently, but I thought we might at least have a little break before she returned. Clearly not.

My hands start to shake, so I shove them into my lap.

“Oh, worry not,” she says when Gretchen starts to her feet, “my powers are weakened. I am not here to rekindle the fight.”

“Then why
are
you here?” Gretchen spits.

“To give warning,” Nyx says. “You might have won today’s clash, but this war is far from over. My forces might have suffered losses today, but we will rise again.”

To my utter shock, Gretchen laughs. “You can try.”

Greer sits up a little straighter. “Rise again,” she says, “and we will defeat you again.”

My sisters are right. We have nothing to be afraid of. We beat them today, we will beat them tomorrow. It’s our destiny. Our legacy.

Nyx glares at each of us for a moment. Then there’s a swirl of gray smoke, and she’s gone.

“Nice exit,” Greer says with a shaky laugh.

Gretchen lifts her cup again. “To battles, past and future.”

“Past and future,” I say.

Everyone echoes the toast, and we drink. I’m happy to have this battle behind us, and I’m ready for whatever battles are coming. Everything is so very different now. And different is definitely good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T
ERA
L
YNN
C
HILDS
is the award-winning author of several books for teens, including the first two books in the Sweet Venom series, the mermaid romances
Forgive My Fins, Fins Are Forever
, and
Just for Fins
, as well as another mythology-inspired series, including
Oh. My. Gods
. and
Goddess Boot Camp
. Although Tera always dreamed of discovering a secret twin (or triplet), she is sad to report she remains an only child. Find extras—such as excerpts and cool contests—for all of Tera’s books at www.teralynnchilds.com.

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