Warriors of Poseidon 02 - Atlantis Awakening

greatest tragedy our coven has ever known and, on a personal note, Gwendolyn was my closest friend, more like a sister to me." Tears glistened in Gennae's violet eyes. "You must believe how profoundly we all understand and share your sorrow."
     
    Erin held Gennae's gaze for a long, defiant moment, but then nodded. "I do believe that." She lowered her lashes and glanced at Berenice's angry face. Mostly.
     
    "And, knowing your mother and her teaching, we would never believe you would risk the loss of your soul to the Wilding magic," Lillian added.
     
    "I have done everything possible to shield against it," Erin said, head held high. "I have spent countless hours researching my Gift of the singing stones, as well. But there's nothing in any of my reading to explain why a warrior from Atlantis brought out such a violent reaction in me… in my gems."
     
    Gennae and Berenice exchanged a nearly imperceptible glance. "Actually, Erin, there is something you need to know," Gennae said. "About the reaction you say this Atlantean had to your Gift, and about what you will find if you continue to seek out Caligula."
     
    Atlantis Awakening – Warriors of Poseidon 02
    Page 41 of 296
    Berenice's face paled even further, if that were possible. "You cannot tell her—"
     
    "We must tell her. It's time. Especially if she's planning to involve the Atlanteans in this impossible plan for revenge," Lillian said. "Not to mention the attack tonight, which may be related."
     
    Yeah, you're all pretty good at not mentioning the attack, Erin thought, wondering if sheer rage would overcome her exhaustion and keep her standing upright.
     
    "She deserves to be punished for not controlling the Wilding," Berenice snapped.
     
    "She deserves to know the truth," Gennae said.
     
    "What truth? Just tell me," Erin demanded, the ice in her veins streaking through her body and congealing in her stomach in a frozen ball. She wished for her power and the comfort of her gems and their song; she wished to run—covering her ears—from the room.
     
    Mostly she wished to be curled up, resting safely in Ven's arms, she admitted to herself even as she wondered at the strength of her longing for a man she'd only just met.
     
    Gennae rose from her seat at the table and glided noiselessly around it until she stood in front of Erin, then put her hands on Erin's shoulders. "You have been like a daughter to me, Erin, and if you are so determined to follow this path of revenge, you must know the consequences."
     
    "But it's not just about revenge and the past," Erin blurted out, searching the priestess's eyes for some glimmer of understanding. "It's about the future, too. It's about stopping Caligula from doing this again, to somebody else's family. Maybe to the entire human population of Seattle, or the state of Washington. What about the entire West Coast?
    Atlantis Awakening – Warriors of Poseidon 02
    Page 42 of 296
    We've felt the darkness from the area around Mount Rainier. We've seen the mounting numbers rise on the tallies of those he's turned to vampire. Why can't you understand?"
     
    Gennae's fingers tightened painfully on Erin's shoulders, and she leaned forward for a brief hug, whispering in Erin's ear, "Don't think we're not concerned about the attack tonight. There is a spy in the coven and we are investigating."
     
    Erin focused on not changing her facial expression, since Berenice was staring at her with narrowed eyes.
     
    Gennae released her grip and stepped back. "Oh, we understand all too well, Erin.
    Caligula is consolidating his power over as many of those called to the dark as he can."
    She paused and bowed her head, as though she couldn't bear to look Erin in the eye any longer. "That may in fact be who was behind the attack on you tonight. You said you felt dark magic…" Her words trailed off.
     
    "You have to tell her, Gennae. Or I will." Lillian said. Her voice held so much sorrow that Erin blinked and glanced over at the older witch, then gasped at the tears streaming down Lillian's face.
     
    "Gennae. What is it? Please tell me. You're frightening me," Erin said.
     
    "And so you should be frightened," Berenice called out, standing up from her chair.
    "After what I saw—" She broke off, shaking her head.
     
    Gennae finally raised her head to look into Erin's eyes. "Yes. It is time. First, we recently have acquired more detailed knowledge of the nature of your gift. According to the representative of the Fae currently