The cart wound its way, not to the palace, but out into the land itself, through the snow to a trellised archway that led to a modest cottage. I thanked the driver and stepped out, a shiver of anticipation running through me.

The moon was a shimmering quarter, waxing as she smiled down onto the snow. The sparkling mantle of white stretched through the woodland, mirroring the stars that shone over the blackened night. In my heart, I could hear the beat of the land, the pulse of the magic that filled the Court of the Queens. The whisper of the elements swirled around me, a cacophony on the wind, weaving a dance as I skirted the cottage and followed the path beyond it toward the steaming pool in the center of Faerie.

Everything shimmered here—from the woodland to the ground, to the very air. And my magic hummed, alive and vibrant. The Moon Mother surrounded me, my heart and soul. This night—the Winter Solstice—I would take my place as her priestess.

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I remembered my first initiation, when I’d entered the Grove of the Moon Mother over in Otherworld, bound by silver chains, not knowing whether my Lady would accept me into her service as a Moon Witch.

Now, I was growing, changing. I would become the first Earthside High Priestess of the Moon Mother in thousands of years. I would train under the Earthside Fae Queens—in Aeval’s Dark Court, under Morgaine’s watchful eye.

Tears flecked my eyes. I was about to assume a mantle both heavy and brilliant, one of which I hoped I was worthy. Thank gods and Earthside technology for waterproof mascara and lip lacquer. I dashed the tears away and stepped forward, crunching in the frozen snow, pins and needles shooting through my bare feet. I would come to my Lady with both body and feet bare as the day I was born.

How many years since I’d walked this path—back home in Otherworld—the path to my initiation as a witch for the Moon Mother? Too many to count, but now I was ready to take the next step on my journey, a thousand miles from where I’d begun, a world away from where I’d come.

The hush of the forest rested around me, the snow muffling all sound as I came to the edge of the hot springs, dropped my cape, and stepped into the steaming pool. Here, the water was brilliant, glowing a deep sea green. How they managed to heat it, I didn’t know, but magic permeated the glade.

As the warmth began to seep into my frozen limbs, a sense of purification and cleansing raced through me, and as the water hit my knees, it washed away the lingering pain of my bruises, of Hyto’s abuse, of the fear that had held me in its grips. His abuse fell away in the magic of the night.

Another step, and another.

The water hit my waist and my heart lurched. After this night, I’d forever be pariah in my home city-state, but some things were greater than blood, some oaths more binding than family. I mentally sent my father a kiss, wishing him well, tears pouring as I relinquished his birthright, his legacy, and his love for a greater passion and allegiance.

Another step, two more . . . and I spread my arms for balance, my shoulders shimmering beneath the glistening surface.

The water splashed against my breasts, and images of Smoky and Morio and Trillian filled my thoughts. Bowing my head with gratitude for the loves of my life, I reached out for them, but even a link as strong as ours could not penetrate the magic of the Fae Queens. I thought of Delilah and Menolly, and Iris . . . and began to cry in earnest. They could not be here tonight—this was a journey I had to make on my own—but I knew they were with me in spirit.

One more step and I was at the center of the pool. The water lapped at my chin, and I sucked in a deep breath and ducked under, letting it stream through my hair. As I came up, gasping for breath, I saw them, standing there on the other side of the pond, waiting for me.

Aeval—my new Mistress. I would belong to the Court of Darkness and Shadow from here on out. I would be under her will and walk with her under the Dark Moon. And beside her—her opposite. Titania, Queen of the Light. To her left, Morgaine—my half-Fae, half-human ancient cousin, Queen of the Dusk, who was now my teacher.

And, a little ways away, in full riding outfit and crop, stood Derisa, the High Priestess of the Moon Mother from Otherworld. She had taken my oath so many years ago. And she would take my new oath—the one binding me as a member of the Priestesshood.

They waited, these four, and as I made my way to them, a flash of snow lightning crashed behind them and there, in their midst, stood the Black Unicorn and Raven Mother for just a second, before they faded out of sight.

The Queens of Fae began to laugh, wild and free, and I swallowed my fear. There was no going back. There would be no chance to return from here.

And then I saw him—hiding in the shadows. My heart skipped a beat as he raised one hand in salute, his spiky platinum hair shining under the pale moon.

What was he doing here? But there was no time for questions. I had to trust in the ritual. I had to trust that Aeval knew what she was doing. I had to trust Derisa, and most of all, I had to trust the Moon Mother.

Sucking in another long breath, I steadily began my journey out of the pool, toward a ritual so secret I would never be able to tell anyone what went on. I began my journey into the arms of the dark . . . into the shadow of the unknown.

Shouts echoed from the coffee table—Delilah, Shade, Rozurial, and Vanzir were sitting cross-legged around it, playing some card game that seemed to require slapping the table every minute or so. Vanzir raised his gaze to meet mine and a smile played at the corners of his lips before he turned his attention back to the game.

Iris and Maggie played beneath the tree, the lights glowing like a halo around them. Maggie was enjoying her new doll. G.I. Joe and Yobie were apparently kissing cousins. I snorted, wondering what the hell the good ol’ boys’ brigade would think of that mashup.

A noise from the kitchen made us all look toward the archway, where Trillian and Bruce appeared, carrying trays filled with sugar cookies and hot cocoa and fudge. Delilah’s eyes lit up like she hadn’t seen food for days.

“Bring me some of that, please,” Morio said. He was feeling strong enough to sit in the rocking chair, and though I saw the glances darting between him and Menolly, I took a deep breath and let it go. Life happened. My sister had saved my husband and it had created a bond that we still didn’t understand. But he was alive, thanks to her.

As Bruce handed Morio a mug of hot cocoa, I turned to Smoky. I was sitting on his lap on the sofa, his hand on my thigh beneath my skirt. His hair played lightly around my shoulders, touching me as if he were reassuring himself I was there.

The snow was falling gently outside; we could see it drifting lazily to the ground, and I was about to suggest a moonlight walk when Delilah jumped up.

“I want to give Camille her present now,” she said.

I grinned. “But we already exchanged gifts . . . granted, a day later than the Solstice, but you gave me a M.A.C. gift certificate.”

She shook her head, grinning. “That wasn’t your real present. I needed Shade’s help to get you this one. And I’m so glad I did, considering what you gave me. Thank you, Camille. I never would have bought this for myself.” With a sideways glance at the bottle of Chanel No. 5—our mother’s perfume—that I’d given her, she smiled shyly.

Curious, now, wondering what could require Shade’s help to purchase, I slid off Smoky’s lap and leaned forward. “What is it?”

Delilah nodded to Shade, who sucked in a deep breath and held out his hands. A shadow slowly filtered out of his fingers to settle in front of me, and out of the shadow walked . . . a cat? But it looked different—ever so slightly ghostly, caught between the physical and the astral.

At my look of confusion, Shade said, “There are many creatures wandering the Netherworld who don’t realize they’re dead. We help some of them cross over, but others, like this little girl, prefer to just remain in between.”

The shadow cat, a long-haired gray girl, leaped up on my lap. I could feel her energy, almost as if she really had weight, and she leaned against me, purring. Hesitantly, I ran my hand along her side. She was just corporeal enough for me to feel a faint wash of silk under my hands. When she rubbed her chin against my boobs, I knew I was lost.

“She’s beautiful . . . and loving.”

“She isn’t ready to move on—but she misses people. She was looking for a person, and when I told Delilah about her, she thought you might just be the one. For one thing, with you working death magic, you can sense spirits easier, so she can manifest for you.” Shade smiled as I broke into a wide grin.

“And for another thing, she doesn’t set off my territorial instincts. And I knew you wanted a kitty so bad.” Delilah beamed at me and leaned forward.

I took her hands and kissed her, the cat between us.

“What are you going to name her? And thank goodness I won’t have another litter box to look after,” Iris said.

We all laughed, as I stroked the shadow cat, wondering what to call her. But then it was obvious. “I’m going to call her Misty. I just hope she sticks around . . .” I was already in love with the little creature, and the fact that she was spirit and not flesh didn’t bother me. The spirit world was just as real as ours. We’d all found that out in one way or another.

As Misty ran over to Morio and jumped on his lap, I took a deep breath. This—family and their love—this was the best medicine I could have to heal me up. I prayed we’d be able to make it last.

Iris came in and sat on the bed next to me. Misty snuggled up on her lap. The little cat had manifested enough so everybody in the house could see her. Maggie played great games of chase with her but never could lay a finger on her, so there was no worry there.

I glanced over at Iris, smiling. “How’s Hanna adjusting?”

“She’s doing great. She’s decided to stay for a while and is quickly learning the ways of this world. I think she’s afraid to go home, afraid she’ll never find her daughters again. Or worse, that she’ll find out they died. She keeps saying she’s used to far harder work than this, and I tell you, I’m grateful for the help. With as many people as we have living here now, it’s been getting unwieldy.”

“I know; I’m glad she’s agreed to stay.” I paused, brushing the smooth weave of the skirt I’d just packed. “I’m so looking forward to this vacation.”

“I know, and I’m glad you’re taking it. The four of you need some time together, without the rest of us around.” She paused, then added, “I’ve something to tell you.” Iris flashed me a fair grin. She looked radiant, and I attributed it to having that monkey of a curse off her back.

“What’s up?” I prayed it wasn’t something that would keep us from going on our trip.

“Nothing major . . . don’t worry. You will have your fun on the beach with no interference, even if it is cold.” She sighed. “Perhaps we’ll catch a break this weekend while you’re gone, and find a lead to Telazhar.”

So far, all our searching for Telazhar and the Bog Eater had come to a big fat zero, though Vanzir thought he might be on the trail of one of the spirit seals. We’d been looking high and low for signs of the sorcerer the past few weeks, and the rogue portal, and the Bog Eater, but had struck out on all three counts.

I folded another skirt into the suitcase, then tucked in perfume, bath oil, body wash, and whatever else I could fit.

“We need to find something soon. I don’t trust this lull. So, what is it you wanted to tell me?” I zipped up the case and lowered it to the floor. My bruises were almost gone, and although my back had scarred, it wasn’t terribly noticeable unless I was under harsh light.

She broke a little smile. “Oh, just that it’s a good thing Hanna decided to stay, because we’re going to need her more than ever soon enough. Also, that we’ll be needing to build the house for Bruce and me sooner than we thought. We’re getting married on Valentine’s Day. I want you to officiate at the wedding, if you would. Be our priestess?”

“Valentine’s Day? That soon? Of course I’ll be your priestess! But why the rush, if I might ask? And I know you need a house—we’re really outgrowing ours with all the additions to the family . . . but there’s room for Bruce until we get yours built.” I grinned at her. “You really love him, don’t you?”

The Talon-haltija broke out into that milkmaid smile that lit up her face and she ducked her head, her golden hair shimmering in the light. “Yes, I do. Though there might be room for Bruce here, well . . . the reason we’re getting married early, and going to need our own cottage right away, is that . . . well . . . I’m going to have a baby.”

Baby? I straightened up, and then I understood why she looked so radiant. “You’re pregnant?”

She nodded. “I’ve known for a week. It happened so quickly. I thought it might take quite some time after the curse was lifted—but apparently the gods had other plans. The first time after we came back, I guess . . . well . . . bingo. Oh Camille, I’m going to be a mother and I wanted you to be the first to know, after Bruce! You were there for me when I broke the curse, when I needed help. You’ve always been there for me.”

And then she started to cry. And I started to cry. I pulled her into my arms and held her tight, kissing her cheeks, joining her as she let out a peal of laughter.

“We have to tell the others. You come now, come downstairs with me and let me make you some tea. From now on, little mother, you get special treatment. Hanna—that’s why you’re so glad Hanna’s here!”

Iris nodded. “Yes, she can help with Maggie and the cooking and cleaning. I love our little gargoyle, but I won’t be able to let her near the baby. Not until they both grow up a bit.”

As we headed down the stairs, I thought about what this meant. Even in the midst of darkness and snow, in the midst of demons and men who were so full of hate they had to torture others to make themselves feel better, life could spring forth and bring a ray of joy into the world. As long as there was love, there was hope. And where there was hope . . . there was possibility.

We gathered everyone around the table. Smoky was holding Maggie, who was playing cat’s cradle—or her own particular form of it—with his hair.

As Iris told the others her news, I stood back, watching my family. Watching my lovers, my sisters, my brothers-by-choice. We were a community. We were connected even though we all had our separate lives.

Delilah and Menolly slipped over to my side and took my hands, and I leaned my head on Delilah’s shoulder. We were truly all forking out onto our own paths. Delilah had Shade and the Autumn Lord and her training as a Death Maiden. Menolly was getting ready to pledge herself to Nerissa, and she and Roman had been going to a lot of vampire events lately. And I—I had Smoky, Morio, and Trillian, and the Court of the Three Queens. Add on top of that, we were all fighting a war, with all the skirmishes in between.

But come what may, we were forever together.

We would always be sisters.