“So without these tethers nothing would exist? Well, not in the form our brains could see, process and understand.”
Josian nodded. His deep voice rose in timbre. “Yes, it’s quite a concept to wrap your mind around, but the sole reason that the planets exist, that things are formed as trees, lakes and all of that, is because of these tethers.” He took a deep breath. “And that’s why you also should not be possible.”
He has such a way with words.
“I mean, how can something be tethered to a planet, and then not tethered to anything like the Walkers? Obviously, your dual nature has found a balance, as have the other halflings, but because of this it’s as if all the general laws that govern energy don’t apply to you.”
I ignored that for the moment. I was a freak, not exactly a new concept.
“What are the planets tethered to?” I tried to picture them swinging off a star or something. Lallielle’s lips lifted in a gentle smile as she answered.
“Well, you know all of the younglings are tethered to First World. And First World is tethered to the star system itself. The effect just continues to ricochet backwards.”
I gasped, my hands covering my mouth in shock. “That’s what the Seventine do, isn’t it? They sever the tethers.”
Josian looked impressed.
Geez, I must look slow.
“Yes, Aribella, that’s exactly what they do. Their entire aim is to eliminate all existence except Walkers. And once this happens, all of that free, untethered energy is ours for the taking. Since we have no tethers, we cannot easily be undone, or reformed.”
I wondered where that left me in the scheme of energy tethers and not existing. I pictured half of my body floating away.
“So, if First Worlders are tethered to their planets, how can they travel to other worlds?”
I thought of Lallielle going to Earth and ... what about Lucy? She’d been traipsing all over the place.
“Tethers are not bound by space, time or distance. As long as the object of tethering still exists, then so does everything tethered to it.”
Brace groaned and ran his hand through his dark hair in a jagged manner. It fell messily across his forehead again.
I had to restrain myself from moving forward and pushing it off his face.
“My father is a purist. He’s adamant that the Walker line is being polluted with the mortality of others.” His words brought back my anger.
“Can I have a few minutes alone with Brace?” I asked the room, my eyes locked on his perfect Walker features.
I alternated between wanting to kiss him senseless and wanting to smash him one in the jaw.
Lallielle and Josian touched my arm briefly before they exited. They were so tall and graceful. I never had enough of watching the love and trust between my parents. But right now it felt a little bitter-sweet.
“I’m going to find Sammy.” Lucy paused in front of me. “Follow your heart, Abbs. If it says not to trust him until he proves himself then go with that.” She leaned in even closer. “I know he’s hot, but so what? Lucas is also hot and he seems a damn sight more trustworthy. And the way he lost it when you were taken and all the questions he asked, well, Brace definitely has a little competition.”
The mention of Lucas still gave me a strange jumping sensation. But honestly I was about ready to write men off completely. A low growl sounded from where Brace was standing, but a quick glance at him didn’t reveal any obvious emotion.
Lucy turned then and, moving almost Walker-quick, was in Brace’s face ... okay, more like his navel.
“If you hurt Abby again, Mr. Liarkins, you’re going to have to answer to me. And trust me, I do not play nice. I can get down and dirty with the best of them, and you will eat every one of your lies.”
I smiled. She was as tenacious as a pit-bull for those she loved.
Brace refrained from smiling, although his eyes were laughing. “I promise you, young warrior, Abby is my reason for existence. I will never knowingly hurt her again.”
She stared at him for a few moments. Something in his words must have mollified her because she turned away. As she reached my side she stretched up to kiss my cheek and left the room.
Brace and I stared at each other from across the room. He’d straightened infinitely but didn’t move closer. I liked that he didn’t ask for forgiveness or beg. That would have just been pathetic. Words couldn’t undo the hurt he’d caused me. They couldn’t regrow the trust he’d damaged, and they sure as hell couldn’t govern any forgiveness.