Autumn Storm (The Witchling #2)(39)

Sam sat on the other side of the fire on the floor, his back against the wall.

“So…” Beck started. “I’m having issues.”

Sam laughed.

“I know. Surprise, coming from the Light Master who has no clue what he’s doing,” he said with mild sarcasm. “Not sure where to start. Do you even want to hear this?”

Start with what bothers you most.

“Autumn. Summer. Whatever her name is.”

Sam nodded. He rested his head against the wall, waiting.

“When I made that deal, I didn’t consider that Decker might not be salvageable. I figured she’d come back, take the test, pass with flying colors and then she and Decker would live happily ever after.”

Youthful optimism.

“I know. It’s not going as planned. I just can’t figure out … Sam, I don’t know what to do.”

All things considered, you’re doing well.

Beck rolled his eyes. “You mean to say, keep trying.”

You know the answer already.

Beck was quiet. He stared into the fire. He wanted Sam to tell him there was another way.

“I have to choose,” he murmured. “Don’t I?”

You already have.

“I don’t want what that means.”

What do you think it means?

“It means I lose my brother.” The words made him flinch. They hurt. He rubbed the back of his head and stood, pacing.

It means you let him go. It does not mean you lose him.

“There’s a difference?”

You let him make his own fate.

“It feels so wrong keeping Summer from him. But I can’t help thinking …” she’s better off with me. Guilt swept through him. He loved his brother, despite their differences.

She will make her own fate as well.

“I want to hand her to him on a silver platter and save him. I want to protect her and make things right. I can’t do both, Sam,” Beck said with frustration. “Decker is almost out of control. It’s like newspapers and fire. She doesn’t stand a chance.”

You made your choice. You must let Decker go. You must protect the witchlings, including Summer.

“It sounds so easy. I don’t know how to do those things.”

You already are doing those things. Sam was amused. You feel when your witchlings are in danger. Go to them. If the danger is Decker, stop him. As the Master of Light, you are permitted the same … leniency that Decker has as the Master of Dark. You, too, can fight, if you must.

“My hope is that I can resolve things peacefully.”

Good. I hope so, too.

Sam’s tone told Beck it wasn’t going to be that easy. He ran a hand through his hair, not looking forward to confronting Decker on what was about to become their battlefield.

Ask your mother to teach you to travel as she does. You have the ability. You need only be taught how.

Beck nodded. “And Autumn? How do I deal with …that issue?”

What – and who – she chooses is her decision.

“You’re not telling me to back off.”

Should I?

“I don’t know.”

From what I’ve seen, Autumn is much stronger than Summer. If she does not want you, she will tell you. Sam was grinning.

“And if what she wants sends her over a cliff again?” Beck challenged.

That is the risk you took when you made your deal with me.

“It is, isn’t it?” Beck growled in frustration. “When does her trial start? How soon until I know if I have to turn over my soul?”

It has started.

Beck met his gaze. “She doesn’t even know how Light and Dark work.”

I warned you it would be harder the second time around.

“Am I allowed to know what it is?”

No. But it will target her weakness.

“Well, no deer’s showed up on her doorstep yet,” Beck muttered. “So I assume it’s different this time.”

Sam shrugged.

“My dad would’ve made a great Master of Light. He wouldn’t screw up like I have.”

You are very much like him. He was your age once, you know. Sam chuckled. He learned how to balance your mother and his magick.

“I can’t imagine them young,” Beck said. “He’s so strong and smart. I feel … helpless. He wouldn’t be flipping out right now. He’d find a way to save everyone before he had his morning coffee.”

You will learn, Beck.

“I’d rather learn before everyone around me is killed off and you’ve got my soul in your pocket.”

Sam laughed again. We do not have pockets!

Beck sighed. “Alright. I guess I’m done. I’ve got to find my mom, protect Autumn and talk to Decker. If I survive all three, I’ll let you know how it goes.”

I’ll be watching.

“Did you see her at the cliff last night?” he asked suddenly, recalling Decker’s words.

Yes.

“How does she know about what happened?”

She doesn’t. But Summer does. Summer led her there.

Beck considered the information, not understanding.

I heard what she said to Decker. There was fondness in Sam’s voice. Sometimes, I think you made the right choice.