Bottled Up Ch. 7-Finale

Chapter Seven:

Eric could feel himself falling further and further into madness even as he brushed aside his Maker’s concerned prodding within their Maker/Child link. Despite his growing insanity, Eric at least had the presence of mind to discourage Godric’s arrival within this corpse-riddled battlefield.

After a week within the gloom of the hideaway, Eric had already fought off multitudes of witches and Weres seeking the siren call of Sookie’s chrysalis. Their decomposing bodies broke down with less spectacle as their flesh no longer contained the life’s blood that Eric greedily gulped down. Even the smell was moderately tempered, but with the sheer number of corpses littering the grim corridor, nothing kept the odor from permeating every surface.

Within this tomb, Eric sat with his broadsword resting at his shoulder. Following the first week’s slaughter, the number of explorers had dropped, and the vampire could only assume that as this great source of power continued calling out for a champion to claim it, others would be warier to pursue. Magnificent power like this was either claimed immediately or at a significant loss. The foolhardy would die swiftly, and only the most cunning and patient would obtain the glory.

That was why Eric conserved his energy now. He had destroyed several fledgling vampires whose Makers had either already met their final death or sacrificed their progeny in hopes of success. It was only a matter of time before an ancient made a play for Sookie’s power. He had to prepare himself for that. Not knowing when his next blood donor would arrive made this possibility all the more concerning. If he was weak from thirst, he would not stand a chance against vampires his age and definitely not against those older. Part of him wished he could call for his Maker as backup, but the possibility of Godric succumbing to Sookie’s power was too much of a risk.

All while Eric rested in what Sookie referred to as ‘downtime,’ the vampire could hear the seductive whisper of the Djinn’s power urging him to shatter the crystalized statue of Sookie Stackhouse.

“Remember that time,” Eric’s voice whispered into the putrid darkness, “you were first learning how to throw a punch? You struck at my hand as though it were a butterfly you were trying to capture. You could move so quickly, but there was never any power behind it.”

I remember he could imagine Sookie’s voice as she smiled at him curiously, wondering why he would bring up such a memory.

“Now you are going to be the most powerful creature that I know,” Eric replied to that wondering smile he visualized. “You will not need me anymore.”

Isn’t that what you wanted this whole time? Sookie would argue with her eyebrows raised and that little head wiggle she gave him when she was being playfully condescending.

“Yes, but that was before I wanted to stay with you always,” Eric confessed.

You could break me, Sookie murmured, and then take the Djinn’s power to make me normal again.

Eric shook his head as he dispelled the curse’s lure mingling into his fantasy. Nearly ten years with a constant companion had stolen something from him. The vampire had forgotten loneliness in the last decade. Or maybe you just miss her, he considered with a thoughtful smile.

It took more effort than the vampire would willingly admit not to stand and begin pacing. Normally, he would not consider himself burdened with nervous energy, but the sneaky temptations of the Djinn’s curse were making him uncomfortable. The ability to fantasize about Sookie was risky now that he knew the curse would try and use that connection to achieve its goal.

Anxiety built in Eric’s chest as the possibility of succumbing to that curse’s will became all the more possible. It was only when he felt a prod of reassurance that the worry quelled quite suddenly. Godric encouraged him but kept the respectable distance they had agreed to those years ago. Knowing his Maker had that degree of faith in him was a balm to Eric’s concerns. Godric knew Eric could do whatever he set out to accomplish, and having the trust of an ancient twice his age was healing Eric’s self-doubt.

Though the bunker remained dimly lit and saturated in putrescence, the atmosphere felt far less dire than it had moments ago. Settling onto his backside, Eric leaned his sword against his shoulder once more and went into downtime. Conserving energy had to be the main focus over keeping his mind entertained. For now, he could not miss Sookie or hold his imaginary conversations with her statue. The curse was far too willing to take advantage of that escape.

As the sun rose higher in the sky and Godric’s reassuring presence within him was stripped away, Eric resigned himself to the reality that this part of the journey must be made alone.

{†}

Sookie Stackhouse was unfathomably lost in the darkness. Her mind felt like a brain suspended in a jar. Which way was up? Which way was down? What lurked beyond the darkness which she was plunged within?

Ow, Sookie tried to understand how she could feel pain even as she could not feel her own body. Her mind felt full and heavily burdened, but with some pressure of unknowing. She wished for some cosmic guide in this part of her journey. Currently, the eighteen years she had spent on the earth felt even fewer but so much dearer than ever before.

If she had a voice, it would laugh as she recalled playing tag in the forest with Jason and Eric. Her beloved monster would always tag Jason instead of her, and Sookie would always run screaming through the woods as her brother gave her chase. Weaving between thick trunks and swinging over a thatch of brush from a low-hanging branch was her obstacle course, and the only way to win was to dodge her brother until he gave up.

Of course, Sookie knew that Eric always tagged Jason because it was a way to build her evasion naturally. She would never in a million years be able to outrun Eric, which meant her vampire could not pursue her with the intensity of someone who needed to catch her. Jason could. Sookie was certain that if Hadley ever played tag with them in the woods, Eric would have utilized her the same way, but their cousin was scared of forests as long as Sookie could remember.

Just once, Sookie thought whimsically, I would have liked to know how it felt to have Eric chase me. She fantasized about that pursuit, to see that critical need in his eyes. To be gazed at by Eric as something he needed desperately was what she really wanted back then. Even now, knowing that Eric loved her and agreed to remain by her side, it was as if he knew full well that she loved him the entire time. Eric had never needed to chase. Just as his vampirism assured that his prey could never escape, what made Eric who he was assured that Sookie never needed to be pursued romantically. He always knew she would run straight into his arms.

How unfair, Sookie laughed at herself. Despite never living out that dream, Sookie could appreciate what she gained. Having Eric’s love was far more important than a boosted ego. Still, being forced to hide that love hurt far greater than whatever this unbearable pressure in her mind. God, is some part of me gonna snap? She wondered uncomfortably.

If only someone could tell me what’s happening, she thought miserably. Or at least tell me what this freaking headache is all about? How can I have a headache? I can’t feel any part of my body!

Hello?

If she could, Sookie would have flinched at the unknown voice that sounded in her head.

Hello? Sookie thought timidly.

Oh! Sookie! Good to hear from you. The stranger’s voice sounded kind, but the telepath was now sure her mind had snapped at last.

How long have you been in darkness? The voice inquired.

I don’t know, Sookie confessed nervously.

I’m sure it’s disorienting, the voice replied sympathetically. Thank you for coming so far already.

Who are you? Sookie wondered.

The Voice, was the simple reply.

Yes, the voice, but who are you? Sookie demanded.

No, Sookie, I’m the Voice of the Pantheon. Endymion, the Voice clarified.

Why are you talking to me now and not before? Sookie asked.

You are now infused with trans-dimensional energy. That energy is allowing you to communicate with me. As for why now and not immediately upon going under, I suppose it’s because you didn’t want to talk to me enough then than now, the Voice guessed.

I thought you were all-knowing? Sookie tried to understand why the Voice would have to guess at all.

Hardly, the Voice laughed. I have merely been around long enough to guess very well. I can also time travel, so that helps.

So, what do I do next? Sookie asked desperately.

Whatever you like, Sookie, the Voice told her. Breaking the Djinn’s curse was monumental. Where you go from here is up to you.

I thought you wanted me to save Elfyria? Sookie wondered.

I would be in your debt if you would agree to save the Fairy Realm, but as I said, your breaking of the Djinn’s curse is the most important thing, the Voice assured.

Why is that?

Because if the Djinn was captured by the Nameless, then I do not know anyone that could stop it. Now, under your control, the Nameless cannot take that power.

Because? Sookie urged the Voice to elaborate.

Because there is nothing you cannot give yourself, remember covetousness is the curse of the Djinn. Just because you managed to break the curse does not mean you are immune to that curse. If the wielder of this power abuses it, then into a bottle they will go.

Sookie could have sworn the non-existent blood drained from her non-existent face. How will I know if I’m abusing my power!?

There was a long silence, and Sookie was beginning to panic before the Voice finally answered, Do thy will, Sookie, but harm none. That is the surest way to avoid abusing the power you have earned.

That’s the biggest gray area I’ve ever seen! Sookie protested. How can I possibly know if my actions will or won’t harm someone!?

Do not overcomplicate things, Sookie. The Voice was laughing. Do not kill with your power, and do not take what is not yours. Remember, the Djinn cannot create out of thin air anything which lasts. The materials must come from somewhere or disappear outside your field of influence. There was a brief pause before the Voice spoke again, Now, I really must go. Good luck to you and all your ambitions.

Sookie tried to protest, but she could immediately feel the Voice’s absence. She still had no idea what she was meant to do, and worse yet, the Voice had brought more questions than answers.

Am I free then? Once this… Whatever this is… is over. Am I able to just do whatever I want? I’m not expected to save or lead Elfyria?

The notion of abandoning a people desperate for a hero struck an unsavory chord in Sookie’s heart. If I truly do have the power to help them, what kind of person am I? But the relief of knowing she was not expected to be some sort of ruler brought a great deal of weight from Sookie’s mind. Her romantic decisions were for none to judge because if they chose to follow her, they decided to follow her. If not, that was no skin off her nose.

Some of the pressure in Sookie’s thoughts eased now. The telepath wondered if it was because of the prior connection with Endymion. Perhaps it was the mere relief of some of the expectations others had of her.

I wonder how long it’s been? She finally considered now that the darkness felt less foreboding. The darkness would end. She was not trapped in some bottle, waiting for a Master to release her. I wonder how Eric is? I wish I could see him…

Sookie marveled as the darkness around her shifted until silhouettes appeared. She was captivated as those shapes took on color and texture until she could discern her vampire Viking sitting amongst piles of corpses and slews of what Sookie could only guess was vampire remains.

Oh, no, Sookie fretted at the exhausted state of her protector. Though it was still impossible to tell how much time had passed, the woman had to guess at least a few days by the number of bodies littering the small room.

Though Eric sat on the floor, which was unlike him, Sookie could tell that he was very aware.

“Remember that time,” Eric’s voice whispered, causing Sookie to focus excitedly on the vampire. It was such a relief to hear his voice, “you were first learning how to throw a punch? You struck at my hand as though it were a butterfly you were trying to capture. You could move so quickly, but there was never any power behind it.”

I remember Sookie wanted to smile as she recalled that lesson. She was curiously wondering why he would bring up such a memory.

“Now you are going to be the most powerful creature that I know,” Eric replied as though he had heard her. “You will not need me anymore.”

Isn’t that what you wanted this whole time? Sookie thought bemusedly.

“Yes, but that was before I wanted to stay with you always,” Eric confessed, once more guessing at her response and making Sookie ache for him. That discomfort only grew when Eric did not continue speaking aloud to her. An uncomfortable silence hung in the dungeon-like room now, and Sookie watched sadly as Eric seemed to retreat into his own head.

I’ll keep watching, Sookie decided. Even if there was nothing she could do in this state, at least she was not so alone. At least, even if Eric did not know it, he was not alone either.

{†}

Despite watching Eric now in her crystallized state, it did nothing to express the passage of time. Sookie was still incapable of distinguishing how many minutes, hours, or days had passed. Between Eric’s stillness and the windowless vault they had barricaded themselves into, nothing belied the time that moved onward. Sookie considered counting the seconds, but the necessary metronome ticking away kept causing her mind to wander, and soon she would forget what number she was on. The highest she had managed to count was four-thousand, which was calculated into just barely an hour after taking far longer than she cared to admit.

The only other indicator of time’s passage was the creatures Eric fought. The appearance of vampires was a genuine and clear indicator that it was nighttime, but Sookie suspected that vampires did not attack every evening.

Every once and awhile, the darkness would begin trying to swallow Sookie’s sight, and the woman would need to refocus her desire to keep her vision on Eric. Briefly, Sookie wondered if this occurrence was cyclical but yet again could not manage to count through an entire session, let alone several. All Sookie knew was that it felt like an eternity since Eric had last fought off an attack, and she could not tell if that was a good or bad thing.

{†}

Eric sat in an exhausted heap upon the concrete floor, conserving every ounce of energy he possibly could. After the first several weeks of guarding Sookie, the waves of prospective raiders had ceased. Realizing that the beacon had not moved and that there had been no show of new power within the world had brought the supernatural community to a stand-still. No doubt others had decided that whatever item, creature, or gateway that emitted such energy was not to be taken lightly and were no longer seeking out to covet Sookie so half-cocked.

The vampire groaned as his third week without an attack trickled by. His blood supply was gone, and continued awareness was draining his strength rapidly with no new nourishment. It had been seven weeks in the darkness, four of those weeks fighting seemingly endless rushes of supernatural attacks. His body felt drained, but the ancient Viking was accustomed to unfavorable circumstances. The warrior in him was ready to ride out the situation, but the human part of him that Sookie had awoken over the years felt weak. He missed her voice and smile. The continued absence of her loving gaze was enough to drive him mad.

Still, Eric was prepared to admit that if he did not get blood soon, there was a good chance he would be unable to handle a coordinated attack. If multiple Elder Vampires or Ancients decided to retrieve their prize, Eric would not stand a chance. What would be worse was any blitz by vampires at this point would drain him of his reserve energy and offer no reward of sustenance in return.

As Eric was beginning to calculate the risk of a hunt, he heard movement approaching the bunker. His body tightened, and he was back on his feet. If his heart could race, it would. The sun had not set, which meant whatever creature was above him, he could feed.

Eric’s fangs descended without his willing them to, and the glands above the incisors throbbed painfully at the prospect of a meal. His body coiled, hoping whatever it was would simply fall to its death, and he could lap up the puddle of blood like a dog without the need for a fight. He realized the battle right now was risky as his fangs became an insisting distraction.

“It’s a drop,” he heard a male voice.

“Go slowly,” another male responded.

Eric’s body tightened when he did not hear repelling gear. Whatever it was probably had some form of levitation or flight like a werebat or other such shifting creature. Only a few creatures walked about the day with that power.

“Do you smell that?” the first male asked worriedly, his voice no closer.

“Vamp,” the other acknowledged.

“Lots of blood and decomp, too,” the first added.

“What the hell is down there?” the second wondered.

“I dunno, but it has to be pretty powerful to take out all the creatures I’m smelling,” the first man pointed out.

“We shouldn’t be here,” the second man spoke nervously. “If whatever is down there has killed all the things I’m smelling, we don’t stand a chance.”

Eric felt his body shaking, not just from the tension of a potential battle but from the concern that a meal was not about to be delivered. He needed blood, and the two weres above him had an abundance of what he needed. Thankfully, his mind was not so far gone to give in to his impulse. He knew better than to attack them while they were above ground. The whole point of the pit was to force the attacks down to his level. At the moment, he could not be certain if they did not have backup deeper in the woods.

Eric sat back down to conserve his energy as the pair retreated out of the bunker entrance. Slowly, he reclined back until he lay flat on the concrete floor and stared up at the dimly lit ceiling. Reposed, for the time being, Eric listened as far as he could into the forest above him. Due to the depth and dirt, he could not hear very far, but the distinct fracturing sound came to him like a clap of thunder in his concentration.

Jumping to his feet, Eric snarled and turned toward the entrance of the tunnel, unsure of what he was preparing. Then, when the cracking noise sounded again, the vampire turned, almost pleadingly, to the statue of Sookie. His jaw tightened, not daring to hope that the small fissure upon her cheek meant she was about to awaken. Then, just as he was about to decide it was all a figment of his blood-starved mind, a thin shell of the black crystal that encased Sookie fell to the ground.

Sookie’s arm jerked at the sudden mobility, and the remainder of her chrysalis tumbled to the ground. The woman shook away the remaining flecks of mineral and blinked rapidly in the darkness that descended with her consciousness. Whatever light she had emitted while in repose was now gone, and she was her usual self once again. To Eric’s great relief, gone also was the ethereal draw to destroy her.

“Eric?” Her voice was cautious. “Am I awake?”

“You are,” Eric uttered tightly.

“It’s dark. I can’t see you. Come here,” Sookie urged excitedly.

“I cannot,” Eric told her regretfully.

“Are you hurt?” Sookie demanded, trying to recall if she had seen him injured.

“I am thirsty. Too thirsty to get any closer,” Eric explained as his mouth pulsed insistently. “I will bite you.”

Sookie smiled at his honesty, “That’s fine. You can’t kill me.”

“Sookie-”

“Come drink, Eric. Seriously, you can’t kill me,” she assured, opening her arms into the darkness.

“It is not killing you that concerns me,” Eric frowned at her blind gaze in the darkness. “I could never kill you. If I were that thirsty, you would already be under my fangs.”

“Then come, drink,” Sookie encouraged.

“And mark the throat of a future queen?” Eric demanded.

“This queen would happily wear your mark for all to see,” Sookie told him.

Eric paused at her statement, “What did you say?”

“If I do choose to rule Elfyria, it will be as yours,” Sookie explained. “So, if you’re willing to have me and all that may come along with that, come here so we can do the first exchange.”

“Sookie-”

“Eric, it’s my decision, and I refuse to rule a realm that can’t follow me just because of who I fell in love with a vampire,” Sookie sighed. “We have been together too long and spent too much time dancing around each other, and the politics of our relationship to act like this isn’t what both of us want.”

“Your subjects-”

“Will deal with it,” Sookie groaned impatiently. “Now get over here, bite me so we can get the heck out of here. If I stay here much longer, I’ll puke from the stench.”

Having dismissed his arguments, Eric approached the young woman and wrapped his arms around her waist. Sookie tensed at the sudden contact, but her limbs reached up to snake around his neck languidly after that.

“There you are,” Sookie sighed and pulled him tighter.

“You will have a lot to explain to me once we are out of here, you realize?” Eric asked as his fingers brushed her hair from her throat. The vampire took a moment to settle his mind as he looked at the tempting flutter of Sookie’s pulse beneath her flesh.

“I know,” Sookie assured, brushing her finger absentmindedly against his earlobe, waiting for him to unleash his fangs. She could feel him preparing himself for his first meal after however long he had gone without, and she felt her love for him swell at his caution. “I’m gonna take some of your blood. Tell me it’s alright, for real.” They had never openly discussed a Bond, but at this moment, Sookie could not comprehend a world where they did not belong together.

“I have never wanted anything more than I have wanted my blood on your lips,” Eric assured as he finally lowered his head and allowed his fangs to pierce Sookie’s throat. He was unsure how Sookie planned to bleed him, but as her life force flowed past his lips, the vampire barely noticed the pinprick of pain against his shoulder. Eric immediately experienced Sookie’s emotions tying into his own, and he moaned with arousal and relief as her mouth sucked hard against his ruptured flesh.

When the first exchange was completed, and Eric reluctantly pulled away from his first meal in several grueling weeks, he took an unnecessary breath.

“We should get out of here,” Sookie whispered.

“Yes,” Eric agreed. “We should get cleaned up and then make our way to Dallas to meet up with my Maker.”

As the words left the vampire’s lips, a blinding light stole his senses, and when his vision returned, the pair of them stood before his car, smelling clean and grime-free.

“What just happened?” Eric uttered as he examined their sanitized appearances.

“Got us cleaned up and back to our transportation,” Sookie laughed, gesturing to the car.

“You are getting a handle on your new powers quite easily,” Eric laughed, shaking his head. “I suppose we should rest before meeting up with my bloodline, as well. How are you feeling?” Eric asked gently, reigning in his complete surprise at Sookie’s magical display.

“I feel fine,” Sookie assured, with an amused smile. “I feel pretty awesome. Like I have this undercurrent of strength or reassurance?” she tried to explain.

“With the power you wield now, I would suppose that increases someone’s self-assuredness,” Eric grinned down at her. “I feel that same reassurance, knowing you are not so vulnerable.”

Sookie reached upward, and the vampire crouched slightly so the woman’s arms could wrap around his neck. As Eric returned to his full height, Sookie’s toes lulled against his shins like a ragdoll.

“I still like feeling weak in your arms,” Sookie admitted in a whisper. Eric nuzzled her temple at the confession, her emotions confirming the declaration.

“We should be planning our attack on Elfyria,” Eric reminded softly, though he also wanted to stay like this as long as they could. His arms were wrapped around her waist as Sookie’s body hung bonelessly in his embrace. She had released all the tension in her body, and his arms supported all the weight.

“No,” she argued gently, “we should relax and Bond, then worry about Elfyria. A few hours of their time won’t hurt anything. Since you became my guard, it hasn’t even been a year in Elfyria. Maybe not even six months.”

“One-hundred and sixty days,” Eric estimated aloud.

“So, what’re a few more hours?” Sookie smiled against his throat. “Don’t rush us now. Not when we’ve got this one moment to ourselves before I’m made into a magical warrior queen.”

Eric laughed before tilting her chin back and bringing his lips to meet hers. “You are right.”

“Of course I am,” Sookie mumbled against his mouth. “Where should we go?”

Eric was thoughtful a moment before answering. “I would like us to drive into the city from here.”

Sookie nodded as Eric slid her down his body and placed her onto her own feet. “Dallas?”

“Yes. It is not too far from here. Only six hours. We can stay there tonight if my future-Bonded would be so kind as to grant me a disguise?” Eric hinted as he opened the passenger’s side door for her.

“No problem. Already done,” Sookie assured.

“Does this magic come to you so simply?” Eric was surprised.

“Hmm,” Sookie considered a moment. “I think it’s easier to do what you ask because it’s pretty much second nature to me after all this time. You say jump, and I just got used to asking how high.”

Eric laughed and nodded, “I will have to watch my mouth around you, then, especially around Pam. One of us would be ended.”

Sookie laughed and shook her head, “I think I still have the ‘no kill’ restriction- with my powers at least.”

Eric considered her point a moment before asking, “Now that we are truly alone, do you want to start explaining what happened to you after Jeanie was ended?”

Sookie shrugged, “It was pretty simple. After I killed Jeanie and released her from her bonds, I was allowed to accept the untainted power of the Djinn. I was crystallized in her blood and absorbed the magic.”

“You now possess all of Jeanie’s power?” Eric asked in surprise.

“Sort of,” Sookie frowned. “It’s more like I’m the new bottle. I didn’t become a trans-dimensional creature like Jeanie. I became the new vessel. The entity of the Djinn exists inside me. I didn’t become it. The difference between the bottle and me is I am a living thing with free will. So, if I abuse this power, I could end up in an actual bottle like Jeanie.”

“What does that mean?” Eric looked at her curiously.

Sookie shrugged, “I don’t know. Endymion didn’t explain much when we accidentally linked mentally. I only know how the power changed her, and how we came by this power is completely different.”

“Then it is the blind leading the blind, it would seem,” Eric frowned thoughtfully.

“Pretty much,” Sookie laughed. “I mean, I cleaned you up, popped into town, got us back to the car, and disguised you with relative ease, so I think it’s whim-based. I could feel my strength fade when I did those things, though,” she confessed.

“Then your magic is only as strong as you are?” Eric wondered.

Sookie shrugged, “The Djinn isn’t all-knowing. It just knows a lot from being around for so long. Since I have a little trans-dimensional power, I could maybe ask Endymion for more answers.”

“That would not be advisable,” Eric shook his head. “Using trans-dimensional energy could be dangerous outside of the Void of Time and Space. Especially since you have stated that you are not a trans-dimensional creature.”

“Why is that?” Sookie asked curiously.

“Why are you not a trans-dimensional creature, or why is it ill-advised?” Eric frowned.

“Both,” Sookie rolled her eyes.

Eric smiled at her annoyance. “I cannot say why you did not become a trans-dimensional creature. That sort of information is well beyond me. Perhaps well beyond Godric’s comprehension. As for why it is a bad idea to use that energy, that comes down to your ability to negate the repercussions of trans-dimensional energy. Think of it like radiation. You could very well distort reality if you put off too much without restriction. Not being a true creature of that plane could put this world at risk.”

“How will I know when I’m using it?” Sookie wondered aloud.

The vampire looked at her apologetically, “I have no idea. The only trans-dimensional creature I have even heard of operating in this world is Endymion. As I said, it is beyond me.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say that,” Sookie confessed with a nervous smile. “You’ve always been this fountain of information for me.”

Eric was quiet now as they drove South toward Dallas.

“Why are we going to Dallas so early?” Sookie asked as the silence made her more and more uncomfortable. “We can’t even see your bloodline until nightfall.”

Smiling to himself, Eric answered, “I thought I would get a ring for you before we complete our Bond.”

“A ring?” Sookie looked at her vampire excitedly.

Taking her hand in his, Eric squeezed it. “I know what it would mean to you and your family to have an engagement ring on your finger.”

Sookie let out a long breath, brought their joined hands to her mouth, and kissed Eric’s knuckles lovingly. “It does mean so much to me, but all I need is you,” Sookie replied, her breath skating against the skin on the back of Eric’s hand as her lips skimmed it with their movements. “I do think it’s befitting; us being engaged before saving Elfyria.” Eric glanced at her curiously, and Sookie blushed. “I mean, maybe through us, Elfyria could become more than the Realm of the Fae. After all, I am, in most ways, more human than anything else.” Sookie hesitated again before adding, “A unity between the realms could bridge the gap between humans and supernaturals, too. Elfyria could become the true realm of supernaturals, a place to retreat to safety.”

“The Fae would never allow it,” Eric told her shortly, shaking his head. “Vampires pose too great of a threat to their safety.”

“Pure fairies do,” Sookie told him. “Dwarves, Goblins, and all the other creatures of Elfyria do not.”

“What is your point?” Eric’s eyebrows knit confusedly.

“Jeanie used to tell me a story as a girl about the Nameless,” Sookie began. “It was a monster the Fae of Elfyria created in an attempt to maintain their magical dominion. Every fairy volunteered its magic into its creation, fracturing their spirits in the process and corrupting their arcane properties. The Nameless quickly overwhelmed the realm, motivated by the fear and greed of all the creatures to be the ruler of Elfyria. Now the inhabitants are all imprisoned by the fairies’ creation,” Sookie took Eric’s hand as she felt her stomach twist as she remembered the story. “When I end the Nameless and restore the creatures, their souls and magic will still be impure once it is separated from the Nameless. Their blood should lose its call.”

Eric frowned thoughtfully, “Then you are saying that the Fae are no more?”

Sookie nodded slowly, “If Jeanie’s stories are accurate, the creatures of Elfyria as you remembered them are extinct. When I save them, it will only bring back their free will. Their abilities and appearances will be forever altered like scars on flesh. Some may fade and restore with time, but there will be a lingering distortion forever.”

“Is that why you are unconcerned about our relationship?” Eric wondered.

The young woman smiled at him brightly, “No. I’m not worried about our relationship because I love you so much, and I’d rather let Elfyria rot than be told I can’t be with you. I will fight for you every day of my life, and God help anyone or anything that tries to get between us.”

“What is your plan, then?” Eric asked, surprised, if not a little pleased by her declaration.

Sookie leaned her head back against the car seat and turned to look back out the window. “I’m not sure. All signs point to me becoming the Eternal Queen of Elfyria, but eternity seems too frightening to think about. Even with Jeanie’s stories, trying to fathom that long is… Scary.”

Eric took Sookie’s hand in his own and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “Not knowing what is happening to you is far more frightening for me,” he admitted softly.

“I’m not scared of that,” Sookie assured him. “Whatever it is I’ve become, it’s not scary. I don’t feel threatened by any of it. It almost feels like Jeanie is in me, that my body has become her afterlife. Her conscious is gone, but her spirit is here.” She placed a hand over her heart and let out a low sigh. “It’s time that scares me, and the way it could change me far more than being the vessel of any trans-dimensional being.”

Squeezing the hand he still grasped with his own, Eric let out a long, centering breath. “Sleep, Sookie. You should rest for now. I will get us to Dallas, and we can discuss things further. Let us focus on us for at least the next two evenings.”

Sookie could not help but laugh, “That is uncommonly passive for you to suggest.”

Smirking, Eric silently agreed, “True, but you have spent the last nine years teaching me about ‘thinking about it tomorrow.’”

Glancing at her love, Sookie’s mouth split into a glowing smile. Eternity did not feel quite so frightening when she reminded herself who would be by her side through it all.

Chapter Eight: Tale As Old As Time

“Are you awake?” Eric’s voice whispered near Sookie’s ear, and the woman batted his face away sleepily. “I will take that as a ‘yes.'”

“I’ve never been so tired in all my life,” Sookie confessed groggily as Eric sat her up in the bed. “Where are we?”

“Dallas,” Eric told her. “You slept the entire way, and the hotel receptionist had quite the giggle when I carried you in this afternoon.” Sookie groaned, trying to flop back on the bed, but was stopped by Eric’s hand between her shoulder blades. “You cannot go back to sleep, the sun will be setting soon, and we need to pick you out a ring before meeting my Maker.”

Sookie asked, looking around the room, “Where’s my stuff?”

“In the closet,” he gestured, causing the woman to slide from the mattress and head for her bag. “Are you going to shower?” he asked as she grabbed her clothes and headed for the bathroom.

“Yes?” Sookie looked at him curiously.

“You could just snap your fingers and clean yourself as you did to me earlier,” he reminded.

Sookie rolled her eyes, “First off, a hot shower sounds amazing right now. Secondly, just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should or that I have to.”

“Touché,” Eric chuckled as he watched the young woman disappear into the bathroom. He listened as she showered, hearing the thunderous clap as water collected and was squeezed all at once from her hair. He listened to the gentle slapping sound as she soaped herself and rinsed. Visualizing her naked, cleansing her body, perhaps examining the non-existent changes it had taken on had Eric’s cock swelling. The vampire had to laugh at himself. Getting hard at fantasies of Sookie showering amused him for an unknown reason.

As he let his mind wander, the surge of lust grew within him. He realized he could have his Sookie at last. She had plainly stated what she wanted from him. The years of sitting idly on the sidelines awakened the sexual beast within him, and it realized now how famished it was.

“What’s that look on your face?” Sookie asked amusedly when she saw her vampire smirking as she returned to the central part of the room with the towel wrapped around her body.

Eric sat up, watching his future mate grab her forgotten toothbrush from her bag. “I was thinking about how enslaved I am to you.”

“Enslaved?” Sookie raised her eyebrows.

“Entirely,” Eric nodded as he rose from the bed and stood in front of Sookie. His hands landed deftly on either side of her hips, and he pulled her closer to his body.

“I-I need to brush my teeth,” Sookie squeaked, pulling away from Eric and moving back toward the bathroom.

“Why are you so shy?” Eric teased, following her, feeling the flustered lightning coursing through her body. “You have let me take your throat. Now you are guarded about the rest of you?”

“The sun is about to set,” Sookie mumbled, quickly globbing toothpaste on the brush and shoving it in her mouth to begin scrubbing.

“So?” Eric’s hands were once again on her hips, but her rear was facing his groin this time. He pulled her back a bit, letting her rub against him.

“So,” Sookie spat so that she could speak. “You are the one that is all intent on getting me an engagement ring, to the point you wouldn’t let me go back to sleep. Now you want to give me a quick bone beforehand? I certainly don’t want our first time to feel rushed or stolen.”

Eric pulled away slowly, having forgotten himself. “My apologies.”

Sookie actually laughed at his chastised tone. “You can smell what you do to me,” she whispered. “You don’t have to apologize for that.”

Grinning at her reply, Eric ran his lips against the side of her throat as his hands ran smoothly across her torso once more. Fingertips caressed her sides as Sookie flossed and finished in the bathroom.

Turning in Eric’s arms, Sookie raised her own to wrap around his neck. “Maybe I’m a little extra shy,” she slowly admitted.

“Why is that?” Eric encouraged her to be forthcoming.

Letting out a long, thoughtful sigh, Sookie tried to explain. “Even after you agreed to be with me, there was always this… barricade between us. It was so easy to think that we would never make it this far, that something would stop us.”

“And now?” Eric pressed gently when she froze.

“Now it feels like we’re being pushed together, and it’s exciting. I can’t wait! But I’m also feeling nervous and maybe self-conscious?” she hazarded a guess at her emotions.

“Self-conscious?” Eric tried to fathom that possibility. “Why?” Sookie tried to wave off his inquiry, but Eric persisted. “Why do you feel self-conscious, Sookie?”

The young woman looked at Eric appraisingly before confessing, “Because I’m still just a teenage girl, and that’s just how teenage girls feel, even when we act all confident.”

Eric smiled at her explanation and offered little more than an “ah,” as he wrapped his arms around her bare shoulders.

“That’s all you have to say about that?” Sookie demanded more lovingly than accusingly.

“Yes, because there is nothing else that needs to be said. I will respect your right to feel self-conscious, and one day, you will be so bored with hearing and feeling how much I adore you that there will no longer be any reason to doubt yourself and our feelings.”

Sookie breathed in the scent of Eric’s shirt, a combination of detergent and his own smell, a balm of comfort she had known all her life.

Together, the pair left the hotel, and Eric drove them deeper into the city and the beacon that was his Maker. Apparently, Godric felt his Child’s presence near Dallas and awakened their link so that the younger vampire could return to him. The pull-in Eric’s gut was a welcomed homecoming. After nearly a decade without contact, Eric looked forward to seeing his Maker and own Child again. He could sense that Pam was near and was grateful to greet her soon. However, they still had an hour before they could leave their light-safe rooms, and Eric had promised the woman beside him a ring.

Eric drove along the expressway until they arrived at the North Park Center. “You may have to magic our names onto an appointment,” he warned.

“Um, I think I did?” Sookie replied after a moment. “I’ve never done something this far away. It feels like it’s done.” Eric chuckled at her confession. “Why are you laughing?”

“I enjoy watching you do new things,” Eric confessed. “Even when you do them right, or well enough, you always have this adorable uncertainty.”

As the pair arrived at the jeweler’s, Sookie took a deep breath as they entered. Plenty of shiny stones glittered up at her temptingly behind security glass, and Sookie could not help the giddiness building inside her.

“Appointment for Northman?” Eric told the greeter.

“Yes,” the woman nodded, “I have you with Terrence. I will call him to you,” she gestured that they could browse while they waited.

The pair walked up to a glass case as the greeter went off to find Terrence. As they perused the glittering jewelry, Sookie mumbled, “I just want something plain.”

“Plain? Do you think I understand that concept?” Eric teased.

Sookie smiled to herself, “I guess I mean traditional. Gold band, single stone.”

Eric looked at her discerningly. He knew she was being honest, but he never imagined he would be picking out an engagement ring for anything other than a ruse. Now, here he was, deciding what piece of jewelry Sookie would wear for the rest of eternity, and the measure was daunting.

“I want to give you something extraordinary,” he confessed.

“I’m sure you do,” Sookie nodded in understanding. “But I want something that stands out as a symbol of us, not status.”

Eric frowned, “What if we acquired the materials, and you created it yourself?”

“Really?” Sookie looked at him in surprise.

“Yes. Let me pick the stone, and we will choose a ring in the correct metal. You can transform it how you envision it,” he suggested. “The craftsmanship will be as perfect as your vision, and the manifestation will be permanent because the materials exist and were not conjured.”

Sookie hesitated but finally agreed. After all, if it was conjured from her vision, how could she go wrong?

Since Eric knew Sookie wanted a gold band, he clocked a gold ring that appeared to have enough metal to be sufficient, then began his hunt for the diamond he wanted to be included in the final product. It came to him on a platinum band, though the design had much to be desired. That, however, did not matter because Sookie would be manipulating it to her desire.

When Terrence arrived, Eric asked to see both rings to determine if they were the quality he was seeking. After discovering they were solid materials, he paid for both, to the assistant’s surprise, and the couple left with both rings, leaving behind a flabbergasted staff.

“I don’t think they’ve made a final sale that quickly ever before,” Sookie commented as they returned to the car.

Eric shrugged, “They were probably more frustrated they could not charge us for a resizing or adjustment.”

“Oh,” Sookie mumbled as Eric opened the door for her, and she sat in the passenger’s seat. As she waited for Eric to come around the car, Sookie took the rings from the bag and held them in her palm. She had more stones than she needed and an extra platinum band.

“Are you alright?” Eric asked as she stared at the rings contemplatively.

“Why did you choose these two?” Sookie asked.

“The gold one had the most metal for you to work with, and the platinum had the stone I wanted to give you.”

“The gold one is a ruby,” Sookie pointed out.

“So it is,” Eric agreed.

“It’s a similar size to the diamond, too,” Sookie added.

“I suppose,” Eric nodded as he pulled into the traffic and aimed them toward his Maker’s residence.

Sookie laughed and shook her head as she watched the metal of both rings turn to liquid in her hand. The metals twisted around in a braid, swallowing the stones until they were twined around her finger. The ruby and diamond nestled next to each other in a tapestry of gold and platinum.

“How’s that?” Sookie asked, holding out her hand to show Eric her creation.

Eric took her hand in his to hold steady as he drove. Looking at it longer than he needed, the vampire appreciated what the ring represented. “I could not have chosen one so well as you have created.”

Sookie fawned over her ring happily. “I love it!”

“I thought you wanted simple,” Eric commented.

“I wanted something that represented us,” Sookie told him. “And I realized we’re not all that simple. When I saw what you gave me to work with, it was just too perfect.”

“I think it represents us well,” Eric agreed.

The pair drove in silence for a while as Sookie gazed at her ring with a building emotion that had Eric ready to explode. It took a great deal of resolve to continue on their journey to his Maker’s, but he was finally pulling into a driveway forty minutes later.

“Is this Godric’s place?” Sookie asked curiously of the simple suburban home.

“That is it,” Eric agreed as he put the car in park.

As the couple approached the front door, Sookie felt a flare of nervousness. She had never stopped to consider how to present herself to Godric. In a way, she was meeting her boyfriend’s dad for the first time, and she wanted to make an excellent first impression.

Before the pair could step onto the porch, the door was opening, and Sookie held her breath as a man who appeared her own age stood there watching with a deep fascination.

“This is her, then,” the man commented without inquiry in his tone. “I can see the attraction, but I cannot wait to understand it.”

Swallowing hard, Sookie nodded her head, “It’s a privilege to meet you, Sir.”

The ancient vampire chuckled and shook his head. “Godric, please. Do not let my Child force you to rest on such high formalities. What is your name?”

“Sookie Stackhouse,” Sookie replied, pleasantly surprised when Godric willingly shook her hand.

“The accent stole his heart, I am certain,” Godric told her as he gestured for the two to enter his home.

Following Godric into the house, Sookie stared wondrously at the art that adorned the home. Though the luxuries were sparing, the telepath could feel a richness to each piece chosen to reside there.

“Your home is beautiful,” Sookie whispered.

“Thank you,” Godric smiled and nodded.

“Where is Pamela, Master?” Eric asked as they continued.

“I have ordered her to wait upstairs,” Godric told him.

“Why is that?” Sookie frowned.

“Because of what I felt occur last night that I am certain Pamela did not,” Godric turned and stared at the pair. “She is, after all, very protective of you.”

At that moment, Eric felt Pam react within their connection to Godric’s words, but she moved no closer. Sighing, Eric nodded slowly, “It is our intent to Bond over the next few evenings. Our second exchange will happen after we return to the hotel tonight.” Sookie’s cheeks reddened at the divulgence of such an intimate detail.

“My congratulations to you both,” Godric smiled approvingly. “I have felt the changes in you these past years. I am happy for you, Eric.”

“Thank you, Master,” Eric sighed in relief.

“Perhaps if you had kept your child privy to your evolution, I would not have been forced to keep her upstairs,” Godric pointed out.

“I was concerned that she would react negatively,” Eric admitted. “And without my ability to offer her context, I felt it best to keep her in the dark. She is still young and spontaneous. I was unsure if she would be able to resist contacting me in some way.”

“My command would have prevented that,” Godric reminded. “What was the real reason?”

Eric’s smile faded into one of sadness, “I felt she deserved to hear it from me, that I love Sookie very much.”

“I see,” Godric frowned. “Pamela, you may join us now and remember your manners.”

Sookie flinched at the miniature sonic boom that erupted beside her and reflexively turned and raised her arms defensively. As the blur settled and the lovely, pale woman beside her appeared, Sookie was captivated. Eric often described his bloodline to her, but something in his details had failed to capture the beauty of Pamela Ravenscroft.

“Alright,” Pam drawled lazily at Sookie’s guarded posture, “she is initially acceptable. I will give you a more detailed report shortly.”

“I think that Pamela and I would both like to get to know you, Ms. Stackhouse,” Godric suggested as they arrived in a sitting room, and he gestured for everyone to settle in.

Looking about the room self-consciously, Sookie began slowly, “What do you know about the Djinn?”

{†}

Godric of Gaul expected to be impressed by the circumstances of Sookie Stackhouse but had not anticipated the utter disbelief that currently coursed through him.

“You have the power of the Djinn….” It was not a question that the ancient murmured but an astounding reiteration.

“Yes,” Sookie nodded, “but unlike Jeanie, I wield power entirely of my own free will. There are still limitations, but unlike the Djinn, I can be out in the world without giving off the same aura.”

“Then it was your metamorphosis into the Djinn’s vessel that all of us supernaturals felt these past weeks?” Godric confirmed.

“Yes, outside of the vessel, the Djinn is like a beacon luring in those that seek its power,” Eric explained, having felt the pull directly. “When Jeanie was still alive, the temptation was not nearly so overwhelming as when the power was transferred, but it was still quite strong.”

“That is quite the tale,” Godric considered carefully. “And now you are to restore Elfyria?”

Sookie nodded, “Yes, I will be opening the Gate soon, and after that, I have to restore the inhabitants back to consciousness… If the stories Jeanie told me as a child were true, that is.”

“You are working from a lot of speculative information,” Godric pointed out concernedly.

“With Endymion trapped on the other side of the Gate,” Sookie began slowly, “speculation is all we have. I’m hoping once the realm is unsealed, he might be able to guide me a little better.”

“That seems unlikely,” Pam commented dryly. “If he kept so much information from the Djinn, he is obviously unable to offer much direct information.”

“That is what I believe as well,” Eric agreed, proud of his Child’s deduction.

“No,” Sookie disagreed, “Endymion was being cautious about the information because knowing too much in advance can skew the path we must follow. I had to walk before I could fly.”

“You can fly?” Pam raised her eyebrows.

“Well, probably,” Sookie frowned thoughtfully now. “I was just making an analogy, but I guess I could fly if I wished to.”

“Am I the only one here that cannot fly?” the vampiress grumbled annoyedly.

“I could fix that for you, circumstantially, at least,” Sookie offered.

“What does that mean?” Pam asked, intrigued.

“I can make you fly,” Sookie explained, “but you have to stay within one-hundred kilometers of me to keep the magic in effect.” Looking at Godric now, she added, “the same goes for immunities. I can protect the Gaul line from anything or everything as long as they stay within my range of influence and accept my power.”

“You could make us invulnerable?” Godric asked.

“Yes,” Sookie agreed.

“My new assessment says we should keep her,” Pam injected with a devilish grin.

Eric laughed at his Child’s evaluation. “I plan to.”

“I was hoping you two might join us in Elfyria once I’ve conquered the Nameless,” Sookie continued, emboldened by Pam’s approval.

“What might we be able to provide if we accompanied you?” Godric asked curiously. “You seem more than capable of doing this without any of us, including Eric.”

Sookie clasped her hands in her lap and stared at them a moment. “I’m barely even eighteen,” she began slowly. “I have a lot of information that I didn’t have before, but I’m still just a kid in a lot of ways. I’ll do my best and try my hardest, but I won’t always be right. Collectively, you guys have over three thousand years of knowledge and experiences that I can’t hope to match. I could use your advisement as a warrior and future leader to the fairy realm. I want to cultivate a relationship between vampires and Elfyria. As I restore Elfyria’s people, it would go a long way of bridging the distance if they saw you three helping me.”

Looking at his Child carefully, Godric slowly agreed, “With such lofty ambitions, it would seem that you are quite right to seek more supporters. Tell me, what is your ultimate endgame?”

“To open the Gates permanently,” Sookie told them.

Godric stared at Sookie in shock, “For what purpose?”

“A realm for all supernaturals, including vampires, weres, and all other creatures,” Sookie explained. “That is my vision for these powers.”

“Your vision?” Godric leaned forward, intrigued.

Sookie shrugged with a bemused smile on her face, “No one’s told me what to do, but with the knowledge I’ve gained becoming the new vessel and the breadcrumb hints I’ve found along the way, it’s what I want to try and do.”

“I see.” Godric leaned back and smiled. “It is a fascinating dream. I look forward to helping you achieve it.”

“You’ll come then?” Sookie asked hopefully.

“We will come with you to Elfyria once you have beaten the Nameless,” Godric agreed. “Right, Pamela?”

“Yes, Master Godric,” Pam nodded. If nothing else, the immunities Sookie could provide more than compensated whatever responsibilities the vampiress would be expected to uphold. “When do we leave?”

“After Eric and I complete our Bond,” Sookie announced. “I can teleport the two of us to Bon Temps so we can open the Gate and begin our mission. I’ll return for you guys once we defeat the Nameless.”

“Why did you not teleport here yesterday?” Godric asked curiously.

“I was still getting the hang of it. I didn’t want to accidentally teleport on top of a light fixture.”

“I appreciate your caution,” Godric replied.

Rising from his seat, Eric took Sookie’s hand and drew her to her own feet. “If that is your intention, then I think we should be returning to the hotel,” he suggested to his future-bonded.

“Pamela and I shall remain here at my residence until the time of our official departure,” Godric assured as he rose to see the couple out. “It was lovely to meet you, at last, Miss Stackhouse.”

“I’m glad I finally got to meet the two of you, too,” Sookie grinned happily.

“Until your triumphant return,” Godric walked them to the door as Pam loomed silently in the background.

As the couple left Godric’s house, Sookie let out a long sigh of relief.

“What is it?” Eric laughed as he felt the tension leaving her body.

Sookie looked at her Bonded, wide-eyed, and shook her head, “I can’t believe I finally met them! That was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life!”

The vampire laughed as he opened her car door and shut her inside. He knew that Godric and Pam heard her admittance but did not have the heart to embarrass her about it. Pam would do so when they returned for them.

“Godric adored you,” Eric assured as he was seated behind the wheel.

“Pam seems more on the cautious side,” Sookie pointed out as she buckled herself in.

The vampire shrugged as he began driving them back toward the hotel, “Godric has felt my love for you developing throughout the years. Pam has been kept mostly in the dark this entire time. What Godric chose to share with her up until now is a mystery to both of us. She will deal with it, however.”

“Still,” Sookie frowned as the scenery zipped past her window, “she is pretty and intimidating.”

Eric smiled, “The two of you have all the time in the world to get to know each other. Give her time.”

“You’re right,” Sookie uttered, and a comfortable silence accompanied them the remainder of the way to their lodging. When Sookie headed toward their room, Eric took her hand and kissed it.

No words were exchanged between the vampire and telepath as they arrived in their room. Eric watched curiously as Sookie’s hand shook away his own. He felt his body tense as the young woman began stripping off her clothes on her way to the bed.

“And what is it you think you are doing?” Eric asked as Sookie now stood in nothing but her undergarments.

Glancing back at the vampire over her shoulder, Sookie gave him a coy smile as she replied, “We aren’t being rushed out the door now, are we?” With that, she unhooked her bra and allowed it to drop unceremoniously to the floor.

As she reached for her panties, Eric was there, his fingers twisting in the elastic as he drew her hips back against his own. “That is true,” he agreed gruffly. “So, why are you trying to set a land speed record for stripping instead of allowing me the privilege of removing those offending garments for you?”

Sookie choked back on a moan at his words, her hands gliding down to wrap around his fingers. “Why is everything you say so sexy?” she asked softly as his hands left her panties and began to roam over the peaks and valleys of her torso.

“Because I love you,” Eric whispered in her ear as his firm caress traveled upward to capture a breast. “That alone can ignite a passion.” His other hand continued up to her throat, encasing it carefully in his grasp. “And I have known you so long, I have a rather intimate knowledge of your desires.”

“Is that right?” Sookie had to wonder how that could be.

“Would you like me to show you?” Eric asked huskily, his lip brushing against the shell of Sookie’s ear and making her feel weak.

“Please,” she agreed.

The young woman promptly found herself spun around in Eric’s arms, but the speed ceased once they were face to face. His demeanor changed, and Sookie found eternity staring back at her as Eric’s eyes drew her in.

“Wow,” she uttered at his gaze, her arms reaching up to tangle in the short strands of hair. Eric did not ask what compelled the utterance, merely smiled and captured her lips in a slow, languid kiss. His fingers twisted in her own golden locks, and he swooned as the warmth of her body penetrated his coldness. The woman’s scent perfumed the air as her body flushed with a growing desire.

Eric’s mouth formed into a smile as the soft waft of Sookie’s arousal came to his nose. His hands drifted to her hips once again, rocking them from side to side in a silent dance. He could feel her shifting her weight from foot to foot, the tempo increasing with her nervousness. With their first mutual exchange completed earlier that day, Eric was privy to the emotions swirling inside the young woman. That advantage, however, only assisted him at a distance and nothing more. Every feeling was available to Eric as long as Sookie was within reach.

As one of Eric’s hands left her waist to cup her chin, he felt a shiver journey alongside his fingertips. Her flesh seemed to erupt with goosebumps at his caress, and Eric smiled as he leaned down to claim her lips again.

There were words on Sookie’s mind. Her mouth tripped clumsily around his tongue as she refrained from urging him to touch her more. She had known Eric all her life and knew that any journey he took her on was worth taking at his speed. Adventures in the woods were all the more exhilarating, with Eric twisting the party through the shade until no one knew which way they were facing any longer. Diving deep into the lake was a whole new game, with the vampire hiding treasures at the bottom for them to find. Sookie was all too happy to let him help her become lost in the adventure they now took and eagerly anticipated the treasure that waited for her at the end. That is why her mouth calmed, and her tongue slowly matched his movements.

Eric pulled Sookie tighter to himself as he felt her finally begin to relax. The brazen attempt for nonchalance when she stripped disappeared, and she was finally in the moment with him. He felt her body’s electricity slow to a powerful thrum rather than an agitated itch. That change was the signal he needed before allowing his mouth to drift down her jaw toward her throat. His hand lowered from her face to cup a breast once again, and he squeezed it more firmly than before as Sookie’s fingers twisted harder in his hair.

The effortless glide of their forms was comfortable and familiar until the backs of her legs pushed against the hotel mattress, and Sookie found herself lying easily on her back. How did I get here? She thought wondrously as she suddenly found herself staring at the ceiling until Eric’s torso obscured the view. As the vampire layered his body over hers, Sookie reached up with her arms and legs to wrap them around his lean figure.

Licking his lips at the dilated eyes gazing up at him, Eric unleashed his mouth upon Sookie’s flesh. His tongue and lips tasted the column of her throat before journeying to her breasts. He nipped and suckled at the full globes, a hand palming one while his mouth worked the other. Sookie’s nipples hardened quickly under his attention, and Eric became lost in tugging the stiff buds between his teeth and fingers. It was not until the woman’s hips began to gyrate needfully beneath him that Eric continued his path down her body. He licked and kissed her belly after her legs uncoiled from his waist, and he pushed her panties down until he could bow open her thighs.

As her legs separated, Eric groaned at the scent that rolled from between them before eagerly lapping away with his tongue. Sookie squirmed beneath him while trying to find a comfortable position to stare down at him.

At first, Sookie wriggled uncomfortably as the unfamiliar sensation of his tongue stroking between her folds urged her to escape. When she grew accustomed to the feeling, however, she found her hands clutching once more in the vampire’s hair as she ground her hips against his skilled mouth.

“Oh, my God,” she uttered as the muscles in her arms shook with the restraint of pulling Eric’s hair like the reins of a horse. He felt Sookie hold her breath as his fingers began to thrust within her pussy. She twisted at the feeling until his knuckles struck a delightful spot within and brought a surprised cry from her lips.

Strumming the hidden area, Eric grinned, pleased at his future Bonded’s response. His mouth enveloped her swollen clit once more, and Sookie finally howled with the release she had strived for.

Eric grinned as he licked a long, languid line back to Sookie’s mouth. After a moment, her lips lazily replied to his kiss, and Sookie wrapped her arms again around Eric’s neck.

“You’re wearing too many clothes,” she whispered against his mouth.

“Do something about it, then,” Eric challenged. He smiled as her delicate hands unraveled from his nape and moved to yank his shirt over his head. Helping her by raising his arms, Eric laughed as Sookie chucked the shirt across the room before quickly attacking the fasteners of his trousers. “Need help?” He asked when the button refused to be released. Frustrated, Sookie gave a harsh yank and the button opened while simultaneously ripping the teeth of his zipper open.

“Oops!” Sookie looked up at Eric embarrassedly.

His reply was to push his bottoms off the rest of the way and layer his body over hers. “Fix them later,” he encouraged before capturing her mouth with his.

Allowing herself to be lost once again in Eric’s kisses, Sookie twined her body once more against his. This time, the sensation of naked flesh pressing against naked flesh felt electric. Despite Eric’s cold skin, it brought heat to Sookie’s and warmed them both. She scarcely noted the hardness pressed against her belly until Eric’s hips shifted and his shaft glided between her nether lips.

“Oh!” She shuddered in both surprise and pleasure.

With her neck arched, Eric took the opportunity to nibble along the displayed delicacy. His hips bucked in response to her pulse becoming an exciting staccato, and he let his shaft begin the maiden voyage to Sookie’s depths.

“Yes!” Sookie squealed as her legs flexed, forcing Eric deeper inside. He felt her limbs squeezing him closer, urging him further inside.

A soft snicking sound brought Sookie a new jolt of excitement as she heard Eric’s fangs descend. Next, a bleeding thumb pressed against her lips, and Sookie sucked the digit enthusiastically. As the thick syrup of Eric’s blood coated her tongue, Sookie felt the points of Eric’s teeth cut through her neck. She groaned happily as this sensation paired with the vampire’s thrusting hips.

“God,” she exhaled as the wound on Eric’s thumb closed, and her eyes rolled back in her head. His hands were everywhere, clutching her breasts, holding her hips, or grasping her sides. He would cup her face as he kissed her or pull her hair to tilt back her face. Regardless of where those palms wandered, Sookie could always feel them. Even as his cock tried to steal all comprehension from her mind, his touch was gleefully known.

“Stop holding back, Sookie,” Eric chuckled. “I want you to come around me.”

“I don’t want it to be o-over yet,” she panted.

“It won’t be,” he assured as his hips moved that much faster and Sookie’s nails dug into Eric’s shoulders. The howl of her orgasm was enough for the vampire to grin and succumb to his own release. “Tomorrow evening, you are mine forever, and no one will ever keep us apart.”

“I’m ready for forever now,” Sookie whispered happily, curling onto her side to gaze at her lover.

Chapter Nine: Sleeping Beauty

Sookie awoke suddenly, sitting up in bed to look around her hotel room confused. The room was scarcely illuminated by the bathroom light and crack of the door. Eric was gone, and it was still dark outside.

“Eric?” Sookie called worriedly.

Sookie scrambled out of bed when there was no reply and quickly found some clothes in the duffle she shared with Eric.

Flinging open the door, Sookie collided with a solid wall of muscle.

“Sookie, where are you going?” Eric’s voice asked, and she looked up to see her future Bonded standing in front of her with a fast-food bag.

“I woke up, and you were gone!” She explained, her heart still racing.

“You have slept all day. I went to get you some food,” he explained.

Sookie stared at the vampire a long moment before backing away slightly, “You’ve never let me out of your sight in over nine years.”

The vampire chuckled. “You are not an easy target any longer.”

“We were separated for seven weeks,” she pointed out. “You’d never leave me right now. Not for something you know I can summon.”

Eric glared at Sookie as his eyes darkened and the skin of his lips turned black. His teeth, not merely his fangs, grew to sharp points.

“Wake up, wake up, wake up!” Sookie chanted before sitting up straight in her bed.

“That was quite the nightmare you were having,” Eric commented worriedly at the young woman. “Would you like some water?”

“Yes, please,” the young telepath choked.

Eric rose from the bed and went to the bathroom to bring Sookie a glass. “What were you dreaming?” He asked as he sat back down on the bed.

“Something took you over,” Sookie mumbled. “Or looked like you. I don’t know.”

“I wanted to wake you,” he confessed, “but if it had to do with your metamorphosis, I did not want to risk obstructing new knowledge.”

“It’s okay,” she reassured. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

“Where would I have gone?” He asked smilingly.

“That’s how I knew I was dreaming,” she explained with a laugh.

Leaning in, Eric kissed the top of Sookie’s head, “You are most vulnerable while you sleep. I will never leave you unguarded, but I will be especially diligent while you are unconscious.”

“I know,” she snuggled into his arms. “What time is it?”

“Nearly seven,” Eric told her.

“Oh, I thought I would have slept longer?”

“Seven P.M., Lover,” Eric clarified. “You have been sleeping nearly twelve hours.”

“Oh, wow,” Sookie laughed. “I seem to do nothing but sleep anymore!”

“Your body has gone through a tremendous transformation and holds a great deal of power.” Eric smoothed her hair as he assured her. “It is natural that you would need to sleep so much. Your body is still mostly human.”

Pulling away from Eric’s loose embrace, Sookie flopped back on the bed. “I just wish I could keep my eyes open a bit more,” she chuckled.

“I am sure, with time, you will acclimate.” Eric continued stroking her hair even as he heard her breathing slow. Her eyes shot open suddenly, and he had to hold back his own concerns. Since earlier the previous evening, Eric had felt an undercurrent of fatigue coursing throughout his lover’s body.

“You look worried,” Sookie accused playfully.

“Do I?” the vampire tilted his head curiously.

“In your own Eric way,” she smiled before taking a deep breath and sitting up all the way.

Gazing at her exhausted posture, Eric suggested that they get her something to eat before continuing with their evening. Sookie agreed tiredly and smiled with a pleasurable joy as Eric began helping her dress.

“We still need to do our last exchange to complete the Bond,” Sookie reminded the vampire as she stepped into her shoes.

“I know, but we need to get food first,” Eric pressed. “If you can remain aware after that, we will complete the Bond before returning to Bon Temps.”

“Okay,” she agreed readily. As the moments crept by and she could scarcely remain aware for most of them, Sookie took some respite from Eric’s decision-making. Somehow the world felt like it was moving in slow motion, but it was zipping past at such an alarming rate that the new wielder of alleged infinite power was beginning to lose her mind.

After a hearty meal, Sookie’s eyes were finally alert and engaged as the couple drove back to the hotel.

“I do not think you are eating frequently enough for your energy use,” Eric commented. “Whatever it is going on beneath the surface, you are most likely burning a lot of energy.”

“I can’t spend my whole day eating,” Sookie complained.

“Perhaps we should try supplementing with those high-calorie drinks they give to patients suffering from malnutrition?” He suggested thoughtfully.

“I heard those things taste pretty gross.” Sookie’s face scrunched with moderate disgust.

“When it comes to health, sometimes things have to be endured,” Eric pointed out. “Let’s buy a few and see if your energy improves.”

“How often do you think I should drink them?” Sookie asked.

“We should try adding two a day and see how that works.”

“That’s like a whole day’s worth of calories. And why do you keep saying “we?”” She looked at him suspiciously.

“Because, judging by your new alertness, we will be Bonded soon, and once that happens, we are forever linked. Your displeasure is mine as much as your joy. What you must endure, so must I.”

“That’s pretty romantic,” Sookie smiled lazily as Eric pulled the car into a local pharmacy parking lot, and the pair went inside to silently purchase supplement shakes. Sookie’s lip curled as Eric encouraged her to drink one in the car. The beverage was tepid, thick, and grainy, but she chugged it dutifully. “Ugh, I’m not gonna be able to survive with that as part of my necessary diet.”

“Once we restore Elfyria, there are many new foods that might help you,” Eric assured. “Some of the Fae alchemists will probably be able to mix more palatable elixirs.”

“You think?” Sookie asked hopefully.

“They are high-level magical creatures,” Eric shrugged. “I am not sure their range of use can fathom our requirements, but it is somewhere to start.”

Hearing Eric repeatedly refer to her problem as his own brought both happiness and regret for Sookie. As much as she mourned causing him such difficulties, there was reassurance and joy that came to sharing her burden.

Eric said nothing in regards to the guilty pleasure coming from Sookie. He knew better than anyone what those feelings meant. He replied by pulling her in close beneath his arm and kissing the top of her head. Before this new connection was destined to grow deeper, the vampire and telepath shared a long relationship of unspoken demonstrations. Even before their love transformed into a romantic blossom, they could speak without words. There was rarely a necessity to speak.

“I’d really like to finish Bonding to you now,” Sookie whispered as her guilty pleasure grew into a needy lust.

Eric smirked. Even though words were unnecessary, they did not eliminate just how euphoric they were to hear aloud. Taking Sookie’s hand in his own, the vampire kissed it slowly as he pointed the car back to their hotel. It was a short trip, and the brisk walk from the parking lot to their room was seemingly more prolonged than it should have been while anticipation boiled beneath the surface.

As the couple arrived again in their room, Eric smiled as Sookie stood still beside him as the door shut. Her fingers laced delicately in front of her, she gazed up at the vampire with a small, coy smile.

“What is that look?” Eric teased as he turned to her fully and cupped her jaw in his hands.

“I didn’t let you undress me last night,” Sookie’s sexy smile faltered as she withheld a laugh. “I’m trying to stay patient.”

“How is that working out for you?” he asked amusedly.

“Well, I’m still dressed, so not as good as I’d hoped,” she confessed, unable to contain her laughter any longer. Eric chuckled as well, shook his head, and leaned in to capture her lips with his own.

Sookie’s arms reached upward and twined around Eric’s neck as their tongues tangled together. She pulled tighter until his body submitted and pressed tightly to Sookie’s. The woman mumbled happily as Eric’s hands flattened against her chin and slowly slid down her throat. Cool, long fingers left fiery trails against her skin until they were obscured by the fabric of her blouse. An annoyed ‘humph’ from Sookie’s chest made Eric smile into their kiss until his hands eclipsed the globes of Sookie’s breasts and transformed the irritated noise into one of pleasure. His strong digits kneaded the mounds of flesh, thumbs, and index fingers finding her nipples and bringing them to full attention.

“It’s not fair you’re so good at this,” Sookie gasped, her body going entirely aflame at his mildest of efforts.

Eric’s nose brushed against Sookie’s ear as she caught her breath, “You could stroke the front of my pants if you want reassurances that you are affecting me just as strongly.” He felt her dainty hand press against his fly, and his cock flexed impatiently at the contact. The impassioned moan her touching him stole from Sookie’s lips only made the appendage swell further. “You are far sexier than you give yourself credit.”

“I can’t compare to one thousand years of experience,” Sookie replied, a bit disheartened.

“An ounce of passion will swiftly outweigh a pound of experience,” Eric assured her before claiming her mouth once more. He felt Sookie’s arms tighten once more against his neck before her weight shifted. Eric was bracing himself for Sookie to hop up and wrap her legs around his hips. “There is nothing that compares to your passion.”

Walking carefully to the bed, Eric lowered their bodies to the mattress. His mouth trailed cool kisses across Sookie’s cheek as his hands traveled down her torso to lift the tail of her shirt. Even as the clothing pushed upward, Eric’s fingers caressed and aroused the flesh they traversed. Time became a strange concept to the telepath. It was almost as if she had become instantaneously naked beneath her vampire. She could not remember raising a limb or shifting her weight, but every gentle touch was emblazoned across her skin like a fiery brand. How had he touched her so much so quickly? How was it that she could remember every single perception of pressure but lose the concept of time?

“Is this eternity?” Sookie asked breathlessly as she watched Eric strip away his own clothing. Her eyes took him in slow motion as if her brain recorded the perfect image and played it at the desired speed. Yet, somehow, he was naked so quickly that she felt cheated. “Is eternity the loss of the passing of the time?”

“When raked across blistering coals, a second becomes eternity,” Eric uttered, layering his body over hers and bringing her hand to his heart. “When raked across the chest by your lover’s nails, an eternity becomes a second.”

“I want your throat,” Sookie told him urgently.

“Give me a knife,” the vampire’s eyes flashed in a daring lust that seemed to manifest the dagger in Sookie’s hand without her own magic. Taking the blade between his fingers, Eric brought the edge to his neck. “Do not waste a drop. Bring your mouth here.” His eyes dilated as Sookie’s lips parted hungrily. As she drew close enough to the weapon, Eric opened his carotid and snarled with an unexpected release when her mouth enveloped the wound greedily. Flinging the knife away and embedding it within the wall, Eric’s fangs, already unleashed and throbbing, pierced Sookie’s throat without a shred of delicacy.

The Bond forged instantaneously, and Eric felt Sookie inside him, climaxing with his own appendage, pounding in his own stationary heart. Even with their bodies already awash in fluids, Eric thrust himself deep inside her welcoming channel, encouraging the orgasms to recycle. Their love coated and filled one another, tempered and fulfilled one another in a way neither could have hoped to imagine. The ideology of completion.

“Did I fall asleep?” Sookie’s voice broke the delirium, and Eric found himself looking for a clock.

“What?” he mumbled tiredly as his eyes finally noted the red glow on the nightstand. It was nearly three in the morning, and they had returned to the hotel before nine the previous night.

“I don’t remember falling asleep,” Sookie confessed. “I just felt…” she could not describe what had happened to them. As if in a dream, the movement of the hours had become nonexistent. A pursuit of endless pleasure. A paradise of thrusting and throbbing, pulsing bodies. Her throat felt raw from crying out in ecstasy. Her limbs felt stiff as though she had held them open for ages.

“It cannot be described,” Eric agreed as Sookie had yet to explain how she felt the past hours had been spent. His nose nuzzled the pink scar of his Binding mark that was almost finished healing. “Mmm, you need another of those supplement drinks.”

“I think you’re right,” Sookie agreed. “Where are they?”

“In the car,” Eric confessed, pulling away to begin dressing. “You can drink one on our way to Godric’s residence.”

“Oh!” Sookie sat up abruptly. “Why are we going to Godric’s? I thought we were going to Bon Temps?”

Eric shook his head, “I want to get his opinion on your condition. It will be just as speculative as mine, but perhaps he will have suggestions that I do not.”

“If you think so.” Sookie frowned as she began scavenging for her own clothing. “I mean, is he even available to see us? Maybe he’s busy.”

“I can feel him. He would not mind,” Eric assured.

“How do you mean you can feel him?” As she asked, she felt Eric’s presence in their newly forged Bond and a strange pull in her gut that made the young telepath look over her shoulder at the vampire. “Oh, that’s just weird.”

Eric laughed again. “You can do it too,” he assured. “It will take you some time to master it. It is not entirely dissimilar from how a bloodline sends to one another, so it will be easier for me at first.”

Sookie merely nodded at his explanation and began dressing. She smiled as Eric was already fully clothed and assisted in hunting down her remaining garments. The pair left the hotel room for the final time, checked out, and headed back to Godric’s residence. Along the way, Sookie begrudgingly chugged another supplement drink but confessed to herself that she did feel better.

“You are amazingly calm,” Eric commented as they drove through the heart of Dallas and outward to the suburbs.

“How do you mean?” Sookie glanced at him curiously.

Eric shrugged, “Between the Bonding, the metamorphosis, and your next trial, I thought you would feel more agitated, or at least more emotionally fragile.

“You’ve known me all my life, Eric,” Sookie reminded with a reassuring smile. He could feel her emotions swirl, not a purposefully sent feeling, but he could tell she was trying to keep herself calmer.

Eric nodded slowly, “Yes, and I know how well you hide things from me. You’ve known me nearly all of your life and seen me through the unclouded eyes of a child. In a way, I believe you know me better than anyone else.”

“Really?” he could feel her unexpected joy when she asked.

“Yes, really,” Eric gave a soft smile in return. “I think, knowing how well you have hidden your secrets over the years, I expected to feel some sort of white water rapids of emotions brewing beneath your calm exterior. Instead, you are just as collected on the inside as you have always been on the outside.”

Closing her eyes contentedly, Sookie confessed, “It’s easy to be calm and reassured ever since you told me you loved me. I knew from there, I could handle anything. After getting my power from Jeanie, I had even less to fear. Between the Bond and my new powers, I’m the most contented person in the world.”

It was true, Eric realized as he felt the Zen-like atmosphere glowing within their connection. She brought a peacefulness Eric had never known before. Or it is the constant state of near unconsciousness, he considered as he felt her energy draining rapidly. The vampire could only hope that there would be some elixir or food that could sustain Sookie’s needs once the gates of Elfyria reopened.

Chapter Ten: A Whole New World

“Welcome back,” Godric greeted confusedly from his front door as Eric and Sookie stood upon his patio. “I thought you planned to leave after your Bonding?”

“There is an issue,” Eric told him suddenly. “Sookie is too weak. I want her to conserve energy.”

Godric frowned, “Sookie, have you felt this lethargy ever since your transformation?” The elder vampire’s voice was dripping with concern.

“Not exactly,” Sookie slowly admitted. “The first day, I was great! But since last night, I’ve been exhausted.”

“Have you used any of your powers since last night?” Godric pressed.

“No,” Sookie shook her head vehemently. “Not since I made my ring.”

Godric pondered her response a moment, “I think you should try teleporting us. All of us to your home town. Just in case,” Godric insisted. “I think your fatigue is from masking your power, not from using it.”

“Are you certain?” Eric queried.

“Certainty under these circumstances is an impossibility,” Godric raised his eyebrows at his Child. “However, assumptions are an even greater danger.”

“I’m scared to draw attention,” Sookie told the vampires.

“Yet another impossibility,” Godric told her regretfully. “You are the most powerful creature in this realm at the moment. Not exercising your power and learning control over it also makes you the most unpredictable and dangerous.”

“Are we leaving or not?” Pam’s impatient drawl came from inside, and Sookie peeked over Godric’s shoulder to see the blonde female standing within a circle of luggage. The young woman could only wonder how the vampiress packed so much so quickly.

Grimacing, Sookie apologized, “Sorry. I’m still getting used to all this. I don’t want to accidentally lose one of you along the way. I was scared enough to just bring Eric.”

“It is fine. Just make up your mind already,” Pam flicked her hand dismissively. Eric glared at his Child’s attitude toward his Bonded, and the younger vampire had the decency to bow her head contritely. The Viking let the warning suffice, knowing that Pam’s outward behavior was much kinder than her inner confusion and outrage. Her Maker had been missing for fifteen years and abruptly reappeared with a Bonded in tow. In a way, he admired her composure, but to allow such remarks to his Mate was unacceptable.

Sookie closed her eyes and visualized her traveling companions, letting out a slow breath. She let the world melt away around them until they all stood in darkness.

“Bring us there, Sookie,” Eric’s voice came to her ears with gentle encouragement.

Slowly, the darkness faded, and Pam gasped in surprise as they all stood outside a small farmhouse that Eric and Sookie knew all too well.

“We are back home,” Eric grinned as he watched Sookie’s eyes flutter back open. “Good job.”

“Home?” Godric raised his eyebrows amusedly at his Child.

Eric frowned at his slip of the tongue. “I suppose so.”

It was Pam’s turn to look at Eric suspiciously. She knew that he had Bonded to Sookie earlier that evening. The new connection had temporarily opened Eric’s usually closed link to her, and Pam was made aware of her new position in the bloodline’s hierarchy. It would be an understatement to say it displeased her, but it would be a complete mistruth to believe she was less than happy for her Maker.

Though the vampiress knew very little about Sookie Stackhouse, she had been given glimpses of her effect on Eric over the years. The second-hand joy she had been privy to was enough for Pam to provide the not-quite-human a chance, but her critical analysis would only allow for so many infractions. If Eric’s Bonded showed any disregard for the bloodline or especially Eric’s safety, Pam was more than prepared to bring those indiscretions to light.

“Did you hear something, Dear?” Adele Stackhouse’s voice caused Pam and Godric to glance at the farmhouse worriedly.

“Sounded like Eric, didn’t it?” Came Jason’s voice. Before Eric or Sookie could say anything, Pam and Godric had dashed into the far tree line as the creaky weather door on the front porch swung open. “Eric, Sookie! What are you two doing here?” The man asked with a grin as he approached with open arms. “Only been two months, and you’re already visiting?”

“We had to come back for some stuff,” Sookie explained as she accepted her brother’s hug.

“Come on in, then!” He dragged his sister and best friend into the house and announced them to their grandmother. “Gran, it is Sookie and Eric.”

Once inside, Jason looked the pair over and frowned, “Woah, Eric, you look like you’ve aged a decade.”

The vampire frowned before remembering that Jeanie’s magic had been undone with her death, and Sookie had never bothered to reset his age to her own. He could only hope Jason did not notice-

“And you’re pale as a ghost!” Jason said worriedly, reaching out to touch the vampire’s forehead. “Dude, are you sick? Is that why you guys came back?” Eric captured Jason’s wrist to keep him from touching his face.

Adele appeared in the living room then, frowning at the scene before her. “What is happening?” she asked at Jason’s grim expression.

“I am not unwell, Jason,” Eric assured him. “Hello, Gran.”

“Hello, my dears,” Adele crooned as she quickly hugged Sookie then Eric. “Jason wasn’t kidding, Eric. You do look sick.”

“I assure you I am not,” Eric tried to assure the pair.

“What are you doing back so soon, then?” Adele questioned. She wondered if it had anything to do with the fact the bottle Fintan had given her went missing the day the pair had left. She did not want to accuse either of stealing, but she had never been one for coincidences. Sookie had always been so curious about that bottle as a child.

Hearing Gran’s mental musings, Sookie sighed, “It’s a long story, and we are short on time. I won’t be able to spend much time on explanations, but I’ll tell you as much as I can.”

Jason and Gran listened with confused expressions as Sookie tried to explain vampires, Djinns, and the magical land of Elfyria. By the end of her tale, Jason was laughing, but Gran had a grim expression on her face.

“Then you did take Fintan’s bottle?” Gran uttered, making Jason stop cackling at the obvious fairy tale his ssiter told and look at his grandmother, confused.

“I did. About nine years ago,” Sookie confessed.

Nodding in understanding, Gran sighed, “And Eric, you are a vampire.”

“That is correct,” Eric nodded and proved his point by allowing his fangs to briefly descend. “And now I must go with Sookie to Elfyria and help her save the realm. Though she is far more powerful than I can fathom any longer. What I or my bloodline can do at this point is beyond me.”

“You can be there for her,” Gran told him urgently as she took his hands and squeezed them pleadingly. “There is nothing scarier than taking on such heavy burdens alone. Even when you’re the one shouldering the brunt of the load, having someone by your side always makes it easier to carry.”

“Gran,” Jason injected cautiously, “you don’t actually believe any of this, do you?” Despite Gran’s immediate beliefs and Eric’s unexplainable fangs, Jason was unable to fall into the role of a believer.

Gran nodded emphatically, “I absolutely do. Because around fifty years ago, I met a fairy man named Fintan Brigant. I met him three times. The day he gave me your daddy, the day he gave me your aunt Linda and the day he brought me the bottle Sookie took with her.”

“But-” Jason was interrupted by Gran’s silencing gesture.

“Yes, I cheated on your granddaddy,” she told them firmly even though shame shadowed over her eyes. “I can only pray you will forgive me with time, but there’s not enough of that right now. Your sister has a job to do.”

Sookie leaned in and gave her Gran a hug, “I already forgave you a long time ago.”

“You knew?” Gran asked worriedly.

Smiling apologetically, Sookie confessed, “My lineage has definitely been a topic of discussion between me, Eric, and Jeanie.”

“I’m sorry, Sookie,” Gran whispered as she accepted her granddaughter’s embrace.

“I love you, Gran, and I hope we get a chance to speak again soon. You probably already know this, though, but Elfyria is on a different speed than the human realm. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone from this world,” Sookie told her regretfully.

“I hope to see you again soon, Sookie,” Gran told her gently as Jason stood in the background, gobsmacked and uncertain about what to do. “Jason, come and say goodbye to your sister. It could be a long, long time before we see her again.”

Shaken out of his stupor, Jason opened his arms for a tight hug before turning on Eric and offering the same goodbye. The vampire hesitated a moment before accepting the embrace. He wondered how old Jason would be when he emerged once again from Elfyria. He wondered if the young man would be married yet, perhaps even starting his own family. An inkling of sadness struck him that maybe Jason Stackhouse would be old and gray with no more jubilant energy left in his frail body.

“We must leave now,” Eric pulled away from Jason’s hug and took Sookie’s hand.

As the couple departed, Eric could feel his Bonded’s family watching over them as they disappeared into the night. When he knew they would no longer be visible, Godric and Pam appeared at their sides.

“That was a rather impressive display in there,” Godric commented, moved by finally seeing and hearing what had changed Eric over the years.

“What do you mean?” Sookie asked curiously as they all headed down the hill.

“The way Eric interacted with your family?” Godric tried to explain.

Sookie merely shrugged, “I don’t know. It felt pretty standard to me. Except for the vampire/djinn/fae stuff. Honestly, I was more impressed with Jason and how he handled everything. I could tell he just hadn’t processed any of it yet, though.”

“I suppose I have known Eric differently than you for a very long time,” Godric laughed. “How are you feeling? It has been nearly half an hour since you used your powers.”

“I feel great!” Sookie assured.

The eldest vampire nodded happily, “It’s possible you are spending more energy trying to contain the power than use it.”

Sookie grimaced as they began wandering, hoping to stumble upon the opening gateway to the realm of the Fae.

“I don’t want to use it all, Willy-nilly,” she slowly confessed. “Nothing in life holds much value if you don’t have to work for it.”

“I wouldn’t mind using that gift of yours” Pam smiled at the possibilities.

Sookie gave a regretful smile, “Unfortunately, anything I conjure disappears outside my realm of influence.”

“I see,” Pam frowned disappointedly.

Taking the globe of Empyrodite from her pocket that had once been the stopper to Jeanie’s bottle, Sookie tried waving it around like a car FOB, attempting to transmit a weak signal. Unfortunately, her efforts did not improve their situation, and Sookie quickly felt embarrassed by her useless, flailing limb.

“It should open easily enough if that is Empyrodite,” Godric commented as the four of them scoured the graveyard. Frowning, he and his vampire coven all turned to watch a hunkering shadow approach.

“The gateway is over there,” Adele’s voice called through the din. “By Edmond’s grave is where Fintan always headed.”

Sookie widened her eyes, remembering an Edmond near the plot close to Earl Stackhouse’s final resting place. Dashing excitedly to the marker, the telepath felt her feet turn leaden. She could hear the distinct sound of Eric’s vampire speed cutting through the quiet night. Her steps became disjointed as if her body were making a real effort to slow her down.

“Soo-” Eric’s voice was closing in when a noise like a clap of thunder erupted in front of her. A pressure tugged across her hip bones as a vortex appeared before her. Another pull, in the opposite direction, drawing her into the swirling, misty mouth of oblivion. “-kie!”

Danger! Sookie thought as she realized the force dragging her into the gateway was a vast, inky vine. The pressure at her hips, pulling her back toward the human realm, was where Eric had snagged her belt before snaking his long arms around her waist to attempt anchoring her to the earth.

“Eric!” Was the only word Sookie managed to utter before she and her vampire were stolen away into the unknown.

{+}

“Eric?” Sookie was above the vampire, shaking him gently. Sitting up, Eric looked around the vast wasteland before his eyes snapped quickly to Sookie. He could smell her blood in the air, and he quickly scanned his Bonded for injury.

“Where are you hurt?” Eric pulled and tugged at her clothing, looking for the source of her hemorrhage.

“It’s nothing,” she assured, flopping against the brown grass and staring off to the burnt orange sky. “This is Elfyria?” The young woman stared, unimpressed with the scenery. Scraggly dying trees barely remained upright across the landscape. What looked like a formerly dense woodland area now appeared scorched and devoid of all creatures.

“What is left of it,” Eric nodded. “This Elfyria is nearly dead and definitely corrupted. I have never seen it like this before.”

Staring in dismay at the bleakness before her brought a whole new sadness to Eric’s heart. He could see that the alien land before them was bringing unimagined fears and hesitations.

See, Eric frowned, realizing he could not feel Sookie properly. The expressions on her face did not match what he felt in her heart.

“I’d much rather become a vampire,” Sookie uttered, “than the queen of this wasteland.”

Eric’s eyes snapped to Sookie in surprise and a bit of elation, but she still had that solemn look while her emotions were more joyful. Like a pleasant dream, he realized.

“I see,” Eric nodded, his hope dissipating. Sookie would never be a vampire, and she would never wish to become one if it were avoidable. She loved her time in the sun and the pleasure of human foods. Sookie loved being his human wife far more than his vampire Bonded.

“Let’s run away, Eric,” Sookie turned to him excitedly.

“We cannot do that,” Eric shook his head.

“Why not? Don’t you want to? We can go back to the human realm, and you can turn me!” Sookie continued.

“We could not because you are not my Sookie,” Eric sighed. “Stop the charade.” Sookie’s eyes turned black, but the remainder of its form continued to hold that of his Bonded. “Where is she?”

“Inside,” The voice had become a whisper, a distinctly non-Sookie voice.

“She would not have fallen so easily for your trick,” Eric scowled.

“No,” the Nameless agreed, “she thinks she is dreaming.”

“And you tried to fool me this way because vampires do not dream so vividly,” Eric understood.

“You could turn her,” the Nameless pointed out. “Get her to agree to surrender her power to me, and then you would be able to make her your Bonded Mate.”

“She does not wish to be a vampire,” Eric sighed as he stood from the dry, brown grass and began patting the remnants of dirt and plants from his trousers.

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” the Nameless insisted.

Eric looked with exasperation at the creature that had stolen Sookie’s form. “Trying to explain love to something that only cares about itself is a waste of time.”

“I understand love,” the Nameless argued impatiently, “which is why I know you could turn her. The love of a vampire exists, but fleetingly. You are too old to accept such finality. You know all too well that there will come a day when the fucks become predictable, the arguments unavoidable, and the contempt will be inevitable. No one loves in close proximity for eternity, and certainly not a vampire and human together.”

“If love does not hurt from time to time, you are not doing it right,” Eric stared down at the Nameless with boredom. “You have no power unless it is given. If you knew me at all, you would understand how relentless I can be to maintain control.”

The Nameless finally rose to its feet, and as it did, the form melted from the visage of Sookie and became a massive, vine-y shadow. Within those shadows were the images of Sookie’s dreams. Although he could not hear her, Eric could tell Sookie was unsuccessfully attempting to wake herself up. “You cannot leave without Empyrodite, and you are a creature of nothing more than physical power. You cannot vanquish me.”

“The only thing I need to vanquish you is to not give you what you want,” Eric smiled a cocky smile that had not adorned his lips in years. “Sookie will overcome your illusions, and that will be the end of this. All I must do is wait.”

“And your ego can handle that?” The Nameless taunted. “Being saved by a little girl is not beneath you?”

Eric watched the dream in the Nameless’s form fading as it continued trying to convince the vampire to manipulate Sookie. “We save each other,” Eric told it.

Watching the dream inside the Nameless, the scenery faded away, and now Sookie stood with another creature, its form androgynous and indecipherable. He watched Sookie speak to the figure, her expression suspicious.

“And how will you save her?” The Nameless demanded.

Eric’s grin widened as Sookie reached out to touch the edge of the Nameless. He could feel her properly in the Bond now. The Nameless was too distracted to keep up the penetrating illusion. When Sookie’s hand hit the inner lining of her captor, Eric watched as the shadow glowed and bloated. “Come to me, Sookie,” Eric sent for her in the Bond, and he felt her push toward him. The Nameless let out a snarl, and the darkness of which it was composed tried to snap back against Sookie’s touch.

“What is this!” The Nameless snarled, still attempting to subdue the glowing magic.

“It is my ego,” Eric chuckled humorlessly. “Do you believe I do not take credit for some of that mental and emotional strength?” Opening his arms wide, Eric sent for Sookie again in the Bond, and the Nameless finally burst apart at its seams.

“I expected that to be a lot messier,” Sookie’s voice flitted to the vampire’s ears, and he felt their Bond contract, urging their physical bodies closer.

“It was nothing but smoke and illusions,” Eric told his Bonded as he closed the distance between them and took Sookie into his arms. “You were amazing.”

Sookie tightened her arms around Eric’s neck and pulled him down for a kiss. “I thought it was a dream,” she mumbled between the meeting of their lips.

“It was,” Eric assured. “It wanted to weaken your heart’s resolve with visions.”

“And it tried to persuade you in reality because vampires don’t really dream?” Sookie guessed.

Eric nodded, “You got it. Although we do dream, they are usually quite two-dimensional.”

Sookie let out a low sigh of relief as she held her Bonded a moment longer. “I guess I’m not the one who needed to save Elfyria from the Nameless. It was you.”

“I think it was us,” Eric argued thoughtfully. “It has always been us. The connection we have is more than just the Bond. It is the time we grew up together, the language we have taught each other….”

A small smile tugged at Sookie’s mouth as a ray of sunlight cut through the overcast sky. Sookie felt drawn to the speck of sunshine and began moving toward it.

Eric felt hesitation at watching Sookie head toward the light. The Nameless had made such an alluring argument against Sookie taking her throne that a part of him still desired to stop her. He knew better. He felt more than greedy covetousness, but despite that, the vampire could not deny that he hated every part of this future except Sookie.

“Eric,” Sookie turned entirely from the single ray of sunlight penetrating the gloomy skies, “this is your last chance to stop me. There are no more pit stops, no more legal u-turns. This is the end of the race. If I do this, we are Queen and King of Elfyria eternally. Do not pass go, do not collect two-hundred dollars.”

“With the Nameless gone,” Eric began slowly, “Endymion will be able to cross back into our world. I am certain he will find a way to force us into this regardless.”

“Endymion is Divine Intervention,” Sookie reminded him. “He can’t make me do anything. The most he can do is barter, but he can’t override free will.”

“It feels like we are always fumbling over the same thing,” Eric sighed, running his hand through his hair in frustration. “This is something that will always be a problem for us because I do not wish to rule.”

“And you think I do?” Sookie demanded. “Everything I’ve done, I’ve done for us! If this isn’t what you want, I have supreme power, I can break our Bond, and you can move on. Or, you can turn me, take away this power, and we can run off into the night for eternity.”

“Or,” Eric let out a long sigh, “we can finish what we came here to do and accept your throne.” Eric’s heart ached at the notion Sookie could and would break their Bond. At first, he believed he felt that fear in himself and thought nothing of it, but then a startling realization came to him.

I am still under, he froze in place, staring more intently at his Bonded than ever before. Sookie, he felt within the Bond once more, feeling it entirely but finding only himself. Everything he felt from his mate was coming from within. There was no Sookie. There was no him.

A multi-layered illusion? He wondered in fearful consideration. Am I still under the influence of the Nameless?

{†}

Sookie was baffled as she never felt herself lose consciousness, but what she stared at had to be a dream. She had just been pulled into a magical realm by some sort of black whip of an appendage, but now she sat on a grassy hillside. The sun, Earth’s sun, was beaming merrily above her. Two small children were loping energetically up the crest of the hill toward her, Eric giving chase behind them as the woods encasing them flurried with emerald leaves. Orange, ravenous eyes glittered within the trees from time to time, a warning to stay on the grassy hill and avoid the domain of the shadowy forest.

“Save us, Mommy!” One of the children squealed around peels of laughter, breaking Sookie’s intense concentration of what lay in wait within the shadows.

“Mommy!” Cried the other one, just as happy and entertained.

“Mommy is too big to play right now,” Eric told the children, and that was when Sookie looked down to discover she was quite round with child. However, the pull of the Bond was not coming from the doppelganger Eric chasing “their” children. It was coming from elsewhere. Nearby, but invisible.

This is a dream, Sookie convinced herself and felt her hand fall through the illusion of her globelike belly.

“A rather beautiful dream, though, isn’t it?” A familiar voice asked.

Sookie looked to her right and saw Jeanie sitting beside her on the hill. “Are you a memory?” The telepath asked the illusion.

“You could have that,” Jeanie pointed to the little family that played so carefree, seemingly oblivious to the carnivorous gazes penetrating through the nearby woods.

“I already have a third of that,” Sookie pointed out.

“Eric could be turned human if you left open the gate to Elfyria and relinquished your Djinn power,” Jeanie told her. “You could stay in the human realm with your real family and your husband.”

“The Djinn’s power doesn’t transfer like that,” Sookie pointed out. “I would have to die.”

“I know how to extract the power,” Jeanie assured.

Sookie sighed. “You are Nameless?” She guessed.

Jeanie’s façade melted away until a vaguely humanoid shadow of a shape remained. “I thought the vision of a friend would help you make the right decision.”

Sookie shook her head, “I dreamt about you once. You don’t hold up to any scrutiny. You’re an impatient thing, you know? You didn’t even let me cross into Elfyria on my own before sensing my power and running after it.”

“I never wait for what I want,” The Nameless assured, its voice was transforming into a whispering, tempting breath. “And I always give my volunteers a worthy paradise in exchange.”

Sookie gazed at the playing children and her vampire. It did not take her long to realize that the figures were captive fairies made to look like her kin. Glittering fissures scarred across their skin like broken china dolls. Their eyes had turned to tar-black where they once were white, and all of their irises glowed a muddy orange.

“That doesn’t look like much of a paradise,” Sookie uttered as the three fairies darted about the increasingly dreary hillside. The grass had gone brown and sparse. Clots of dirt were kicked up with the fairies’ scurrying motions. The more Sookie watched them, the more she felt like they were running from real danger, and not just for sport. They were trapped within whatever illusions the Nameless had created for them. If it had started once as a paradise, it now became their purgatory. Unlike her, they had been unable to discern reality. They remained trapped even as her own vision returned. It was up to her to wake them up!

A pulse of energy erupted from Sookie as she called out, “Children of Elfyria!” Sookie rose to her feet. The three dashing creatures froze as the power swept over them and looked up at a previously unobserved figure, mystified. An abundance of more and more orange eyes peeked through the shadows of barren trees, staring at the beacon atop the decaying hill. “Come to me and be freed. I will protect you. I will save Elfyria if you stand beside me. All you have to do is ask.”

The three fairies nearest Sookie did not hesitate. The Nameless snarled as the three it had chosen for its illusion quickly took step beside the telepath. Opening her arms, Sookie embraced each one, dissolving the gray skin and clearing the tormented eyes until they gazed up at her in vibrant blues and greens. As their color returned, Sookie noted that the Nameless lost mass.

“Be our queen, and we will serve,” the large fairy that had been disguised as Eric bowed its head.

“Our lady,” the two children fell to the ground at Sookie’s feet.

Sookie gazed at them before nodding and looking down past the hill. The gnarly woods seemed to open its grasping branches, allowing the other hidden fairies to meekly approach. Some hesitated in the spider web of shadows while others seemed to sprint toward Sookie. Opening her arms in welcome, Sookie grinned happily at her people.

Sookie watched as the Nameless’s figure diminished further in size as she embraced each new supporter. With every renewed set of brilliant eyes, the shadowy figure became smaller and smaller. Sookie could soon see a familiar pale limb protruding from the creature’s darkness. It tried to consume Eric, Sookie realized, but continued her duty of saving the Fae. Her vampire’s skin had not turned gray nor broken into fissures. He had not succumbed to the Nameless’s tricks and persuasion, but he had not broken free of them yet either.

As more fairies were released from their shackles, soon all that remained was Eric, still fighting the tyrant’s seduction.

“Eric,” Sookie murmured as her legion stood behind her, curiously watching as their savior knelt beside the unconscious vampire. “You can stop distracting it now. You’re the last of its power source. Starve it out.” Her hand reached out to tentatively push Eric’s hair from his beautiful face.

“Min Sookie,” she heard him utter and found her wrist grasped firmly in Eric’s hand as his eyes snapped open. Several of the fairies behind her lurched to protect their new queen, but Sookie raised her free hand in a dismissive gesture. “Min Sookie?” Eric blinked again.

“Ja,” Sookie leaned forward to kiss his lips. “Min Eric?”

“Ja.” He blinked one last time and sat up to capture Sookie’s lips with his own. “How long was I under?”

“I don’t think it was very long,” Sookie assured. “The Fae were more than willing to be rescued. The Nameless did not keep them in much of a paradise once it had what it wanted from them.”

“How did you break the illusion?” Eric asked.

“Once I knew what it was, it was easy to break. The Nameless’s power doesn’t hold a candle to mine. As for truly vanquishing it- the Fae could sense me just as the Nameless could because they were all one with it,” Sookie shrugged as if what she said made all the sense in the world. “They could feel my power and knew how badly the Nameless wanted me. They knew I could help. So, I broke their illusions for them, and they came to me.”

“M’Lady,” an older fairy pushed through the throng and made himself visible, “is that vampire your consort?”

“He is,” Sookie replied quickly.

“It will be a danger to us all!” A voice cried from the mass.

“Eric is a danger to none of you,” Sookie assured. “If he were, one of you would have been drained by now.” A murmur rippled through the crowd at her point. “When the Nameless was created, a sacrifice was made of your magic. The call of your blood to vampires has been tainted, and your natural magic weakened. All of you may find your abilities less powerful or your ranges much shorter. This I cannot undo, but I will protect all of you. In return, all I ask is peace. I will be opening the gates of Elfyria permanently and, in doing so, request that all of you help cultivate and protect the peace of the realms. Is that agreeable?” Another wave of chittering erupted, but Sookie heard no real objections. “Good, then if we can all join hands, we will be taken to Empyrium where our new world can begin!”

Chapter Eleven: For the First Time In Forever

As Sookie led her people into Opal, the city surrounding the castle of Empyrium, the woman could visibly see the stones and pavement regaining their luster. The fairies’ faces beamed as the dusty clouds above them broke open and filtered in the radiating sunlight.

Without food or drink, the people of Elyfria began to celebrate. Their voices were raised in native songs that Sookie could only understand from Eric’s teachings of the language throughout her childhood.

“Did you think it would be this easy?” Eric asked of his Bonded, his arm draping over her shoulder as they watched the growing festivities.

“Yes,” she confessed with a wry grin. “You were with me, and I have untold power. What could have possibly gone wrong?” Eric shook his head at her argument and kissed her lips.

The pair listened as the songs were accompanied by a distant tinkling of chimes. Both tried to find the invisible instrument for a moment, but quickly shrugged off their curiosity. The vampire wrapped his arms tighter around Sookie and pulled her onto a concrete bench alongside him.

“Are you tired?” he asked quietly.

“I actually feel pretty good,” she admitted. “I seem to feel better when I use my power rather than hold it in, just like Godric suggested. I can’t say I like that part.” She worried her lips between her teeth. “If I have to start using it for frivolous things, I might get too reliant on it.”

“How do you mean?” Eric asked.

“When you have nothing to fear, nothing to lose, and anything you could possibly want,” Sookie continued slowly, “can you really appreciate anything?”

“Congratulations, Sookie and Eric,” a new voice made the pair jump, but it was Eric who fell to his knee first before the young man with his light brown curls of hair and merry blue eyes.

“Endymion,” the vampire greeted respectfully. Sookie’s eyes widened in recognition of the name and also dropped to her knee reverently.

“Oh, stand up,” the Voice of the Pantheon demanded impatiently. “Every time I have to meet you two, it’s the same thing over and over.”

“Every time?” Sookie frowned curiously as she rose to her feet.

Endymion grinned at her, “Yes, every time. This isn’t the first time you and Eric have been called upon to save a realm. In this case, the need to save the realm was… a byproduct.” Sookie frowned further at the statement. “I needed Elfyria saved so I could return to this universe,” Endymion explained further. “And I needed you to become the Vessel,” he whispered this part.

“I don’t understand,” Sookie confessed.

“Come with me, both of you,” Endymion gestured, forcing the pair to leave the ramping festivities and journey outside the city border.

“What’s happening?” Sookie demanded once they were well outside the city limits.

“I need for you to empower this,” Endymion held a glowing sphere in his hands. “It is already imbued with great power, but I need you to stabilize it.”

“What is it?” Sookie frowned as she cupped her hands and accepted the orb.

“Three Immortal Queens. I’m still working on the last one, but if you stabilize this source, I can sort her out.”

“The Pillars had to be the same queen,” Sookie remembered Jeanie telling her this long ago. “This is me?”

“It will be,” Endymion nodded. “I need this energy to be more saturated in inter-dimensional influence. All three of you would need that sort of energy to survive the association with the Void. You are the vessel of the Djinn and will certainly survive the connection. Will you be my second Pillar?”

Eric stood by, feeling a new edginess. His experience in the Nameless’s illusions had left him a bit staggered, particularly the notion of turning Sookie into a vampire and keeping her to himself for the remainder of time. The urge to make that dream a reality had been one he had struggled with for several years now, but this moment would steal that future forever. Sookie would belong, in part, to Endymion forever.

“Eric?” Sookie turned to her Bonded and took his hand with her free one.

The vampire smiled as her warm palm squeezed his own. “No matter what, I will follow you,” he assured.

Looking at her feet contemplatively, Sookie slowly began, “All my life, I feel like every decision has been made to put me right here.” Glancing up at the Voice of the Pantheon, Sookie felt no fear or intimidation. “Most of the time, I felt like I had no choice of my own. You put people in my path that I couldn’t say no to. You made me grow to love all of them, and then I was forced to kill my best friend. I know she wanted me to end her suffering, but what end do I have? You’re trying to bind me into an existence of unending servitude, going so far as to say even the end of the world I know will not end my duties. Instead, I will reside in this realm to rule forever?” The young woman shook her head, overwhelmed by the expectations. “How can you expect a girl who’s not even old enough to drink to make a decision like that?”

“You have already made one eternal commitment,” Endymion gestured at Eric amusedly.

“One I made out of love,” Sookie gently argued. “I don’t know this world, and I definitely have no love for it yet. Maybe in time, I could learn to love Elfyria and its people, but right now, it’s been all about helping when I was asked. Every time I think I’ve hit the end of the road and can settle in, the road gets longer.”

Endymion smiled with understanding, “There is a doorway to the Void of Time and Space, Sookie. You have all the time in the world to think about this. I am posing the question, not demanding an answer.”

“You knew all this, and you didn’t let Jeanie prepare me,” Sookie tried to keep the accusation out of her voice.

Endymion lowered his gaze, taking Eric by surprise. He looked almost like a chastised teenager. “I know you are difficult to negotiate with. This would not be the first time, nor the last, that I have needed to put you between two unfair choices.” Looking at Sookie earnestly now, he added, “But I’ve known you so long, Sookie, and I’ve seen you overcome so many different obstacles. You two are the only ones I know I can rely on when I really need you.”

Sookie could see the honesty on Endymion’s face. Though she was unprepared to do as he asked, the young woman had to confess to herself that the Voice’s regret was evident, but his faith in her was empowering in its own right.

Sighing, Sookie shook her head, “I wish I wasn’t such a pain in the ass that you felt you had to manipulate me all the time.”

Endymion chuckled and grinned at Sookie, “But if you weren’t such a pain in the ass, would you have the same strength that has always seen us through every storm?” Eric was surprised when the Voice cupped Sookie’s chin, yet he felt no anger or territorialism snap through him. “I promise you will have the paradise the Nameless showed you,” he murmured, making Eric look at Sookie curiously. “You must always be the reigning queen if you choose this path, but I get the feeling you will discover a way to make it work for the both of you. And perhaps with a lineage, you can find everything you are looking for.”

“And I can only have that if I agree to do what you ask?” Sookie guessed.

“You are the vessel of the Djinn, Sookie,” Endymion reminded her. “You already have the power to do that. I am merely pointing out that even an unending road has its rest points.”

Turning to her Bonded once again, she gave Eric a weak shrug. The vampire returned her gesture with an encouraging nod.

“I already agreed to go so far as to save and help rebuild Elfyria. That mission will go much smoother if I’m inarguably the queen and there is no fight for the crown,” Sookie let out a cleansing breath and kept nodding her head as though convincing herself that this was the right course. Feeling energy course through her arm, Sookie watched the glowing sphere Endymion had given her turn into a solid globe of tightly packed energy before handing it back to The Voice.

Looking up at Endymion, Sookie told him, “I’ll do it. Now. I’ll go with you and get it over with, but can you at least try not to be so manipulative to me in the next dimension you do this?”

“I will try my best,” Endymion smiled at her as he turned to lead the couple further from the palace’s city.

As the trio proceeded through the open fields, Sookie saw a pair of deer lope out from the woods toward them. She felt Eric’s surprise in their connection and strained her eyes harder before realizing the heads were missing antlers, and the torsos had horns. When the creatures drew closer, Sookie realized she had been entirely off the mark. The deer were like centaurs; deer on the bottom, humanish on top. Their heads, while somewhat human-shaped, had smoother, broader features that were rather doe-like. Both appeared to be female.

“Your highness,” One of the creatures nodded her head respectfully. “I am Venica of the Cervine. This Rodish,” she introduced.

“Nice to meet you,” Sookie nodded her own head in greeting. “I’m Soo-”

“Susannah Northman, the eternal ruler of Elfyria,” Venica finished. “As I have been told, you are abhorrent to the idea of being called Queen Sookie as it made you feel like a character from a child’s book.”

Sookie grimaced, “Now that I think about it, that would sound pretty weird. Thanks for the suggestion. Wait, who told you that was my idea?”

Venica pointed at Endymion slowly before realizing the Voice had given her information from another timeline.

“One of the Pillars is already up?” Sookie asked in surprise. Though Jeanie had implied such a thing, the Djinn regularly pointed out that Time was not a linear thing.

Endymion nodded slowly before confessing, “The energy source is up and running. With your power fueled by her energy, we will be able to wedge the doors open.”

“And the Converter?” Sookie pressed now out of curiosity.

The Voice smiled, “She will become the channel between you and the future doors we will open in the broken Elfyrias. If we were to send your power through to such ravaged magical lands, it has too high a chance to corrupt further. A Converter is necessary.”

“Why can’t I do it myself?” Sookie could not stop thinking of another version of herself with its life ruined by the shackles of Queendom.

“The Djinn is unable to affect Free Will,” Endymion reminded her. “Because of this, you cannot control how the energy is used. You can only wedge open the doors for it to pass through. Mostly, though, it is because of the Law of Three. That is a balance in the universe across all dimensions that keeps ultimate power in check. Even the Gods and Goddesses cannot wield ultimate power because there cannot be three of a kind as they are singular beings. That is why there is the God or Goddess, the Voice, and the one the Voice chooses to take action. The Energy and the Power can do their best to guide the Converter, but ultimately, it is in the hands of Free Will.” At Sookie’s confused expression, Endymion grimaced, “Hopefully, I will be better at explaining this to the last Pillar. Right now, that is the best way I know how to break it down.”

Sookie tried to fathom the roles Enydmion described, but they were as fluid as her thoughts. The complexities were daunting, realizing there were versions of herself out in the multiple dimensions that would make completely different choices. There could be a Sookie out in the vastness of the unknown that did not love Eric. That thought was as unfathomable to her as a world without sunshine.

“What do we do now?” Sookie asked, realizing they had been reflexively following the Voice and Cervine toward a dark wooded area.

“If you are truly willing to proceed, it would be best to head to the doorway of the Void,” Endymion explained. “We can wedge open the Doors and begin our mission.”

“Eric?” Sookie pointed to her Bonded.

“Must stay out here,” Endymion shook his head. “However, time will cease to move for him while you are in the Void. That will protect you from separation sickness,” he assured.

Sookie nodded in understanding, some of her anxiety melting as Eric took her hand. The next leg of her journey would have to be done without her vampire. It felt wrong, but she knew it was necessary.

The young woman swallowed hard as more and more Cervine appeared within the forest. Each one nodded and gave a strange bow, and Sookie could not help but notice they all seemed rather feminine.

“Do only the female Cervine come out, or do they travel in female herds?” Sookie asked tentatively. Somehow both Eric and Jeanie had managed to avoid telling her anything about the creatures.

“AllCervine are female,” Rodish proclaimed. “We mate with warriors to extend our line, but no matter what species that warrior descends from, their offspring with us will be female Cervine. We are one of few creatures that can reproduce with vampires.” Sookie looked at Eric worriedly. “We would never mate with the Queen’s consort,” Rodish assured at the exchanged glance. “If you were to bear a son, I cannot assure you we would not try to reproduce with him if he is strong and powerful. It would depend entirely on your orders.”

“I’ll get back to you on that,” Sookie mumbled uncomfortably even while her brain was screaming, ‘not in a million years!’ Another part of her thoughts could not help but question her ability to have a child with Eric and what other of those few creatures capable of doing so included.

Before Endymion could gesture, Sookie was pretty sure she could see the doorway they were traveling to. The imposing structure was difficult to ignore, and the fact that the arches stood without any real support assured Sookie that they were entirely mythical.

“I take it, that’s the entrance.” Sookie pointed to the most absurd structure she had seen all day.

“You have good instincts,” Endymion grinned. “Shall we?” he gestured to the doors.

“And then?” Sookie swallowed hard.

“And then you begin your reign with Eric,” Endymion told her. “Your contributions to this task are rather unobtrusive once the groundwork is laid out. I believe the most difficult will be the transitionary century when the Earth’s realm meets its end, and Elfyria is sealed for a century to accept a new Earth Realm.”

Sookie felt the blood leave her limbs as that unfathomable concept loomed once more overhead. Eternal Ruler. More than a gateway to time and space, more than animated corpses, djinns, and deer-women, genuine eternitywas the most challenging thing for her mind to grasp. The collapse of her own dimension would not end her life.

“How long have you been around?” Sookie asked quietly as she approached the door with Endymion. She glanced over her shoulder where Eric had hung back to watch.

“A very long time,” Endymion assured as the doorway opened a crack and pair could slip through.

“Several lifetimes?” Sookie guessed before flinching at the change in sound. The Void was quite unlike anything she had ever seen. Her voice sounded a though it were ringing through a damper, and though she could see, blackness surrounded everything. All that stood in the darkness was herself, Endymion, and a black Cervine.

“I’ve watched the creation of Earth twenty times, Sookie,” Endymion smiled. “And been to this moment in time within seventeen of those worlds.”

Sookie’s head spun, “God, how could you ever want to do this? I’m having a hard time thinking of living out one Earth.”

“It was something I was born to do,” Endymion shrugged. “My mother tried to save me from it, but I had a choice. I could choose to do this of my own free will and save her life, or I could watch her die and still have to do it.”

Sookie looked up at Endymion, heartbroken. “I guess I must seem pretty whiny.”

Endymion laughed and shook his head, “Sometimes, but I always ask a lot from you.”

“That seems like a pretty weak excuse,” Sookie frowned thoughtfully.

“It is not a weak excuse,” Endymion assured. “You have no idea what a pain I was those first few centuries of my training.”

Sookie’s throat tightened at the prospect. “Centuries of training,” she uttered, fatigue saturating her voice as she considered the reality. “Speaking of the flow of time,” she jolted suddenly to the present. “Is there a way to use this door to make Elfyria and the human realm move at the same speed?”

Endymion raised his eyebrows at Sookie before laughing and staring at the woman curiously, “No, but why do you ask?”

Sookie frowned, “I just thought if Earth and Elfyria moved at the same speed, it would be easier to stay in contact with my family,” Sookie explained. “And maybe if they moved at the same speed, humans and fae would be able to connect better.”

The Voice of the Pantheon thought a long moment before trying to explain, “With the speed difference, you would actually be able to spend considerable amounts of time with your family without negatively impacting Elfyria. You could be gone days at a time in the human realm with only hours passing here. With a proper guard and utilization of the Human Chamber, you could potentially cultivate a relationship with the mortal realm.”

“Human Chamber,” Sookie shuddered. “Do I want to know what the hell that is?”

Endymion laughed again. “It is a magically sealed chamber that moves at mortal realm speed within Elfyria. You can only access it by teleporting into the chamber, and it’s how the Royalty of other dimensions manage to take phone calls from the human realm in real-time.”

“So, cell phones work here?” Sookie asked slowly.

“As long as the Gates are unsealed,” Endymion nodded. “In a few years, they will work better. The technology isn’t that great right now,” he explained.

The black cervine that had been standing silently at the door let out an audible sigh then, and Sookie flinched at the unexpected noise. “I’m sorry, I’ve been rude to ignore you.”

“My existence does not revolve around your acknowledgment,” The creature replied dryly. “I am merely reminding Endymion that using my realm as a free phone booth is against the rules. I do not care if you have finally destroyed Chronos. It does not give you unlimited power.”

“Unlimited power?” Sookie looked to the cervine curiously.

“Endymion is Divine Intervention. The more information he directly gives you, the less of an intervention he becomes and the more of a guiding force,” the guardian of the Void explained. “Now, do what needs to be done before I change my mind about allowing you.”

“Yes, M’am,” Endymion gave the cervine a grin that surprised Sookie.

The doors before them cracked open then, and as Sookie went to take a step toward them, Endymion held out his hand and stopped her. “You cannot go through the doors. That is not your world.”

“Then what am I to do?” Sookie gazed at him cautiously.

“I need you to shield me,” Endymion explained.

“Against?” Sookie frowned.

“My own power,” Endymion told her. “I need you to strip away my aura and let me be human.”

“I don’t-”

“I cannot do this next task as Endymion,” he explained. “It is a direct violation of my status, but I have been given permission to accomplish the task as a human.”

Sookie’s brow furrowed in further confusion, “How do I even do that?”

“As the wielder of the Djinn’s power, all you must do is decide that you wish to do something,” Endymion explained. “I need you to strip my power just before my foot leaves the doorway and return it when you see that foot return.”

“Great, now I’m on a timer,” Sookie wiped her sweating palms nervously against her jeans.

“You will do fine,” Endymion assured before turning toward the doorway once more.

Sookie held her breath, trying to focus on the Voice’s legs as he strolled through the passage. As he pushed off with his toe, a gunshot went off in Sookie’s head. Take his power now!

A rainbow of energy lit up within the darkness to collect in a spiraling orb that remained suspended above Sookie’s upturned palms. The gentle glow illuminated Sookie’s face and that of the black cervine.

“What’s your name?” Sookie asked quietly of the creature.

The black cervine looked at Sookie sourly. “Oceanus,” she answered.

“Are we doing something bad, Oceanus?” Sookie wondered aloud.

Pensively, Oceanus gestured to the doorway, causing them to snap shut. “What you are doing is not bad. What he is doing is… Full hearty. Trying to link dimensions like this, despite the benefits, is a great risk for all the dimensions this Endymion looks over.”

“What are the benefits?” Sookie inquired curiously.

Oceanus sighed, “If the pillars are raised and Lu-… Endymion can link the magics of the Elfyrias. He could jump-start fallen kingdoms across his domain. If the three pillars are neutral or by some miracle, benevolent, then the worlds that utilize that magic will be leaned toward that structure.”

“Incorruptible?” Sookie ventured.

The cervine actually laughed at the suggestion. “In what world was such an impossible word created?” Looking at Sookie with amusement now, Oceanus imparted her wisdom, “Nothing is incorruptible, child. Everyone is ruled by some sort of fear. Fear of death, poverty, illness, or conflict is a powerful motivator to do whatever is necessary. It is only with the banishment of those fears that one could hope to continue with minimal corruption.”

“How do you banish fears like those?” Sookie asked dully. She knew of a conflict between her and Eric that had festered for years. Her Bonded did not wish to rule or be tied to politics. Now she was Queen of Elfyria, and he was her consort. Could that be the rot Oceanus warned about?

“Only the one faced with the problem can solve it properly,” Oceanus answered sagely.

Though it had not even been two minutes since Endymion’s departure, Oceanus flung her arm out once more, and the door cracked open. Surprised by the abrupt action, Sookie’s eyes snapped to the crack in the opening and her arms tensed as she awaited the Endymion’s foot. When the sole of his shoe appeared, Sookie felt like she practically threw the sphere of his energy at him, Return to Endymion! She commanded the magic and let out a long breath she had held when the Voice stood before her unscathed.

“Excellent job, Sookie,” Endymion praised as Oceanus shut the door and promptly reopened it. “Your work is done here. Hopefully, you will never have to see me again, and you can rule your Queendom unencumbered.”

Sookie strolled toward the doors now, “I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will,” Endymion called after her as she disappeared through the doorway. As the darkness snapped into its entirety with the closing of the Void, Endymion let out a long breath.

“Is it done?” Oceanus demanded. “Will you be leaving me alone for a while now?”

“Are you saying you do not enjoy my visits?” Endymion asked woundedly.

“No,” Oceanus deadpanned. “They are never to visit me.” Endymion’s eyes lit up. “Not that I’d want you to.”

“You’ll make Selene jealous,” Endymion warned.

“She has hundreds of Endymions,” Oceanus argued. “Why does she have to have you, too, Lukas?”

“And how many Endymions have you tried to lure in with that same line?” The Voice teased.

“Only you,” Oceanus confessed, “because you were the only one that sulked through that door wanting his mother. Prepared for a short, impact-less existence as a human; yearning for it over having to leave your mother and father.”

“Is that why you put up with me?” Endymion laughed. “You think I’m a lost, little boy?”

Oceanus shook her head and reached for the front of Endymion’s shirt. “I love you for being a sweet, gentle boy who took this job to protect the ones you love rather than to obtain the power of the Pantheon.”

Endymion’s hands overlapped Oceanus’s, and the coarse black hair felt smooth as he caressed with the grain. Though her coat was black, white markings freckled Oceanus’ collarbones until they became a streak down her sternum. Her eyes were electric blue in big doe sockets, and Endymion had difficulty making his hands release hers.

Over the millennia, Oceanus had been his confidant, especially after his favorite Angel was sent back to the earth realm, never to return. She had helped him choose which Sookies to charge with his necessary tasks and often comforted her after a run-in with Chronos. They had leaned on each other for so long that with her worst and only agitator now gone, Endymion feared no more excuses to check in on her.

“Show me,” Endymion whispered, “that you are serious about this love, and I will leave Selene.”

The Cervine looked up at Endymion with surprise, her brilliant eyes growing wide with hope. Her hands slid from his lapel to wrap around his neck as she pulled him in close. “Please!” she gasped as her mouth captured the lips of the Pantheon.

{†}

As Sookie departed from the mists of the Void, she smiled as Eric’s eyes lit up upon seeing her.

“How did it go?” Eric asked, taking her into his arms and holding her tightly.

“I guess it went well. Endymion didn’t disappear, and he didn’t say I messed up,” Sookie shrugged. “I guess it would be arrogant to assume I could understand any of his motives.”

Eric nodded in agreement, “The same would be true for me.”

“How long was I gone?” Sookie asked.

Eric laughed, “As Endymion assured, I did not perceive your absence. You walked into the door and back out almost instantaneously.”

Sookie let out a sigh, “I wish I could use that power to avoid having to live here.”

Her vampire frowned thoughtfully, “Can you not use your own power to do that?” His question was one of curiosity. Sookie could almost see the gears turning in his head.

“I know that face,” Sookie looked at him wondrously. “What plan are you hatching?”

“You said that the realm of the fae is ever-present in the Earth Realm, correct? As long as the gates are open, you can always feel it?” Sookie nodded slowly in agreement. “Does that mean, even if you are not by a Gate, you can influence Elfyria without your usual distance restrictions?”

“I mean, sure,” Sookie shrugged. “What are you getting at?”

“What if you left a totem here,” Eric began carefully. “You could use it to communicate and put forth your will. It would take a bit of time to set up. You would need an attaché, but it could be done.”

Sookie thought for a long moment before a smile split her face, “And the magic I would need to utilize to command the totem would siphon enough of my energy that I’m not burning through myself all the time!”

“Quite possibly,” Eric agreed. “We will still have to make regular journeys to Elfyria, but we will not have to remain indefinitely.”

“I can stay with my family, too,” Sookie chirped happily.

Eric smiled slowly, “And maybe even raise one.”

Sookie’s face flushed at the notion but nodded slowly.

“I love you, you know?” Sookie told him.

“As I love you,” Eric agreed.

Sookie gazed at her vampire consort and took his chilled hand in hers. There was nothing in this realm or the next she felt unready to face. For the first time, eternity seemed fathomable. She was ready to take on her role as Queen and follow the guidance of Endymion. Though she was still uncertain why Divine Intervention always chose a version of her, she was grateful that she had apparently done right by him in some existence. Because Endymion had brought Eric into her life, she would know him from childhood through the remainder of forever as the Eternal Queen of the Fae.

Fin