Immortal Dreams by Chrissy Peebles

and they're not going to do anything about it.
    "Calypso Coldwell is indeed very important to the light community.  Without her, the ceremonies will have to stop until we can find someone strong enough to proceed.  However, we cannot send you any means of help other than that of information for fear of sparking too much conflict.  Light users are forbidden to travel around that area, so tread carefully."
    Meaning these sorry, stick-up-their-asses cowards aren't going to risk their own necks to save the woman who has saved everyone here at some point and time.
    I bite the inside of my jaw so hard the tang of blood strikes me.
    "Of course," I murmur through strain, trying my best not to snap.
    I bow, showing them respect they don't deserve, and then I walk out quickly to meet up with Frankie who's waiting by the door.
    "Have you called for plane tickets yet?" I mutter as we head down the hallway.
    "We've got the next flight out."
    "It looks like it's just the two of us.  I've basically been forbidden to recruit anyone else."
    He scowls.  "I heard.  Don't worry though.  We'll get her out of there."
    "We better, or else my estranged father will be getting a phone call."
    His eyes grow wide, and then he turns to me.  "You can't be serious.  You know how dangerous he is, Alyssa.  You're mother would-"
    "I'm very serious.  My mother would call him if it was me and she had to.  He's dangerous, he's crazy, but he's also very protective of her.  If he finds out, they'll all die, and I'll watch."
    ––––––––
    C hapter Seven
    "I'm glad you called.  I've been worried.  Any word about your mother?" Kane asks.
    I pull on my boots while slipping into my jacket, preparing to trudge through the rain, and then I sigh.
    "Well, we're in Washington right now.  I think she just got a little crazy and ran off with some friends.  It’s happened before," I lie, using the council's cop out.  "They have a cabin up here, and right now we're trying to see if we can find it in this ridiculous wooded area."
    "What section of woods?" he asks curiously.
    I consider lying to him, but there's really no point.  It's not like he can stop me from going in there, and I don't want to lie to him more than necessary.
    "We're in Fenshaw, it's mostly all woods to be honest.  When I track her down, I'll kick her ass for scaring Frankie and me."
    At least I do well to mask my true fear.
    "Alyssa, those woods are too dangerous.  Hikers go missing all the time out there."
    That's because they don't know what sadistic bastards lurk out here.
    The worry in his tone is genuine, and if he knew the truth, he'd never feel the same about the world he lives in.
    "Don't worry.  Frankie knows a thing or two about the wilderness.  I'll call you later.  I doubt I'm going to have service once we get in there."
    "Alyssa, just wait on me.  I'll come out there and help you."
    My heart sizzles in my chest.  Knowing he'd do that makes the butterflies in my stomach ruffle.
    "Don't be crazy.  Washington is too far away for you to have to come.  I'll take care of it.  Thanks though."
    He exhales loudly, and then he murmurs, "Well, if you need me, you know how to find me."
    Something about the way he says it... He almost sounds angry that I won't let him help.
    "Thanks.  Really.  I'll talk to you later, Kane."
    "Yeah," he murmurs, and then the line goes quiet.
    "You ready?" Frankie asks as I pull the battery out of my phone.
    "Yeah, you?"
    He does the same - pulling the battery out of his own phone - and then he puts the pieces on the table separately.
    "Dark users are too good with tech."
    "And black magic," I scoff while zipping up my jacket and heading out into the rain.
    "And these woods," he sighs.  "Stay close.  I really don't even want you in here.  Calypso will kill me for letting you come."
    "She'll die if we don't find her."
    He tightens his lips, and lets out a breath of defeat as we start heading into the creepy-as-hell forest.  It's