Engineered Rebel: Books 4-6: Engineered Rebel

By L.C. Mawson

The fight continues...

Alex started this fight after being torn from the Angel she fell in love with, but what happens when they're reunited?

Angels don't lead peaceful lives and Alex soon finds herself pulled into an adventure with apocalyptic stakes as the rest of the rebels try to figure out their own places in the fight with her gone.

Is the rebellion ready to stand on its own without Alex, or will they crumble under the stress of the one fight they were never trained for?

This collection brings together the final three books in L.C. Mawson's urban fantasy/sci-fi series Engineered Rebel. If you like kick-ass heroines, genetically engineered heroes, and forbidden romance, then you'll be instantly hooked on fast-paced urban fantasy/sci-fi series.

Download the book to get your fix of strong heroines and an immersive war between magic and science today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.C. Mawson
• Release date: Mar 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393212881

Book preview

Book Four: Reconnect

Chapter One

Gus

The garage door slid closed as Gus held down the button to once more secure the base now that Alex and Jay had left on their mission. It was always slightly unnerving to shut out the wider world, but it was easier with his boyfriend, Ty, standing by his side. Nothing was going to make him feel okay about his sister heading off into danger without him, but having Ty there helped.

Gus and Alex’s other sibling, Hell, had also watched Alex go, though zie seemed less worried than Gus about their sister. No, zie was too occupied exchanging heated looks with Mia, now that Mia had finally admitted her feelings for Hell.

Nyssa, the Dragon Priestess Gus had found to train him and his siblings in their magic, was also there, though as the only non-Enhanced, she was simply there because she was waiting for Gus.

Gus figured that he should probably see her out. Especially as the last occupant of the room, Alex’s girlfriend, Jan, seemed in a hurry to leave, not even acknowledging the others as she headed out of the room.

Not that Gus could blame her, he was worried about Alex, too.

He cleared his throat. Well, Ty and I should be heading off. He turned to Nyssa. I’m assuming you’ll be coming back to the city with us?

She nodded. I do live in the city. Until we figure out how exactly you want to split your time, I shall remain based there.

Hell frowned, finally pulling away from Mia. Wait, you’re going already?

Gus shrugged. Yeah, it’s getting late. Ty and I should head home.

What about catching up? You’ve been gone for months.

Gus sighed. I know, Hell, but we are fairly caught up now, and it’s not like I’m disappearing again. There’s a portal between here and the city now, so we can see each other whenever we like. We can talk again tomorrow.

Hell pouted.

I’m not staying the night here, Hell.

Mia placed a hand on Hell’s shoulder. He’s right, Hell. You can see him in the morning.

She gave no indication that she was in any way upset by the fact that her own brother, Ty, was also leaving.

Hell sighed, looking away. I... Okay. You’re right. It’s fine.

Gus offered his sibling an apologetic smile. I’ll be back tomorrow to see how Alex’s mission went, and then we can talk about exactly what we want to do with our training.

Hell nodded. All right. See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow, Gus said, before heading back to the portal in the storage room with Ty and Nyssa.

Gus’ stomach twisted with sympathy for his boyfriend as he took Ty’s hand. Gus might not have wanted to stay, but the fact that Hell cared enough to push meant a lot to him.

Mia hadn’t seemed at all bothered by whether or not her brother stuck around.

Gus knew that their relationship hadn’t been easy since Ty had been blinded, but he had assumed that time and distance would help.

And maybe it had. Silence was better than the endless bickering of before. But it still wasn’t what Ty deserved.

As soon as they passed through the portal to the old school building, Nyssa paused and looked around.

You know, she said, it would make the most sense for you and Hell to train here. And Alex, too, if she can access your powers... She looked away. When Kara and Fiona brought you to me, I didn’t realise that I would be taking on several hatchlings...

Gus managed a sheepish smile. Too much?

Nyssa shook her head. Not at all. It is simply unexpected. Dragon blood is rare on Earth, but there are some Wyverns around. I have rarely attempted to approach them. Refugees as they are, I was an exile first, and I feared that they may remember that. Or, if their line had come to Earth before the fall of the Plains, it may have been to escape the role they used to play for the Priestesses. Either way... I didn’t see the point in reaching out. But now? Even with just the three, or four, of us here, that would perhaps be reason enough to do the one thing I have always avoided considering.

What’s that?

Building a temple on Earth. A place for those with Dragon blood to call a home. If I am going to be training you and your siblings anyway, then perhaps it is time to reach out to those who are also stranded here on Earth.

Ty frowned. You mean announcing that you’re all here to everyone on Earth with Dragon blood? Won’t that be dangerous? I mean, they likely won’t be on board with Gus and Hell being Enhanced, and you just said that you haven’t reached out to them before because they exiled you. Whatever you did to get kicked out, do you think they will have forgotten?

Nyssa narrowed her eyes as they turned into the serpent eyes of her Dragon form, and Gus suspected that Ty would have been shaking if he could see the fury his words had produced. They did not ‘kick me out’, and I did not do anything. She turned to Gus, her anger dissipating. I dislike speaking of the past, but it is important that you and Hell know of it. Not now, but... In time, it will be part of your training. Eventually, we could reach out to others like us on Earth, but I left some time before the Vulcan Plains were sealed and so could not speak to what the others would be like. And Ty is correct, you and your siblings are Enhanced, and many magical beings will never be able to see past that fact. She shook her head. Regardless, it would take time to build the temple, and you and your siblings should be better trained before any attention is drawn to you. But it is something to consider for the future.

Gus nodded. Yeah, I guess we can talk about it when we’re all better trained and more used to magic in general.

Of course. You need to be a strong enough Wyvern to guard us before we do anything. I was just thinking aloud.

Gus huffed. I still can’t believe my role is as a guardian when all I can do is produce fire. You can transform into a giant Dragon.

The transformation takes time and energy, and I am quite weak in my human form. While I am in this form, protection falls to you. But not tonight. This has been a trying day for all of us, and you should go home and rest. We can speak more on this tomorrow.

At that, she shifted away, and Gus looped his arm through Ty’s before they made their way out of the school, heading back to their flat.

I’m still worried about this, Ty admitted once they were in the cool night air. This magic stuff seems dangerous, and while Nyssa and Caroline seem happy enough to deal with Enhanced, I don’t think that will be the norm.

I know, Gus said with a sigh. But I’ll be careful, I promise.

And what about getting involved with the rest of the rebels again? Will you promise me that you’ll be careful there as well? Gus, I... I want to help the others, I do, but I don’t know if I could handle everything resetting to how it used to be. I know that you left because you were grieving and because you wanted to find someone to train you in magic, but I left because being back there was crushing me. I can’t go back to that.

Gus nodded. I know, and I don’t want that, either. Like you said, I want to help, but I don’t want to start living back on the base or anything. He smiled. Hey, so, there’s one bit of magic I’ve used before that I’ve never managed to use again. Want to help me test it?

Will it hurt?

I don’t think so. There may be light bruising if I don’t do it right.

Ty raised an eyebrow. Okay, I can probably deal with light bruising.

Gus kept close to Ty as he closed his eyes and thought of home.

He had no idea if it would work or not, but a moment later, Gus felt as if the world had been pulled out from under him and he stumbled, opening his eyes to see that he was back home.

What was that? Ty asked as he took a moment to regain his balance.

Gus grinned. I just shifted us home.

Wait, really? We’re back so soon?

Gus brought his hand up to his boyfriend’s cheek before drawing him close and kissing him in excitement. Yup. So soon.

Okay, Ty said, mirroring his smile. I could get used to this kind of magic.

Yeah, I’m not sure I could get us anywhere but home yet, but this is why I want to keep learning. To get better at stuff like this.

I know, Gus. I’ve always understood why you wanted to learn, I just don’t want it to come between us. I don’t want to lose you.

You won’t, Gus assured him. I promise, I’ll take this slow. I don’t want us to get lost in this, either.

It’s not just that, Gus. This sort of thing is dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt.

I know, which is why I’m going to train to be an unstoppable force of fire.

Ty smiled at that. Okay then ‘unstoppable force of fire’, what are we doing about dinner?

Bored of all of this talk of magic?

No, it’s just been a long day and I haven’t eaten yet. Have you?

Gus shrugged as he noticed his stomach rumbling. No, admittedly, I haven’t. Come on, if I remember correctly, I bought stuff for spaghetti.

‘If you remember correctly’?

Look, everything before I ran into Kara and Fiona feels like a million years ago.

Ty smiled as he went to lean on the kitchen counter. That’s fair. Maybe, if we’re lucky, things will slow down for a bit.

Gus sighed as he took the ingredients out of the fridge. See, now you’ve jinxed it. He put everything down on the bench. Are you fine if I turn on the news?

Ty groaned. Everything has been so depressing lately.

You’re the one who wanted to be part of the ‘real world’.

Okay, fine, just for the headlines.

Gus turned on the TV, only to see footage of the aftermath of a small explosion, though there didn’t seem to be shrapnel, just flesh.

"The explosion earlier today appears to have been the result of a new bio-weapon, causing the body to explode. Footage of the incident itself is difficult to make out, but there appears to have been two victims aside from the one used as a bio-weapon, though only one victim has been recovered, deceased. Authorities are still looking for this young woman."

Shaky camera footage began to roll, and Gus supposed it made sense that people who didn’t know them would have trouble making them out in the footage, but to Gus, it was obvious that he was watching Alex and Jay meeting their contact.

Then their contact doubled over, and Jay pushed Alex to the ground, and a moment later, their contact exploded.

The footage cut out at that as fire flared across Gus’ arms.

Chapter Two

Hell

Hell frowned as zie watched zir brother leave the room. Zie thought that now that zie had found him, he would come back, but now he was walking away.

So... Mia said, drawing Hell’s attention back to the fact that they were alone now.

Hell’s cheeks heated rapidly as zie remembered that kiss Mia had given zir when zie had transformed back from zir Dragon form.

The kiss that Hell wanted more of.

Much, much more of...

But then zie froze, ice pooling in zir stomach.

What if it had just been a heat of the moment thing?

What if Mia hadn’t really meant it?

What if Hell tried to kiss her again and Mia backed away saying that it was all a mistake?

I... Um... Hell started, not managing to come up with anything more coherent.

You okay? Mia asked.

Hell nodded. Yeah, yeah, good... You?

Mia sighed. Look, Hell, if you... I know that I kind of ambushed you with that kiss and if it was too much...

No, no, it wasn’t, Hell said quickly as zie stepped forward. It, um... It wasn’t too much at all.

So, you were just being reluctant because...?

I thought it might have been a heat of the moment thing.

Mia gave zir an unamused look. Hell, I made out with you in front of everyone else before. Don’t think about it so hard.

Hell mirrored Mia’s unamused look. Cut me some slack, okay, Mia? I’ve never... I mean, I haven’t... Zie sighed, looking away. I didn’t like letting people close when we were with the rest of the Enhanced. Even superficially.

Mia brought her hand up to Hell’s cheek. Hey, she said, her voice soft. I’m sorry, I didn’t realise. I just... You don’t have to be nervous with me. I care for you, Hell. I want this if you want it.

Even though I can burst into flames?

Mia smiled. Yeah, I actually kind of like that about you.

What about the fact that I can shapeshift and turn into a giant Dragon?

Mia frowned, and Hell’s stomach froze.

What? zie managed.

Mia gave an apologetic look. I was just wondering what it would say about me if I said I liked that about you too.

Hell shrugged. I guess it would depend if it’s true or not.

Oh, it’s true. I don’t know, it’s weird... It’s like Gus discovering his powers - or at least, being open with them - awakened something in you. Something that was fighting to get to the surface, and you were restless with that fight. Mia smiled. You don’t seem as restless anymore.

Yeah, I guess I’m not. But, Mia... It’s not just turning into a Dragon. When I turn back, I’m different. I can shapeshift and I’m still experimenting with what I want my body to look like. Zie frowned, looking down at zirself. At least, I think that’s what I’m doing. It hasn’t exactly been a conscious decision, and I’ve only done it twice, but I’ve been different both times.

Hell, if you need time to get used to this before we do anything more than kiss, then I am fine with that. I am more than happy with kissing right now. But if you don’t need time and you’re just worried about me, don’t be. I care about you, no matter what you look like.

Hell sighed, not convinced.

Mia brought her hand up to Hell’s cheek once more. If you want this, Hell, don’t think so hard about it. I want you. She leaned close, her voice low. And if you want me too, I’m right here.

Hell’s breath caught in zir throat at Mia’s proximity.

Oh, zie definitely wanted her.

And if Mia didn’t want zir to think about it, then fine.

No more thinking.

Hell’s hands went to Mia’s waist, pulling her close so that their lips crashed together once more, fire flaring over every part of zir body that wasn’t in direct contact with Mia.

Mia finally pulled away with a grin when she needed air. That was exactly what I had in mind.

Hell wasn’t sure what happened, but one second zie thought about getting back to zir room, and the next second, they were there, crashing down onto zir bed while Hell contemplated whether zie could just burn off their clothing without causing any harm.

YOU CONSIDERED WHAT?

Hell shrugged as zie lay with Mia in zir arms, both thoroughly exhausted and satisfied. Not seriously, just for a second. But if I had pulled it off, it would have-

Literally set fire to my underwear?

That’s why I didn’t do it.

Mia grinned as she leaned over to kiss Hell on zir cheek. You’re adorable.

I’m not adorable, I’m a big scary Dragon.

Okay then, big scary Dragon, here’s a question for you. Is this the part where I get dressed and go back to my room, or the part where I stay snuggled here all night?

Hell’s face heated up once more. Snuggled here. Definitely here. You know, if you want.

I definitely want to stay here with my adorable Dragon.

Hell huffed just as there was a loud, urgent knock at zir door.

Zie groaned. Who is it?

Hell, open up!

Hell frowned at zir brother’s voice, sitting up. Zie turned to Mia. Do you mind?

Mia sighed. No, it sounds important.

Hell groaned before grabbing zir pants and pulling them on.

Zie made zir way to the door before opening it to see Gus standing there, flames flickering low and hot over his skin.

What’s wrong?

Alex.

Hell’s stomach dropped. Her mission...

It was a trap. There was an explosion. It’s all over the news. Jay’s dead and Alex is missing.

Gus managed to quell the flames over his hands long enough to pass Hell his phone.

Hell’s blood drained from zir face as zie read the article. Do Jan and Chloe know?

I have no idea.

Chapter Three

Jan

I t’s not easy, huh ?

Chloe looked up from her coffee with complete surprise, having clearly missed Jan enter the kitchen.

It’s not easy when your partner’s away on a mission, Jan clarified. I hate it when Alex is gone and I’m back here.

Chloe gave her a small smile. That happen often?

No. But I guess she figured that she had this one handled. Especially with Jay insisting on going with her...

Chloe nodded. Yeah, he... He cares about you kids, you know? I know that might be hard to believe about someone who was sent to stop you and who you then captured, but...

It gave him the chance to escape. I know. Alex made everything her job in the early days including figuring out if she could trust Jay. I knew that she wouldn’t let me take on tasks for her, but I could at least do them with her. It became clear pretty quickly that Jay wanted us to win. He wanted to be out of there as much as we did.

Chloe smiled. I’m glad. He’s so worried that you still don’t trust him. Or that any of you will get hurt. Which is why he insisted on going with Alex. I just wish I could be with him.

Well, I’m sure you two can do future missions together, if you want. Did you work together with the Enhanced?

Chloe nodded. All the time. I never felt right without him watching my back.

And then you fell in love? Jan teased as she made her way over to the coffee machine.

Chloe blushed. Yeah, I guess we did. She sighed. Not that we could admit it. We just pretended that it was all just shallow because we knew the risks if it wasn’t. She focused back down on her coffee. I wonder how many others had ‘relationships’ like we did.

I did, Jan said with a shrug. She hated thinking about it, but... It had become easier over the years.

I’m sorry. I had heard rumours... But there were a lot of efforts to downplay why you might have left.

Jan gave a wry smile as the coffee machine finished making her drink. Yeah, I imagined that would be the case.

That’s the thing, isn’t it? They put so much effort into pretending nothing is wrong, but we all knew that it was. That it wasn’t normal not to love. That it wasn’t normal to be nothing but weapons in their war. Jay and I knew that we shouldn’t have to hide our feelings, but we also knew that something like what happened to you was a real possibility if we slipped up while they watched. If we got careless... She sighed. It’s difficult not to regret those years. So long spent in purgatory. When Alex left, it was hard not to think that it would have been possible for us if we had just tried.

Well, you’ve got time now. Your whole lives ahead of you, in fact.

Chloe smiled. Yeah, we do, don’t we?

Jan returned her smile just as Hell and Gus entered the room, both pale and almost shaking.

What’s wrong? Jan asked, her hands going numb as she knew what they were going to say.

Something went wrong.

It had been a trap.

Alex and Jay were in trouble, or worse...

It was a trap, Gus told them before turning to Chloe. I’m so sorry, but Jay-

He’s dead, Chloe finished for him, her voice hollow.

Jan’s breath came shorter and shorter. Where was Alex?

Gus nodded. I’m sorry. They rigged a bomb in the contact Alex and Jay were meeting. Jay took the brunt of it. He turned to Jan. Alex is missing, we have no idea where she is.

Jan had no idea what to do with that information. Missing didn’t have to mean dead, but it could.

Or it could mean captured by the Enhanced, and now that she had access to Gus’ magic... There was no way that the Enhanced wouldn’t want to figure out how that worked.

Before she had too much of a chance to worry, she heard another set of footsteps approaching down the corridor.

Jan frowned as Nyssa entered the room and turned to Gus.

I apologise for my unannounced arrival, but I have a message from Lady Caroline. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Alex’s mission was a failure. It was too late for the Enhanced with her, but Alex survived the blast. She was taken to the Underworld for treatment.

Gus blinked. How... How did the Demons know that the mission had failed so soon? I mean, Alex is missing from all of the follow-up footage and witness accounts. As if she vanished immediately.

As Lady Caroline tells it, an Oracle came to visit the Princess and told her to be at the place of the explosion when it happened. She couldn’t do anything to stop it, and the Enhanced with Alex died instantly and could not be healed, but she managed to get Alex to safety.

Jan breathed a sigh of relief at that. If Alex was with Freya, then she was safe.

But Chloe didn’t have that relief, and now she was stuck grieving surrounded by people she barely knew.

Chapter Four

Alex

"A lex!"

Alex could hear a voice calling for her, echoing in the dark.

A voice she was sure belonged to Freya.

But Freya was gone.

It had been years...

Alex wasn’t sure how long the darkness lasted, but a creeping warmth eventually broke through, soft light enveloping her.

Alex groaned as she awoke, knowing that she was in pain, though the soft light embracing her was easing it, keeping the worst at bay.

Her eyes fluttered open and she failed to recognise the dark wooden ceiling above her, illuminated with red light from the window.

Alex bolted upright, her combat instincts kicking in.

Unfamiliar territory.

She was injured.

She needed to find somewhere safe.

Only, before she could move, she was stunned still by an all too familiar face sitting on the bed next to her.

Perhaps ‘familiar’ was the wrong word... The last time Alex had seen Freya, her hair had been wild and shapeless from a year without cutting it, and she had been stuck in plain clothing to help her blend into crowds.

Now, her long dark hair was pinned up, a silver tiara decorated with rubies sitting atop it, and she was wearing an intricate black and crimson gown. The black contrasted her lily-white skin, while the crimson contrasted her deep green eyes. It was definitely a striking look that was topped off by the corset around her waist accentuating her figure. Her right hand had a black glove covering it up to the elbow, but her left hand was bare, holding Alex’s and glowing with healing magic, though Alex could still see a tattoo of a dog on the inside of Freya’s wrist.

The years had obviously changed her, but this was still Freya.

It was you, was all Alex managed as she finally registered that Freya had been the one to save her.

Freya gave her a small, sheepish smile. It’s me.

Freya’s words hit Alex like a shot through her heart, all of the yearning and fear and hope that she had been trying not to feel for the past few years crashing into her at once.

Yearning for her lost love.

Fear that their goodbye would be permanent.

And hope that they would eventually see each other again.

All at once, Alex was back on that balcony in Spain, as if her final moments with Freya had been just seconds ago.

Alex surged forward, pulled by the cacophony of emotion within her.

She threaded a hand through Freya’s hair to keep her in place as their lips crashed together.

Freya’s hands were on her waist before Alex could consciously consider her instinct-driven actions, pulling her close as Freya returned her kiss in earnest.

The familiar warmth of fire flared between them and Alex realised that she had no idea if it was her or Freya producing the flame.

All she knew was that neither of them had to pull away, and her fire flared further as she moved her hand to the small of Freya’s back, pulling her even closer.

Alex only pulled away as the fire made the need for air even more pressing than it would have otherwise been. But as soon as she did, her brain caught up with the rest of her.

Sorry, she said with a sheepish smile. I shouldn’t... It’s been years, you probably don’t even still car-

Freya used the fact that her hands were still on Alex’s waist to pull her close before she could finish her thought, kissing her again.

Alex stared at Freya when she finally pulled away, not sure if she was incredulous, or incredibly turned on by the move.

Probably both.

What was that you were saying? Freya asked with a cheeky smile. Some sort of ridiculous apology?

Alex smiled back, shaking her head a little, though she stopped as Freya moved, and Alex spotted the engagement ring on the chain around her neck, slipping out from under the neckline of her dress.

You... You kept it, Alex said softly as she reached out, her fingers softly brushing the metal.

Of course, Freya said, her voice just as soft.

Alex continued to stare for a moment, her hand going to her own neck, though it stopped dead as it brushed up against nothing but her skin.

Panic rushed through her. I... I didn’t lose your pendant, I swear, I just... I would have kept it. Obviously, I would have kept it. It was the only thing I had of you. But... Well, when I found out that Gus and Hell had elemental magic, it made sense to give it to them so that they could use it to train. If I knew how to get another, I would have, but... They needed it more than me. Though, God, maybe I need it now as well, given that I can apparently access Gus’ magic, but I have no idea how that works-

Alex, Freya said gently, stopping her rambling in its tracks. You might want to take this from the top.

Alex nodded as she leaned back tiredly in the bed she was sitting on, trying to figure out exactly where to start. Right. The top... Well, after we split up, I met back up with Gus. You remember Gus, right?

Your brother? Yes, I remember him.

I didn’t trust anyone else, so I wanted it to be just him and me, taking on the rest of the Enhanced. That... It didn’t go well. We got into a fight and I was knocked out. Gus worried that I was dead, and when he was checking my pulse, his fingers brushed up against your charm. That was apparently enough for him to tap into his magic. He attacked the Enhanced with a barrage of flame and then shifted us away. Of course, he didn’t think to actually tell me how we got out of that fight until much later when we’d recruited others and they’d seen him use his powers in a fight. We looked into it and it turns out that they spliced Dragon genes into our entire batch. Not much, but enough for some of us to get powers. And... Well, when Gus next used his powers, the only other of our siblings we had recruited was Hell. The others...

She looked away, her vision blurring with tears. Once the Enhanced knew that Gus had magic, they tried to push the others into accessing their own. They... None of them survived...

Alex, I’m so sorry.

Alex shook her head. That was a while ago now. But as I said, Gus and Hell both accessed their own magic, so I gave them your focusing charm to help them control it. I’m sorry.

You don’t have to apologise, Freya assured her. I’m glad it was useful. But you mentioned being able to access Gus’ magic yourself. What did you mean by that?

I... I’ve only really done it once but... Alex brought her hand up before closing her eyes. She had no idea if she could call the fire on command, but she figured she had to try.

She focused on Gus, on their connection, and hoped that it would work.

A moment later, her eyes opened once more as heat spread across her palm.

There was really fire there.

It only lasted a moment, however, before disappearing.

Freya continued to stare at Alex’s hand for a moment before looking up at her for explanation.

Alex shrugged. It turns out Gus and I are connected. I might not have magic of my own, but I can draw on his. And it doesn’t poison me, like when that Guide infected me with magic, but I don’t know if that’s because it’s Gus or because something changed when Hell went through that initiation ritual... Alex sighed. Sorry, I’m trying to condense down years’ worth of news. Caroline was supposed to explain all of this to you...

Freya frowned. Caroline? How do you know Caroline?

Gus kind of stumbled across her team, and then she met with the rest of us... What day is it?

Tuesday, I think.

I met her yesterday and she said that she would come to the Underworld to tell you everything... Well, today, I guess. It’s been a hectic week.

Freya smiled. Yeah, I’m more than familiar with those kinds of weeks.

She paused for a moment and Alex couldn’t help examining her once more.

Despite how different she looked, they had fallen back into their easy relationship as if it had been nothing.

Freya brought her from her thoughts by saying, You’re an Enhanced with magic, as if that meant something to her beyond the basic, ridiculous premise.

Alex shrugged. Well, Gus has magic, I just kind of borrow his. And I have no idea how it even really works.

I might know someone who you should talk to about it, Freya said, as Alex went back to looking her over. Though Freya seemed to catch on as she demanded, What?

Nothing, Alex said quickly. It’s just... You look different.

Freya looked down at herself before turning back to Alex, her cheeks pink. Good different?

Alex nodded with a smile. Yeah. Like you finally found a place to belong.

Freya frowned in confusion.

Caroline told me about you finding your father and that he’s the Demon King.

Yeah, I think both of us have had a hectic few years. Speaking of, what exactly were you up to that got you caught in that explosion?

Alex’s blood chilled at the reminder that she hadn’t just woken up in the Underworld apropos of nothing.

Memories from just before she blacked out came flooding back.

Memories of their contact doubling over, and then Jay pushing her out of the way...

God, the explosion, I completely... The Enhanced that was with me, did he...

Freya shook her head. It looked like one exploded out from the inside. His bones became shrapnel. Your friend took an unlucky hit.

Freya’s words hit her like a shot to the chest.

Jay was gone.

Jay was gone because she had taken him on that mission.

Jay was gone because he had knocked her out of the way, saving her...

Oh God, Chloe...

Alex was pulled back to the present by the smell of burning fabric and she looked down to see that she was gripping the bed sheets and turning them to ash in her hands.

She took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts and feelings down and away.

That was a problem for when she was back on Earth.

There was nothing she could do from the Underworld.

And yet...

I... I was going to say that I couldn’t believe that the Enhanced would go as far as to use our own bodies as weapons against us, but... The problem is that I do believe it. Alex shook her head. I never should have let Jay come with me. He was so damn insistent, but I should have known better.

Freya put her hand over Alex’s and Alex realised that she hadn’t let go of the bedsheets or stopped burning them.

Alex took a deep breath before letting go.

I’m sorry, Freya said softly.

Alex shook her head, her fire still smouldering over her skin even though she kept it from the bedding. Don’t be, it’s my fault. I wanted to trust Kim so bad, I walked right into a trap. A trap that I probably wouldn’t have survived if you hadn’t gotten me out of there. Alex took another deep breath. Problems to deal with when she was back on Earth. She should focus on the here and now. How did you know I would even be there?

Alice. She told me that it was safe to come and get you. Probably because as much as the Enhanced could use me to track you down on Earth, they can’t track me in the Underworld.

Before Alex could process that, there was a knock at the door.

Freya rolled her eyes before turning, though the door opened before she could say anything.

A Demon entered, and Alex had to stop herself from raising an eyebrow. He looked like he had a rod stuck up his ass.

Princess Freya, he greeted stiffly, not even giving Alex a glance.

Alex was less than impressed by that but any thoughts on the matter were interrupted by another man entering the room. He was taller than the first, though probably just about the same height as Freya, with long dark hair that was tied back out of his eyes. His clothes were plain and black, and he carried a sword at his side. As he walked towards them, Alex spotted a tattoo on his left wrist, just like Freya’s, though his was a crescent moon, not a dog.

That’s when Alex’s lessons on Demons came back to her.

One of the best ways to extract information was to leverage loved ones, which meant that her instructors had taught her that tattoos like that were bonding runes, signalling that the Demons were married.

The man had no dogs on his clothing or armour, but Freya’s dress did have a crescent moon design, which likely made it the sign of her house. Or the sign of the Royal family, Alex supposed.

Which likely made the man who had entered her husband.

Sorry, Freya, he said. I tried to get him to wait outside, but he wouldn’t listen.

The rude man stiffened but didn’t stop addressing Freya. The King said he needed to see you urgently.

Freya nodded. I’ll be right there.

The man didn’t move until Freya glared at him.

Once he was out of the room, Freya glanced between Alex and the second man. This is Damon. He’s my, um...

Heat rose in Alex’s cheeks. Your husband... I might have just kissed your wife. A few times, actually.

Damon just smiled. It’s all right, Freya and I already talked about this. I was never going to make her choose between us.

A flood of relief flowed through Alex as she realised that she hadn’t caused any problems. Huh... You know, that’s exactly what my fiancée said about it.

Kind of...

Alex had to stop herself from frowning. Sure, Jan had said that she ‘didn’t mind sharing’ but Alex hadn’t known that she was moments away from meeting Freya again, so they hadn’t exactly hammered out specifics.

It probably meant that their kiss was fine, at least, but Alex didn’t exactly want to do anything else without some way to contact Jan.

Not least because Alex had no idea if Jan knew if she was safe or not.

Hopefully, Caroline had told her, but Alex couldn’t be sure, and that fact caused her stomach to turn.

Freya’s voice brought her back to the moment. Your what now?

My fiancée. And you don’t get to be surprised, you’re married.

Fair point, Freya said with a shrug before refocusing. I should really go and see what my father needs, but Alex, you should show Damon your magic.

It’s not mine, Alex reminded her, wondering why she wanted Damon to see it. And I feel bad for drawing from Gus so much. I don’t want to exhaust him. But... I suppose a little flame couldn’t hurt.

And if she was using Gus’ magic, he would at least know that she was safe and tell the others.

Relief flooded through Alex once more as she brought out her hand and produced another small flame.

Damon stared at the flame for a moment, before managing to speak. I... I’m not the only one.

Alex frowned as the flame disappeared once more. Not the only what?

The only... Hybrid, I guess. My father is a Demon, but my mother... She was Enhanced. I was raised here as a Demon, but I do have Enhanced powers.

Alex stared at him, remembering the empty crib in the Enhanced base she had been sent to recover when she’d first met Freya. At first, she had assumed that it had been a Demon subject in the crib from the worn away labelling, but then Jay had told her that there had been rumours of a hybrid.

You... Did your father clear out an entire base to get you?

Damon nodded, looking away. I believe that was the case, yes.

I’d heard rumours that you existed, and I’d seen the old base. I wondered what had happened to you. She shook her head. Though I’m not exactly a natural-born hybrid. And I’m not sure that I class as one at all. Dragon DNA was spliced into my batch. Some of my siblings manifested powers, including my brother, and since the two of us are connected, I can access his powers, even though I don’t have any of my own.

I... um... Damon started, but he looked away, fidgeting with the edge of his shirt.

Alex gave him a reassuring smile. You know, if you want to know anything about the Enhanced, I can tell you. I might even be able to track down some info on your mother, if you want.

Freya stood up at that. I should go, she said. But I’ll be back in a bit.

She headed out of the room, leaving Alex alone with Damon.

Oh, before I forget, he said, reaching into his pocket before bringing out a phone. Caroline had one of her people prepare phones for you all. She didn’t know if you were using them already.

Alex shook her head. Too easy to track.

Well, these have been protected by Dwarven magic. No one is getting in there.

Really? Alex asked as Damon passed her the phone, going to sit on a chair next to her bed. No one?

Yeah, but it apparently makes them sentient, so...

Alex raised an eyebrow as she examined the phone. This thing is alive?

Yeah, but trust me, you don’t really notice, and it’ll keep it safe from Human and magical attempts to hack it alike. Caroline said she already programmed it with the numbers of all of the phones she was giving to the rest of the Enhanced.

Alex found the contacts and scrolled until she found Jan, quickly typing out a message.

Hey. I’m alive! I’m also in the Underworld with Freya. Text me when you get this.

Alex wasn’t happy with the message, but she had no idea what else to write, so she sent it before turning to Damon.

Texting your fiancée? he asked.

She nodded. I just... I need her to know that I’m okay. She sighed. I mean, I suppose that’s the least I need her to know. But I guess the rest can come later.

I’m sorry, Damon said. You just got here after being badly hurt, and it’s probably overwhelming, and I ended up grilling you about the Enhanced.

Alex gave him a reassuring smile. Actually, Freya was the one to bring it up, and you haven’t actually asked me a question yet, I just offered to tell you information.

Well, regardless, we should probably start with other pleasantries. Like, ‘hi, I’m Damon’. I can’t remember if Freya introduced me or not...

She did, Alex assured him, though something clicked as he said his name again. Wait, ‘Damon’?

Yeah, why?

Your name is Damon the Demon?

He looked away sheepishly. Technically, the Enhanced were the ones who gave me that name, so...

And your father kept it?

Damon’s gaze darkened, and he didn’t answer.

Alex was at a bit of a loss there, wanting some way to segue out of the clearly sore subject, only for something else to click into place.

Wait, didn’t Freya go to school with a kid called Damon? Who she had a massive crush on?

Damon turned bright red. I... Yeah, I guess that was me. I came back to the Underworld to train after school, and then I met Freya again when I returned to Earth a few years ago.

But she said you dated briefly but broke up because you were Human. Except you weren’t Human?

Damon shrugged. We were both under protection spells. Hers to hide the fact that she was an Angel, and mine to hide me from my father. They stopped us from being able to sense magic in each other.

Alex nodded, her gaze going back down to the phone in her hand, as if she could will it to buzz by glaring at it.

So, how exactly do you tap into your brother’s magic? Damon asked, pulling her attention back to the conversation.

Alex shrugged. I don’t really know. Caroline said all twins with magic are connected, and that was why I could tap into his powers. Though it only started happening after Hell went through the initiation ritual for zir shapeshifting powers...

Wait, twins? How does that happen with Enhanced?

It was an experiment to see if they could create more of us by implanting twin embryos in a surrogate. They thought it was too risky after us, and it looks like they didn’t realise that that experiment alongside the Dragon genes would have this effect. She sighed. Not that I even really know what this effect is. It’s weird to have these powers and not really know how they work...

Yeah, tell me about it, Damon said with a wry smile. I’ve never known the specifics of my Enhanced powers.

How extensive are they? I mean, do you think you’re as strong and fast as I am without your magic?

Damon shrugged. Probably, but I haven’t seen you in action before.

And can you dampen magic?

He nodded. I always hated using that ability, I’ve never figured out how to avoid dampening my own magic as well, but I’ve been using it to help Freya be less afraid of having her magic dampened.

I’m not sure I can help you with not dampening your own magic. Alex gave a self-deprecating smile. I could barely avoid dampening Freya’s when we were fighting together.

Yeah, it makes for a pretty good excuse not to use them very often.

Yeah, I wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to go near those powers again. But...

But?

Well, maybe they’re just as much a part of you as this magic is now a part of me. She shook her head. I mean, is a part of Gus and Hell. I’m just borrowing...

You’re a part of this, Alex. As much as they are.

Alex managed a sheepish smile. You know, when we first found out about Gus’ powers, I didn’t feel jealous or left out. Not like I think Hell did. I was happy enough without them. But now that I can feel the magic just moments out of my reach? It’s hard not to want to tug at it.

She shook her head, looking away. I’ve never really been good at sleeping alone. Even when I was a kid, it bothered me. When I was little, I used to sneak into Gus’ bed, and he didn’t really mind, but sharing a blanket was never fun. We would always be tugging one way and then the other, and every time I tugged too far, Gus would remind me that I had my own bed. She gave a wry smile. I feel like I’m tugging at his blanket again, only now he’s not next to me to tell me off if I tug too far.

I mean, I don’t know much about twin bonds, but most magical bonds allow the people in them to shut them down, at least temporarily. If Gus doesn’t want you borrowing his magic, he can probably stop you from doing so. Though, yeah, you should probably be careful about drawing on it too much without being able to warn him first. If he’s still new to the powers, he might not know his own limits yet, and might not cut you off early enough.

Yeah, don’t worry, I’m going to be careful from now on.

The door opened once more, and Freya walked back into the room, looking a little tired.

Damon spoke before Alex could. So, what was the matter?

Freya groaned as she dropped down at the end of Alex’s bed. Well, apparently Pandora’s Box is real, and it has been opened.

Alex took a moment to process Freya’s words, along with the ease with which she said them.

As if this were just normal for her.

Alex had forgotten how weird things with Freya tended to get.

Freya sighed, brushing a few loose strands of hair from her eyes. I mean, I’m assuming that by ‘Pandora’s Box’ Seph means that this is the box that inspired the old myth, not that it works exactly the same way. No, nothing would ever be that easy.

Alex gave her a wry smile, remembering that the best way to ride out these situations was to just stay as calm as Freya. And sometimes calmer, when it all got too ridiculous even for her. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever actually been around for any of your huge, world-ending magical adventures.

You say that like it’s a bad thing.

She shook her head. No, not at all. I’m just saying, I’ve heard stories about how you stopped Faeries from destroying the world and helped your sister rebel against Fate herself...

Freya sighed. Yeah, but I think that those examples are about as extreme as anything got before I met you.

Alex raised an eyebrow. You say that as if those things aren’t extreme.

Yeah... I guess when the most extreme thing you can possibly face is the end of the world, it gives you a weird perspective on things. Speaking of, I don’t think we actually have any guarantee that this box won’t end the world tomorrow, so we should probably head to Earth in the next couple of days to deal with it. Assuming it’s on Earth. That’s the only realm that appears affected, so I’m gonna run with that assumption for now. Anyway, despite the urgency, my father is insisting on having a couple of days to gather together as much information as we can. Plus... I think his illness is getting to him and I’m not going to push if he wants an extra day with me here. He’s not wrong to say that having the time to allow Seph to look into things isn’t a bad thing.

Damon placed a reassuring hand on Freya’s knee. "Not to mention, you could use