Chapter 777: Chapter 777: Traitor

I could see the tension in Varity's face as she performed her necromancy.

And nothing happened.

A frown pulled at her lips, lining her already wrinkled face with surprise and frustration.

"He was young," Lula said softly. "Have you raised a baby before?"

Varity shook her head, deeply troubled as her power swirled around the skull. "I haven't," she said. "But he should have an echo."

"He was Sidhe," Mom said, bringing up the argument I feared the most. "They don't have echoes. It could be he simply doesn't have one to show."

But Alison was already shaking her head, her nerves gone, face determined as she held out her hands to Varity. For the skull. As though it were some special gift.

"Please," she said. "Let me."

Varity met my eyes, but Quaid spoke before I could.

"Just give it to her," he said, voice rough, gruff and graveled. With grief? I didn't know. But his power around me never wavered and I sent silent thanks to him for his continued support.

For his belief in me.