"Sometimes it's best to let
your opponent think
he has control."

~~Rae Carson

****************

~Nevada~

Science dictates that a black hole is an area of spacetime where nothing, no particles or light, can escape the pull of its gravity. I had read about them in countless stories and briefly discussed the idea during courses in college, but I never thought it would be something I would ever experience. In all honesty, I wasn't technically encountering one now but it felt like it all the same.

Torch's revelation that his father was our true enemy had opened a yawning chasm before us, an abyss that could consume the world around us and probably would. I wasn't sure about anyone else, but I had never heard of this man before or what powers he held. Who knows, maybe I had waited on him during my few short weeks at the bookstore. It was possible that Balthier was a regular at the music store where Nova had worked for years. He could be anyone and could be anywhere with connections that could run deeper than the ties of kings.

It was a terrifying thought, one that left a cold pit of dread in my gut and icy fear clogging my veins. Balthier Christani was a hybrid who had lived hundreds, or thousands, of years and spent half of it tortured in a silver cage. The potential horrors were nearly infinite and my mind couldn't seem to wrap itself around the enormity of what we were facing. It felt impossible. 

August's arms were warm and firm wrapped around my body, his thumb rubbing slowly back and forth on the bare skin of my arm where his had crossed over my chest. It was comforting and safe despite the chill that plagued my insides.

"So… if you're not our enemy then…," I swallowed nervously and forced the words out of my mouth, "why did you go after my… our… uh, Dominic and Alana? You hunted then for years? Why?"

Dark blue eyes bore into mine and the urge to shy away from the blankness staring back at me was almost overwhelming but I held my ground… barely. 

"I never caught them, did I?" Torch replied with a subtle quirk of his brow.

I opened my mouth to point out that he hadn't actually answered my question when Nova interrupted.

"Is the prophecy even real?" Violet eyes flashed as they narrowed skeptically on Torch. "I figure there's some truth to it for it to exist at all, but I have a feeling it's more of a lie. Am I right?"

Midnight met violet with what looked like a hint of appreciation sparking in the dark pools.

"You're smarter than you look, Young Prince," Torch drawled, leaning forward almost curiously as he propped his elbows on his knees.

Hatter growled warningly, eyes like molten silver but remained where he was when Nova placed a hand on his thigh. He flicked his gaze to Hatter briefly before smirking at Torch and giving a half shrug.

"What can I say? I'm not just a pretty face." Nova's smirk instantly faded as he leveled his gaze on the new hybrid in our midst. "We can talk about how sexy I am some other time. For now, why don't you just answer the question?"

"Fair enough," Torch conceded with a mild wave of his hand. Once again, I watched his focus flick momentarily to Rosalyn and then Michael before focusing back on the rest of us. "I did promise you guys some answers."

"So, the prophecy isn't real?" I asked, hoping to hide my astonishment as emotions battled each other inside my head. 

"Not entirely." Torch's nonchalant tone pricked at my nerves.

"What the hell does that mean?" I all but snapped. "Quit with the cryptic responses and explain this shit already. I'm tired and I have zero patience for bullshit right now."

"Feisty, that's good. You'll need to tap into that more often if you want to survive to see your first hundredth birthday," Torch replied unperturbed.

"Answer them," August growled, his voice rumbling from his chest and vibrating through my body. "We've had enough games and mind fucks to last a thousand lifetimes. Get on with it."

"Fine." Torch leaned back and crossed his arms. "Balthier lost his mind when my mother died, or more like his mind broke, his sanity shattered. When he broke from his silver cage, he slaughtered everyone and everything he could get his hands on, no matter who they were or whether they had played a part in his torment. He was on a warpath, in search of revenge and the world was the target of his wrath."

"And still is, I'm guessing?" Hatter asked disdainfully. 

Torch nodded. "He vowed to find the God Stone and make everyone pay for the loss of Pandora."

"Everyone as in everyone or just those involved with what happened?" Nova asked with furrowed brows.

"Everyone." Torch grew somber, eyes darkening to near Onyx. "Once he gets his hands on the God Stone, he plans to wield it against the gods themselves. Once their ties to our realm are broken, Balthier is going to destroy them and then any or everyone else. Or at least those who oppose him."

I felt the warning beneath his words more than I heard it, fear turning to blood to an icy sludge as my heart somehow pounded in my chest. The dichotomy of the sensations were not lost on me and yet they were both extremely present, impossible to deny or ignore. The mere thought of facing this lunatic made me want to cry or hide in a ten mile deep whole, but I had no choice. My family, my soulmate, myself, and so many innocent others were in danger, our lives hanging in the balance as we spoke.

"But that still doesn't answer my question," I reminded him, cocking my head to the side in confusion. "Why did you go after Dominic and Alana? What do they have to do with any of this?"

"Well for one, they are the offspring of the Kings that sent Balthier to his prison," Torch answered without hesitation as if he had expected my question to come around again. Good. "And for two, they were and are the links to the prophetic children, which would be you two."

"Wait, I thought you weren't our enemy but yet you went after my parents because of their indirect link to what happened to Balthier?" I asked incredulously. "If you're on our side, how can you still want to exact revenge on his behalf?"

"That's not why," Torch growled through clenched teeth.

I should have been afraid and in the back of my mind I knew that I was but that didn't stop my temper from getting the best of me.

"Then tell me why!" I snarled, my patience at the end of its thread, making me reckless but by that point I didn't really care. "Why did you do it?!"

"Because I didn't have a choice!" Torch roared, a wave of fury crashing into me so intensely that I felt it squeezing around my chest and tightening my lungs. 

The room was silent, all the men except for Michael were poised and ready for an attack that never came. Torch took a long deep breath and closed his eyes as Rosalyn laced her hand with his. Finally, after several long minutes, he met my eyes again, the anger dissolved as if it had never been there.

"Let me tell you about the prophecy and then I will explain." He spoke carefully as if he were still struggling to maintain a calm exterior.

I was quickly reminded of how scary he truly was. Feeling like a scared little girl, I burrowed into August's side and didn't say another word. 

"There was a prophecy, one that came into existence thousands of years ago," Torch began quietly as if telling a bedtime story. "It told of two children that would be of true blood and half… siblings that would wield unimaginable powers and whose abilities would be practically limitless, especially when combined."

My eyes found Nova's a few feet away, and I could tell it wasn't just me that was holding my breath, anxiously awaiting how this story would end.

"Together, these children would be the only ones in existence that could wield the power of the God Stone," Torch continued, his voice solemn. "With it, the siblings could wreak untold levels of havoc, chaos and death plaguing the world with each step they took."

My stomach twisted into knots, growing tighter and tighter with every word, and I quickly became nauseous. The vision of Nova and I returned to my mind, hundreds of lifeless eyes staring unseeing towards the night sky. My stomach rebelled, threatening to let its contents escape but I was frozen, unable to do anything but listen to the truth of my future being told.

"But… if given the right tools, they could change the world…" His unexpected words were astonishing, letting relief wash over me like a tidal wave as brightness flickered in the darkness of my path. "They could bring a truce to the kingdoms, peace between the clans and the packs and every species on earth if they chose. They could save countless lives instead of ending them… or they could do nothing and leave the world to its fate."

"Ah, so I can be lazy," Nova threw in, dramatically rolling his eyes as he sat back. "End the world, killing everyone. Save the world, possibly killing ourselves. Do nothing and watch it kill itself. Great choices."

"This isn't a game or a joke, Young Prince," Torch scowled. "Lives and eternity are at stake here, don't you get it? If the gods fall then so do the rest of us. Do you really wish to see your precious wolf die? Are you sick of him already?"

Hatter growled, his fingers curling into fists as he glared at the other man. "Is that a goal you'd like to try your best at achieving?"

"Hardly," Torch answered dismissively. "I have more pressing… matters I need to deal with. Your life, or death, isn't exactly high on my list of things to do."

"Is that so? I highly doubt that," Hatter quipped in irritation. 

"Doubt all you wish but, speaking of things I need to do, that brings me back to the other question plaguing your minds," Torch responded, disinterested in Hatter's attempts to goad him. "Dominic and Alana and why I hunted them, yes?"

Torch ran a hand through his hair, lines of tensions forming on his forehead as he looked at Michael. Immediately I noticed that the warlock had grown tense as well, his entire body rigid and on edge as he held his brother's gaze.

"As I said before, I didn't have a choice but to go after them," he said quietly, still watching Michael. "My father holds power over me, a power that I wish to destroy. Like any maker/progeny relationship, there is a bond that links us, one that allows him to find me if he wishes or call me home, to command me to follow his orders regardless of how I feel about them. He wanted Dominic's children but also both of their heads on a platter. The fact that Dominic and Alana were together was just a bonus for him."

"So, he sent you after them?" I asked, making sure I understood correctly. "Sent you after them as revenge for what their parents had done centuries ago and also hoping to find Nova and I? And he wants us to wield a powerful amulet that will destroy the gods and the world?"

"Yes."

"Why does that sound like it became more complicated than it should be?" Nova inquired, a yawn splitting his face and distorting his words momentarily. "Can't he just use the damn thing himself?"

"Not without ending his own life, which he won't do because he hates himself for what happened to Pandora along with the ones that actually did it. Forcing himself to live a life without her is his own personal torment." Torch shook his head. "I thought hunting them down and taking the lives of those actually responsible would have been enough for my father to leave Dominic and Alana alone, but he's a cruel, sadistic man who loves playing mind games. Psychological torture is his favorite hobby."

"Your pops sounds just delightful." Nova shrugged, the dark circles seeming even darker beneath his eyes than they had a few minutes before. "But I've witnessed his will over you in action and I can understand why you wish to be rid of him. Saying that, I believe what you're telling us despite the fact I'm not your biggest fan."

"I'm not looking for fans," Torch countered evenly. "I'm looking for allies in the war that I plan to rage against the man who helped create me. From what I understand, the gathering of troops has already begun?"

"And where did you acquire that information?" August asked suspiciously.

"It doesn't matter where I heard it, but only whether or not it's true. Is it?"

"So to speak," Nova confirmed casually, ignoring the pointed looks that August and Hatter sent his way. "After the Cordeaux family was slaughtered, someone had to take the reins. Who better than the original heir?"

"Do you know anything about that?" I asked, my muscles tensing as I fired off question after question. "About the supposed giants or the wolves that did it? Or who put the bounty and blame on our father's head? Was that Balthier as well?"

"It was, along with Dreymier Drakos." Anger sparked in the center of my chest as Torch confirmed our suspicions. "The giants were the ploy used to convince the wolves to do his dirty work, not that he needed it with that imbecile, Jackal, calling the shots. But that's all it was. Lavarius had no interest in seeking out the giants. All he wanted was to stay out of the way, but the bad blood between the fae races made that impossible."

"And Dominic?" Nova asked, raising a questioning brow.

Torch sighed and ran his hand through his dark locks once more. "What happened with Dominic was just another game of my father's. He thought that if Dominic believed everyone was after him that he would slip up and lead you all right into my father's hands. Luckily, Dominic and Alana are both extremely intelligent so they made the right call to leave the two of you. Again."

Nova scowled but said nothing and even though Torch's words pissed me off, I couldn't argue either. If we had all stayed together then we would have been discovered and all of us taken down, one after the other. With our group partially spread out, it left us a bit more scattered and smaller targets. Until now anyway. I had a feeling our group had just gotten bigger.

"Look, you have no reason to trust me or join my side but I think we'll all be better off as allies. Don't you agree?"

Torch looked at each of us expectantly but I couldn't meet his cold, dark eyes again. Chewing on my bottom lip, I replayed everything that had been said tonight and everything we had learned recently. It wasn't  a pretty thought or a dream I would ever have but I knew what decision we had to make.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." The words rolled off my tongue and I was surprised to find there was no bitter aftertaste of fear to accompany them.

"Smart girl," Torch acknowledged and I almost swore I saw the corner of his mouth twitch as if he wanted to smile.

Nova shrugged again as he yawned. "I guess there are worse ways to die than saving the world with a guy that almost but not really wanted me dead to begin with."

"That's not reassuring," Hatter muttered but didn't argue even if he was obviously not thrilled with the idea.

"I'll do what needs to be done," August agreed, seeming to side with Hatter on the idea of distrust.

Torch looked at Michael, patiently waiting for him to confirm or deny his willingness to join the cause. It seemed like an eternity, the two men unblinking as if there was a silent conversation happening, before Michael gave a small nod of his head.

"You know where my loyalty lies, Raziel. Why question it now?" Michael asked, his voice low but sure. "The question is, what's the next move?"

Torch's shoulders visibly relaxed and there was no denying the small smile that played on the stoic man's lips.

"The sire bond remains unless or until it is broken or willingly released" he began slowly as if choosing his words again, "but with Balthier and I, it can't be released. Even if it could, he would never relinquish his hold on me, not voluntarily."

Michael frowned. "Yes, I'm aware of how the bond works. Where is this going?"

"I need you to break the bond," Torch answered quietly, barely loud enough for everyone else to hear. "Rip it out of me and away from every fiber of my being."

Michael stared at him with wide eyes but didn't answer.

"Why?" I asked, wanting more than the excuse of wanting rid of the man which I completely understood. But my gut told me it was more than that. "It must be painful and you've managed to do mostly what you want for centuries it seems. So why do this now? Why not years ago?"

"Because now I have a reason to truly want it." His answer came quick and rang of truth. "I had searched for loopholes and had been able to keep the two of you and your parents alive over the years while also doing as I was bid to do. But I have things I want and I don't plan on letting him keep his fingers around my neck any longer."

"And?" I prompted, my gut still pushing me to question him.

"Jeez Nev, way to question a guy wanting his own free will," Nova commented dryly as he rubbed his eyes. "Let it go."

But I couldn't just drop it. There was something else going on. 

"Because if Michael doesn't do this then you'll die because I'll rip out August's heart." My breath caught in my throat and both Hatter and August growled but Torch didn't make a move to do anything, simply looking into my eyes with what seemed like regret. "And Hatter too. It was an order I had to obey…"

His words trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid. Nova sat forward, his head turning as he looked back and forth between Torch and Michael but I couldn't tear my gaze away from the other man, wishing I had heard him wrong. It was like a knife to the gut and there was nothing I could do.

"That's your loophole," Nova said, sounding irritated and slightly awed. "The conversation, telling us everything, but making sure we brought Michael, all of it. It was to buy time, to put off the inevitable in hopes of being able to grasp this opportunity. It was a win-win for all of us…"

Nova slowly trailed off too, his focus now solely on Michael who looked as white as a sheet.

"Unless Michael says no," Torch confirmed with a sad nod. "Balthier was almost too specific with this order. He's finally caught on to my plan. He hoped it would bring the two of you to his side once and for all to protect your lovers."

"I'll rip his fuckinf head off!" Hatter snarled viciously, dual canines glittering in the living room light. The room erupted into instant arguments and shouting, all the men yelling and cursing, promising threats.

"Just wait a -" Nova started but a voice spoke over him.

"I'll do it!" Michael called shakily over the uproar. The room instant went silent and all eyes fell on him. He repeated his words, "I'll do it."

"Are you sure?" Torch asked, and I wanted to smack him if he thought there was an acceptable alternative. "You know the risks, Mikey."

"I know." Michael gave Torch a sad smile. "Maybe we'll get lucky and the ritual won't kill me. Stranger things have happened, you know."

"Wait, this could kill you?!" Nova was almost hysterical. "No! There's got to be another way. Torch, you bastard, how could you do this?! There has to be someone else!"

Michael laid his hand on Nova's shoulder as his eyes, now bright blue, filled with sadness and love. "There are worse ways of dying than one that will give you the chance to live and be happy, Nova. It'll be okay, in the end you'll see."

Nova opened his mouth and began to protest but Michael shook his head and stood up to face his brother.

"There's a room with the robes and items you'll need," Rosalyn informed Michael, gently taking his hand and leading him from the room before Nova or anyone else could stop them.

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A/N: So sorry this took so long!!!!

Its been hectic and I've tried to get this done sooner but life had other plans. But I stayed up late tonight to get this done for you guys! Forgive me?

So, we've got some answers FINALLY! Any new questions after this newest revelation?

What did you think about what happened?

Also, who has watched "Shameless (U.S.) on Netflix? We recently started watching it and I love it! I'm really drawn to Mickey and Ian's relationship bc it kind of reminds me of Nova and Robbie. Anyone else?

Otherwise, my remodel is almost finished and my kids have officially started virtual Elementary. Fingers crossed it works out! Also, I don't think I'll be submitting Fated Connection into the Wattys like I wanted. I don't seem to have the time to properly edit it like I want. Maybe next year.

Thanks for sticking with me!

XOXO🖤❤🖤❤

~SM~