Dearest Mother of Mine (Overworld Chronicles) Read Online Free Page A

Jeremiah Conroy, Underborn, and some leaders of the primary supernatural factions." He tapped his chin in thought. "I am certain there are more, though knowing their names will make no difference."
    "I'm nobody's pawn," I said, slashing the air with a hand, even though I knew full well I'd been played time and time again by people like Underborn, assassin and master manipulator.
    "You are a reactant," Lornicus said. "When something affects you, your response tilts the balance. Because you are the Cataclyst, your decisions impact the future in interesting ways."
    "I don't want to deal with this crap," I said. "I'm a simple kind of guy. Give me my family, my friends, and leave me alone."
    "And to hell with the world, Mr. Slade?"
    I clenched my teeth. "Obviously, if angels enslave the human race it's going to affect my happy place. If Mr. Gray really wants to keep Daelissa from completing her diabolical plans, then he can handle it so I don't have to."
    "You're still posed with rather serious obstacles when it comes to your family, however." The golem seemed quite smug at this statement. He motioned me into the elevator. "I have arranged transportation for you to a destination of your choosing."
    "Queens Gate is fine." I stepped into the elevator with him, my insides roiling at his statement about my family. The golem sure had a way of spoiling my holiday cheer, especially since I knew he was right. What information did he have? Could he help me rescue my mother and Ivy? I sure as hell didn't have a plan. I didn't even know where the Conroys lived, or if they kept my mother in the same location as Ivy.
    I remained silent as the elevator descended. Lornicus seemed content to leave me to my thoughts. Fantasies of having Mom and Ivy home for the holidays swirled in my head, warm fuzzy feelings mingling with ice cold reality. The golem probably had information that could lead me directly to them. Why would he have gone through all the trouble to kidnap me unless he wanted to use me in some way?
    The doors dinged open to a tunnel stretching into the distance. A sleek, floating platform of some shiny metallic substance hovered a few feet off the ground.
    "Where are we?" I asked.
    "Not far from an arch which will return you to Queens Gate. Never worry, you are quite safe." Lornicus motioned for me to board the craft.
    I stepped aboard, keeping a wary eye out, but saw no other doors in the tunnel from which gray men might spring. The shuttle whisked us down the tunnel, during which time Lornicus busied himself checking an arcphone, tapping out what looked like emails until we stopped at a cavernous room with an Obsidian Arch dominating the center.
    The Obsidian Arch network provided nearly instantaneous travel for citizens of the Overworld. Hundreds of them dotted the globe, most located in way stations near the entrances to what could only be described as pocket dimensions—places like the Grotto or Queens Gate, which existed in a place other than the mortal realm, enclosed by an impenetrable barrier to whatever lay beyond. If Mr. Gray wasn't lying and the angels hadn't built the arches or the pocket dimensions, then who had? Did giants watch us from outside the barriers, tiny ants in detailed snow globes?
    "Which way station is this?" I asked, looking around the empty space. Most way stations were packed with travelers much like an airport. Each usually had a stable for the menagerie of animals visitors used to transport themselves.
    "It has no name. Mr. Gray knew of its existence and uses it for himself." Lornicus ushered me toward the arch.
    Mom. Ivy.
    I had to ask the golem for information. If I stepped through the arch, I might not have another chance. But would he help me, or rub it in my face?
    The arch hummed to life as we walked toward it, the center flickering between ultraviolet, white, and gray, the thrum of energy vibrating the air around us.
    Lornicus had mentioned my family on purpose. He's manipulating me . He wanted me