Free Blue Keltic Moon (Children of the Keltic Triad) by *lizzie starr Page B

world between worlds was one of the most difficult moments Breanna had ever encountered. When she finally got the words out, their reactions surprised her.
    “It’s part of the duties you took on as the leader of the Alastriona, honey,” her mother said calmly. “Your dad and I have every confidence in your abilities. Oh, don’t worry, I’m going to stress over every moment you’re in that nether world. But you worrying about how we feel isn’t going to help the mission.” Her shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, but a shimmer of tears glistened on her lashes. “I suppose it’s not a whole lot different any time mothers send their children off to war, is it?”
    Mom had hit the nail square on the head. Bree was going to war. Not against the people or politics of another nation, but against a world, a place. “No Mom, it isn’t. I can’t promise everything will be fine.”
    “I know, honey. Just be safe. Have you told your granda?”
    Bree shook her head and grimaced.
    Her dad chuckled at her unwilling admission. “Da will be envious. He’s often spoken of exploring different worlds.”
    “Maybe he’ll get a chance once all this is over. Gowthaman has some interesting theories on how worlds connect. We may be able to find portals to some of these places without having to pass through the world between worlds.” Bree shared her granda’s excitement for adventure and exploring. Despite the dangers inherent to any mission into the unknown, the thrill burned within her. Although she wouldn’t be the first to experience the world between worlds and return, none of the others she knew of had embraced the experience by choice. If only there was a way to share her excitement with Gowthaman.
    “How is Gowthaman?” her mother asked. “He hasn’t shown up to many family gatherings lately.”
    “He... he’s withdrawn. He won’t let me help and it’s been too long. He’s unsuccessfully dealing with the recurring horror and pain alone.”
    “He’s a proud Faerie, Bree.”
    “I know, Dad.”
    “And it’s difficult to ask for help.”
    “I know that too. I hurt for him, seeing him suffer when he doesn’t need to.”
    Her mother’s eyes darkened for a moment and Bree knew she relived the dark moments of her own past. “Maybe he does, honey. It’s a part of healing.”
    “But to hold on to that pain for a lifetime? He’s got to come to terms with what happened. Work through it like you did. With help. No, Mom. It’s some stupid... oh, I don’t know. After all this is done, I’ve got to find a way to make him talk to me. About us.”
    Her parents shared a look she didn’t have to interpret and Breanna blew out a breath filled with frustration and a bit of humor. “I’ve got to run. We’ll cross into the world between worlds tomorrow night.” She gave them each a hug. “Love you both.”
    After another round of somber hugs, Bree smiled, waved and left the house. She leaned back against the brightly painted door and closed her eyes. All around her were couples so filled with love for each other it was amazing they didn’t burst with the joy.
    She shook away her thoughts. This was not the time for daydreams and romantic notions. This was the time for preparation and action. Eyes open, she stared unseeing into the park across the street. There wasn’t much time before the action would consume all her attention.
    “Sis?” Chance eased around a tree.
    She gave him half a smile. “What do you want? I don’t have time to—”
    He crossed his arms in a belligerent pose. “I’m going.”
    “Where?”
    “With you, stupid. To the world between worlds.”
    “No, you’re not.”
    “Come on, Bree. What have you been training me for if not to stand by your side in battle? So I’m not mature. So I’m not a full Faerie warrior. So? I need this, Bree. I need to do something important.”
    She didn’t have the patience for his young man bravado or angst and pushed away from the door. “You’ve got