"Long ago, the heavens and the earth split from one another. It was a time of great tumult, and the gateway between the two realms was sealed away for eternity," he explained. "Or so we thought. My kind always thought there was a way to reopen that gateway, and a few days ago, the gateway ruptured. At the autumn equinox, the gate is weakest. You're going to open the gateway."
"What will happen then?"
"You'll turn into a princess," he said with a cold smile.
"I don't understand what that means, Father."
"It means when the immortals reclaim the earth, you'll be among the ruling party."
"What'll happen to everyone?" She braced herself for the answer.
"It depends. Those humans who are willing to serve the immortals will be spared, and those who aren't, won't."
"I see." Her pulse was flying, and her body cold. She wasn't going to save humanity. She was going to help him enslave humanity.
"It will be a new start for us."
"What happens to the Guardians?"
"After you drain their power, they'll be given the same choice as the humans: serve or die." He leaned forward, his eyes glowing. "I'll forgive your indiscretion with the Guardian, my dear. Do as I say, and he'll be your reward, an eternity with him. Disobey me, and I'll kill him."
She looked down, both thrilled by the idea of an eternity with the man who made her feel whole and horrified at what her father told her. A plan formed in her mind, and she cleared her throat.
"As you wish, Father," she whispered. "I think I need more practice with my gift. I can't control it yet."
"We have a long drive. You can practice on me all you want." He offered his hand. She took it and closed her eyes, determined to find a way to use her gift to counter her father's magic.
* * * Jule looked around Yully's room, trying to digest everything he was learning about himself. He still couldn't remember much more than what the Watcher and Original Vamp had told him. That he was an Original Being who had chosen to stay with Damian and a woman long since dead. He doubted the decision was made on emotion only; he'd never leave Damian to battle creatures like the Watchers and Others on his own. Without even fully knowing why, Jule despised the two factions too much to abandon Damian-and through Damian, humanity-to them.