With an annoyed sigh Hemlock walked to her side and stared down at the sallow skinned creature. It resembled a human in shape alone and he felt his stomach clench in revulsion as he watched it. He couldn’t even call it him or her, the creature had no gender just bare smooth flesh between its legs.
“A Changeling is nothing, yet everything. This one is as close to pure blood as I can make it. Nahlia’s death was not in vain.” Kali said gently and a smile of satisfaction curved her lips as she carefully covered the child with her hands. Her pale eyes closed and her breathing slowed with focus.
The child mewled again then too Hemlock’s amazement fell silent as it mimicked Kali’s serene expression. Its pale flesh darkened to a healthy pink color with perfect rosebud lips. Dark red hair sprouted from the top of its head and Kali slowly pulled her hands back. The skin between the child’s legs was no longer smooth Hemlock realized with a start and he found it nearly impossible to believe the perfect little girl fidgeting on the table was the same creature that had been lying there when he approached.
“You have to give them their first form. You have to show them how to change and what you want them to be.” Kali explained softly as she gently wrapped the baby in the blanket once more and lifted her from the table.
“You chose a girl?” Hemlock asked doubtfully. He knew how Kali felt about other women and the idea that she would wish to raise one was difficult to believe.
“Our perfect little tool against the fools above. With one sweet smile she will bring them to their knees.” Kali crooned as she motioned for Hemlock to follow. “Come, leave the city to them. For now we have nothing more to worry about beyond this child. She will require training from you as well.”
“What about the Undrae? She is in the city I can sense her.” Hemlock protested.
“Forget the Undrae for now. I have a way to deal with her later. I promise you she will not be a thorn for much longer.” Kali assured him then paused as she realized he still wasn’t following her. “Hemlock, our mission is complete here. The Barrier will remain standing for some time. Myth is a fool if he thinks killing the Elder Blood will release him. As long as I am alive the Barrier remains. Now come. The Elder Blood are too weak to be a threat to our world at the present. For now our focus is this child and nothing more.”
“If the Undrae awakens the Veyetta they will turn their attention on the Barrier once more.” Hemlock warned.
“She won’t have a chance I promise. Not even Seth will be able to save her.” Kali promised as she slowly began walking toward the darkened halls that would lead them both from the city.
Hemlock frowned and glanced up at the ceiling once more as it shuddered under the impact of the battle raging above them. Shaking his head slowly he glanced at Nahlia’s remains for a final time before he followed after Kali. “I’d love to promise you I’d protect your child, but she is in Kali’s hands now, which means she is as good as damned.” Hemlock whispered. He knew that fact better than most, he couldn’t remember exactly how long he had been in Kali’s hands, but he knew without a doubt that he was damned.