Time is running out.
I run from the room, the smell of burnt flesh followed by screaming pain chases me down the hall. I turn in the direction I came in. I know where the dungeons are. I spent weeks down in the dark pits beneath the castle. Another tremor ricochets off the walls, nearly knocking me off my feet. I right myself and continue down the stairs, following the vibrations. They’re down here. I don’t know where and I don’t know how my girl pulled it off, but she got them together. She found her mates and opened conduits of energy and power. I feel it. I know it.
Now I just have to figure out where they are so I can get us all the hell out of here.
Chapter
Morgan
Wow.
That’s all I can think or even feel. I coil my hand into a fist and then open it, nails elongating into sharpened points. I relish the surge of complete power flowing through my bones.
Wow. Fucking. Wow.
Three Guardians at once and I know they took it easy on me, there could be more, and like an addict wanting a hit, there is no doubt in my mind that if we survive this hellhole, it’s something we’ll explore again. Next time we’ll do it at home, slowly, taking our time.
My skin tingles, even now that my breathing has returned to normal and my cheeks have lost the flaming heat of exertion. The men laze around me, catching their breath and going through the final stages of healing. The power that ran through me to them and back again was nothing short of epic. Together we are at full power. What will happen when Dylan joins in? Or Bunny?
If we even allow him to return.
I completely understand now why the Morrigan did what she did—why she kidnapped my men. What I don’t understand, even more than before, was Bunny’s betrayal. To what end? What was his point?
A knock on the door breaks me from my thoughts and I stand, wrapped in nothing but a blanket, and cross the room. I glance back and see my Guardians shift into alertness.
I open the door and Nevis stands on the other side. Bunny lurks nearby, keeping watch. He’s placed a rune of protection on the door. He’s trying—or at least pretending that he is.
Nevis’ eyes dart from me to the men, who have relaxed, aware we’re not under any threat. “Feeling better?”
“Absolutely.”
“I brought you something.” She reveals a folded-up outfit in her hands. I shake it out, and realize it’s my suit from back home. I smile and take it from her. “I have something for them, too. Can I bring it in?”
“Thank you. And of course.”
I step aside and two men enter the dwelling, carrying stacks of clothing and boots. They hand an outfit to each of my three guardians and have two extra. The material is familiar. I walk over and hold my own next to it. The fabric matches, everything from the weave to the stitching. I’ve seen them before—in the closet of the training room in the basement of The Nead.
“How did you get these?” I ask.
“Our people have served the Queen since the beginning—regardless of what realm they reside in.” I study her hair. Her face. I think about the way she carries herself. Her strength and the lack of fear she has, despite her position.
“You got these from Davis and Sue.” I look at my Guardians. They seem as surprised as I do. “I knew there was more to them than just…”
“Servants?” she says. “We’re the heartbeat tying the two realms together. We’ve bided our time for centuries. Toiling away, working for the Morrig
an, waiting for the day our savior would come and free us from oppression.”
“Me?”
She nods. “Davis and Sue are impressed, which isn’t easy. They’ve known it for some time.”
The enormity of the moment slams into me, and if I hadn’t just juiced up on Raven power, I’d probably crumble under the pressure. Nevis and the people down here think I’m going to save them. I look at the grim expressions on the Guardians and realize that is wrong. They think we’re going to save them.
Which, I guess, is exactly what we had planned. There’s just more at stake than I ever knew.
I steal a glance at my men, who are in the midst of dressing. In a low voice I say, “I’m going to need your help.”
Nevis’ eyes twinkle and she curtsies. “At your service.”