"Tell me."
Maven sighs. "Not one haunting whisper, reanimated corpse, vengeful spirit, or cursed coffin. These catacombs suck."
I laugh. It's absolutely adorable when she pouts.
3
MAVEN
My veins areabuzz from fresh kills. I doubt there’s anyone left alive in Everbound Castle. If I think about it long enough, I’ll start feeling bad about it.
Then again, those shadow fiends, monsters, and legacies would have killed me without hesitation had the roles been reversed.
So fuck feeling bad.
When we emerge in Everbound Forest near the old ruins, it’s disconcerting how quiet it is. The misty, dark forest typically conceals countless dangerous creatures and the occasional shadow fiend whose haunting cries can be heard in the distance. Maybe they got scared silent after First Placement.
For the hundredth time, I glance at Silas. He’s still motionless in Baelfire’s arms, but now his skin is a concerning sallow hue. His fingertips are blackened from using necromancy, but either Kenzie and her quintet haven’t noticed, or they’re opting not to say anything about it.
Silas,I try again.We left Everbound. Call it an early graduation.
There’s no reply.
Dirk glances around nervously, adjusting Vivienne so he can scratch the back of his neck furiously. “Uh. Not to pressure you, Maven, but…”
Right. Time to transport.
I brace myself and remove my stained gloves, reaching toward Kenzie. “This might take a second to set up. Once the spell is ready, everyone must be touching someone touching me.”
They position themselves as I take Kenzie’s bare hands in mine. Immediately, my nerves clench violently, and I try not to cringe as the typical repulsion sweeps through me at the feel of her bare skin dragging so horribly against mine. Nausea curdles in my gut, sending my pulse into a panic.
What the fuck? I thought I was getting over this.
Maybe I’m only better when it comes to my quintet.
Amidst trying to get a grip, my gaze collides with Everett’s light blue gaze, as gentle as feathers.
Are you okay?he mouths, brow furrowing deeply.
I nod and try to focus on anything but the physical contact. At least my voice sounds steady. “Kenzie, hold in your mind exactly where you want us to arrive in your hometown.”
“Got it.”
Shutting my eyes, I whisper the incantation I’ll need to start the common magic spell. I’m overflowing with power right now, so much so that I’m not concerned about accidentally dipping into Somnus’s life force with this. Soon, rune-like symbols surround us, humming with energy.
Howls split the forest air, and Kenzie’s hands tense. “Are those hellhounds? Oh, my gods. They’re so close. Shit, should we?—”
“Spell’s ready,” I announce. “Everyone, hold on.”
Five seconds later, the blindingly bright light fades, and Kenzie immediately yanks away from me to puke. Dirk looksgreen, Luka dry-retches, and Everett has to brace himself on his knees for a moment, but I’m relieved to see everyone made it with all body parts attached.
My relief stutters when someone shrieks a few feet away. Glancing over, I realize we’re standing under some kind of stacked metal seating structure and just interrupted two teenagers who were getting hot and heavy, judging by their toplessness despite the bite of winter cold. They look terrified of us—but mostly me since I’m covered head to toe in blood and gore.
“Use protection,” I advise helpfully, checking to make sure Pierce is still strapped to my thigh and I didn’t lose him in the transportation spell.
They grab their discarded shirts and coats and run away, screaming.
Everett rubs his neck. “I’m pretty sure they think you just threatened them with that.”
