I stopped just shy of the perimeter, my phone buzzing to life as it connected. I typed out a quick message to Jareth.
Raffaele:I’m out for a while. Hold down the fort.
I slipped the phone back into my pocket, staring out at the dense forest that surrounded the cabin. It was unnervingly quiet, and made me feel like I was being watched.
I let out a slow breath, my mind racing with everything I couldn’t afford to ignore. The Ashen were circling like vultures, no doubt waiting for the first sign of weakness. My father was out there, plotting his next move. And I was here, my magic slipping through my fingers like sand.
I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening at my sides. No. I wouldn’t let this happen. Siren’s kiss or not, I would find a wayto protect Vivian, to keep her safe. She was all that mattered now.
The sound of a twig snapping somewhere in the forest jolted me from my thoughts. My shadows flared instinctively, weak but present, coiling around me like a shield. My eyes scanned the tree line, searching for any sign of movement.
Nothing.
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to relax. My paranoia was getting the better of me. I turned and started back toward the cabin, my phone still clutched in my hand.
This wasn’t a call I wanted to make, but there was no other option.
I dialed Luca’s number, the connection buzzing against my ear. It barely rang once before his voice came through, sharp and alert.
“Shadow?” His surprise was clear. “What’s going on? Is everything all right?”
“No,” I said bluntly, wasting no time. “We have a situation. I’m going to need your help.”
The forest seemed to close in around me as I walked, the trees crowding together in shadowed clusters. My thoughts were as tangled as the undergrowth beneath my boots, but I forced myself to focus.
“It’s my father,” I began. “He’s gone rogue, completely unhinged. He got to Vivian—” My throat tightened, and I pushed the memory aside. “He’s out of control, Luca. And I don’t think my current power level is enough to stop him.”
There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. “Your power level? What do you mean?”
“I mean, it’s failing.” The words tasted bitter. “My illusions, my shadows—everything is slipping. And I know why.” I hesitated, then continued. “Izo. The bastard used Vivian as a toolto weaken me, to transfer his influence through her. The siren’s kiss is taking hold, and it’s cutting me off from my magic.”
“Fuck,” Luca muttered. “Why the hell didn’t you call me sooner?”
“I couldn’t. I had to focus on keeping Vivian safe. She’s my priority. Everything else comes second.”
Luca sighed heavily, but there was no judgment in his tone, only frustration. “And now?”
“Now, I need you to talk to Vincenzo. See if he’s willing to lend some of his brute force. The Ashen are circling, Luca. They’ve already tested the waters—literally. They attacked my crops, using seawater to see if my wards would stop them. It was a teaser, a fucking game to see how much ground they can gain while my magic is failing.”
“Bastards,” Luca spat. “They’ve been looking for a way to expand for years. You know they won’t stop now.”
“Which is why we need to be ready. I don’t care what Vincenzo wants in return. If he’s willing to help, make it happen. We need brute force and numbers to hold them off while I figure out how to deal with Izo.”
“And Lord Thorne?” Luca asked carefully.
“I’ll handle him,” I said, my tone icy. “But not until I know Vivian is safe and The Ashen are dealt with. One war at a time.”
“You’re sure you’re safe now?”
“Yes,” I said. “We’re somewhere remote, somewhere warded. But it’s only a temporary solution. I don’t have time to sit here and hope for the best.”
“Of course,” Luca said with quiet conviction. “I’ll make it happen. And… take care of yourself. If you’re losing your magic, that makes you a target. The Shadow doesn’t get to show weakness—not even here.”
“I don’t have a choice,” I said grimly. “But I’ll find a way to deal with Izo. One way or another.”
“Good,” Luca said. “Touch base with me tomorrow. I’ll have more information by then.”
“I will,” I said, glancing up as the forest began to thin. “I need to go. I’ve arrived at my destination.”
