Thoughts battered my brain, tearing at my sanity. So not only had my parents abandoned me, but they’d murdered me? No, it was too much to process. I’d simply have to pack that away for later.
I gave my head a mental shake to clear it. “What does all of this mean? I assume the goddess didn’t dump me in the woods merely to heal scrapes and bruises.”
“The fates have yet to reveal all the details, only the outcome.”
“Which is?”
Yaga’s wrinkled face smoothed into an all-knowing expression I’d come to loath. The one that said she knew things but wouldn’t tell. “Rest assured that when the time comes, you’ll know what to do,” she intoned.
“And the dragons? How are they connected to this?”
She stiffened, nose scrunching with disgust. “That’s their story to tell.”
Regardless of what that story revealed, I’d struck a bargain—for Speck and my freedom. “Thorne’s brother, Alaric, is under a terrible curse that prevents the dragon from shifting back into a man. Do you know a way to break it?”
Yaga’s anger deepened, a vein thrumming in her temple. She jabbed a bony finger at me. “Listen up, girlie. That curse wasn’t meant to be broken. The King of Pyrrhus is paying for his crimes. Best you leave well enough alone. It’s not your place to meddle in the goddess’s business, only to follow your own path.”
I bit my lip, confusion whirling. “Goddess? What does Hathor have to do with—”
That gnarled finger popped me in the chest. “Best you watch who you trust, little miss. That giant lizard, Alaric, wants something from you, and he’ll say anything to get it.”
My heart squeezed at the idea that I’d been played for a fool. “But—”
“Excuse me,” a soft voice interrupted. I looked up, stunned, to find another familiar face.
“Dahlia.” I grinned at finding a survivor from Rottbarry Manor. Though the housemaid and I were never close, joy swam in my veins.
She wrung her hands, glancing between me and Yaga. “Did I hear you say you were searching for Speck?”
“Yes.” My pulse leapt. “Have you seen him?”
Dahlia shook her head, her expression soft with sympathy. “Not since the attack. Speck returned to the castle, looking for you. I was hiding, too afraid to come out, but I saw him. Saw one of those creatures capture him. Rose and a few others too. They hauled them off in chains.”
My world tilted. Captured? “But he was alive.”
“Yes. At the time.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Dahlia. I appreciate your help.”
“I’m sorry it wasn’t better news.”
“Me too,” I murmured as she slipped away, once again leaving me with Yaga.
“I’m sorry to hear about the shepherd,” Yaga said softly. “I know you were close.” She patted my knee, then rose. “Come now. Best you be off before dark.”
“Right.” I followed her in a daze. At the door, she poked her head outside, bellowing, “You. Boy.”
Thorne arrived almost at once, lips pressed tight at being calledboy.
“Serafina can’t stay here,” Yaga declared. “Not after you let her bleed all over the place. Take her back to Pyrrhus, whereshe’ll be safe.” Under her breath, she muttered, “Safer than she will be here.”
The undercurrent in her tone sent goosebumps dancing over my recently healed flesh.
Before I could question her meaning, she turned to me, her expression softening. She cupped my cheek. “Go to Pyrrhus, child. That is where your destiny lies. I’ve prepared you the best I can. You have everything you need.”
I grasped her frail hand. “Come with us, Yaga. You’ll be safe there, too.”
Regret shone in her cloudy eyes. “You’re a good girl, Serafina. One of my favorites. Don’t worry about me. I always land on my feet.”
