Sky lets out an agonized roar as Wyatt clamps down on her leg. A cold sweat breaks out across my body at the memory of having the same done to me.
“Natalie, help her!” I cry, but she’s already on it. Her eyes flash dangerously as she raises her arms, and the air vibrates with her power.
She slams her hands forward, and a wave of earth sends Wyatt tumbling back.
Sky rolls over, spluttering in pain. She grits her teeth and hobbles to her feet, more stoic than I could ever be.
I try to shake Lucy’s voice from my head as I ready another shot, but my palms are slick with sweat and the net is tangled around my wrist.
“We are the essence of earth and sky, not herbs to be ground by human hands. I will not be consumed like a potion.”The griffin stretches its wings, blocking out the clouds.
An image flashes across my vision, obscuring my view of the surrounding trees for the time it takes to blink. A street sign. Blue with a white arrow and the wordsLighthouse Park.
“When the moon meets the sea, come alone without your golden chains.”
I lower my weapon again, my hands too sweaty to hold it properly. I wipe my palms on my jacket and try to refocus, but dammit, it’s a little tough knowing I’m shooting at my ex-kitten. That I’m trying to ensnare her, to hurt her with this enchanted net that will force her into unconsciousness so we can cage her forever. Also, she’s inviting me to come talk later. Can I trust her?
The griffin takes flight, the trees trembling and swaying in its wake. Mist swirls through the canopy as it rises higher—and movement flashes in my periphery. I spin toward the threat, my bow raised.
A small figure wearing a backpack emerges from the woods beside me. My stomach drops, and I lower my aim.
What the hell is Hazel doing out of the car? And why is she coming out of the forest? Every protective instinct screams at me to grab her and pull her away—but I don’t move, trusting that she has a reason.
Natalie sees my face and whips around, her eyes wide.
The split second of distraction gives Sophia the opening she needs. A blast of magic sends a stone flying at Natalie, clipping her shoulder and making her stumble back with a hiss of pain.
I gasp, my feet carrying me toward her automatically. “Natalie—”
“Oaklyn!” Hazel’s shout drowns out mine, filling the misty forest as she runs past us to the Madsens.
Everyone freezes.
Oh my God. What is she thinking? She’s going to get killed!
Oaklyn’s expression goes blank. It might be the first time I’ve seen her face do something that isn’t a sneer.
“What—” Sky begins, but Natalie throws an arm out to shut her up.
Sky shakes her head and leans against a tree, panting, sweat beading on her face as she fights the pain from Wyatt’s bite.
Hazel keeps running, breathless. “Oaklyn, I came to see if my map was right. I didn’t think you’d… What are you doing here?”
Wyatt wags his tail, jumping around her like an excited puppy.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
“Who is this?” Sophia raises her palms toward Hazel, her fingers working like she’s ready to blast her off her feet.
I raise my bow and arrow, my aim steadier than it’s been since we got here. If Sophia makes one move toward Hazel, this net is going straight for her head.
Oaklyn reacts in an instant. She pushes Hazel behind her, shielding her from both us and Sophia. “Mom, don’t. She’s…” She hesitates, panic flashing across her face. Like she doesn’t quite know how to finish that sentence.
Hazel clutches Oaklyn’s arm, her eyes wide with fake confusion and what I suspect is real fear. “Who are these people?”
My mouth falls open as understanding hits me. She’s pretending not to know us. She’s actually going through with Natalie’s plan to become our spy.
Oh no, no, no…If this goes badly, I’ll never forgive myself.
