“Sit,” Oaklyn said, and he did. Just stayed there while she climbed on me and searched my pockets with rough hands.
My eyes stung with tears. Those same hands had caressed me minutes ago. The sharp angles of her face, once so beautiful, now looked harsh in the moonlight.
I stopped struggling and let her take my phone. There was no winning against her—but more than that, I didn’t want to fight her. I’d betrayed her, and now, I just had to convince her that it wasn’t what it seemed. That I was never planning to sell her to the witches.
“Oaklyn,” I choked out as the roots tightened over my throat.
She glanced up, saw I was suffocating, and flicked her wrist.
The roots fell away, and I gasped, gulping air back down.
I stayed put while she held the phone to my face to unlock it. The mistrustful glint in her eyes sent a pang through my chest.
Then, before she could open my messages and find the awful truth, I said something that I can’t believe came out of my mouth.
I can’t bring myself to write it down. I’m too afraid of what I’ve done.
Chapter 20
Yet Another Madsen Residence
Throughthevan’stintedwindows, Sophia’s apartment building rises like a glittering spear against the night sky, its lobby lit by a crystal chandelier. The Cascade Tower—all glass and steel and wealth, because apparently even magical terrorists appreciate a good view.
The inside of my cheek stings where I’ve been chewing it. I should be racing to Lighthouse Park to warn the chimeras. But my heart is torn, fluttering desperately. Could I slip away without Natalie noticing?
We park in the loading zone, and the Shadows flood out of the van like a SWAT team, their black cloaks billowing as they move silently through the night. The streetlights catch their utility belts, glinting off small containers.
Natalie grabs my wrist to stop me from following, her touch sending a jolt up my arm. “People are going to get hurt in there. Stay in the van?”
Her tone is pleading, her eyes searching mine desperately. She knows me well—and under other circumstances, I would argue that I should help fight in any way I can.
But today is different, so I nod, my stomach twisting. “Go. Stay safe.”
Her brow pinches, like she’s suspicious of my lack of argument. But we have no time to stand here, so she just takes my hands and pulls me into a kiss.
“I love you,” she whispers into my lips.
After my lies and secrets, these words wrap around me like a hug. I melt a little, my eyes prickling. “I love you too.”
While she races after the Shadows, I get back into the van—and immediately open my phone to hail a ride-share. If I can warn Lucy that the Shadows are planning an ambush, I can stop a disaster from happening.
The street is quiet except for the distant hiss of a car. Few people are out this late, and the sidewalks look dark and cold.
Something rustles beside me in the van, and I jump, my heart shooting into my throat.
Nobody is in here. The seats are empty, other than…
My backpack is moving. Struggling.
I stare at it. A disgruntled “mrrrp” rises from its depths.
Oh no.
Slowly, I reach for the zipper. A furry butt greets me before Ethel turns around and springs out, latching onto my thigh with needle-sharp claws.
“Ow!” I cry, plucking her off my leg.
She glares at me like this is my fault, her blue eyes wide. Her fur is ruffled like she’s weathered a storm in there.
