"Even without that, we'd notice the change," Eira says.
"Your aura is all death," the druid adds flatly.
I roll my eyes and pluck an apple off the counter to toy with. "Howdramatic." The fruit blackens and shrivels in my hand. "But not wrong."
"What do you want?" the druid cuts to the chase.
I grin. "Direct. Good." I lean on the table with a casual motion that makes them flinch. "I died. Why is the bond stillthere?" My fingers tap my sternum, the only place that registers anything.
"Because this is not an 'until death do us part' thing. You were bonded by nature, and in nature's eyes you're transformed, not gone. Your essence remains, so the bond remains," Maeve explains.
"Sage, we can help you. You don't have to be like this," Eira says, placid and wrong.
"I do need help," I say, cheery as a guillotine. "I need that bond broken. I can still feel them in here." I pat my chest. "I need to feel nothing. And you, druid, will help me do this."
"No." Her refusal is simple, and it surprises me for a fraction of a second.
"Excuse me? Did I imply this was optional?" I move to the side. Eira steps between us, protective and small. "You're coming with me or I kill you. Your choice."
"You need me for this, so you won't kill me," Maeve stammers, edging toward the door.
Their careful retreat makes my predatory side purr. This will be entertaining.
"I could find another druid. Annoying, but possible. Or I could make this easier on both of us: I'lltortureyou until you agree. How does that sound?"
"Maeve, run," Eira says.
"But—"
"Run!" the banshee yells.
I brace to dart after the druid as she bolts for the door.
Then—
The banshee's scream rips the room open. Glass shatters from every pane. The sound hits me like a physical blow. Ears pop, blood floods my sinuses. I slam back into the kitchen counter.
When it cuts off, the aftershock tastes like thunder. I force myself up, siphoning energy from everything—houseplants wither, the garden outside bleeds its strength to me. I heal in seconds. When I'm steady, the druid is gone.
The banshee is not.
"When I looked at you that time, I saw my own death. I am not afraid," Eira says in that calm manner of hers.
I grin. "You should be." I tilt my head. "I've been wondering how a banshee tastes."
Before she can scream again, I'm on her, teeth sinking into a warm throat. Her essence pours into me, easy and loud. I drink until she slumps to the floor.
Not as sweet as a nymph, but close enough. I wipe my mouth and head for the door, tossing one last comment over my shoulder: "I bet you won't scream again."
Eira's car with the druid inside is a smear down the street. I'm ready to follow, smash the window, drag her back, but the road gets crowded fast. Asher's car. Kayden's. Darius's.
A convoy. They're coming.
Damn.
The druid will have to wait. I won't let them catch me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
