“Do you want to sever it?”
I ignored the small voice inside my head. Wanting to be free of the bond wasn’t the same as being ready to lose it.
But I didn’t say that.
“Things are… complicated,” I said instead.
“They kidnapped you, Cadence. Forced you from your home and held you prisoner. If any of them find out about your magic, they’ll kill you. What’s complicated about that?”
I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could, the wailing started up again.
“Do you hear that?” I tilted my head to the side as though that would make the sound clearer.
“Hear what?”
He didn’t hear it, which could only mean one thing.
The warning was for me alone.
Panic surged through me, propelling me forward as I gripped my brother’s hand to pull him to his feet.
“You have to go,” I said, plucking his pack off the floor where it had landed.
“What are you talking about, Cadence?”
“You have to get out of here.”
I searched my surroundings frantically to make sure he had everything he needed.
“Slow down. Tell me what’s going on.”
I clenched my fists until my knuckles ached, but the sensation didn’t soothe me.
“I heard a banshee wail, Callum. It’s an omen of death. And if you can’t hear it, then it’s not an omen of an impending invasion or death on a broader scale. It’s meant for me.”
I gripped the front of my brother’s tunic, my desperation threatening to overwhelm me.
“You’re the only person I love inside these walls, Callum.”
He stared at me as the seconds slipped by before realization dawned on his face. “You think it’s for me.”
Tears stung my eyes. “I don’t know. But I’m not risking it. You have to go.”
He shook his head. “No. I’m not leaving without you.”
“Callum, please.” I would beg on my hands and knees if it kept him safe.
“Tell me what’s trapping you in this place, and we’ll rid you of it together. Then we can leave.”
“I can’t. I —”
Before I could finish speaking, the door slammed open.
Ryker stood on the threshold, eyes burning like molten gold, while his entire body vibrated with fury.
“Get your fucking hands off my mate.”
Chapter Six
