“How do I stop them?”
“Cut off the head, shoot them in the skull—like any snake, you need to sever the nervous system.” She steps closer. “Seriously, you’re going to leave your friends to die. Damn, I had you pegged wrong. Guess you aren’t the hero type after all.”
She’s trying to guilt me into leaving. “I’m not abandoning Leigh in this place.”
Selene opens her mouth, then closes it, her expression drifting as if she’s calculating something. She jerks slightly and forces a smile. “Mictlan isn’t that bad. Sure, it’s gray and dull, but there are plenty of places in the world with crappy weather.”
“You don’t expect me to believe that this place is some sort of paradise.”
“Why wouldn’t you? I have no reason to lie.” But her eyes avoid mine.
“What about the Dullahan? Kosac? They’re reason enough to stay and find Leigh.”
“The Dullahan are horsemen with a flair for theatrics. As for Kosac, he’s just another bored god—we hardly see him.” She is still refusing to meet my eyes.
“Selene.” I approach slowly. “I’m not leaving without Leigh.”
She laughs, flat and humorlessly. “I forgot how stubborn you were.” Then her tone sharpens. “Fine, stay. Doom your friends back home while you chase shadows. Leigh’s probably with them right now, fighting off those daemons. She could use your help.”
Guilt hits like a physical blow. I think of Leigh in danger, being held captive by a Dullahan, or worse.
When I woke up this morning, I did not intend to be climbing fucking trees in the endless rain…
I spin. Leigh’s voice—I swear I just heard Leigh’s voice.
“What is it?” Selene asks warily.
Seriously. When will it stop fucking raining?
“I think I hear her voice. Leigh.” She’s in my head, her voice clearer than my own thoughts.
Selene doesn’t breathe. “That’s crazy. You’re not a Lunar Witch. Only ghosts can communicate telepathically.”
Telepathically? Can this place connect us spiritually because we are both alive? Feeling moronic, I project my thoughts.Leigh, if you’re there, answer me.
Leigh.
Leigh.
Leigh.
Each mental call echoes unanswered into the void. But I know one thing: I’m staying no matter what game Selene is playing.
I am not dressed appropriatelyto scale a tree. The bark is rough yet slick beneath my bare feet, and the rain doesn’t make it any easier to hold on. Every movement is a calculated risk. My pulse refuses to slow as I search for something to hold on to. The harpies will come back eventually, and who knows how they’ll react to finding me gone.
Still, I force myself to move deliberately. One slip, and it’s over. Everyone’s counting on me to close this rift. What time is it back home? Is Ravi telling the Blades where I’ve gone? Has he found the spell we need?
I need to find Fynn to get back to Wilder. Wilder’s probably sleeping peacefully, thinking the Blades have the daemons under control, and that tomorrow, Fynn will be safe at the orphanage, and we can finally sayI do, like we’ve wanted for years.
Lightning turns the world bright white for a heartbeat, then thunder booms like cannon fire. The rain intensifies, becoming sheets of frigid water that cling to my hair and clothes like a burial shroud.
“Just a little bit farther,” I whisper to myself through chattering teeth. The ground inches closer with each careful motion. Twelve feet left. I can do this. I am almost?—
Leigh.
I freeze. Did someone just say my name?
Leigh.
