“You saw that?” Echo blurted, appearing dumbfounded. “Does Nik know?”
Frowning, Shadow gave a cautious nod. “Yes.”
“And he let you retain the memory?” Ely’s copper eyes rounded to the size of headlights. “I mean, considering how tight they are about privacy and us remaining undetected. They usually clear a mortal’s memories of things like that.”
The girls glanced at each other. Clearly, something passed between them, then Echo spoke as if she were the chosen leader. “The only place he’d go that we know of is Romania.”
Feeling as if she couldn’t breathe, Shadow whispered, “The other side of the world?”
“Oh, honey, it’s okay.” Kira hurried over, putting an arm around her waist. “He’ll be back.”
“No.” She broke away. “You don’t understand. He… I need to go to him.”
“Shadow, he opened a portal there. He could be anywhere.”
Christ. “We-we had a disagreement. A quarrel earlier,” she whispered. “And there’s this feeling growing inside me that something’s terribly wrong.”
The girls stared at her, openmouthed.
“Kira, remember whenyouhad afeelingabout Týr?” Echo said softly.
Her friend’s lovely latte complexion drained to ash. “Oh, shit.” She swiped back her curly hair from her face. “Okay, okay, let me think.” She paced the length of the couch, brow creasing.
The door opened, and Hedori entered, carrying a tray. Heck, he appeared more like a warrior than a commonplace steward with his tough build, attractive features, and long, braided, steel-colored hair.
“Coffee to go with Kira’s delicious cake,” he announced with a quirk of his lips, setting the tray down.
“Hedori!” the girls chimed at once, as if he could solve all of Shadow’s problems.
He straightened, his eyebrows nearly touching his hairline. “Should I be wary of all this feminine power surrounding me?”
“No,” Echo laughed. “But I’m sure you know where Nik is, right?” she asked sweetly.
“Indeed, I do,” he answered slowly as if aware something was afoot. “Why?”
Shadow sensed her chance. “Can you take me to him, please?”
The smile faded. The lines of his lean face morphed to implacable. “No. The sire especially asked that I keep you safe at the castle.”
Trappedhere, he meant.
With a regretful smile, Hedori walked out.
Dammit it, Nik.Shadow pivoted and paced to the open door, the hole inside her widening in worry.
“Darn. I knew he wouldn’t relent,” Kira grumbled.
“Ki?” Echo said. “Aethan’s somewhere out on the estate with Dagan training. Do you think Týr would—”
“Of course!” Her excitement had Shadow spinning back, her smile fueling Shadow’s hopes again. “Okay, I sent him a message.” Shadow frowned, and she tapped a finger to her head and grinned. “Telepathy.”
Shadow nodded, realizing this warrior was her last hope.
The door opened, and Týr strolled inside. “Elska, you made me fold my game of pool to the Celt. I hope it was for a good reason I lost my bet.”
“I’m sure you’ll win back thedollar.” She rolled her eyes, and his mouth twitched in a smile. “And it is. We have a feeling that Nik’s in trouble.”
One dark blond eyebrow quirked. “You?”
