Estela stands, pushing away from the table despite the way I reach for her.
“Dahlia?” she says loudly.
The women turn to look at her.
The one who leads the small group has a snake that curls around her throat, licking at the side of her face. I see the rounded, human ears and realize that these must be the witches who tortured my mate.
“Essstela,” the snake hisses.
“Daughter of the Light Weaver,” the woman says. “I am not Dahlia, she is still at the Giant King’s side. My name is Syra.”
“What are you doing here?” Estela demands, back straight. The glow emanating off her grows brighter in warning.
If the women notice, they don’t show it.
“When we met in the giant’s home, we offered to let you come with us if you would leave these Enduares behind,” she says slowly with that haunting voice.
“I refused you,” Estela says. I feel her pained rage through our bond. When I was faced with the memories of Lijasa, I was a mess, but her? She stands strong.
“It was the wrong choice. Dahlia has decided to extend an invitation once more. This time in exchange for your brother’s life,” she says.
Estela stands there, frozen. Everyone watches the exchange, but I see the parents discreetly hiding their children behind them.
Good.
When they mention the giant court, I deeply regret that we haven’t heard from Melisa and Ra'Salore. Their information would be very useful in talking about Rholker.
“What do you want from me now?” Estela says.
“What we have always wanted,” the woman says. “We came to King Erdaraj to have your mother. When he would not release her, despite his promises, we thought all hope was lost. That is, until you came here, and your magic was… awoken. We seek your light.”
This time, it is me who interjects.
“Why?”
The women turn to us. “Our master demands it.”
“And just who is your master?” Mrath calls at my side, her hand already sliding some hidden weapon out of her trousers.
“We will not share that. Our time grows short. My sisters help Rholker even as we speak, but what is done can yet be reversed. Give yourself over to us, and we will end this all.” The cavern seems to darken. “We will spare this cave, your king, even the children. Rholker will die where he stands. The war will be over. Stop the bloodshed, king. Save your meager court.”
Another, not Syra, sniffs the air.
A fraction of my mate’s mind opens, and I watch her consider it.
No,I tell her.Don’t give in to their lies.
Teo, it’s a chance to end everything.
“One of you has made an agreement with us before. May they come forward, and vouch for our honesty!”
I wait for someone to approach. None do. I write it off, focusing my attention back on my mate.
Estela,I plead.They only want to use you. If you go with them, they’ll break your mind and abuse your power. Don’t give in.
She takes a step forward, and I prepare to run to her. Then, she turns and looks at me. I see the grief written across her face, and how her eyes are filled with tears.
I don’t want anyone else to die. I can stop it. I have spent the last sixteen years of my life planning for one thing—saving Mikal. I haven’t looked beyond that point… until I met you. You forced me to think of life past ensuring his escape. I love you both. You are my world. If saving both of you means going with them, I will do it.
