“A guard told us that it crossed the bridge thirty minutes ago. It’s just been pacing there. They weren’t even aware it was there until it let out a howl,” Lady Decima supplied, her golden eyes flickering.
“Why would it be way out here?” Thalia murmured. Even though they were high above the creature, she could have sworn it turned its eyeless head up toward her. An earthly howl rent the night sky, leaving gooseflesh in its wake.
“Shall we shoot it?” Lady Decima asked.
Two guards standing near drew their arrows, the tips wrapped in oil. Another stepped forward, carrying a torch.
Cassius’s fingers clenched around his sword, his jaw tipping—
“Wait!” Thalia blurted out, stepping forward.
Cassius whirled toward her and the soldiers faltered.
“Wait,” she said again, staring back down at the creature, its hide gleaming like moonlight.
“That creature needs to be burned,” Cassius warned. “It’s a threat to us all—”
“I think it came here for something,” Thalia said lowly. Once more, she could have sworn the creature lifted its oblong head, focusing on her.
“The teeth,” Camilla cursed.
Thalia shook her head, taking a few more steps forward.
Even in the darkness, the creature stared, its snout lifting as if it could scent her on the coasting air.
“No. I think it came here for me.”
They all gathered in the same chamber they’d first met in. The only person not present was Larellia, although Thalia had a feeling she was deep in the mountain trying to deal with the pockets of magic.
“What do you mean, it came here for you?” Camilla asked as soon as they’d all sat down.
Thalia shook her head, realizing how utterly insane she sounded. “I—I think I saw it near the lake at the manor. It was on the edge of the barrier, and I told myself it was nothing but the trick of the light. Then everything else happened.” Cassius’s jaw flickered, but she plowed on. “But that’s not all. When I first encountered the creature in Irenbis, it touched me.”
“Where?” Lady Decima asked, brows narrowed.
Thalia pointed to her chest. “Right here. And when we tried to extract the teeth, the jaws wouldn’t open for anyone, but it opened when I touched it. Then I woke up to it on my chest—”
“Are you saying the creature we killed in Irenbis is the same one down there?” Cassius asked.
Thalia swallowed. “The creature can regenerate; we already know that. When I was leaving the castle in Irenbis, it … protected me.”
Cassius shook his head. “It was trying to kill you, and Julian just happened to be in the way.”
Thalia looked to Lady Decima, who seemed the most inclined to listen to her asinine theory. “I don’t think so. It had plenty of time to kill me, and it never did. I don’t know why it would be following me, but I think it’s here for me.”
Lady Decima studied her a moment longer, then her golden gaze slid to Camilla. The two of them shared a look.
“What is it?” Keegan asked, ever watchful.
“You can’t be serious.” Camilla’s eyes widened, turning back to Thalia.
“What?” Thalia shifted, nervous at all the sudden attention.
Lady Decima ran a hand through her curls. “Long ago, the Mages had more of a connection with the creatures of this land. Some even said there were those who were soul bound to certain animals.”
Thalia shook her head. “But I’m not a Mage. I don’t have any magic.”
“I know,” Lady Decima continued. “Which is why it is interesting that this creature has decided to soul bond with you.”
