Yes, that’s what this was.
My skin prickled. I suddenly became aware of the dim alley, of the chill in the air, of the stillness that fell upon us.
Incredible. The stone had thrown me into a vision that felt soreal.
That cave.The mountain’s womb, the voice had whispered to me. I needed to go.
The onyx box—I couldn’t shake the image out of my head. It burned itself into every corner of my mind, into every fiber of my being, a branding. For the life of me, I couldn’t explainwhyI needed to find it, but an innate sense just knew it was crucial.
How much did Alvar know? He didn’t look one bit curious as to what the stone had shown me. Just stood there, completely content and thoroughly pleased with how everything unfolded.
“Be well, my friend,” he said, stepping away. “We shall meet again soon.”
Wait, he was leaving? But—but so much had just happened? What the hell!
Heavy steps ricocheted off the stone walls.
“Wait,” I called. “But—I have so many questions!”
He paused, turning back.
“And you’ll have your answers. In time,” Alver said, smirking. He moved to leave but hesitated before looking back at me. “If you find yourself surrounded by wolves—” His gaze was piercing. “Leash them.” A heartbeat passed. “Life. Death.” He shrugged. “They’ll always be the true masters of us all.” A firmfinger pointed at me. Telling, not offering. “But you, Carwynn . . . You are yourownmaster. Never forget that.”
Each word was so tightly wrapped in assurance, it nearly knocked me off balance. As though the words had found the unconscious being within my soul and shook it awake.
I swear I felt the dark creature inside stir. Arousing with a grin. And behind it, something fierce, beginning to rise.
Alvar caught my eyes and flashed a knowing smile. He inclined his head in a subtle bow. And then with a mysterious wink, he turned, disappearing completely.
Wait . . . how did he know my name?
26
CARWYNN
“. . . complete shite!”
A small pack of Luckmen spilled out of Lochlainn’s townhouse down the block. Clearly irritated by whatever orders were barked at them.
I hadn’t planned on returning, but something fundamental inside me hadchangedsince having met Alvar. I knew I was on the right path, and nothing could stop me from moving forward.
My insecurities usually lurked just beneath the surface—like a crocodile stalking dark waters, waiting for me to flounder. One misstep and it’d death roll me under, descending to the depths.
But not today. Not now. No, right now I pictured the flower I’d wielded—Bird of Paradise.Wings of orange set ablaze, petals radiant. I remembered what it’d done, what I’d done. Not just the door, but some immeasurable power within me, which left no room for drowning in doubt. For the first time, I’d never felt more like—me.
I paused on the stone walkway, staring down at my openpalm. Under the surface, a new vein faintly glowed. It slowly began to swirl, pulsing, as if acknowledging my acceptance of it.
The moment I touched the Bondi Stone, I knew. This was the right path. That vision, I needed to go there—to Eostre Land. To the trials. My bones rattled with anticipation. But first, I needed a golden ticket to get me there. And I knew just the right gold-hoarding mongrel for the job.
My fingers closed into a fist, swallowing the light. Without realizing it, my feet were already moving with hard, determined steps echoing on the cobblestone. Two passersby immediately jumped aside, as if my mere presence repelled them. Sensing the entity inside me saying:Move.
“Souls be damned!”A short Luckman at the bottom of the steps swore, catching sight of me. Two others followed, releasing a string of profanities while exchanging a look. A cross between horror andwhat-the-actual-fuck.
I didn’t stop.
My eyes speared daggers, daring them to make a move. But as I made my way up the steps, they all stumbled back as if I were the plague. Suddenly disinterested in hunting me.
With irises wide, face drained of color, and a mouth twitching as if to shout a warning, an older gentleman stared as if he’d seen a ghost.
