For the gate to be open, it was so strangely serene. Like the calm before a storm. Valynda had expected fire and brimstone. Lightning. Screaming Furies.
A thousand fighting demons.
Something.
This was far more chilling.
The last time a gate fell, they were battling for their lives. Not staring eye to eye with their friends across a calm sea. The dragons came up from the sea to stand on deck with them.
As they pulled near Rafael’s ship, the pirate waved at them, then swung over to speak with Captain Bane. Ever the epitome of a swaggering buccaneer, Rafe had a shaved head with a set of distinctive tattoos that made him look as fierce as his gruesome reputation. There wasn’t anyone who sailed in the Caribbean who wasn’t familiar with the lethal reputation of Captain Cross and his ship, theSoucouyant.
His dark skin set his amber eyes off to perfection, and they were deadly serious. “We’ve been stuck here for almost two days. No winds. How did you sail in?”
“Magic.”
He was unamused by Bane’s bland answer.
Will stepped down from the railing. “Where’s the rest of your crew, Santiago?”
Before he could answer, a fight broke out between Jake and Sallie.
“Don’t touch me!”
“You don’t shove me!”
Before Bane could get to them, another fight started between Hinder and Kat. Then another and another.
Valynda gaped as she realized what had happened to the crews of the other ships.
They’d turned on each other.
Nibo realized it, too. “Qeenan!” he shouted. “Show yourself!”
There was no response.
Yanking at one of the necklaces on his chest, he pulled it off and twisted a small coin from it. He handed one to Valynda. “Put this under your tongue. It’ll keep you from turning and hearing the voices they’ll send.” Then he handed one to Bane, Thorn, and Acheron, with the same instructions.
Valynda obeyed.
The moment the coin was in her mouth, she could see the spirits inside their crew. It was as if each one’s body was a thick coating over the demonic creatures who were using them like a suit.
“Are they all right like that?”
“Aye, but whatever you do, remember that it’s your friends inside and don’t harm them. While stabbing one or fighting them will get rid of their demons, it will also kill your friends.”
“Noted.”
“So, what do we do? How do we get them out?”
Acheron shot a god-bolt into one. The blast instantly knocked the petro loa from the Deadman he was possessing.
“That works.” Nibo winked at her. He went off to help.
When Valynda took a step forward, she felt someone at her back. Invisible arms held her in place. Suddenly, a deep, dark voice spoke in her ear. “You didn’t get the crook for me.”
Her blood ran cold as she realized it was Adarian.
“I know you’ve had time. Why haven’t you done it?” His growl was fierce.
