“It is.”
He assumed she gestured with her arm to indicate the cold white walls around them, but what it really emphasized was the glittering gems in her gauzy white gown that hugged a perfect body.
“What do you think of Mag Mell?”
“Nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to build a summer home here.”
She tsked playfully as she stepped forward and took his arm. “It grows on you.”
“That’s what they say about Spanish moss, but I don’t intend to stay long enough for that to happen.”
Clearing her throat, she gave him a sympathetic pout. “I heard about your father. Wouldn’t you prefer a place where you really fit in? I offer you shelter here.”
That set off every alarm in his body. “Pardon?”
“Mag Mell is a beautiful realm. You should rest here awhile and see what you think.”
“No, thank you. I’m just stopping by to collect an Ankou who murdered three humans. Would you be so kind as to direct me to Elizar?”
She tsked at him. “You don’t want that, love.”
Those words…they infuriated him. This was a game his father had invented, and it was one that triggered him in the worst way. “Don’t gaslight me, Tanith. Not a fan.”
“Sorry, love. But I’m so glad you’re here.”
What did that mean? There was a peculiar note in her voice. One he didn’t quite understand and as she led him toward a door, he realized that his head held total silence. He had no idea what anyone here was thinking.
How was that possible?
That silence was deafening.
Tanith smiled up at him. “So very glad.”
Those whispered words went through his head like a hypnotic dream. The next thing he knew, the room was spinning.
Then everything went black.
“Sorcha!”
Helly bared her fangs at the sound of Rory’s call. “Can I bite him?”
“Please don’t. Keep working on the portal while I get rid of him.” That sounded a lot worse than she meant for it to.
Trying not to appear worried, she headed back toward Rory. “I’m right here.”
“Why are you in the woods?”
“Luke thought he saw something.”
“Did he?”
She shook her head. “Why don’t you go back to the grave and body, and we’ll be with you shortly.”
That did the opposite of what she wanted. Instead of reassuring him, it made him instantly paranoid. “What’s going on?”
Damn detectives and their inquisitiveness. And yes, she included herself with that. No wonder her parents lost patience with her so often.
“It’s all right. Really.” Even though it wasn’t.
