A shape shifting beneath layers of shadow and ancient magic…something sleeping far too long.
Twobble slowly rose from behind the pillar he’d thrown himself behind earlier.
“Oh,” he whispered. “That seems terribly fitting.”
The Priestess’ eyes gleamed. “You all believed the compound was the weapon.”
The shadows bent toward the widening crack beneath her feet.
“But it was only ever the door.”
Gideon swore under his breath as Keegan stepped in front of Celeste and me again, and every muscle in his body tensed as another pulse shook the chamber.
“What’s under there?” I asked.
Neither of them answered, and that was answer enough.
Chapter Twenty Six
Fear swam through every cell of my body as I looked into the cavernous pit. It would have looked like a snake pit, except the shadows wound and curled as if they were waiting to be fed. It briefly reminded me of the Flame Ward and the memory forges, only these were darker.
“It only takes one misstep.” The Priestess’ cold, calculating voice hung in the air.
Celeste looked at me, and I gave a quick smile as I turned my gaze to Keegan.
“Get her out.” I mouthed to him.
He gave a slight nod as Gideon watched.
“I have a deal for you.” The Priestess took a step forward.
“We’re not in the mood for deals,” Gideon said, shaking his head.
“I will make it impossible for you to leave. You have my word.” Her eyes narrowed on him.
And the worst part was that I knew it was true, or my mom would have walked out on her own, and Gideon never would have needed me to whisk him away on a broomstick.
“What is it you want?”
Her grin widened.
“Well, I want to get to know my granddaughter. Maeve, you seem so unlike your mother, and it’s time we got to spend time with one another.”
“Not happening.” I shook my head.
“I’ll let everyone walk out without a fight, no magical recourse, nothing haunting you…” Her voice trailed off. “And you just need to stay here.”
My brows lifted. “And then what?”
“Well, I’m hoping I can persuade you that Shadowick isn’t so bad.”
“Don’t listen to her,” Keegan warned. “We’ll find a way out of here.”
But Gideon’s gaze caught mine, and his eyes told a different story.
I thought about the orcs, midlife witches, Fae, and goblins fighting on our behalf, and the thought of any more harm coming to any of them made me sick. I could handle the Priestess, my grandmother, as long as my daughter and mom were safe.
I exchanged a look of understanding with Gideon and brought my gaze to the Priestess.
