There was no way to know whether he was in a safe position, so I reeled myself back in. It was a bit like trying to stuff an entire universe into a single sausage casing, requiring nearly all of my focus to ensure that nothing of my true nature remained visible.
An explosion rocked the ground beneath my feet, rippling from the orb as the light reached peak brightness. Then the clouds parted, the storm vanished, and all that was left were the horsewomen and us. No magic protecting them. No demons to fight.
Instead of appearing worried about the sudden change of events, they looked annoyed.
“This isn’t over,” Death growled, before spinning on her heel and vanishing. After holding my stare a beat longer, War, Pestilence, and Famine joined her.
“What the fuck was that?” Merri asked.
“That, my darling cousin, was a trap,” Pan said.
“We’re incredibly lucky Grim was here, or I think it’s safe to say that would have ended very differently,” Asher added as he turned to me. “How did you manage that, by the way?”
“Luck.” I had no intention of elaborating. The truth of my answer was terrifying enough. Had I not been touching Merri when the spell activated, I might not have traveled with her.
“But how did they get us all here? Most of us were still at Sanctuary. We should have been safe,” Dahlia asked.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t like it. They’re obviously using magic, I just didn’t realize it was strong enough to break through Lilith’s protection.” My stomach churned at the thought.
If they could get to us like this, it would only be a matter of time before they tried again.
“Come on,” I said, gesturing for them to gather once more. “Let’s head back before the others worry.”
Sunday snorted out a laugh. “If you think they aren’t worrying already, you clearly haven’t been paying attention. I was in the middle of a post-shower conversation with Kingston, and then poof. He’s probably launched a search party and has Moira trying a tracking spell.”
“Sin is going to be worried too. We need to let him know I’m safe and make sure he didn’t abandon his search for the weapon. After today, it’s more important than ever we secure it. The horsewomen have just proven that they’re tired of waiting. We’ve got to end this. Once and for all.”
Merri’s words couldn’t have been more true.
“You’re right. As soon as we get back, we need to call a meeting and ensure they don’t get the opportunity to do thisagain. I can guarantee they will not risk another loss, so if they’re lucky enough to get a second chance, they will ensure it’s successful.”
Merri gave me a little nod, proving her thoughts were aligned with mine as she said, “It’s time to unmake them.”
Chapter
Thirty-Three
MERRI
The common area of Sanctuary hadn’t even come into focus before Lucifer’s blazing eyes were inches from mine. He was pissed.
“What part of call for me if you need me did you not understand?” he gritted out, taking my chin between his fingers.
“Unhand her,” Grim growled, crowding in close.
“It’s okay, I’ve got this,” I told him, my eyes darting to the side to meet his. “Trust me.”
I could tell it went against every instinct, but he finally dipped his chin in a nod and stepped aside. Navigating multiple relationships was never going to be easy, but given the natural rivalry between the horsemen and Luc, it was even more important that I take the lead in these kinds of interactions. It wouldn’t bode well for any of us if they started ganging up on each other.
The rest of my mates were all here, giving me space to fix things with Luc. It made my heart warm and light to know they were present and aware of what I needed, even if it hadn’t included them in the actual request. Malice stood quietly near the table where the weapons had been placed, his eyes on mewith no expectations. I could feel his emotions broadcasting like a strong radio frequency. He just wanted to see me and know I was okay. The rest could wait. The same was true for Chaos, who was nearby, a steady presence by my side.
Grim didn’t stray far from us either, ready to intervene if need be, but Sin had stolen his attention as soon as the opportunity presented itself.
“What happened?” he asked, right before Grim demanded, “Did you get it?”
I was barely able to make out Sin’s, “Of course I did,” before Luc pressed his nose to mine and stole my full attention.
“I mean it, crabapple. How can I prove myself if you won’t give me the chance? I am every bit as capable as they are. Arguably more so. Let. Me. Help. You.”
