And she did. Her wings were nothing but gnarled and twisted stumps out her back, her sundress was in tatters, showing blackened skin everywhere. Even her lips were blue from lack of air, and her eyes were bloodshot.
Not yet.
She—well, spirit her, because physically, she was screwed—flipped over and a bright white light glittered.
I’m not ready to die, thank you. No crossing over the rainbow bridge and frolicking in the tulips for me, thank you.
When did you begin to speak as such?
Her heart stuttered. That voice. Asherah?
Merry met, sister mine.
The joy of hearing that voice was splintered against the knowledge it was in the spirit realm. I’m sorry I didn’t find you in time.
There is found, then there is found.
You speak in riddles still.
I … cannot stay long. It is hard to hold this. But it is not over.
I’m sorry. For everything.
Forgiveness was given long ago. It is nigh time the Queen step forward. May your days be long, sister.
She didn’t get a chance to respond. The light slammed into her, forcing her back into agony and fire. She screamed, her cells opening to depleted oxygen, her skin sizzling as the burns faded enough to move.
One day, I shall hold you close once more. One day.
Her sister’s parting words were all that was left of the connection before Silva opened her eyes once more. She was back on the ground, but a subtle flutter grabbed her attention. Her wings. They were healed. She may not be back to heavy hitter, but at least they’d carry her to where she needed to go.
Forcing herself up on her knees, she slapped them open and sped out the door.
Wait for me, Kalinda.
By the time Silva reached the edges of Lombardi Pack lands she could barely see straight.
A wolf called to her in greeting, used to seeing her travel this way with Kalinda if they wanted to get home faster. This time, she didn’t stop; she couldn’t afford to. The only wolf she was concerned with was Romano. If she could make it to him, he’d get the troops ready. She may not be able to choose to bring others with her, as directed by the zethper, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t.
And she needed help to heal. There was no way she could kick ass when she was still ready to keel over.
Romano’s home was within sight, and she forced herself to slow down enough for as easy a landing she could muster.
“Romano!”
Her holler was made stronger by what meager power she had left. And the wolf, Fates save the bastard, ran out of his home, searching for her. Without any grace, she fell into his arms.
“Nice catch.”
“What the hell happened?”
“Right to business. My sort of man. We need Zahara.”
“I’ll get her … where is Kalinda?”
Silva swallowed. “Taken.”
Three seconds. He was still for three whole seconds before he tucked her closer to his chest and ran. His harsh grip stung her burned flesh, but she didn’t complain. This was Kalinda’s mate, and Silva had failed him. He deserved his pound of flesh, no matter how he took it.
