“Yep.”
“Then what is that?” I point to a white portal with vines wrapped around it.
“I do believe that’s the portal we fell out of,” JP answers, and I start laughing and shaking my head. I even bend over trying to keep my balance.
“Okay, it’s official, I think my bestie has lost it,” Moni squeaks, moving over to Lynx. “Do you have a warranty on her?”
I laugh even harder to the point I almost pee myself.
“Oh my God, Dr. Steinbeck is evil,” I holler, gulping down fistfuls of air as I try to calm myself down.
“What do you mean?” Ryker asks, giving me a disbelieving look.
“The book your dad suggested wasTilly Wonders Over.I didn’t think about getting it because it’s not a herbalist book or anything helpful. It’s a romantic comedy about a girl who takes the long path around when she should have just looked around because the door she needed was right next to her,” I say, pointing to the portal that’s above us, and then to the rock formation.
“Wow, I feel dense,” Lynx comments.
“Better than you feeling empty like normal,” Knots replies, and Lynx hisses.
“Well, at least it’s close,” Chester admits, “I can’t wait for this to be over and sleep in a bed for a week.”
“Is that what we get to do?” I ask, not really knowing what a normal process is with Purgatory Prep. I feel like nothing about my time enrolled has been normal.
“Well, we are practically done with school after this.” Zeke wraps his arm around my neck and smiles as he pulls me into him. “I’m all for spending nights and days in bed.” He winks, and I giggle, knowing where his mind just went.
Continuing, we turn the corner and see the portal embedded into the rock formation.
“Back to the Ever Woods?” Moni groans, looking at the darkened swirls.
“No, we should end up in the woods by the Sanctuary and Gym. It must just be dark there, or there’s a freak storm,” Levi says, eying the portal.
Knox turns to look at me and sends warmth and love down our link.
“Any premonitions lately?” he asks, giving me a small smile.
“No,” I tell him, trying to give him a reassuring smile, but I know it falls flat, especially since he can feel the worry I have. I don’t know what caused those flickers of images or what they mean, but they were there.
Knox
“Here, I’ll go in first,” I tell everyone as Rez’s nerves skyrocket to overdrive. It’s the Alpha in me demanding to protect her and my family. If there’s even a hint of danger, I will make sure that I neutralize it before she faces it.
Before anyone can debate or say anything else, I walk through the portal and immediately turn back to warn the others, only to find it gone.
Shit! Where did it go? I don’t see it. Is this a trick? Is this another way to separate us?
Laughter rings out from the trees as I pull my animals forward.
‘Okay, guys. I’m gonna need your help to get out of this.’
‘Playtime?’Fluffer’s tongue hangs out of his mouth, but his ears perk up.
‘About time my expertise is needed,’Barons preens.
‘Another bloodbath. Fun,’Slayer purrs.
‘I am at your service,’Dusky yawns.
I can hear people shifting all around me, and I’m deciding which animal to switch into when I’m hit from behind.
