“Where is Zara?” I demanded, my voice low and deadly. A twig snapped behind me, and I turned, keeping one eye on the witch.
Jaxon stepped into the clearing, and relief swept through me at the sight of him.
“Lana?” Jaxon asked, his face twisting in confusion.
“Hello,prince,” she purred, and I looked between them, anger rising in my chest.
Jaxon’s brow furrowed as he took in the clearing, his eyes landing on Dedra’s unconscious body. His eyes snapped to mine in panic.
“You know her?” I hissed angrily.
“Yes,” he said, coming to my side. “She was my informant for the witches.” His face twisted in anger and grief. “She was the one who told me the rumor about our mother.”
Jaxon glanced at me briefly, guilt evident in his golden eyes. “She helped me do what I did,” He bit out reluctantly, narrowing his eyes at the witch.
Lana laughed girlishly, crossing her arms and resting her chin on her knuckles. “The mere thought of your mother being alive.” She chuckled again. “It was too easy, really, and me—” She laughed, fluttering her lashes. “How easily you trusted me.”
Jaxon started to hum with power next to me, but Lana tutted and shook her finger in our direction. “Such a temper.”
“Zara,” I barked toward her, and she sneered at my outburst. It looked familiar somehow, but I couldn’t place how.
“Safe, for now. Although I don’t see what it is you two see in her,” Lana said, rolling her eyes. “She is quite dull.”
I growled at her insult, but she only smiled back at me. “I have been learning so much while here.” She paused, her smile widening. “Mated.” She clapped her hands in delight. “I do love a tragedy.”
“What is it you want, witch?” I barked again; we needed whatever this was resolved to get Dedra the help she needed and find Zara.
“I am delivering a message.” Lana grinned.
“Then deliver it,” Jaxon hissed.
Lana only grinned further. “Morgana has received your message and has agreed to meet with you.”
“What happened to our uncle?” Jaxon said, taking a step forward.
She paused, and we stared at her silently, waiting for her to answer. “No idea, but this has the location and time. No negotiations.” She pulled a parchment from her pocket, tossing it between us on the ground.
“Where is Zara?” I demanded again, my patience gone.
“She is around here somewhere,” Lana whispered, her eyes sharpening as the air around us seemed to thicken.
A roar pierced the air as a Daka tore from the trees behind her.
I shadowed behind her but as I appeared, she was no longer there. Turning, I saw her sprinting up the leg of the beast, grinning wickedly as she blocked attacks from Jaxon, who was now shooting his magic toward her wildly.
I threw my blade, and it chimed as it rotated in the air. Lana deflected it with a shot of light, and I shadowed again toward her, but she evaded me again. She and the Daka rolled into the tree line and disappeared.
Jaxon was now at my side, and he punched the ground, ice shattering toward her as he flung more shadows with his other hand. Her eyes gleamed as she maneuvered around the attacks, sprinting through the trees.
Jaxon lunged to go after her, but I stopped him with my arm. “Dedra,” I barked, and I met his gaze. “You need to get Dedra to a healer.”
Jaxon glared, turning his attention back toward where the witch had escaped.
“Jaxon! Now!” I snapped and pushed him in her direction. He winced and sprinted for Dedra, scooping her in his arms; dark mist surrounded him as they both disappeared. It wouldn’t get him there, but it was faster than riding.
I cursed and stalked to where the witch had dropped the parchment. I picked it up, putting it in my pocket before sprinting into the woods. The air was full of smoke from Dedra’s lightning, and I coughed, clearing my lungs as I hurdled over fallen trees and branches.
The side of a small mountain appeared, and I had a strong feeling I knew where she was holding Zara. I sprinted faster, my heart pounding in my chest. If they hurt her…I couldn’t think that, not now.
