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And in the hands of the Anti Magick Alliance, it could be the destruction of us all.

32

KOLE

The deafening roar of rain fills the air, but I can’t focus on it. My senses are on high alert, and the world narrows down to one thing: her.

The Queen.

I haven’t seen her since I left, and everything in me screams to turn and run. But I can’t. Not with Nova and the others in danger.

I feel her before I see her, a dark aura spreading through the air. Then she steps out from the shadows, flanked by her vampires.

They’re everywhere. They were here all along.

How did we miss them?

I try not to look at her, but I can’t turn away. She’s as stunning and terrifying as I remember. Her eyes find mine, and it’s like a punch to the gut.

“Ink Heart,” she purrs, a cruel smile playing on her lips. The nickname she gave me when we were… closer. My skin prickles at the sound of it. I don’t want it to affect me, but it does.

“Zephyra.” My voice comes out steadier than I feel.

“Oh, Kole. Always so serious.” She steps closer, and I fight the urge to back away. “It’s been too long.”

“It hasn’t been long enough,” I snap, my anger rising. I need it. It’s the only thing keeping me grounded right now.

Her laughter rings out, sending shivers down my spine. “Still angry, I see. I thought time healed all wounds.” She tuts then adds, “And really, it’s me who should be angry. After all, you were the one who left without saying goodbye.”

I force myself to look at her, to not let her see how much she affects me. To not let Nova see. “We want Miranda. Give her to us, and we’ll leave.”

Zephyra looks me up and down as if she’s trying to decide whether to eat me or rip out my heart.

A wave of heat hits my back and I realize Nova is beginning to spark.

Zephyra simply tilts her head and releases a low chuckle. “And who is this?” she asks me, beckoning for me to come closer. “Your new pet?”

I try not to, but my feet carry me forward without my consent.

“Leave her out of this,” I growl.

“Touch him and I’ll end you, vampire.” Nova shouts above the rain and the wind, but Zephyra simply rolls her eyes with annoyance.

I am standing in front of her now. She licks her lower lip, then flicks her tongue over her canines.

“Enough…” Tanner’s voice. I can see him from the corner of my eye, fingers outstretched, flexing.

“Any moment now, fire and rain will wipe you from this earth,” I spit at Zephyra. “You should prepare yourself, Queen.”

“Oh for heaven’s sake.” Zephyra tuts. “Your powers are useless here. Miranda made me a lovely little spell. You can use them, of course,” she says. “But you’ve no guarantee they’ll behave the way you expect.” She jerks her gaze toward Nova. “Try it, if you like, Fire Bird.”

In an instant, Nova conjures a ball of fire and lurches it in Zephyra’s direction. Mid-air, it changes course, starts to spin like a firework, spitting flames into the air, then it explodes, bouncing off the Ferris wheel and landing in the dark puddles that scatter the floor.

Nova’s eyes widen.

Either side of her, Mack and Tanner flex their fingers but do not conjure.

“Zephyra—” I start to speak but her eyes flash and my words fade.