by P. C. Cast
My friends were murmuring soft words of agreement, but I kept my attention focused on Neferet as I slowly and deliberately walked over to her.
“Good night, Neferet,” I said and this time I hugged her, and as I pulled her close to me I whispered, “Humans and fledglings and vampyres don’t need to believe me about you because Nyx does. This is not over between us.”
I stepped out of Neferet’s arms and turned my back on her. Together, my friends and I went outside and crossed the short distance to Nyx’s Temple. It had finally stopped snowing, and the moon was peeking between wisps of clouds that looked like silken scarves. I stopped at the beautiful marble statue of the Goddess that stood before her temple.
“Here,” I said firmly.
“Z?” Erik said questioningly.
“I want to put Stevie Rae’s candle out here, at Nyx’s feet.”
“I’ll get it for you,” Erik said. He squeezed my hand and then hurried into Nyx’s Temple.
“You’re right,” Shaunee said.
“Yeah, Stevie Rae would like it lit out here,” Erin said.
“It’s closer to the earth,” Damien said.
“And so it’s closer to Stevie Rae,” I said softly.
Erik returned and handed me the green votive and a long, ritualistic lighter. Following my instincts, I lit the candle and placed it snugly at Nyx’s feet.
“I’m remembering you, Stevie Rae. Just like I promised,” I said.
“So am I,” said Damien.
“Me, too,” said Shaunee.
“Ditto,” said Erin.
“I’m remembering, too,” said Erik.
The scent of a grassy meadow suddenly swirled around Nyx’s statue, making my friends smile through their tears. Before we walked away I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer that was a promise I felt deep in my soul.
I’ll go back for you, Stevie Rae.
ALSO BY P. C. CAST and KRISTIN CAST
Marked
ALSO BY P. C. CAST
Goddess of Love
Divine by Blood
Goddess of the Rose
Divine by Choice
Divine by Mistake
Brighid’s Quest
Goddess of Light
Elphame’s Choice
Goddess of Spring
Goddess of the Sea
Goddess by Mistake
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
BETRAYED. Copyright © 2007 by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
www.stmartins.com
First Edition: October 2007
eISBN 9781429915991
