Eden nodded, unable to speak or even to move. She’d seen darkness before. Had her fill of it. But this was gruesome beyond even what Bes’tal had been capable of.
Ash reached for the purse, stepping wide of the table and its inhabitants. Contents spilled from its depths—her wallet, lip gloss, stray receipts. He handed her the bag and bent again to retrieve the wallet.
Eden stepped back and turned away. She searched the bag’s zippered compartment, pocketing the vial of potion used to keep her pursuers at bay. Her stomach dropped when she didn’t find the stone and didn’t even protest when Ash put her wallet in his backpack. Her own purse was now useless.
“It’s not here.” She dropped what was left of the bag in disgust. She needed her wallet; anything else that had been in that purse she never wanted to see again. It would only remind her.
Ash pulled the map out and cursed. “It’s moving.”
Eden peered over his shoulder at the glowing spot, traveling at a steady clip. “So whatever did this…” She took a breath. “Has the seal.”
Eden saw her own horror reflected in Ash’s eyes.
She glanced back at the young people at the table. This time she didn’t let herself look away. She wanted to really see them, to know what this monster was capable of. The sight of their twisted bodies burned her clean of the fear threatening to engulf her until there was nothing left but determination. Determination and fury.
Whatever this Ultrabeast was, it was about to be something else.
Dead.
Chapter 25
Eden and Ash tore through the woods, both desperate to reach the stone, desperate to kill a monster, and desperate to outrun the memory of two teenagers who had been guilty of nothing but being homeless and desperate themselves.
Fire burned in Eden’s belly. The more she ran, the more she became white-hot with rage.
“There.” Ash stopped short and pointed.
Eden turned in time to see a hulking, fur-covered figure lumbering around a curve. She darted after it, Ash calling out to her.
“Wait—it could be a trap.”
Eden kept moving as though she hadn’t heard him. The pounding of his footsteps told her he’d chosen to follow. She rounded the bend to find herself teetering on the edge of thirty foot drop into a dry gulch. Momentum sent her tumbling. At the bottom of the ravine, she slammed into the trunk of a tree, groaning at the impact.
“Eden!” Ash called to her from the top of the ravine.
She opened one eye and caught a glimpse of him sliding down the embankment.
“I’m okay.” She felt anything but. Her body was a giant bruise.
“Eden,” he said again. His voice was quieter, but somehow more urgent. “Get up.”
The memory of what she’d been chasing—why she’d gone careening into a gulch—came back, and she was on high alert. She forced herself up and spun around.
Ash had been right—it was a trap. Four massive beasts, covered in hair and sporting sharp claws, surrounded her. Ash brandished his knife. She almost laughed at how useless the slim blade would be against beasts almost twice Ash’s size.
Spells cycled through her mind, but most were ones she’d never performed. Fireballs came easiest, and one bloomed in her hand. She flung it at the monster closest to her, burning a hole into his middle and causing it to collapse.
The three remaining beasts rushed her, and Ash sent his knife sailing through the air. It thunked home in the eye socket of one of the creatures. It roared and yanked the blade free. Eden launched a second ball of fire, dispatching another beast. She spun, readying the next fireball, but was too slow. Sharp claws ripped the flesh along her left arm. The ball of fire fell to the ground, extinguished by damp leaves. She wobbled as blood oozed from the wound.
Then Ash was there, hurling himself onto the back of the one who’d attacked her—a second knife puncturing its neck.
“Behind you!” Ash cried, and Eden dove to the ground in time to avoid the swipe to her belly that would have ended her life.
Eden flung another fireball, but her aim was off, and she only managed to maim the beast. She scrabbled backward as it advanced, snarling, blood running in rivets from its ruined eye. Her hand struck something cold and sharp. When she looked down, she saw the discarded knife and snatched it.
The piercing battle cry that followed was more animal than human. She threw herself at the beast, blade raised. She drove it deep into his chest, and the two of them tumbled backward. She wrapped her fingers in his stinking fur and held on with one hand while the other stabbed again and again.
“Go to hell!” she screamed, lifting the blade and again driving it deep. “Go to hell.”
Now she gripped the knife with both hands, plunging it again, deep into what was left of its ruined heart. It wasn’t enough just to kill it. Images of the teens in the woods, of everyone killed by Bes’tal, of the borahn and almost being burned alive—filled her mind and fueled her need to erase this creature’s very existence.
“Stop.”
Ash was there, but when he tried to put his arms around her, she pushed him away.
“No.” The word came out a sob, tears pouring from her eyes.
“Eden, stop.” He was stronger than her, and this time he didn’t allow her to push him back. “Please, Eden. Give me the knife.”
But she couldn’t let it go. Couldn’t will herself to, even when she saw how very dead the beast below her was. With great care, Ash unwound her fingers, slick with blood. Some of it was her own; the river of red flowing from the slashes on her arm hadn’t abated.
When he’d retrieved the blade, Ash tossed it aside and raised her injured arm overhead. “Hold it up.”
She did as he said. She felt cold. And lightheaded. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could stay conscious.
He stripped off his jacket and then his shirt, folding the cloth and applying it firmly to her wound. “Hold this.”
When Eden didn’t move, Ash took her hand and pressed it to the makeshift dressing. He undid his belt and slipped it from the loops on his pants. He poked a new hole and fastened the belt tight around her upper arm, above the slashes. Then he ripped the sleeves from his jacket and used them to secure the t-shirt bandage.
Eden was aware of all of this happening, but it was far away, as though happening to someone else. Her teeth began to chatter.
“C-cold,” she said.
Ash was naked from the waist up; how was she the cold one?
“It’s the shock.” Ash squeezed her good arm then took her face in his hands. “Stay with me.”
“Light…headed…” She felt herself drift, eyes rolling back in her head.
“This is nothing,” he said, locking his gaze with hers. “Do you hear me? This is nothing.”
“Feels…like…something.” Eden tried to smile.
“I’ve seen something.” Ash wrapped her in his arms and lurched to his feet. “And this isn’t it.”
He was trying to taunt her into staying conscious, but she couldn’t. She was so…
“The stone.” The words came out thick, emerging from the small part of her that was still lucid.
“We’ll come back.” Ash turned to climb the hill.
“No.”
He took another step up. “You need a hospital. Now.”
“No.” Eden wriggled in his arms, forcing him to stop. “We can’t leave it behind. Not with the cloaking spell weakening. Can you sense it?”
Ash closed his eyes, silent for a long moment. “It’s here.”
“Then find it, please. We can’t have gone through all of this for nothing.”
Ash laid her gently against the base of the tree. Eden slumped back, needing its support to stay upright.
He walked a slow circle around the area, eyes scanning before approaching a small pile of rocks.
Eden’s vision narrowed—as though watching through a tunnel—and she fought the urge to close her eyes.
Ash kicked over the
cairn and brushed away some dead leaves then reached down and plucked the stone from the ground.
When he turned and caught sight of her, he raced over. “Nope. No falling asleep.”
He hauled her up and into his arms. She clung to him with her last ounce of strength.
His hand slipped into her pocket, tucking the stone inside.
“For safekeeping.” His smile was the picture of insolence—the stone had been anything but safe in her care—but she saw the worry on his face. “A deal’s a deal.”
Eden swallowed. Her mind was slowing, unable to muster thoughts of its own, so she repeated his. “A deal’s a deal.”
And then she was gone.
Chapter 26
Sarah was surrounded by books, and for once, they had nothing to do with magic. She might not be able to find her best friend or fix her relationship with Kai, but she could make sure she passed her classes.
Besides, it’s not like either of them are thinking about me.
She’d texted Kai, hoping maybe they could meet for lunch, and been blown off for her trouble. Once again, she’d had “plans.”
Kai moving on was a punch to Sarah’s gut, but instead of resenting her bitterness, she found it brought clarity. It was high time she focused on herself.
A knock broke her train of thought.
“It’s me,” Paige called through the door.
“Come in.”
Sarah pushed back from her desk, grateful for the interruption. Words on the page were beginning to run together. She rubbed tired eyes as Paige entered.
“You up for some practice?” Paige asked.
“Definitely.”
Magic was infinitely better for channeling frustration than studying.
Paige sat cross-legged on the bed, and Sarah joined her.
“You were studying?” Paige asked.
“Trying to. I think I’ve reached my saturation point. The words are beginning to slide by.”
Paige laughed. “I know how that is.”
Tiny sparks sizzled around Paige’s fingertips, and Sarah leaned back.
“Whoa, where did that come from?”
Paige grinned with satisfaction. “Remember how Carolyn used to talk about reaching new levels of our power? Well, I think I’ve hit one.”
“I’d say so,” Sarah said. “Pretty soon, we won’t be able to practice indoors.”
“Good,” Paige said. “I need to work on distance.”
Sarah eyed her with approval. “I like the work ethic.”
There was a time Paige had seemed annoyed by the amount of effort and practice that went into being a witch. She was one of the sisters who had to fight for each spell. She was competent enough, it just didn’t come easy.
“Screw work ethic.” Paige let the sparks around her fingers fizzle. “This is about survival. I want to make sure I can keep demons as far away as possible.”
“Solid plan,” Sarah said.
“Only plan,” Paige said. “We both know it’s only a matter of time before some other nightmare comes waltzing through the door. I won’t be caught off guard again.”
“It’s good to be prepared,” Sarah said. “Just make sure you aren’t overdoing it.”
“Overdoing not wanting to die?”
Sarah smiled and shook her head. “I just mean, don’t worry about dying so much that you forget to live.”
“I’m living.” Paige hunched her shoulders. “But I’ve got time on my hands. Rebecca was kind of my social life, and not all of us found epic loves our first week of college.”
“Epic love?” Sarah glanced at her quizzically.
“You and Kai? Eden and Quinn?” Paige snorted. “Shakespeare wrote sonnets about that crap. Don’t get me wrong—I’m happy for you. I’m just saying, those of us without best friends and forever loves have a little more time on our hands.”
Pain was obvious in Paige’s voice, but not self-pity.
She and Paige hadn’t had many heart-to-hearts, but if she was willing to tell the naked truth, Sarah would too. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m not sure Kai and I are forever.”
Paige tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
“We had a fight. A couple of them. And we broke up.”
“You’re kidding.” Paige leaned back as though she needed space to take in the revelation. “Why?”
“It’s complicated.” Sarah twisted her bedspread between her fingers.
“No, it isn’t.”
Sarah glanced up in surprise but could tell Paige wasn’t kidding.
“You two love each other. Whatever is going on, get over it.”
“I wish it were that—”
“It is that simple. You think Kai would get in a fistfight with the likes of Bes’tal in order to protect you, but draws the line at forgiving some words said in anger?” Paige’s expression told Sarah just what she thought of that logic.
“It’s not only about words. It’s about who I am. Kai likes to manage everything, and I don’t want to be managed anymore. I grew up being told who I was, what I believed, and who I would become. But I decide that now. And who I am is a witch. That means more than just sizzling fingertips.” Sarah wiggled her fingers and watched the sparks dance. “It means I owe loyalty to my sisters and have a duty to use my magic to help people, even when Kai doesn’t like it.”
“Is that you talking or Eden?” Paige asked.
“Me. Look, I know Eden has a bit of a savior thing going on. I’m not dense. But that doesn’t make her wrong. You do what you have to in order to protect the people you love.”
“And if what you have to do is swallow some pride and talk to Kai?”
“It’s not pride.”
“Are you sure about that?” Paige tilted her head. “Kai’s a ballbuster, no doubt. But she loves you—even the witch you. There has to be a compromise.”
“Why are you so invested in Kai and I getting back together?” Sarah laughed.
“Because if you two break up, what’s next? Eden and Quinn? If that happens, I’ll have to give up on love completely, and I am too young to be that cynical.”
Sarah kept her smile in place, but mention of Eden and Quinn set her on edge. What if Eden never came home? What if she did but the two couldn’t find their way back to each other? What if her best friend was already dead? What if…
“Okay, sparky.” Sarah pushed away dark thoughts and forced her tone light. “Enough relationship talk. Show me what this new level can do.”
Paige grinned, tiny blue lightning bolts flashing from each fingertip.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Sarah’s phone chimed, and she reached for it.
“Crap,” she muttered. “I have to go.”
“But I wanted to show you my new trick.”
“And I wanted to see it.” Sarah rose from the bed. “But I can’t ignore this.”
Sarah’s mouth twisted as she showed Paige the text.
Alex—Come to my study. Now.
Chapter 27
Sarah rapped once on Alex’s door and opened it, but when she stepped inside, stopped short.
Seated across from Alex were Kai and Quinn.
“Hey…” She walked slowly over. “I didn’t realize you were here.”
“We’re still waiting to find out why.” Kai’s mouth was tight, and Sarah couldn’t be sure if her annoyance was directed at her or Alex.
“Sit.” Alex pointed to the open chair. “I called all of you here to avoid a game of telephone. I’m sure Sarah has already told you both about my plan to go to the Council.”
When Kai looked to Sarah, Alex’s expression showed surprise.
“You didn’t know.” Alex’s gaze swung from Kai to Quinn. “But you did, didn’t you, sport?” Quinn nodded uncomfortably, and Alex fixed her eyes back on Kai. “That’s gotta smart.”
Sarah flashed Kai an apologetic glance. “I did text…”
“It’s fine. Witch business.” Kai said it dismissively, bu
t then softened her tone. “It is. It’s fine.”
“The Council won’t be here for a few more days.” Alex held up her hand before Quinn could protest. “They’re wrapping up an important trip, but they are coming, and they’re already trying to locate Eden. They’ll inspect the area where she was held, but they don’t need to physically be here in order to start looking for her.”
“Thank God.” Quinn sank back into his chair, face heavy with relief.
“That’s good news.” Kai’s response was more measured. “If the Council is looking, Eden won’t stay hidden long, will she?”
“Not a chance.” Alex rose, an indication the brief meeting was over. “The Council’s resources are vast and their reach, wide. Eden will be back before you know it.”
There was something behind Kai’s eyes Sarah couldn’t read. Was it fear?
Behind them, Quinn crossed to Alex. “I know you had reservations about going to the Council. Thank you for doing this. Seriously…thank you.”
Kai noticed the exchange and pulled out her phone. Sarah watched as she tapped the screen and opened the camera app.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
Alex’s eyes widened as Quinn pulled her into a tight embrace and planted a kiss on her cheek. Sarah heard the click of Kai’s camera and whipped her head back in time to find Kai pocketing her phone.
What is she up to?
Kai answered the unspoken question with a shrug. “Posterity. Not likely to see those two hugging again anytime soon.”
Alex pushed Quinn off her. “Your thanks has been noted.”
Quinn blushed and backed away. “Sorry. Got carried away.”
“I’ve extended you a courtesy in telling you this.” Alex’s gaze swept both Quinn and Kai. “Don’t make me regret it.”
“We won’t.” Quinn said it firmly, as though for Kai as much as Alex. “We appreciate you keeping us in the loop.”
Sarah was relieved the Council was coming, but something about it didn’t sit right. Why had Alex decided to tell Quinn and Kai? Wasn’t she always going on about the importance of loyalty and secrecy?
What’s her end game?
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