So this was it—tonight she was leaving for the Kingdom of Shadows.
“I guess I don’t have much choice.” She shot a panicked look at Zee, who simply shrugged, before she faced Cera again. “How are we getting there? And where do I put my bags?”
“You won’t need the suitcases.” Cera flashed a lethal smile of razor-sharp teeth. “You’ll have anything you could possibly want when we arrive. The lord is very generous, milady. Besides, Sotz won’t be able to carry it.”
Before she could ask who Sotz was, she caught a glimpse of movement through the window—enormous leathery wings beating the air and shining dark eyes. A chill crawled over her skin. As the creature moved closer, she made out a pair of long diaphanous ears. Is that a giant bat? “What the fuck?”
The bat’s eyes widened. Did it understand what she was saying?
“Shhh...” said Cera. “Don’t upset Sotz. He has very sensitive hearing. The creature squeezed its body onto the windowsill, gripping the stone with fleshy feet. It was enormous—the size of a small horse.
“Don’t worry, little buddy,” Cera said, scratching the bat’s head. “I don’t think she’s ever met a lunar bat before.” Sotz nuzzled the demon and a low rumble filled the room. The creature was purring.
Ursula crossed her arms, staring at them. “I’m confused. I thought Nyxobas was coming to get me.”
“The god?” Cera laughed. “He’s far too busy to come himself. Sotz and I will be taking you to his kingdom.” She glanced at the bat. “Sotz, can you turn around?”
The massive bat inched out of the window, flapping his wings twice before backing up into the window. A leather harness and saddle were strapped to his back.
Lifting her skirts, Cera hopped onto Sotz’s shoulders, twisting her fingers into his fur. She looked back at Ursula expectantly. “Whenever you’re ready, dear.”
Ursula turned to Zee who now stood, her empty wine glass forgotten on the coffee table. The fae girl had been keeping her company for the past six months. While Ursula had helped Zee recover from her soul-sucking trauma, Zee had tried to distract Ursula from her terrifying fate in the Shadow Realm. Their tools: champagne, loud music, and trips to Madison Ave—at least, in between all the hellhound work. “Zee, I’m really going to miss you.”
Zee’s eyes glistened, and she wrapped Ursula in a hug so tight it threatened to crack her ribs. Despite being only a size two, she was surprisingly strong. When she finally released Ursula, a tear was streaking down her cheek.
“Go.” Zee gestured at the oneiroi woman. “I’ll see you in six months.”
Ursula flashed Zee her most stern look. “Make sure you take care of yourself.”
Zee straightened, wiping her eyes. “I will. And, I’ll even put your stuff away. Though I might borrow that gold Valentino dress I bought for you.” She picked up the duffel and headed toward the hall. Ursula had the feeling she didn’t want anyone to see her cry.
By the window Cera cleared her throat, and Ursula’s muscles tensed. Time to go.
Chapter 2
Ursula shoved the sword into the Kevlar scabbard and strapped it to her back. She was leaving her clothes behind, but there was no way in hell she’d travel to the Shadow Realm without Honjo.
By the window, Cera turned to her, a wicked glint in her silver eyes. “Are you ready?”
“Not really.”
“Have you ever ridden a horse before?”
Ursula shrugged. Good question. “I don’t think so, but I don’t remember anything from before the age of fifteen. For all I know, F.U. may have been a champion rider.”
Cera’s pale brow crinkled. “F.U.?”
“Former Ursula. My pre-amnesiac self.”
Cera flashed her a sympathetic you-should-probably-take-your-medication smile.
Ursula forced a smile back. Right. I sound like a nutter when I talk about the amnesia. Then again, we’re about to ride on the back of a giant bat, so a little nuttery is in order. “Well,” said Cera. “Whatever the case, I’ll be guiding Sotz, so you’ll just need to hold on.” She arched an eyebrow. “I do hope you’re not afraid of heights.” “Not really.” A chill whispered over her skin. But I’m terrified of Nyxobas.
Her brush with the shadow void still haunted her nightmares—the god of night filled her with a horrifying, gnawing dread. A painful emptiness that still flickered in the hollows of her mind. She tried to push the thoughts away. Her voyage on the bat would be bad enough without dwelling on the void. “Climb on.” Cera nodded at a pair of leather handles on Sotz’s saddle. “Grip there. Then step into the stirrups. Just be sure to hold on tight.”
Pretty sure I’ll be clutching on for dear life. Ursula pulled herself up to the windowsill, then hooked a leg over the saddle. Gripping the handles, she slipped her feet into the stirrups.