That’s all I can think or even feel. I coil my hand into a fist and then open it, nails elongating into sharpened points. I relish the surge of complete power flowing through my bones.
Wow. Fucking. Wow.
Three Guardians at once and I know they took it easy on me, there could be more, and like an addict wanting a hit, there is no doubt in my mind that if we survive this hellhole, it’s something we’ll explore again. Next time we’ll do it at home, slowly, taking our time.
My skin tingles, even now that my breathing has returned to normal and my cheeks have lost the flaming heat of exertion. The men laze around me, catching their breath and going through the final stages of healing. The power that ran through me to them and back again was nothing short of epic. Together we are at full power. What will happen when Dylan joins in? Or Bunny?
If we even allow him to return.
I completely understand now why the Morrigan did what she did—why she kidnapped my men. What I don’t understand, even more than before, was Bunny’s betrayal. To what end? What was his point?
A knock on the door breaks me from my thoughts and I stand, wrapped in nothing but a blanket, and cross the room. I glance back and see my Guardians shift into alertness.
I open the door and Nevis stands on the other side. Bunny lurks nearby, keeping watch. He’s placed a rune of protection on the door. He’s trying—or at least pretending that he is.
Nevis’ eyes dart from me to the men, who have relaxed, aware we’re not under any threat. “Feeling better?”
“Absolutely.”
“I brought you something.” She reveals a folded-up outfit in her hands. I shake it out, and realize it’s my suit from back home. I smile and take it from her. “I have something for them, too. Can I bring it in?”
“Thank you. And of course.”
I step aside and two men enter the dwelling, carrying stacks of clothing and boots. They hand an outfit to each of my three guardians and have two extra. The material is familiar. I walk over and hold my own next to it. The fabric matches, everything from the weave to the stitching. I’ve seen them before—in the closet of the training room in the basement of The Nead.
“How did you get these?” I ask.
“Our people have served the Queen since the beginning—regardless of what realm they reside in.” I study her hair. Her face. I think about the way she carries herself. Her strength and the lack of fear she has, despite her position.
“You got these from Davis and Sue.” I look at my Guardians. They seem as surprised as I do. “I knew there was more to them than just…”
“Servants?” she says. “We’re the heartbeat tying the two realms together. We’ve bided our time for centuries. Toiling away, working for the Morrigan, waiting for the day our savior would come and free us from oppression.”
“Me?”
She nods. “Davis and Sue are impressed, which isn’t easy. They’ve known it for some time.”
The enormity of the moment slams into me, and if I hadn’t just juiced up on Raven power, I’d probably crumble under the pressure. Nevis and the people down here think I’m going to save them. I look at the grim expressions on the Guardians and realize that is wrong. They think we’re going to save them.
Which, I guess, is exactly what we had planned. There’s just more at stake than I ever knew.
I steal a glance at my men, who are in the midst of dressing. In a low voice I say, “I’m going to need your help.”
Nevis’ eyes twinkle and she curtsies. “At your service.”
*
I ignore the questioning looks from my men as I take one of the extra suits and carry it outside. I’m already dressed, and I slide my sword into the sheath on my back. Bunny stands near the house, alert though obviously exhausted. I walk over to him and note that the purple shadows under his eyes are deeper than before. I expected him to get at least a contact boost from my encounter with the others, but instead he looks worse.
Good.
I toss him the suit and he catches it.
“What’s this for?”
“We’re getting out of here. Thought you may need it.”
He stares at the fabric in his hands. “You want me to go with you?”
I take a step closer. “Not really. But I need you.”
“I need you, too.”
Without the slightest bit of hesitation I slap him across the face. Hard. Gods, that felt good. “You’ll do everything I say. Follow every command. Each direction. Without question. Do you understand that?”
“Yes. I understand.” He swallows and casts his copper eyes at mine. “Morgan, I meant it before. I’m sorry. This got out of control. It’s such a mess.”
He flinches when he says it, waiting for another assault. This time I rein it in.
“Stop.” The feeling of power fills me in a way I never have before. I’m not even sure of how far it will reach—what I can do. “No talking. No apologizing.”
He nods.
“Seriously, Bunny. Am I clear?”
“Crystal.”
“Go change. We’re leaving when Dylan gets here.”
“Dylan? Does he even know where we are?” I hear his real question. Do I really think he’s alive?
I nod toward the tunnel entry across the expansive grounds. Nevis has placed someone at the entrance. He moves when the door swings open and Dylan appears, blinking into the light. I smile and start toward him, but Bunny grabs my arm. “How did you know?”
“I felt him coming. Didn’t you?” But I know he didn’t, because just like the fact he didn’t feel a boost from my connection with the others, he couldn’t feel Dylan anymore. The damage Bunny has made to his bond with the five of us runs deep.
I shake away from him. Dylan sees us. Me. His heartbeat quickens at the sight of me but his eyes darken when he spots Bunny nearby. “Change,” I say again, and walk toward the Raven soaked in blood and craving my attention. We’re almost whole. Well, as much as we’re going to get.
Chapter
Dylan
I follow Morgan’s signal, feeling the vibrations through the stone walls in the dungeons. The path is darker than a moonless night but her soul sings to me and eventually I reach the end.
I have no idea what to expect on the other side of the passage but it certainly isn’t an underground society. The gatekeepers welcome me—as though they’d been expecting me. I spot Morgan immediately, speaking with Bunny. I nearly launch myself across the caverns and kill him.
But Morgan gives me a look and I get it. Hands off. For now.
I sag against the door, catching my breath. I’ve suffered a loss of blood. My battle with Casteel wasn’t without injury.
She’s at my side in minutes. Bunny watches with a guarded expression. I don’t blame him—we have unsettled business—but if Morgan has allowed him to come down here with us, I’ll trust her.
“You found us,” she says, touching my face. My stomach. Blood seeps through the fabric of my shirt.
“Always,” I tell her, leaning against her. “I’ll always find my family.”
“Casteel?” she asks.
“Not dead. Severely wounded, but not dead.”
She looks up at me with concerned, powerful eyes. “And the Morrigan?”