Chapter 13 #5
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Greyson warned.
“I have a talisman you will carry. It will grant you invisibility within the underworld. The object you seek is hidden. Hidden by me. I tried many times to escape and I set the object. It is my spell only and the hell dust within it harbors the magick of the Goddess. After I misaligned the spell with Dimitri, which I deeply regret, I forced myself to hone the spell. It shall only bring the magick of change to reveal an individual’s true nature.
Your truth. I expect with Rafe, his truth is wolf. ”
“You must remain still. There will be others. The fae are less interested in what you’re doing.
But the demons who attempt to break the seal?
Or those like me?” Thorn rolled his eyes and brushed his lapel.
“Well it depends on the mood really? There’re other types of creatures.
You’ll just have to deal with them. Too many to explain.
But if it has more than eight legs? Trust me, it’s going to bite you. ”
Rafe sighed. “What am I looking for?”
“I can’t remember where I stored the spell exactly. It’s wrapped in purple silk. Call for Greyson when you find it. Then tomorrow afternoon during the eclipse, we commence the spell.”
“That’s it?”
“Don’t get caught,” Dominique warned. “You’re pretty. They’d like you.”
“Greyson.” Ilsbeth focused on the ancient vampire. “I expect you shall have the ability to use your powers to do reconnaissance of the dome. As long as you don’t linger, the others will not suspect you.”
“If the pathway becomes circular, don’t go further.
They mine the steel to create their implements of torture.
If you see the cauldrons of molten iron, you’ll know you’ve gone too far.
” Dominique eyed Skylar and sniffed. “Your human smells delicious. You won’t be needing her as wolf.
Would you consider allowing me to take her back to New Orleans? We are neighbors, after all.”
“Yeah, no. I’m good.” Skylar shot Rafe a side eye to kill. She lifted her glass into the air in a toast. “May Rafe be successful tomorrow so I can get the hell out of here.” Skylar sipped it, glaring at Dominique.
“She’s a fiery human, isn’t she?” Dominique brought her hands together in glee. “I like her.”
“Like me. Don’t like me. I’m outta here when this is done.
I’ll appreciate my life back.” Skylar turned to Ilsbeth.
“And you. Thanks for wrecking my dream job in L.A. by the way. Nice touch. I mean I just packed up my entire life for nothing.” Skylar waved to the butler and pointed to her wine glass.
“She’s absolutely delicious.” Dominique licked her lips.
“She’s mine. And you will not touch her,” Rafe growled.
Skylar rolled her eyes and shook her head, not responding.
“Typical. Dog with a bone. Remind me why I’m helping this mongrel?” Dominique shrugged.
“Because I asked you,” Greyson reminded her.
“Enough.” Ilsbeth clapped her hands and addressed the table. “She’s most definitely his human. She belongs to his vampire.”
“What?”
“It’s nothing,” Rafe replied. This wasn’t the time to discuss this with Skylar.
“No more secrets,” Ilsbeth demanded.
“You are in no position to demand anything from me, let alone from anyone else at this table. You are literally the queen of secrecy.” Rafe glanced to Skylar whose face had lost all expression. He registered her cold demeanor. “I’m sorry Skylar. I’m sorry for all of this.”
“You know what? I don’t mind at this point. Today was very much needed because the reality of all of this, sitting around contemplating how you’re going to jailbreak hell—”
“It’s not technically hell,” Thorn interrupted.
“Humans,” Dominique mused under her breath.
“I’m not your human, Rafe. Ilsbeth, I appreciate your protection until this is settled. Greyson.” Skylar shoved up from the table, searching for the butler who ushered a maid carrying two bowls of soup. “Henri? Can you deliver this to my room?”
Ilsbeth nodded and he responded accordingly. “Of course, mademoiselle.”
“I’m sorry Rafe. I can’t pretend like it doesn’t bother me you were with someone else today. It does. We both know it doesn’t matter anyway. You’re a wolf. I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy.”
Rafe stood but hesitated to reach for her, aching with guilt. “I’m sorry. This situation. The whole thing…it’s going to be over soon.” Rafe nodded to Henri who rushed to their side. “Please make sure she has everything she needs.”
“Of course, sir. I’ll see to it. Hazel, please continue the course.”
Skylar’s eyes welled with tears, her voice wavering. “Goodnight.”
Rafe’s control faltered as he reached for her, cupping her cheek with his hand, his thumb brushing a tear away. “It’s going to be okay.”
“Be safe.” Skylar turned from him, and disappeared through an archway, Henri following behind her.
Rafe sucked a silent breath and sat down, his focus on Dominique. “Do not touch her. I want Skylar safe and back doing whatever she wants to be doing like this never happened. Do you understand?”
Silence filled the room, and Rafe pounded his fist onto the table, the vibrations reverberating through the marble. “Do you understand?”
“Fine,” Dominique grumbled. “I never have any fun.”
“Darling, I don’t have any plans on touching the human.” Thorn sighed, his face lighting up as the maid set the soup in front of him. “I do love a good snapper. Oh, yes the sherry.”
“Are you done now?” Greyson asked. “As if I’d ever touch Skylar. Her mother wouldn’t be happy at all with me.”
Rafe turned his attention to Ilsbeth who remained quiet.
“What? What do you think I’d do with a human? Seriously, Rafe? Get a grip. I’m the high priestess. Humans are the ones who need me, not the other way around.” Ilsbeth looked to her soup. “Snapper’s always a good choice. Enjoy your meal. We have mischief to make and ingredients to gather.”