Maybe it’s just something that comes with being in the Hunt. It could be part of that Wild Magic wearing off on my mind after too much time.
Or maybe it’s just me.
Nollix’s throat clears, and he carefully pulls his hand away from mine. An awkward shuffling provides space, as if he needs room between him and me.
My hand rises slowly, and I point to the dark bell tower.
Ivy threatens to overtake the structure. The vines are so thick against the old brick that the twisting, green plant nearly consumes it.
“Perfect. The only thing that would make this better is if he was hanging out in a crypt.” Cameron shakes her head slowly.
My gaze is held on the arching wooden door in the side of the building. I take a single step, and Nollix mirrors the action, keeping at my side. The cool air blows at my hair, twirling it into a chaotic swarm of tangled tresses. The soft ground sinks beneath my boots.
Hollow ground. Hallow ground.
The words echo through my mind with different meanings. I shake out a shivering breath. I’m not normally cold. The magic within me is an active and rampant thing that keeps my blood flowing. But right now, it isn’t enough. Something stronger is chilling the air.
Nollix steps forward when we’re close enough. His hand splays wide against the center of the door. With an announcing shriek, the door pushes open. Moonlight scatters along the walls. It flashes white against the wet brick, allowing only slices of light into the tunneling hallway.
The darkness is dense, and not even the glimpses of light give us much sight. The four of us stand at the doorway, looking in on the shadowy and ominous hall.
A feminine and mocking voice shivers across my skin as she speaks.
“I bet you guys are wishing you’d listened to me now.”
My nerves tense and I turn, coming face to face with Jeriko’s ugly mug.
“I thought you’d be cowering in a bunker by now.” I tilt my head at her, my lips pursing slightly.
“And miss the opportunity to eat your soul? Not a fucking chance.” Her smile is a slash of crooked teeth. The dark words she just spoke cause my fingers to curl into my palm.
I don’t doubt her for a moment. She’d consume my soul the instant it left my body.
“Big talk from a girl who just got handled without Violence even breaking a sweat.” Nollix steps between us, his wide shoulders cutting off my view. “If you fuck this up for us,” his spine is stiff, “I’ll rip your heart out myself.”
The light shines against their flashing eyes. Nollix’s build is slightly smaller than Jeriko’s. He’s made of beautiful lines and sharp angles while Jeriko is nothing but toned muscle.
It doesn’t go unnoticed by me that this is the second time Nollix has stuck up for me. It’s two too many, but it does pique my curiosity.
“Let’s just get this over with.” Carver sidesteps the two who are staring daggers at each other. His warmth grazes against my arm, his glaring attention held on Jeriko as he takes the first echoing step into the dark hallway. Aggression crackles through us all.
With concentrated force, I tear the veil of invisibility from the three of us. Carver groans as it rips away, and he shoots me a small, slightly impressed look.
If we’re coming for my father, I want him to know. I want him to look into my eyes as it all unfolds.
I trail after Carver. Quietly, he pulls the blade from his belt. The more danger a hunter is in, the more power the weapon emits. It fumes a bluish tone. It smokes with color. Pure blue smoke rolls off of the blade and clouds around our feet as we stalk through the hall.
Tension fills my limbs as I, too, pull the weapon from my belt. One by one, the others behind me do the same.
“I guess I’ll just rely on my sharp wit to protect me,” Cameron says under her breath.
I don’t look back at her sarcastic remark. The Witch is more than capable of protecting herself. It’ll be keeping close to me that’ll be a problem. If too much distance separates us, she’ll be dragged behind me like a ball and chain.
The tunnel leads to winding steps. Carver takes the stairs quickly, his weapon held low. We’re quiet. The Wild Hunt is meant to be unseen. Our steps barely make a sound. Cameron, however, sounds like she’s competing in a river-dancing competition.
And she’s taking first prize for sure.
If my father is seated at his spot near the window on the highest floor, he will be waiting for us. He probably sensed us the moment we blew in.
