I was relieved when Locklyn showed up at the meeting with our friends and my sister in tow, but listening to her outline their plan, I understand why Haven is apprehensive. It’s a huge risk that could very well get Locklyn killed.
“I agree with Haven,” I say. “There’s got to be another way. Let’s take her back to the creature world like we planned in the first place. You must have brought Cassian back with you. He can create another portal.”
Haven glances over at me and gives a slight nod, appreciating that I’m on her side.
Locklyn and Talon exchange a look, one I don’t like.
“Cassian is burnt out,” Talon says. “Holding the portal open so long when we were leaving for the creature world drained him. He was able to open a portal back here, but he collapsed and hasn’t woken. He’s on the medical floor now.”
I scrub a hand down my face. With all the portals being watched—not to mention having to find a piece of tamalite to use one—retreating to the creature world isn’t an option.
That complicates things.
Locklyn leans forward, her gaze settling on Haven. “I won’t lie and say there aren’t risks, but they’re not as high as you think. I’ll have Talon with me the whole time, and we all know how formidable he is. Also, we can’t discount the members of the Arcane Society that will be waiting at a distance. If I can get the demon to chase me instead of Haven, then you can go somewhere and hide her until the blood moon passes.”
Jade, Talon’s mom, and the head of the Arcane Society, along with many of its members, came through the portal with Locklyn and the others. After running to the human world with Cassian, I’m not their favorite creature, but as far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier.
Talon explains how the Society was instrumental with helping them locate the information we needed on the demon: that Haven is not only its way to rise to power, but also the only one who can possibly destroy it.
But she’s not familiar enough with her powers to go up against it yet.
I agree that our best bet right now is to wait out the clock on this blood moon, hide in order to fight another day, but using Locklyn as a double for her sister feels like a great way to get my friend killed.
I flick my gaze to Talon, who’s been relatively quiet, especially considering we’re talking about gambling with his wife’s life. “And you’re okay with this? You think it’s an A-okay plan to dangle your wife in front of a demon and let it chase her?”
“I think together, Locklyn and I are unstoppable.”
Next to me, Haven throws up her hands. “Does everyone in this room have a god complex?”
Imogen raises her hand. “I definitely do,” she says unhelpfully. “But in my case, it’s earned.”
I shake my head. I can’t believe we’re making jokes about this.
Locklyn locks gazes with Haven once again. “I appreciate your concern, I really do, but we’ve weighed the pros and cons. This is the best way.”
“No,” Haven snaps back. “This plan sucks. You’re not even taking into account what happens over the next two years.”
Locklyn’s brow bunches. “What do you mean?”
“This, this . . . murderous monster is already semi-corporeal now and running amok in the world, slaughtering and possessing humans at will. You claim that the only way to defeat it is during a blood moon, which means it’s going to be free to keep killing for the next two years. It knows the best way to get to me is through the people I care about. It’s already murdered one of my friends. The other is downstairs comatose and may still die. It’s going to keep coming for me, using people close to me and innocents to get me. You want me to live with that for two years?”
Locklyn exchanges a loaded look with Talon. They have that thing where they can communicate without speaking, and I can tell from Haven’s body language that it’s pissing her off.
Finally, Locklyn admits, “You’re right. This isn’t ideal. But the truth is, you’re not ready to face off against the demon. If you had a chance to defeat it, I’d back you. But if you do, you’ll die, and then it will use your power to reach its full potential and destroy both worlds. After the blood moon, both the Society and the Order can put their resources toward capturing it. Maybe it can be caged somehow. Buying us some time is the best bad solution we have right now.”
Haven slumps back in her seat and falls quiet.
Locklyn frowns, her eyes sad as she regards her sister. Talon lays a hand on her back for support and I have a rush of gratefulness that he’s there for her. Because right now, I certainly can’t be. Haven is my priority. I need to take care of her.
Light chatter starts up around the table. The rest of the group chimes in, forming plans on how to get Haven out of the building undetected, for where we can hide her and what’s the best way to keep Locklyn safe but still somewhat visible so the demon tracks her instead of her sister.
Haven doesn’t speak up again, and I can’t tell if it’s because she’s sad or angry, but being here isn’t doing her any good.
Leaning over, I whisper in her ear, “Do you want to get out of here?”
When she glances up at me, her eyes are filled with sadness. I ache to take that look away, but I just don’t know how.
“How about we go check on Tate?” I offer.
