Even my Sword is gone, lost in the rush of relief that overtook me when Ani finally came back to me.
Ani…
Slowly, I climb to my feet. My hair, hopelessly tangled before, is now wrapped in elegant braids that twist around my crown and fall in a cascade down my back. My ruined clothing is gone, replaced with a strapless black gown. The bodice is studded with tiny silk rosebuds that trail down to the full skirt in spiral patterns that shift and swirl when I move. Beneath the blood-red roses, black satin shimmers in the mist.
Stunning, if not for the fact that it’s one of the Dark Magician’s sacrificial gowns.
“If you think you’re going to kill me now, fuckface,” I mutter, “you’re going to be deadanddisappointed when I send your ass to oblivion.”
Gathering up the heavy skirts, I pick my way through the holly thicket and head for the cave, hoping my mages will be there. With every step I take, the mist grows thicker, until I can’t see more than a few inches in front of me.
I don’t want to call out to my mages and risk alerting anyone else who might be lurking, but I can’t just stand here and do nothing. I have to find them. We have to get back to campus and finish this thing once and for all.
I’ve just opened my mouth to call Ani’s name when a shadow moves before me.
“Who’s there?” I whisper. “Ani?”
“You fought well today,” a dark voice answers from the mist, casting my skin in goosebumps. “But this is where it ends.”
The figure steps forward. The mist parts around him, retreating to give me a clear view of the cave entrance.
Of him.
The goosebumps turn into a full-bodied shiver.
“Hello, my Star,” the Dark Magician says. His blue eyes are wild and bright, his skin pink and healthy. His beard is trimmed, his hair combed back, his normally ratty clothes freshly laundered. He looks more alive and vibrant than I’ve ever seen him.
That… can’t be a good sign.
I swallow the knot of fear stuck in my throat.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” he says.
“For me?” I force out a laugh I certainly don’t feel. “Didn’t I tell you to wait for your death?”
“Indeed, you did. Alas, I won’t be the man saying his last words today.” He turns his back on me, gesturing with a jerk of his head for me to follow him. “You look breathtaking, by the way.”
“Breathtaking… Is that a pun? Because that’s exactly what I’m going to take from you if you don’t tell me where my men are.”
“Relax, child. I’m taking you to them now.” He stops before the cave entrance and clasps his hands behind him, rocking back on his heels. He seems imminently pleased with himself.
The knot of fear in my throat returns, bigger and tighter than ever.
What the fuck game is this asshole playing now?
He gives me a head-to-toe once over, then turns toward the cave.
“She’s arrived,” he says into the darkness. “You may begin the ceremony.”
The last of the mist fades away, leaving us in a pale, colorless light. From the yawning mouth of the spiral cave, another man steps forward. His pristine white tunic and bright green cape are a sharp contrast to the gloom that surrounds us. Without the blood and filth, it takes me a moment to recognize him.
Dark Judgment.
Beneath my dress, my knees wobble, but I force myself to keep my voice steady. “You boys got a date tonight? Don’t tell me you cleaned up onmyaccount.”
Ignoring me, he steps to the side, and another person emerges—a woman this time.
Just like her Dark Arcana counterparts, the Chariot is shiny and new, wearing a bright blue tunic and green velvet cape, her auburn hair braided and glossy.
