Page 131 of The Bonds of Indigo

“Amarah, reconsider. She is not a threat to you⁠—”

“Vendra, then tell me. Who sent that Grimhorn after me?”

“You interrupt a God. I should be offended and smite you.”

“You can’t smite me. Now answer my question please. Who sent it?”

Silence fills our connection, and I shake my head. “I’ve had to cover every mirror since it happened. The springs… it’s why you brought Thornwyn to me, just in case she sent another through the water’s reflection. You know better. I know better. I can’t let this attraction and my feelings cause more death. I can’t let him die… and she is a threat to that.”

I take a deep breath and pinch the bridge of my nose, feeling the uneven skin of my scar.

“I’ll enjoy the time I have. And if we find Luce, and he does come back to this world with Kayn, he won’t be alone. You can sprout flowers around him from time to time.”

“Do not condescend me.” The truck shakes, and honestly, I laugh. Did she just have a little outburst? “You will think logically! The burden of birth is not on the child, but on nature itself. I will not let you die.”

“Always the hero.”

“I am a God⁠—”

“As you like to keep reminding me.”

“Amarah. My child. My forge. You did not survive the horrors you have to end your life. Do not forget that we, too, have made a bond. You are my conduit. I have chosen you, and will not choose another.”

I can sense Kayn coming back, the bond slacking and wrapping more comfortably around my chest.

“I love you, too, Vendra.”

“And I like him. The Vampire. I may make an appearance in his dreams. You cannot stop me.”

He would like that a little too much. His comment about Vendra favoring him was pretty accurate. She has a soft spot for him, and I’m honestly not sure why. I mean, I favor him, but… that makes sense.

As I’ve said, I like him a lot.

Kayn appears at the driver’s side where I’m sitting, and the moment I unlock the door, he has it open. He’s wearing this quirky smile that makes me give him a questioning look.

“Found an entrance,” he says, offering me his hand to help me out. Quite the gentleman with a filthy mouth. “You ready to party?”

“Party, huh? Sure. If we can call going into a toxic wasteland partying.”

He bends, places a hand behind my knees, and lifts me into his arms. I’d hated when he did this at first—at least, I told myself I did. But honestly? It’s pleasant. When he runs, he never jostles me; he makes sure I feel secure the entire time.

“You’ll see.” He glances down at me with a smirk. “Ready?”

My heart flutters.

“I do not need to worry… I can feel your intentions. You won’t go through with⁠—”

“Get out of here.”

I finally nod, and he takes off with me in his arms. We leave our bags behind, hoping to reach the farthest point by tomorrow and simply manage with the clothes on our backs.

Typically, I keep my head tucked against his chest when we run. Same rules as riding a bike—bugs and whatever else is in the air go straight into your face. The first time he carried me through the woods, I’m positive a fly flew right into my mouth.

Still, I peek every few seconds, spotting the massive metal wall coming into view. The damn thing is gigantic, and as we get closer, it begins to tower over us.

I’ve never seen it in person, but I read enough about it when I was younger to understand why it exists and how it’s structured. Built directly into the border are several layers of hollowed-out space. Quarters where guards stay for short periods, and stairways leading to each of the six levels.

There aren’t any weapons mounted on the posts. Instead, authorities man the top and bottom levels. They say the wall is meant to keep people from coming in, but truthfully, it’s far more about keeping Necroth out and preventing more toxic waste from seeping into Everhaven.