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ys. The empty space inside him expanded, and he knew that, before long, it would eat the last bit of his soul until there was nothing left.
The rage that pounded in his chest erupted into an ominous growl as he crouched low, ready to battle. Three forms lay at Declan’s feet. Their energy seemed to fluctuate, as if they were holographs gone crazy. Light still danced around them as they twitched, and their true forms bled through intermittently.
Julian stood quickly and crossed to where they lay in pathetic ruin. Their huge eyes gazed up at him, their mouths open in a macabre grimace. Declan was breathing hard and held his hands aloft. His face was devoid of emotion as he blasted the shades once more.
They writhed along the wet concrete, and Julian could again hear their screams inside his head, though they were now faint and more of an annoyance than anything.
He didn’t have time for this shit and knelt beside them. Waiting for the moment when their true forms pulsated through, he made quick work of them with his dagger.
He felt nothing as he did so. No joy, victory, or satisfaction . . . just a big empty pile of nothing. He was losing his last shred of decency faster than he’d like. The darkness that surrounded him was destroying any positive energy that he had.
He looked up at Declan. “Your father is more powerful than I thought. Shades?”
Declan grabbed his Glock and dagger. “He’s a slimy son of a bitch, I’ll give him that, but the bastard’s diet hasn’t been as varied as mine.” Declan grimaced. “He’s not fed from true, pure darkness, and it’s the only thing I’ve eaten for months.”
The two men looked at each other, and an understanding passed. This was the end of the line, and they would make the most of it.
“Let’s go.” Julian was on the move before Declan had a chance to react. The burn beneath his skin pushed him forward, and sweat ran down his bare chest in rivulets. The scars that lay there were raw, and he passed a hand over them, wincing as he did so.
“Mine hurt like hell,” Declan said.
Julian ignored the comment. “Where we headed?” he asked roughly.
Declan smiled and nodded into the ever-swirling shadow and mist. “Follow me.”
They began to jog, their footsteps muffled, though Julian heard the steady drip of water. It was a constant in the otherwise bizarre and random space. He couldn’t see clearly. It was obvious the basement was large, and if the casino above it was any indication, they had a lot of ground to cover.
The farther they penetrated, the darker, more malicious the shadows became. Every sense Julian possessed was on high alert.
His com unit began to make noise, and he paused, growling as the static began in earnest. He was just about to rip it from his head when a voice slipped through. Clear, precise, and feminine.
Jaden.
“Julian?” Her voice echoed in his ear, teasing him with its warmth, and he stopped cold. She sounded tense. He tapped the unit, but there was nothing, only static, and he wondered if he’d imagined the entire thing.
“Did you hear that?” he asked roughly, as Declan turned back to him.
“What?”
“Jaden. I thought I heard her.”
“Dude, we’re so close to the prize, you need to forget about Jaden DaCosta. She’s a warrior and can look after herself. Trust me.” The sorcerer cracked a smile. “Besides, she’s got crazy Nico watching her ass. Literally.”
Julian snarled at his words. Energy flooded his limbs, and he felt the darkness knocking hard.
Declan’s eyes narrowed. “That’s good, Castille. You need to hold on to that anger. Feed from the rage that’s inside you. It’s our only chance.” The sorcerer paused, his face harsh. “We’re close.”
Julian felt like his insides were ripping in two. His blood was boiling, churning through his veins, and he rotated his neck as he tried to alleviate the pressure. He closed his eyes and concentrated, opening up his senses, using every bit of power he possessed to breach the unforgiving shadow that surrounded him.
In spite of the chaotic darkness, she still called to him.
His body stilled, and he heard the beating of his heart and his lungs expanding as he dragged air deep into them. Something soft and feminine slid over him and teased his nostrils. His jaguar erupted painfully as it recognized the smell.
Jaden. She was near.
And she was in trouble. Her scent was filled with fear, pain, and rage.
“It’s right there,” Declan murmured.
