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“That’s not all your thinking,” I say, calling him out.
“In our last conversation, she said as much,” he says. “I didn’t put it together then, but I agree. She probably did go for the first sword.”
The pressure pounding in my head and weighing on my shoulders lightens. This is the first glimmer of hope I’ve had in a while.
“And you all think that Duncan is there also? In Dubnos?”
“It is very likely, yes,” the Fair Queen says. “None of us can be certain.”
“I could be,” Siobhan says darkly.
“Are you?” I ask.
She flashes her smile and shakes her head.
“There is a world of difference between could be and am,” she says.
I close the distance between us with slow, deliberate steps.
“Siobhan,” I say, keeping my voice even. “Answer the question, no more coy ruses. Please.”
She has the eyes of a predator and it’s clear she’s not going to back down, but something on her face does soften and her smile seems genuine.
“Dubnos is the afterlife. I have a,” she pauses, purses her lips, then continues, “connection to it.”
“Because you’re a vampire?” I ask.
“Yes,” she says, closing her eyes. She frowns and her mouth twists as if she’s in pain, but she makes no sound. When she opens her eyes, they’re crimson red and I take a step back. “He is there. The sword, I cannot trace, but Duncan is in Dubnos.”
“Then I’m going,” I say, turning so I can see the entire group. “How do I get there?”
“Cernunnos has the key,” Siobhan says.
“You cannot,” both Queens say in unison.
“I can and I damn well will,” I say, standing my ground. “It’s Duncan. And, maybe, my mother too? I’m not leaving them there.”
“You are not ready,” the Fair Queen says.
“I’ve not been ready for any of this,” I shout, shaking my head. “None of that is going to stop me. I must save him. And if I can, her too.”
“This is not wise,” Mab says.
“Wise or not, I’m going,” I say. “I know I’m in over my head but all I can do is push forward. If I can’t save them then what’s the point?”
“Quinn, do not do this,” the Fair Queen says. “Let us prepare you.”
“Prepare me?” I snap. “You’re the ones saying there is no time. And look!” I point at the Tree. “You think we have time to prepare? This is it. Either I make it, or I don’t, but waiting around the only thing that’s going to happen is the darkness will be stronger. This is it; I’m going.”
I turn my back on them and stride away. They call after me, but I ignore them. I’m going to find Cernunnos. I’ve met him here before and saw him when I arrived. If he has the key, then I need him to open the door.
Fear creeps through my thoughts, making my heart beat faster and forming cold sweat between my breasts. My breath feels heavy too, but I recognize it for what it is. Doubts, uncertainty, and I know that none of it matters. This is it. I can either save Duncan and the world, or I’ll fail.
I’ve seen so many horrors now that I must be growing numb. Demons, monsters, destruction, hate given dark form and unleashed on a world that is in no way prepared for it. I thought the modern world was dark, but it has nothing on this.
When I hear footsteps running up behind me, I crouch and spin, ready to fight. Dugald skids to a stop a few feet away, his feet slipping in the dead leaves. He raises his hands palms out.
“Quinn, listen,” he says.
