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“Who’s Roman?” Willow turned to my aunt. “Is he a demon or a witch?”
My aunt held Willow’s gaze. “A Salem witch, we believe. His last name is English.”
“One of thedamned,” Willow replied with shock, sitting down hard on a kitchen chair. “Cassie, how did this happen?”
“I was bitten by a Thrall.”
Kane and Karter’s eyes widened. Autumn gasped.
Sebastian whistled low. “Damn, Cassie, how the hell did you end up in theEther?”
Deciding to share my story so we were all on the same page, I began my tale and sat down with a thud on a wooden barstool once I finished, feeling overwhelmed as I thought how impossible this task would be. Thefadewas dangerous, but I didn’t think for one minute that Roman would let me waltz in there and snatch my essence back up without a fight.
“We’re up against more than thefadeand its normal dangers. Roman will be waiting for me.”
Everyone in the room was silent for a few minutes.
“Well,” Gypsy finally announced. “I suppose we better get started.”
“LISTEN, CASS, WE NEEDto have a plan. Walking in there blind is a bad idea.” Kayde’s hands were on my shoulders as I met his concerned gaze. “I won’t do this until everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing. No loose ends or uncertainty.”
“I know,” I agreed.
Ryder approached us, his face grim. I wasn’t used to that expression from him and my stomach clenched with worry. “We’re doing this. You’re not alone. I think you should take a few minutes to center yourself while the rest of us decide our positions.”
“Good idea.” Gabe pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Go take a nice bath and a quick nap. Once you’re ready we’ll gather everyone together.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” I argued, catching the solemn look on all their faces.
“I can smell the taint on you. Your soul is in danger and it’s getting worse.” Gabriel shook his head, caressing the side of my face. “Give us an hour to get things settled. Rest. You’re going to need your strength.”
‘Precious, I’ll go up with you.’
I followed Damian up the stairs as I heard the voices of my friends and loved ones deciding how each one was going to place themselves in danger to save my life. It didn’t feel right.
Maybe I could –
‘I don’t think so. Forget I can hear you?’
Shit. I did.
“I don’t like this, Damian.”
“Which part?” he asked, half amused, his usual sarcasm returning. “None of it is pleasant, pet,” he agreed as he kissed me softly, “but we can handle it.”
His confidence helped but I had a bad feeling that things were going to get a lot worse before it was all over. “Damian?”
“Yes?”
‘If I become corrupted, take me out before I can hurt anyone I love.’The words were too difficult to speak aloud but I had to make sure he knew what I wanted before it was too late.
He turned to me sharply, his fangs bared as he hissed.‘Not going to happen.’
‘You won’t do it?’
‘I won’t have to because there won’t be a need.’
Following him into the bathroom, I watched as he drew a bath and then undressed me slowly, his expression unreadable. Taking my hand, he led me to the tub and stood as I lowered into the steaming water and bubbles. The scent of lilac and eucalyptus was instantly soothing and soaked into my skin, lifting into the air as I inhaled.
