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Even if you did know your pack, it wouldn’t change what’s happening now,I told myself a moment later, taking a breath.And later, there’ll be all the time in the world to research if I decide I really want to know, so…one thing at a time.
I refocused on rummaging through Keziah’s pantry. There wasn’t much in the way of snacks, but there was some jerky. It wasn’t ideal, but once I had a bite of the savory treat, I thought I might have to change my mind about it. Or maybe that was just my wolf’s influence.
Fenris joined me in the kitchen a moment later.
“I think we ought to head out under the moon,” I said quietly. My body was still sore, and I knew I wasn’t as sharp as usual, but Fenris made a good point about my power under the moonlight. I didn’t want to waste any time while it was shining. The solar eclipse was getting closer every day, and I had no time to waste.
Fenris studied me for a moment. “I think you need more sleep.”
I snorted. “Are you telling me I look tired?” Then I paused. “Don’t answer that. You’re the one who suggested we practice under the light of the moon.”
“It’s only just risen. Get some rest, and I’ll wake you up when it’s at full power.”
I frowned at him. “And what about you? You aren’t exactly looking rested and refreshed yourself.”
He laughed softly. “I sleep better during the day when the full moon is approaching,” he said, still looking exhausted.
I studied him for a moment.His wolf must be bothering him, I decided. I finally gave a nod. “Don’t let me sleep too long,” I said, turning to head upstairs and curl up in the pile of blankets Keziah had left on the guest bed.
What was that? Was someone talking?
I listened a little closer. Indeed, there was a voice, one I even recognized, but I realized it wasn’t speakingtome—justaboutme. A chill ran down my spine as I began to make out the words.
“Oh, this is fun. I never thought I’d get to play with a Handmaiden witch, you know, with the ‘extinction.’ I just figured it’d be so much more of a challenge.”
My mouth went dry. I could barely swallow.Sabine.I looked around, but I couldn’t see anything—or anyone. She sounded close, but not within view. There was nothing else here, though. Could she hear me? I fought the rising panic in the pit of my gut.
She was speaking again. “—all they were cracked up to be, I’m surprised they lasted as long as they did! No matter, though. Handmaiden Crusher would be a fun little title to add, don’t you think?”
I have to get out of here, I thought.
I spun on my heel to run, only to realize I was strapped in the back seat of a vehicle.When did I get in a car?I tugged on the seatbelt, but it only seemed to tighten, pressing me back against the fabric. “Hey!” I called, reaching forward. I grabbed the driver’s seat.
“We’re almost there, honey,” my mother said, not looking at me. She didn’t have to. I would’ve known her voice anywhere. Even now, years after she was gone. I swallowed hard, suddenly realizing why I recognized this car. I’d had this nightmare dozens of times, if not more. After my parents were killed in a car accident, it was all my subconscious mind had thought about.
Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no!
I began to struggle harder, but as much as I clicked the buckle, my seat belt never came free. I reached for the door, but the handle never moved. Neither of my parents turned to look back at me. I never even saw their faces in this dream.
“Look out!” I screamed. They didn’t respond to me. “Dad, look out! A truck is going to run the red light up ahead! It’s a big truck, Dad, you’ve got to stop, please! Please listen to m—”
I jolted awake, my face wet and my voice hoarse. Fenris hovered over me, his expression oscillating wildly between concern and anger.
“It was her, wasn’t it?” he said. When I didn’t answer right away, he continued. “Sabine was feeding off your dreams.”
It took me a moment to realize I was shaking, but I was safe. I was in a bed, not a car, and the only other person here was Fenris. I took a breath and sat up, wiping my cheeks.
“What did she show you?” Fenris tried again.
As my terror began to fade with the memory of the dream, a new anger stoked in my chest. “That bitch,” I hissed, throwing the blankets away and swinging my legs over the side of the bed. Rage festered in my blood.How dare she use that memory? Howdareshe.
I marched out of the room, down the hall and stairs, heading for the kitchen. Fenris trotted after me, staying silent as I gazed over the herbs still laid out on the table.
Instead of reaching for the notes I’d been taking, I closed my eyes and took a breath. Back on Isla Lobo, Morgan had shared several books about the Handmaiden witches with me. Now, I just needed to remember those books and lean on them. I’d never tried a memory-enhancing spell before, but compared to untangling someone’s mind, it didn’t seem too challenging.
As soon as I settled my heart rate, images of plants came to mind. The plants associated with the Handmaiden lineage became obvious, like I’d known them all along and had just forgotten. Not unlike my wolf.
With a defiant huff, I opened my eyes again and snatched up the plants, cradling them in one arm as I turned toward the front door. It took a serious effort not to whip the door open and slam it shut behind me, but this wasn’t my house. And it wasn’t Keziah who’d enraged me.
