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“Will probably make a bad decision.”
“I don’t believe that,” she said softly. “You’re listening to your heart, even when your brain is screaming that you’re doing the wrong thing. Because you’re breaking tradition. Not doing what your family expects you to. Our pasts couldn’t be more different, but I think we could check some of the same fucked up family boxes.”
This woman understood me in a way no one else ever had. Maybe not even Tanyth. It was terrifying to admit that. I put my fingers under her chin and tipped her face up for a kiss. It was supposed to be a sweet little peck, but nothing with this woman was as I expected. She had a way of soothing me that I was becoming addicted to.
“Leif was powerful because he never did what anyone expected. He kept his enemies on his toes. No one could answer for him, because there was no way to predict what he’d done.”
“You don’t want to be right about whatever you suspect him of doing.”
“No.” I sighed. “Because if I am, it will change everything.”
“Tell me what it is.” Her eyes were wide. “I need to know, Lars. I can’t help you if I don’t.”
“I think he’s got the Scepter.”
She closed her eyes for a long blink. “What does that mean for you if he does?”
I shook my head. “I hoped I’d never have to find out.”
But I did, and waiting wouldn’t help anyone. Hand in hand, we tread deeper into the mountain.The Mating Gamecrew followed behind us, not uttering a word, which wasn’t like them at all. As much as it had been strange to have every move I made filmed, I’d kind of gotten used to the group atmosphere. Having them root for us every step of the way.
Every single one of them gave off energy like they were on the verge of a shift, but I’d never felt more human. Mortal.
No, the Scepter wasn’t the only thing that had kept me alive, I thought as I stepped over the wreckage my brother had left in the hallway. It occurred to me that he might not have been the creature who’d done this damage. I liked to think he’d respect my ancient belongings.
A human wouldn’t. Well, some humans, the ones who were here to destroy me. I looked at Hannah as we approached the room deep in the middle of my mountain. I’d never brought anyone else here after Tanyth perished.
“This is beautiful,” Hannah whispered as she considered the wooden door. It was curved at the top, and I’d carved it intricately, detailing a flowering vine in full bloom. Tanyth had loved the spring and summer blooms, and we often didn’t come this deep into our home unless we were escaping the harsh temperatures of winter. I’d wanted her to always be able to enjoy what she loved. I’d filled in some of the petals with stained glass, because she loved the way the colors danced in the firelight.
I already knew what I’d find when I opened the door. We’d used to use this as our workroom in those cold winter months. After Tanyth had perished, I’d moved everything out but the table. Sometimes, I liked to imagine she was still sitting there, working on sewing or whatever craft she adored at the moment.
When I needed a place to house the Sempiternal Scepter, there was nowhere else I ever considered. It wasn’t the idol that had kept me alive all these years. It was my mate’s spirit, deep in this mountain.
And now, all of it was gone.
“Shit.” My growl climbed along the walls of the empty room, needing escape. I’d hoped that my human skin would split open and my natural form would emerge more than I hoped the damn idol would reappear.
“He has it, doesn’t he?” Hannah asked.
I nodded. “I thought I had this room protected, but my brother didn’t forget our ancient spells. Always hoped the spirits would side with me.”
“They will.” Hannah squeezed my hand. “Like you, they have faith that he’ll do the right thing. Which he won’t. So you and the spirits have the right to change their course.”
“The question is, how long has he had it?” Bibi asked. “And what has he done with it?”
“He’ll bring back Tanyth.” I willed my body to change, but there was no heat. No spark. No spirit. He’d taken it all. “My brother wouldn’t make a threat like that if he didn’t plan for follow through.”
“I wish I knew what to say to make it better. I want to help you. Whatever it takes.” Hannah bit her lip and lowered her gaze. “This is why you were trying to let me down easy, isn’t it? I get it now, Lars, and if you want her—"
“I hate to say this, and the timing is horrible, but we’re scheduled to go live soon. We need to get back.” Bibi looked so apologetic. “We made an announcement this morning.”
“Cancel it,” Hannah said. “This is more important.”
“No.” My brother would not get the last say. “We go live. Stick to the plan. We don’t know if my brother’s done anything yet. But Zoe is missing. It might be too late to stop Leif, but we can help Zoe.”
* * *
Hannah had been right. Sitting under the hot artificial lights of the studio felt ridiculous. I should be in my natural form, combing the forest for my brother. Making sure he didn’t do the unthinkable. A stylist came over to me and moved my hair over my shoulder, jumping back like my energy shocked her. We couldn’t tell them what was wrong, adding to the tension in the room.
