Page 151 of Seduce Me in Shadow

Finally, we defeat the last of the Anarki, and an eerie calm descends. I rush to Bram’s side, clutching him as he writhes against the choking black cloud around him.

Duke appears, looking battle worn. “Bloody hell. He needs help. Now!”

I nod, fear clawing at my throat. “What is this black cloud?”

“Never seen anything like it. But if it came from Mathias, it’s something very bad, I fear. Are Sydney, Lucan, and the book safe?”

“Yes. And that damn sphere is destroyed,” I confirm. “Mission accomplished.”

Or at least that objective. But as I look at Bram’s contorted face, one question haunts me: at what price?

The victory feels hollow with Mathias still at large. As I try to stabilize Bram, I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning. Sydney is safe for now, but the war is far from over. And I’m done running from it. Whatever comes next, I’ll face it head-on—for Sydney, for my newfound family, and for the magical world I’ve finally accepted as my own.

Chapter

Sixty-Six

Back at Bram’s manor, afternoon sunlight streams through the windows. I watch Duke and Sabelle prepare the transcast mirror for Sydney so she can keep magickind informed. Lucan bursts in—with the rest of the Doomsday Brethren behind him.

“What is this, a bloody circus?” I demand.

Lucan thrusts his hands on his hips confrontationally. “You’re not going back to Texas.”

If my brother is expecting an argument, I hope he won’t be too disappointed.

“I’m not,” I agree. “I’m staying to fight. A weapon like the Doomsday Diary needs all the protection possible. I intend to help.”

A smile bursts across Lucan’s face. “In that case, you’ll need this.” He pulls out a golden box with the ornate seal of the House of MacTavish across the top. “Will you take your wand?”

“With pride.” My chest swells just thinking about holding the magical instrument made especially for me—and embracing the magic I was born to.

“Kneel.”

I do, head bowed.

“In the name of the House of MacTavish, brandish this well and do good. Protect yourself, those you love, and guard this with your life. If you swear to do thus, I give this wand to you.”

“I swear it,” I vow as Lucan puts the length of wood in my hands.

Goose bumps break out across my skin, and power vibrates through my body. I’m truly a wizard now. I look up to find my mate smiling proudly.

Lucan slaps me on the back. “Congratulations on transitioning, mating—everything. I think Mum is right; you’re a gifted wizard.”

“I hope you’ll consider me one of the Doomsday Brethren, too.” I address the others assembled: Lucan, Ice, Duke, Marrok, Tynan, and, just recently, Ronan Wolvsey. “I’m staying to fight with you. I’m committed to winning with you.”

Lucan and Duke both step closer, and my brother speaks. “Absolutely. If Bram was well, he’d approve.”

Sabelle sniffs, holding back tears, and Lucan rushes to put an arm around her. “I’m sure your aunt and the healer will find a cure for Mathias’s mysterious spell.”

I hope so. The Doomsday Brethren’s leader hasn’t regained consciousness. He seems caught in a terrifying state where he’s struggling for every breath and no one can reach him.

“And you’re not alone.” Lucan caresses Sabelle’s cheek. “You cared for me when I needed help. Let me help you.”

She hesitates, then nods, her soft blue eyes clinging to his in heartbreak before she sobs against him. “Thank you.”

“I know. He’s my best friend,” Lucan croons. “We’ll get through this.”

“Where’s Shock?” Ice growls something low and dangerous as, like a predator, he tracks Lucan’s hand on Sabelle.

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