Page 43 of Tangle of Lust and Lethargy

Justice’s body tensed. I felt the rapid rise and fall of his chest, heard the low rumble in his throat. Part growl, part words I couldn’t make out.

I wanted to ask if there was a possibility of escape, but silence was golden right now.

The heat pressed in around me, making it hard to breathe. Sweat beaded on my skin, and Justice’s grip tightened as if he feared I might be torn away at any moment. Through gaps in the fiery canopy above, I caught flashes of movement. A massive wing, a scaled tail. The dragon was still out there, circling, waiting.

As I lay trapped between Justice and the unyielding ground, surrounded by a world suddenly transformed into a burning nightmare, one thought echoed through my mind. How could we possibly fight this? And how would we get Damon and Zara out of Garrick’s sanctuary?

The Mirror of Aethereal, our one weapon against the supernatural threats we’d faced, felt woefully inadequate against a dragon of such raw, elemental power. Would looking into the mirror even affect Maci?

She wasn’t under a spell like Maggie, Justice, and Garrick had been. Unless ruthless revenge could be considered a spell.

No, I didn’t think the mirror would work.

There had to be another way to get my brother and Zara out before we all lit up like matchsticks.

Yet as Justice shifted above me, preparing for whatever came next, I knew I had no choice but to try.

Somehow, we had to find a way to survive this inferno, to face down a dragon, and to save my brother and Zara. As another ear-splitting shriek tore through the air, I steeled myself for another wave of fire, waiting for the agony of being burned alive. The fear was paralyzing, but beneath it, a fierce determination burned just as hot as the flames around us.

Justice’s hand clamped around my arm. In a blur of motion that left my stomach lurching, he whipped me off the ground. Colors streaked past, my vision unable to keep up with the supernatural speed. The air was knocked from my lungs, and I struggled to breathe as Justice dragged me to safety.

When we finally stopped, my head spinning, I frantically scanned our surroundings. The absence of two familiar faces sent a spike of panic through me. “Where’s Garrick and Maggie?” I gasped, dreading the answer.

Justice’s face was grim, his eyes haunted. “I don’t know. I couldn’t get to them.”

My throat constricted. “They’re dead?” The possibility was suffocating and sickening.

He shrugged, but I saw the tension in his shoulders, the worry etched in the lines of his face. “Like I said, I don’t know.”

I didn’t want to think of either one being a pile of ash. I could use the hourglass, but it was a one-time deal. If I used it to save them, Brody would remain dead, and Maci would still possess the Crown of Envy.

While trying to calm my racing heart, I took in our new surroundings. Thick trees surrounded us, but these were different from the burning forest we’d left behind. A small creek bubbled nearby, its gentle sound a stark contrast to the chaos we’d escaped. The air here felt different. Almost pleasant, if such a word could be used in the Unseelie realm.

Confusion mingled with my fear. “Where are we?”

Justice’s gaze snapped to mine, his expression suddenly intense. “You need to stay here,” he snapped, his tone brooking no argument.

But I wasn’t about to be left behind. I straightened my spine, lifting my chin defiantly. “I’m not leaving without my brother.”

He clasped my shoulders, his grip firm but not painful. The worry in his eyes softened his usually stoic features. “Do you trust me?”

The question caught me off guard. Memories of recent events flashed through my mind. Justice under the spell, his attack, the moment our love broke through the dark magic. Despite it all, I searched his face, trying to read the thoughts behind those eyes that held so many secrets.

“Yes, of course,” I replied slowly, cautiously. “But?—”

“Stay here.” His fingers tightened on my shoulders, emphasizing each word. “I can get your brother and Zara out of Garrick’s home, but not if I have to worry about you. Can you do this for me?”

Part of me wanted to argue, to insist I could handle myself. But the rational part of my brain knew better. I wasn’t supernatural. I didn’t have his speed or strength. What I did have, however, was the mirror. A fact that Justice seemed to have momentarily forgotten.

I swallowed my pride and nodded. “All right. I’ll stay here.”

Relief washed over his face, his hands dropping from my shoulders as he sighed heavily. Then, his eyebrow cocked, a hint of suspicion in his gaze. “Promise me?”

I met his gaze, steady and unwavering. “I promise.” At that moment, I meant it. I wouldn’t go after Damon and Zara.

But as Justice prepared to leave, a plan was already forming in my mind. I hadn’t promised not to look for Garrick andMaggie. The Mirror of Aethereal felt heavy in my hand, a reminder of the power I held.

As I watched Justice disappear into the strange forest, I drew a deep breath. I’d keep my promise but on my own terms. Our friends were out there somewhere, possibly hurt or in danger. And I had the means to help them.

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