Page 48 of Salt & Blood

But Mona didn’t come. Pandora glanced up, anger and terror warring within her as she searched for her sister. She couldn’t see a damned thing past the massive gold statue filling the room.

“Mona!”

A figure appeared, and Pandora almost exhaled in relief before she realized it wasn’t her sister. This woman had long black hair and vibrant green eyes. In a flash, her eyes had shifted to a brilliant amber—identical to the eyes of the fire witches.

Pandora stilled, her pulse racing as the woman drew nearer. Every ounce of her resonated with power and authority. She stood in an emerald dress that fell over one shoulder, looking regal and commanding as she glanced over Pandora and Sol.

Then, she knelt before them, placing her hands on Sol’s injured arm.

“What are you—” Pandora demanded, but the woman shushed her, eyes closing.

Orange light burned from her hands, and for one horrifying moment, Pandora feared she was like Midas and was turning Sol into gold. But heat filled the air, and Pandora realized it wasfireemanating from her hands.

“You’re burning him!” Pandora shouted, prepared to shove the woman away.

“Be silent,” the woman hissed, and when she glared at Pandora, her pupils had turned into long slits, like a snake’s.

Only then did Pandora realize who this was. She was a Gorgon sister. She had to be.

The glow of the woman’s magic intensified, burning against Pandora’s eyes. She squinted, eyes watering, but she was determined to keep them open to see what would happen to Sol.

At long last, the light faded, and the woman withdrew her hands before fixing a solemn look on Pandora. “He is healed.”

Pandora lunged for Sol, dragging him half onto her lap as she cradled his face. “Are—Are you sure? There’s so much blood.”

“I am certain. The fingers will not grow back, I’m afraid. But the wound is closed. He will live.”

Tears burned in Pandora’s eyes as she stroked the bloodied hair out of Sol’s face. He was still unconscious, but the color in his cheeks had returned, and his breathing was steady.

Pandora turned to the woman in gratitude and amazement. Tears flowed freely down her face as she said in a strained voice, “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

The woman nodded, half her mouth tugging upward in a smile. “I saw what you did. Your power is incredible. What is your name?”

Pandora faltered. Her true name didn’t really feel like it belonged to her. It had always belonged to someone else, to a life that wasn’t hers. So instead, she said, “Trivia. My name is Trivia.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Trivia. My name is Marina.”

ABSORBED

CYRUS

Cyrus had only justawoken when Prue burst into his chambers, panting as if she’d sprinted through the entire palace. She slammed the door shut and bolted it behind her, then pressed a hand to her forehead.

Cyrus froze in the middle of pulling on his shirt, one arm through the sleeve as he looked at his wife in alarm and panic. “What is it? What’s happened?”

Prue wiped sweat from her brow and leaned her head against the door. Only then, with her neck arched, did Cyrus notice the faint bruising around her throat.

Rage coursed through him, hot and merciless, blinding him and consuming him entirely. A low growl escaped him, and he stifled the urge to smash the furniture in the room, knowing his wife needed him in this moment. He drew closer to her, teeth bared, and said in a low voice, “Prue. Who did this? Who touched you?”

Prue’s eyes fluttered open and fixed on Cyrus. Slowly, she shook her head. “Cyrus, don’t. He’ll kill you.”

“Who. Did. This.”

Prue’s face crumpled, and Cyrus watched as her resolve weakened. He stepped toward her, closing the distance between them. Cupping her face in his hands, he forced her to meet his gaze. Terror and despair burned in her eyes. Never before had he seen her so helpless. So afraid. It filled him with a mixture of devastation and fury.

Someone had broken her. And Cyrus would ensure they paid for it.

“Tell me what happened.” His voice was gentle because he knew she needed that side of him right now. Not the monstrous, vengeful side, but the side that showed compassion and understanding toward her.

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