Page 102 of Savage Hope

“That’s the face of The Joker. Do you not know what that means?” he interjects, his voice harsh as he narrows his eyes at me.

“Obviously not, asshole,” Bryony snarls, coming to my defense.

The trembling grows stronger as I silently plead with him to give it back.

“It’s the symbol of the original ancestors. It’s linked to those the first witch loved,” Asher explains.

I gape at him, eyes wide at the information he just dropped, but I don’t understand. “It’s just a coin, it’s just a…Ahh?—”

A burning sensation claws at my wrists, tearing a strangled scream from my lungs as I collapse to my knees, the pain unbearable as my head snaps back, eyes peering up at the sky. It feels like an eternity before the sensation subsides when aclanging rings through the air, drawing my attention to the ground…where my bangles lie broken before me.

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AFTERWORD

I can’t even explain to you how much fun I have had so far with this series!

For the first time, the woman isn’t already a strong badass queen. I have to make her one, and I think this reflects me a lot right now. Things aren’t always easy, and sometimes there’s no reason why, but as I build Polaris up, I’m building myself back up too.

I hope you don’t relate to her, but if you do, I hope I’m doing her justice for you.

Let’s get ready for the ride, it’s going to be a good one.

See you on the other side, queens!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Michael. Michael. Michael.

The husband. The wonder that is.

Thank you for everything, especially the moments where I’m struggling and you blow dry my hair for me. It’s in those moments I feel the strongest, and it’s because of you.

I love you.

My angels, I love you so much. Keep being awesome. I don’t know how I became so blessed to have two cool-ass kids like you guys, but I’m thankful every day. Even when you use my own sass back on me.

Nicole and Jeni. The Alpha Queens. I don’t know what I would do without your encouraging words. You help make all of this possible, thank you!

Kirsty, my fam, you’re a G. Thank you for keeping this ship afloat. It means so much!

My beta readers, you are so freaking awesome, your constant support and cheer gives me life.

David, when you make me work for it, I hate you. When it’s done, you’re awesome, haha. Thank you.

Sarah, as always, my queen. You’re 10/10 forever!

ADDI

Itug at the edges of my oversized hood, making sure to shield myself from view as best as I can. It’s noisier today. More hectic. Which is understandable, but it doesn’t make weaving through the cobbled streets any easier.

I’m used to sweeping through the shadows, hiding from the sun’s glow; not because it can hurt me like it can others, but because my objective is to remain hidden. Always. Well, it was. Things are most definitely about to change.

My feet ache already and I mentally berate myself for not breaking in my new boots before today, but there’s been so much to prepare for and little time to consider something so minuscule.

Dragging my hand over the stone wall to my left, I keep myself pressed as close to it as possible as another hoard of people charge by me. The buzz in the air is electric, infecting everyone, and I can’t deny the thrill of excitement that burns up my spine with anticipation.

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