Page 42 of Whispers of the Magical Forest

Gadross moved between the shelves, his trained eye cataloging the collection. "These texts detail rituals that were banned for good reason. The power requirements alone would destroy most practitioners."

Bas's grip on me tightened protectively. "Yes, your combined powers would complete the circuit."

A howl cut through the air, but it wasn't like any wolf I'd ever heard. The sound was like static that was trying to form words. Beings began pooling at the chamber entrance. My wound burned with fresh agony. "We've got company," I announced unnecessarily as the first of the transformed pack members flowed into view. "And they're definitely not here for a book club meeting."

These weren't like the ones we'd fought before. They were more rot than wolf now. Their forms were putrid and decaying even as they moved. Purple energy leaked from their eyes and dripped from mouths full of too many teeth. The sight made me wish I'd skipped breakfast. And lunch. And possibly every meal for the last week.

"The corruption's completely overtaken them," Violet breathed as she called her witch fire. Blue flames cast strange shadows across the twisted creatures. "The pack hierarchy has been destroyed by dark magic, which is why a mage is their alpha."

"Exactly. The alpha bond's been perverted," Bas continued as he slashed his weapon in a menacing manner. "The leader has replaced it with something else. Something infinitely more dangerous."

One of the creatures laughed. The sound was like breaking glass and screaming wind. "The old ways are stronger than pack law," it said in a voice that echoed weirdly. "The First Ones have shown us true power. Soon, you'll understand, too."

"I'll pass, thanks," I replied. "I'm not really in the market for evil makeovers. Though I have to admire your commitment to the aesthetic."

They attacked as one and moved with impossible fluidity. Violet's witch fire passed right through them. Thanos's weapon cleaved through some and moved harmlessly through other rotten bodies. Gadross moved defensively, analyzing their patterns even as he dodged their attacks. But as another wave of corrupted power surged through my wound, I had an idea. A really stupid, potentially lethal idea.

"Violet," I called as I gathered power despite the pain. "Help me channel it!"

She nodded without questioning me and merged her magic with mine. We created a conduit that let me direct the corruption flowing through my wound. Instead of fighting it, I let it build before releasing it on our attackers. The effect was devastating. The twisted magic turned against them. It ripped through rotten flesh like holy water through demons. The creatures screamed as they were torn apart by the very corruption that had transformed them.

"That's my girl," Bas said with fierce pride as the last of the wolves collapsed into a gooey puddle. The victory was short-lived as my legs buckled. The backlash from channeling corrupted power sent fresh agony racing through my veins.

"Bloody hell," I gasped as the room spun. Bas lunged forme. "I vote we don't do that again unless absolutely necessary. Or at least not until I've had some spiked coffee."

Thanos caught me first. "I've got her." He gestured to the exit. "We need to move. That much power will have attracted attention."

As if in response to his words, a familiar magical signature pulsed through the complex. It was weak but distinct. There was tainted magic around the edges, but I felt Aislinn's energy. She was warning us.

"She's still fighting," Argies growled as he moved out of the room. His dragon fire burned away the stench of rot. "She's close, and something's wrong. He's close to corrupting her magic completely."

He was right. The signal was coming from what felt like the epicenter of the plague. With each step closer, my wound festered and burned. The corruption flowing through the network was building toward the final ritual. "Hold on, Ais," I said softly as we followed her signature deeper into the complex. "We're coming. And then we're going to show these First One wannabes exactly why you don't mess with the Backside of Forty."

A laugh echoed through the tunnels. It wasn't Aislinn's this time. It had to be Marcus. The sound carried layers of darker voices beneath it, like multiple beings speaking through one throat. "Come then," he called from somewhere ahead. "Come and witness the remaking of the world. Your friend is almost ready to serve her purpose. Soon, you'll join her in ushering in the return of true magic."

"Anyone else really tired of this guy's dramatic monologuing?" I asked as we moved forward. "I mean, at least Voldemort got creative with his evil speeches. This is just getting repetitive."

"Fair point," Violet chuckled softly. "Though I'd rate him above Maleficent. At least he's not ranting aboutnot getting invited to a baby shower. It's like he read a book that told him he had to master maniacal laughter."

"Chapter two was about giving grandiose speeches about remaking the world," I said as we approached another chamber. The corruption was so thick here it was almost visible. Purple lightning was crawling across the stone. "Someone should tell him the classics are classic for a reason. They're outdated and overused."

"At least he's consistent," Thanos added dryly. "Evil wardrobe, evil lair, evil monologue. Points for commitment."

"The Department's seen its share of megalomaniacs," Gadross muttered, "but this one's particularly committed to the role."

Our laughter died as we reached the massive doors ahead. They were carved with the same runes we'd seen a million times. Power poured from beneath them in waves that made my wound feel like it was being filled with molten lead. But we'd become immune to them to a certain extent. At least my friends had.

Aislinn was behind those doors, and she needed us. There was no question that we'd deal with whatever horrors awaited, just like we always did. This time, I had a feeling we'd need more than one bottle of Winter's Embrace to recover.

"Right then," I said, gathering what power I could despite the corruption trying to eat me alive. "Everyone remember the plan?"

"What plan?" Violet asked with a raised eyebrow. "We never actually made one."

"Go in, save Aislinn, stop the ritual, try not to die horribly or get corrupted by ancient evil," I listed off. "You know, the usual."

"That's not a plan," Bas said, though I felt his amusement through our bond. "That's a wish list."

"Same difference for us," I replied with forced cheer. "Ready to crash this apocalyptic party?"

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