Page 174 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

A smile curled on her lips.

“Says the woman who controls the army of the dead, but not for long.”

I arched a brow.

“What do you mean?”

“You didn’t think I’d bring you all the way here and not have Baylis grab that little scepter of yours?”

Power surged through my body. My chest tightened with fear and anxiety. Did she know how to delink my blood from the scepter or was she just hoping she did? I pursed my lips. She would not get any more information from me.

She pulled the scepter from Baylis’s pack. Running her fingers over it, she closed her eyes as if reading a language only she could see.

“Hmm…” Her eyes flitted open and she shoved the bone into my hand. “Call the Morrigan.” She handed me the scepter.

“With my hands bound my magic doesn’t work.” A lie, but one I hoped she believed.

“Nice try,” she smirked. “Just call her.”

I sighed. “Morrigan, show yourself.” The magic of the scepter tugged at a knot in my chest, making me wince, but it subsided.That’s never happened before.

Smoke plumed from the mouth of the crow, taking the shape of the goddess.

“Ye—” Her blue eyes widened at the sight of Erissa. “You…” She crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes flitted between me and the mage, fitting the pieces of the puzzle together. “I will never allow you to control my army,” she spat at the mage. Two ancient creatures locked in a heated game of tug-o-war.

“Oh, I don’t think you have much say in the matter. As soon as I prick my finger and lay the first drop of blood, you will be mine for eternity.”

“Try it.” The Morrigan shot me an uneasy glance.

Erissa pulled a long needle from her robe and pricked her pointer finger.

“Who do you think designed the spell that imprisoned you all those years ago?”

“You…” Morrigan said through gritted teeth.

A smirk tugged at the corners of Erissa’s lips.

“Yes, me. So, I think I would know how to use it.” She pressed her finger into the carved bone.

Both the Morrigan and I winced, but nothing happened.

The smile disappeared from Erissa’s elegant face.

“No, it can’t be.”

“Looks like you’re out of practice, Mage.”

Erissa leaned in close so that their noses were practically touching.

“I will find a way to control your army. The Wells will give me the power.”

“My army will never fight for you. I’ll make sure of it.” She disappeared into the scepter once more.

Baylis and Alwin returned, rabbits in one hand, a bucket of water in the other.

“Cook those up quick and make sure these two get water,” Erissa said.

Baylis set to work skinning the creatures while Alwin and Kita poured us some water.

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