Page 44 of Their World

“Well, that was good timing,” I whispered as I watched the portal close behind us.

Looking around, it took me a minute to get my bearings. We were in a village that looked like Talrinir’s village.

“I don’t know where we are,” I said with a scowl.

“Uh, look behind you,” Mason whispered.

I turned and my eyes widened at the female demons all brandishing weapons.

“Don’t move,” the one nearest us growled.

Chapter

Twelve

“We mean you no harm,” I said and raised my hands to show her they were empty. “I’m here to help. I’m one of you, remember? King Jolmach is protecting me and I’m part demon.”

She growled louder.

“Oh, Princess Thief!” Azgon shouted as she stepped out from the back of the group.

“Princess Azgon,” I greeted.

“Princess?” the demon in front of us asked.

Azgon tittered. “You were gone so long. We thought you dead.”

“So long?” I asked. “How long do you think I was gone?”

“Weeks,” she said. “It’s three weeks since Azgon saw you in the garden.”

Why did time not move consistently?

“I need to speak with Jo … King Jolmach.”

“Oh, he’s at the castle. Um, you should hurry. The rabbit lady is in trouble, going to be killed I think.” She pointed in the direction of the castle.

Gasping, I spun and started running. Mom. Mom had to be the rabbit lady she mentioned.

Mason kept pace with me, silent as he let me lead the way.

“You should shift into your raven form,” I said as we neared the castle. “I don’t want him to know you’re a shifter yet if we can help it.”

He huffed out a breath, but gave me the bag, shifted, and landed on my shoulder.

In front of the castle, at the edge where the city and castle grounds met, a platform had been built and atop it stood Jol and Mom. Mom was tied up with a blindfold on and a gag in her mouth.

Jol stood beside her, his spiked mace in his hand, a dark aura swirling around him.

“Wait!” I screamed as I charged forward.

Jol’s head whipped up, eyes narrowed on me as I approached.

“Little Queen,” he spat, fury etched across his face.

“Wait,” I panted. “Please, listen to me.”

“You sent them,” he accused. “You sent powerful magic users to my castle!”

---