Page 9 of Chaos Carnival

Maverick's teeth chattered uncontrollably as he sank into a chair, his body shaking from shock. I wrapped my arms around him, but it was like hugging a block of ice and I flinched at his freezing touch.

“How…” The question trembled on my lips, unspoken. How long did we have?

“We need to buy time,” Stone said with a grim expression. “I'll make some calls.” His gaze flitted to the ceiling as if he were already planning escape routes while Lux disappeared into a small kitchen area, clattering as he boiled a kettle.

Oscar's eyes gleamed in the low light, his skull warming in my hands. “Well, this is certainly a step up from the velvet-lined box,” he quipped.

I rolled my eyes, a weak smile playing at my lips. Maverick tried to smile, but it came out as more of a pained grimace. “Fuck, this poison burns.”

As Lux returned with a tray of steaming mugs, I moved to take one. He set one in front of Maverick. “It's herbal—shouldn't interfere with the poison.”

“Thanks,” Maverick croaked, his hands surrounding the mug but making no move to drink. His teeth still chattered uncontrollably, causing ripples in the liquid.

I frowned, moving to sit in Maverick's lap and hooking my arms around his neck to offer what little warmth I could.

“Hey,” he protested weakly as he settled around me. “No heroics.”

I nestled closer, my cheek pressed against his. Much as he’d angered me recently, I didn't want to think about what would happen if we couldn't find a cure. I wanted to torture him for it, not lose him completely. I didn’t know how to be a hybrid without him. He’d taken my freedom in more ways than one. My gaze flicked to the window, scarcely visible beyond the drawn blinds. Rain streaked the glass, distorting the streetlights' glow.

Somewhere out there, Addie was with Ivan. My blood ran cold at the thought of him and his new wraithshade powers. I tightened my hold of Maverick, as if I could shield him from the poison corroding his veins.

He shifted beneath me, his breath coming in short gasps. “Tess,” he whispered, almost inaudibly. “Save your strength, monstre. We're gonna need it.”

Stone returned to the room, phone clutched in his hand. “Cross and Zara will be here by morning.” He ran a hand through his hair, clearly relieved that the longtime allies were coming—Cross, the battle-hardened mage who'd fought alongside them for years, and Zara, the compassionate fae who'd helped care for me during my first stasis after Maverick claimed me, turning me half seraph myself.

“Any news?” Maverick's voice was weak, his body trembling.

“Luckily for you, Cross knew about a ritual for mated pairs affected by Celestial poison.” Stone's eyes set upon me. “Skin-to-skin contact under moonlight, all night.”

It seemed way too easy. “That’s the cure?” I placed my palm firmly on Maverick's chest, where the black veins spidered beneath his skin.

“No, it's temporary. You'll need to repeat it nightly until we find a permanent solution.” Stone's expression was grim. “But it should restore his strength for a few hours.”

My stomach dropped as I realized we were stuck in place for the night. “Addie…”

The thought of her with Ivan sent a wave of nausea rolling through me.

“Cross and Zara will help us. Tomorrow,” Stone said.

I jerked upright, almost falling off Maverick's lap. “Do you know what he did to me?”

The room fell silent. Even Oscar's usual glow seemed to dim.

“I'm sorry,” Lux said. “We'll get her as soon as we can.”

I slumped back against Maverick, tears burning behind my eyes. His arms tightened around me despite his weakness, and his lips brushed my temple. The gesture was meant to comfort, but his skin was so cold.

The black veins had spread further up his neck, tracing grim patterns across his jaw. We were out of options. My heart twisted at the thought of Addie in Ivan's clutches. Every second we delayed her rescue felt like a betrayal, but I couldn't let Maverick die. We needed him—I needed him—if we were going to save her.

Chapter 6: Midnight Incantation

Tess

StoneandLuxdraggeda mattress across the floor, positioning it where moonlight spilled through the sliding glass doors. The silver light painted stark shadows across the room, making the peeling wallpaper even more ominous looking.

My hands shook as I arranged the heavy blankets. Stone's voice was low and steady as he taught me the incantation, ancient words like smoke on my tongue. I repeated them until they flowed naturally, until Stone nodded in approval.

“Remember, you can't break contact until sunrise,” he reminded me. “No matter what happens.”

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