Page 70 of Rebel in the Deep

They tilt their head to the side, the movement too abrupt and uncanny. “How far our progeny have fallen, to not be able to speak in this form.” They casually wave a clawed hand and Siobhan falls to the ground, her soft sound turning pained and agonizing.

I try to stand, but my body is locked in place. I don’t think it’s Bowen’s magic that’s responsible. It’s this creature’s.

Siobhan rises slowly. Her toothy mouth opens and a garbled voice emerges. “Purge the rot from Threshold. Eliminate those who use your name and pervert your true purpose, but leave those who have been forced into a life they never would have chosen for themselves.”

The creature smiles, and I truly wish they hadn’t. They have too many teeth, and they’re shaped entirelywrongfor a humanoid mouth. “Do you think I have the power to know mortal souls?”

“Are you not Cwn Annwn?”

Their smile widens, seeming in danger of splitting their face in half. “I am the leader of the Wild Hunt, little sister. I am more than Cwn Annwn. Much more.” They straighten. “It has been a long time since my Hunt has ridden in Threshold. Very well. I’ll grant your boon.”

My breath leaves in a rush. It’s happening. We did it. The Wild Hunt will ride and…

“Come along, little sister. It’s time to join your people.”

No.

Their gaze goes over Siobhan’s head to where Morrigan cowers against where the wall used to be. “And you. Come as well. You’ll do well with a few centuries of proper training.” They turn away.

“Wait!”

“Stop!”

Nox and I shout over each other, but it’s too late. The creature walks into the mist, Siobhan and Morrigan trotting on either side of them. She never even looks back. She’s just…gone.

“What thefuck?” Evelyn whispers. “That wasn’t the Welsh god of their Otherworld. I’d stake my life on it.”

“Arawn only leads the Wild Hunt in some myths,” Lizzie says absently. She crouches next to Maeve and takes the selkie’s chin in her hand. “Don’t youevertry some shit like that again, do you hear me? You could have died.”

“I didn’t.” Maeve seems untouched by the vampire’s anger. She covers Lizzie’s hand with hers. “I’m okay. We’re all okay.”

“Not all of us,” I say dully. Outside, howls have started, so many that they weave in and out, creating a haunting melody that makes my skin crawl. Then the hoofbeats come. An army’s worth. Laughter and calls in a language I don’t understand and yet it’s familiar in a way I can’t put into words.

The Wild Hunt rides.

And it took Siobhan with it.

Chapter34

Nox

I have encountered—and fought—monsters beyond knowing. There is no terror like wading into a pack of feral mermaids or knowing a water horse is on your trail. This is worse. I’ve never felt so small in my life, never felt so much likeprey. There’s nothing I want more than to press Bastian into a small space and hide with him until this is over.

But they took Siobhan.

“Stay here.” I climb shakily to my feet. The strange mist that obscured the ceiling and walls is fading; I can see the door now.

“Nox!” Bowen has his arms around Evelyn. “It’s too dangerous.”

“They took Siobhan.”

“She went willingly,” Lizzie says.

I shake my head. “No, she fucking didn’t.” I exchange a look with Bastian. He was right when he said she was saying goodbye.Thiswas the outcome Siobhan knew would happen, and this is why she didn’t want Maeve to blow the horn. I’ve listenedto Evelyn talk about the myths surrounding the Wild Hunt. Some folks they sweep up are deposited elsewhere. Some ride with them forever.

I have a feeling I know which fate awaits Siobhan.

He rises as well. “I’m coming with you.”

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