Page 38 of The Wolf and the Chimera
Her voice was the only disruption in the calm darkness of my mind. My body floated far, far away, and with it, so did all my needless worries and fears. Rest was magnificent.
You aren’t safe here,the sorceress continued.You must listen to me.
I tried to shush her, but I couldn’t remember how to move my lips.
AWAKEN!
The sorceress’s voice rattled me, and my heart raced. It brought some of my senses back to awareness. My whole body ached with cold, and my head pounded. Rough sheets pressed against my skin. Voices murmured in my presence, but my thoughts were too muddled to decipher what they said.
Chimera, I command you to wake up.
You command me?I said.Haven’t you commanded enough?
I was trying to help you,she argued.
I scoffed.When you possessed me and made me attack Ryder?
I’m sorry,the sorceress spat,I assumed you would want the chance to see your parents again.
My heart skipped a beat.
What?
We can help each other,the sorceress promised. Her voice was fainter than before.I can help you find your parents, and youcan help me achieve my goals. I’ll even let you keep your wolf.
My parents are dead.
I tried to drift back into the quiet.
Did you see them die?she argued.
Foolish hope sparked.
I didn’t reply. Taunting me with this was the most dangerous thing the sorceress had ever done to me. When she spoke again, the sorceress’s voice was even farther away.
They’re waiting for you,the sorceress said,and I can take you to them, but you can’t let these wolves drain you. You can’t let them steal our power…
Silence swallowed her voice, and I drifted into nothingness once more.
???
Ryder
I cocked my head at the Sovereign.
“What are you talking about?” I asked. “I found the ducts by myself. Kieran sure as hell wouldn’t help me.”
Lyall snorted. “While I appreciate this new brotherly love that has developed between you two, the vents blew your scent into the room immediately.”
Kieran cursed and swung himself out of the opening. When Melanie and Bo followed, he stepped in front of his friends.
“I only wanted to know what you were working on down here,” Kieran said. “I used my position as Heir and dragged Melanie and Bo into my plans. Whatever their punishment should be, I’ll bear it.”
Respect for my brother wormed its way into my heart. Lyall merely studied his son. For a moment, his patronizing mask slipped, and his gaze was predatory. In the next breath, he was a father sighing at his child.
“You could’ve asked,” Lyall argued. “I would’ve let you through the door. I’ve been waiting weeks for you to ask.”
Lyall and Kieran bickered, but my gaze drifted back to Elle. Sweat gleamed on her brow, but her heart beat steadily, and the hum of the sorceress’s magic was gone. Her expression had softened into one of contentment. The glowing light that seeped out of her veins had resorted to a mere trickle.
