Page 24 of Chaos and Destiny
“Yes, well, that is why you came here, isn’t it?”
“I thought so. But it felt wrong. It felt dark, and it pulled me in. I’ve had nightmares for two nights because of it.”
“Nealla herself is not dangerous to you, but there are plenty of things within that book that would rip your soul to shreds. You need to be careful with it.”
“I’ll leave it behind once I get out of here.”
“No,” she said, inhaling sharply. “You must use it later. That book should not even be in existence. It needs to be destroyed, and there is only one way to do that.”
“I don’t want to take that thing with me.” I looked behind her shoulder at the book in question.
“You must take it to the waters beyond The Mists. You will find Nealla on the other side.”
“But if you knew that ...” I stood from my chair and threw my hands in the air. “What is with everything being a fucking game with the fae? Why couldn’t you have just told me that?”
“Think of the journey. Think of the lives you saved, the lives you changed, the fae you’ve helped. That was meant to be.”
“But I don’t want this. I don’t want any of this.”
“You are not alone, child.”
I crossed the room, picked up the book, and set it on the table between us. “Why does it feel like it calls to me?”
“Because there are creatures locked within the book that would make Nealla look like a schoolteacher in your eyes. That book is dangerous.”
“So, was my task to find the book for you or for me?”
She nodded.
Perfect. I refused to look down at the book. I tried not to think of running my fingers along the textured spine or flipping the seductive pages just to hear the sound it made.
Aibell snapped her fingers in front of me. “Control it.”
“I don’t know how.”
“Think of your mental shield. Try to visualize it the same as you did before.”
“No, I can’t. Just take it.” I slid the book toward her, and she nearly fell backward in her chair to avoid touching it.
“I cannot touch the book. I locked one of the creatures within. I don’t want to release it.”
“Holy gods, Aibell. How fucking old are you?”
“Older than most.” She narrowed her eyes on me, her cheeks sinking in as she pursed her lips.
“What?” I huffed.
She snapped her fingers and I was dressed. Still in the prince’s clothing, but at least not half naked. She lifted a corner of her mouth daring me to object. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction. Instead, I pulled the book back across the table and rested my hand under my chin. “Are we waiting for someone to join us or what?”
“Too late,” she said, smiling. I looked again around the room, but it was still empty. I would admit I had missed the female but not the riddles. “Ah, finally. Move over one chair, Ara.”
I looked around again and then slowly stood and moved over a chair, so I sat beside her and left one empty.
The door slammed open, and in walked the pompous prince and his three lackeys like he owned the damn place. Which he didn’t. I pulled a knife and moved to jump out of my seat, but Aibell grabbed my hand and—though she smiled pleasantly—I was absolutely frozen in place.
“Let me go,” I ordered, baring my teeth.
“Do as you’re told, girl, and stay seated.”
