Page 94 of The Eternal Mirror
“No. We’ll be safe, I promise.”
“Okay. I’ll make sure there’s food waiting when you get back.”
“You’re the best brother ever. Except for Josh, of course.”
“Go.”
Khaos joins me, and we walk a little way from the camp. I look inside myself. My magic is low; I need to rest, eat, replenish, but it will have to wait. I call up a mirror, and seconds later, we’re in the burned-out stable outside the palace, and three men are staring at us.
I don’t close the mirror. Hopefully, we’ll be using it again within minutes. I stay at the edge of the room while Khaos goes to meet his men. I recognize Ryke from the last meeting. He and Khaos hug. It’s sort of sweet. I did wonder what his relationship was with his men, whether he was close to them or standoffish and princely. But it’s clear he’s friends with Ryke, at least. I’m glad. I remember Hecate telling me he had formed the Wolfpack when he was only eighteen. He’d already been in the army for six years at that point. I suppose they became his family.
They talk for five minutes or so, and then Khaos comes back to me. “It’s agreed. I’ve given them the location of the camp, and they will gather the men and join us there.”
I really hope we haven’t made a mistake, and they don’t lead Khronus straight to us. But it’s too late now. And I guess if Khaos trusts them, then I do as well.
“Let’s go back. Food and bed.”
He gives me a strange look, as if he wants to say something.
“Not now,” I say. “It’s been a long day.”
He doesn’t look happy, but he nods.
We head back to the camp in silence.
He watches me through dinner. And he watches as I head off to my tent with Josh and Grimlet. He’s giving me time; I’m just not sure how much.
But I’ll worry about that tomorrow.
Chapter 33
Titular Problems (aka Welcome to the Shitshow)
We’ve been here three days, and I’ve learned enough about the workings of the camp to know this meeting is going to be a shitshow the second I slink into the tent.
There’s a long table in the middle. Maps, candles, empty mugs. Around it—people. Too many. All of them talking. Most of them shouting. None of them listening.
Khaosti is already seated close to the entrance of the tent. Maybe he thinks he might need a quick getaway. He turns to look at me as though he senses my presence, and he likely does.
I’ve been avoiding him.
I know, I’m a coward. But actually, I’ve been pretty much avoiding everyone but Josh and Grimlet. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.Depressing stuff on the whole—people dying, mating bonds, splintered mirrors, living for eternity. Or more likely, dying very soon.
Honestly, I’m only nineteen, and sometimes I think I’ve had enough.
I spot Sheela near the corner, arms folded tight, jaw clenched. Behind her, Killian is pacing. I slip into the empty seat beside her and lean closer; she looks like she’s been crying, and my heart sinks. “How’s Yasmin?” I ask.
“The same. She won’t eat or sleep. She just stares into the distance. I don’t know what I can do.”
“She needs time. She’ll come around.” But I’m not actually sure that’s true. I’ve spent some time with the other witches we rescued, but apart from Hella, who had only been a prisoner for a few years, they all seem steeped in apathy, cut off from the world, and with no desire to rejoin it. Hey, I understand—it’s a pretty shitty world.
They’ve lost an essential part of themselves—their magic—and right now, I don’t know if it’s coming back. I need to try to get hold of Selene again; I’m just not sure how that happens. The last two times, I was sort of dragged into the visions. But I’m a witch; I have the magic to conjure up visions of my own. Maybe I can get in touch with her. Make a list of questions.
Ryke from the Wolfpack is sitting upright in the chair opposite me, arms crossed, his glare ferocious, as if he’s daring someone to fight him. Which, honestly, someone probably will. The Wolfpack turned up yesterday afternoon, to great consternationamong the rebels.
I get it. I mean, up until recently, they were enemy number one. Khaosti’s elite band of shifter soldiers were known for their ferocity and ruthlessness. Apparently, with Khaosti leading them, they never lost a battle. Things haven’t been going so well since. The legion started out at one hundred, and now there are only fifty-two left. Decimated by Khronus.
The Wolfpack and the rebels are going to have to learn to play nice with each other. They’re on the same side now.
