Page 18 of Magical Mayhem
Nova.
Ardetia.
Relief surged so fast my knees nearly gave out. I spun toward the sound.
Through the tangle of plants, a flick of movement caught my eye. A fluffy white-tipped tail swished, winding its way between ferns. The shape that followed was unmistakable.
Bella slipped through the greenery, with her fox ears twitching.
The fear in me loosened all at once, collapsing in on itself like a house of cards. I sagged against a tree, pressing my palm to the bark, dragging in a shaky breath.
“Of course,” I whispered. “Of course it’s you.”
The tension in my shoulders eased as Bella trotted closer, with her golden eyes bright even in the dim light. The sight of her tail, wagging lazily, was absurdly grounding.
I scanned the clearing again, forcing my eyes to search every shadow. Mushrooms glowed, moss shimmered, trees bent close like eavesdroppers. But there was no figure waiting for me. No man to match the voice that had haunted me through the Wilds.
Keegan wasn’t here.
Gideon wasn’t here.
Malore wasn’t here.
It had only been me, chasing the echoes of nothingness.
“Maeve!” Nova’s voice was nearer.
A moment later, she broke through the undergrowth.
Ardetia appeared close at her side.
Both of them were nearly breathless and intent.
Nova’s green eyes locked on me, widening as she took in the clearing.
Her gaze flicked once over my face, then dropped to the ground to the mushrooms.
Her expression hardened instantly.
“Don’t move,” she snapped.
I froze, the command allowing no argument.
The mushrooms glowed brighter at our stillness. The red caps pulsed faintly as though aware of being noticed.
“Nova…” I began.
She cut me off, striding forward and catching my wrists with a grip stronger than I thought possible. Her fingers were cold and sure, but her eyes became fierce.
“Run,” she hissed.
And before I could question, she hauled me forward with startling force. I stumbled, nearly losing my footing, but she didn’t let go. The staff in her other hand slammed against the earth, sparking light that sent a ripple through the mushrooms. Their glow faltered, dimmed, but didn’t vanish.
Ardetia swept to my other side, her long fingers pulling Bella into her arms as the fox shifted into a smaller form to be carried more easily. Even then, Bella’s ears twitched, tail swishing in nervous irritation.
“What’s happening?” I gasped as Nova half-dragged me through the underbrush.
“Not now.” Her voice was low, clipped. “Move.”
