Page 51 of House of Vampires and Flame

I darted between the trees, zigzagging until I reached America. Deathsong was out of my boot and in my hand. America stared at me, her eyes white with shock and fear. I shook my head at her to warn her to stay quiet, then I slashed the ropes that tied her with my dagger.

“Run,” I said.

She coughed but then covered her mouth quickly and burst into a run without looking back, without sparing me a glance or uttering a thank you.

I shot in the other direction before the Shrieker could lurch at me, luring it deeper into Underhill, so no one would see me battle it should anyone come looking. America might bring reinforcements.

The Shrieker chased me, screeching, not pleased that I’d managed to bypass its trap and free the bait. Its metal scorpion legs stretched to swat at me from several feet away. I ducked behind a tree and veered left. Its claws chipped away the old tree bark, sending it flying everywhere.

A menacing and unforgiving snarl resonated in the forest. My pursuer had just pissed off the dark force here. Even if I didn’t finish it, Underhill would turn it inside out. Well, I’d do the honors and earn some points with Underhill.

The wild magic still twirled at my feet, no matter how fast I ran.

Sy’s voice nagged in my ear. We should’ve killed that snobby fae instead of saving her.

We can’t just kill anyone we don’t like, Sy, I said.

You want to kill that vampire captain, she said.

Yeah, he annoyed me, but I won’t kill him unless he strikes to maim or murder us first, I said. There’s a difference.

I don’t see the difference. But your bleeding heart will inconvenience us. I bet all my money that fae is going to rat us out.

You don’t have a penny, I said. And even if you had money, I wouldn’t let you bet on anything since you have no sense. Anyway, things are different now, Sy, and we must adapt.

It got dimmer as I ventured deeper into the forest.

There was barely any visibility under the vast trees. Thick groves of undergrowth extended for miles, blocking my path. I ran my lips between my teeth, pondering my options, as the Shrieker let out an excited shrill, in hot pursuit.

Then, a path parted for me, lined with thorny shrubs on either side.

Shit! My eyes widened in awe. The forest could shift!

The wild magic purred like a pleased kitten that had just had its first sip of milk.

Suddenly, I understood why Underhill had allowed the Shrieker to get so far. It’d sensed me in the realm and taken an interest in me. Underhill wanted me here so it could check me out, as it’d never encountered my kind. Well, I hated to disappoint, but I was one of a kind; I was a singularity.

The forest was now all shivering shadows and unnatural wind. No light sifted through to the ground, yet I could see aspens, cedars, pines, and rare trees and plants that did not grow in the mortal realm vying for space. The air smelled of sweet honeysuckle, bitter oranges, dense pine, and dark magic.

A blur of shadows traveled amid the trees—the predators of Underhill. They’d followed me, stalking and watching.

My every nerve was on high alert; a rush of adrenaline pulsed in my veins.

This will be fun, Sy said, perking up.

She liked monsters.

We’ve got a pursuer and stalkers, I said. This isn’t a trek into the woods or a stroll in the park!

The story of our life, Little Bob, she sighed in glee.

Ready for a fight!

Sure, she said. I’ll do the fighting.

I didn’t have Sy’s physical strength and speed. If I was overpowered, I’d take Underhill’s magic to overcome the Shrieker, a temptation and outcome I didn’t desire.

Blue light streamed through the air ahead, revealing a gem-like lake by two entwined red trees that looked like eternal lovers, making the forest resemble a fairy dream.

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