Page 78 of Corrupt Shadows

His hand slaps onto the lock, then he grips the steering wheel and lets his head fall forward. When it connects with the center of the steering wheel, the horn emits a short, shrill beep.

“Focus.”

“I am. Just say what you need to say.”

“Sit back and recline your seat. If you pass out, I will terrorize your dreams.”

He does as he’s been ordered.

“You will go to the witch’s apartment and then report to me if anyone is still there and what kind of state her home is in. Also, find her bat. Once you’re finished, go to the manor so we can communicate face-to-face.”

“But I have class, and it’s gonna take me a while to get there.”

“Need I remind you of the many ways that I can rid your body of its flesh? Oh, how about how I’ll remove your eyeballs with my claws. Perhaps dip your toes into boiling acid and watch the flesh and bone slowly deteriorate?”

“Damnit. No, I get it. I’ll figure it out.”

“Good. Oh, and bring some granola or some shit for the bat. He’s probably been scavenging to survive. Fluffy Fucker is more likely to trust if you provide him with treats. When you arrive at the manor, send the staff home, then contact me through our mind connection.” I ease out of his mind, but he stops me.

“Wait, what about Evie? Did you harm her?”

The fury within me seeps out of me, down our bond. “The witch is with me and is none of your concern.”

THIRTY-THREE

Evie

My breath fogs in front of me as I sit in front of the fire. Embers fade to ash between the logs, and a dark-purple hue emanates from the burning coal on the grate. I press my fingers to the fireguard, finding relief in the heat defrosting my icy fingers.

It’s been three days since I arrived at Lorcan’s manor—and since he permanently marked my chest. Gomez and Rosa linger in my thoughts as I gaze at the violet fire. Everything in the Shadow Realm is muted, the rest of the colors in a sepia tone, as if the entire place is captured in an old photograph.

I cross my legs on the thick rug and lean forward, rubbing my hands together. No matter how much time I spend in front of the fireplace in Lorcan’s bedroom, I’m never fully warm. Icy wind beats the windows as afternoon slides closer to nighttime, and ash lingers in the air.

The death magic pulses under my fingers, ready to be used at a moment’s notice. Ever since I let it out, its thirst for violence stronger than ever.

Lorcan clears his throat from the doorway, and I slowly turn my head to face him. His muscles tense under his tight, black shirt. The belt he used around my neck on our first day here holds up his black pants. The mask stops at the tip of his nose, gold paint dripping from under his eyes. A shadow of a beard covers his chiseled jawline, and his lips pull into a grimace when he looks at me. “It’s hellfire,” he explains, pointing at the fireplace. “The Shadow Realm was built from Hell.”

I arch a brow, pulling a throw from the chair next to me over my shoulders. “When was this realm created?”

He takes one step inside, his boots creaking against the floorboard, and stops. “I would guess around the same time your family locked me in here.”

My heart rate quickens. It’s the first time we’ve actually discussed what happened in any detail. “You think my family created the Shadow Realm?”

He walks to the sofa behind me, then sits, his legs wide and his hands on his knees. “No.” He runs his hands through his tousled, dark strands, and the desire to pull off his mask, to see what he’s hiding beneath, is stronger than ever. His predatory gaze snaps to mine. “Careful,” he warns, and I mentally kick myself for not looking for the herbs to lock him out of my mind yet. “My brothers created this realm. There is no way witches could do this, only the sons of…” He trails off and leans back. “It doesn’t matter.”

I sit upright and twirl myself around to fully face him. “Tell me everything. It might help me find a way out of here for us.”

“There’s a library,” he states, flexing his fingers. “Everything you need is in there.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

He doesn’t answer, but I can’t believe it was to give me a break after everything that happened.

I shudder uncontrollably, shivers pulsing through my body. I hug myself and squeeze my eyes shut. My heart pounds against my ribcage, blood rushing in my ears as I try to slow my breathing, but it’s too fast. My chest tightens and my heart sinks, and I’m aware of how little oxygen I’m taking in.

Everything spins, so I grab the fibers of the rug, desperate to feel grounded. I don’t need to see to know the world is spinning on its axis.

“Breathe.” Lorcan’s voice penetrates my mind, and his hands are on my shoulders, his touch gentler than I’m used to. “What’s happening?”

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