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And Finn?
Your friends are freeing him from his cage.
The thought of Finn in a cage makes my blood rage inside my veins. At least he’s alive. That’s all that matters.
Even before the cabbie stops the car, I’m shoving money through the slot and opening my door. “Thank you.”
I jump out of the cab and race for the house four doors down with the frantic raven bouncing on the front lawn, cawing.
Please let them be okay. Please be okay.
My heart thunders in my chest, a mix of adrenaline and fear pushing me forward.
A sharp, searing pain slices through me—a psychic scream that tears at my insides. I gasp and fall to the grass, overwhelmed by a sensation of something precious shattering.
My hand clutches at my chest. The unity bond with Sebastian has fractured. I squeeze my eyes shut against the pain, the broken bond sending shards of sharp distress through my spirit.
I force my eyes open, staring up at the canopy of live oaks that line the familiar street. Their moss-covered branches sway gently in the breeze, and it’s a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.
Gritting my teeth, I push myself up. The ground seems to sway beneath me, but the urgency in Phi’s caws pulls me back to the moment.
I run again, driven by the dual forces of fear and determination. Taking the stairs to the porch two at a time, I burst through the front door.
The scene unfolds in chaotic flashes.
Lilian barrels past me, her face a mask of pain and urgency. Her shoulder slams into mine, knocking me sideways. I stumble into the wall and am about to give chase when I spot Sebastian.
He’s on his knees at the foot of the stairs, his head bowed and clutched in his hands. I forget Lilian and race to my surly mate. His pain pulls at me, despite the fractured bond.
“Sebastian. I’m here. What can I do?”
His head comes up, his scarlet gaze hollow and wild. Surging to his feet with startling speed, his hands grip my shoulders and slam me back against the wall. His eyes meet mine, and the Sebastian I know is gone.
“Sebastian, it’s me, Josie.” I fight to calm my voice despite the fear clawing at my insides. My hands come up to his face, trying to ground him. “Whatever Lilian did, you can overcome it. Come back to us.”
But he doesn’t recognize me, doesn’t even seem to hear me. His grip shifts from my arm to my neck, his fingers digging painfully into my throat. “I’ve waited twenty-five years to kill you, Celine. It’s going to be slow and painful.”
I struggle to break free from his hold, but his vampire strength is overpowering. “Sebastian,” I wheeze, my eyes watering. “I’m Josie. Your little witch.”
His face contorts in anguish and rage, caught in a war with himself that he seems to be losing. He straightens his arm, sliding me up the wall by my throat, while I kick and grab at his arms.
“Sebastian, please!” My voice is barely a whisper. The pressure in my head is incredible. It feels like my eyes are going to explode.
I’m going to die.
Phi. I need Rune. Help!
My raven squawks as she flies into the other room. The room swims as the lack of oxygen takes hold and spots darken my field of vision.
And then it’s all gone.
I drop to the floor as furniture smashes beside me, and I gasp for breath. Shards of wood and splinters fly through the air and I crawl in the opposite direction.
“Josie, oh, sweet goddess!” Elara’s voice comes to me through the haze of dizziness and I raise a hand to warn her of the danger.
One vampire out of control is dangerous.
Two is beyond lethal.
