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“What death closed, let love open.” A ripple of power blew her hair back and shook the ground. The portal sprang to life, a swirling pool of gray-blue until it cleared, revealing the other side; wavering colorful lights painted the dark glittering sky. A vast landscape of lush green hills and black rock mountains. House of Night was still there waiting for her return, waiting for fate to call the elf, the queen, and the goddess home.

The three of them stepped through first and the others followed behind. “You told Aunt Evalyn, right?” Tif said sweetly.

“Of course,” Valeen answered. “When this is all settled, I’ll be able to bring her to House of Night.”

The colorful lights streaked across the night sky above their heads. The aroma of rain on dry grass filled her nostrils and she took a deep inhale. Home. It smelled like home.

A loudpopthen a sizzle and crackle jerked her attention to the left. Another portal opened… two more. One bright like the sun, the other dark and menacing. Hel took a step closer to her, brushed his hand against hers. “Did you open another doorway?”

“I only meant to open this one but...”

A female appeared in the swirling bright circle, stepping into the dark realm of House of Night. Valeen’s heart dropped into her stomach. Bright white-blonde hair, golden skin, and the most beautiful of all the goddesses stood there. It was impossible but it was her sister. “Katana?” The bright circle of light snapped in on itself and was gone. She looked around, appearing confused and disoriented.

Valeen took a step toward her then froze. The other circle next to the portal they’d opened from Adalon sizzled and swirled like a black pool of tar. It groaned like the hull of a large ship, until another figure came through.

Hel took a half step in front of her, a protective move, and gripped her arm.It’s going to be alright, love. I won’t let him touch you or Katana.

It took her a moment to realize who the male was and why Hel reacted that way.

“Synick,” Hel said. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

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To be continued in book 4: Night Meets the Elf Queen

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