Page 33

As I say those words, I realize Hecate’s house is the first place I’ve ever truly felt at home. Before I lost my memory, my life had been very transient. I’d moved from one place to another, often from one world to another, usually under pretty traumatic circumstances, and I’d never felt secure, never felt like I belonged.

I’d been starting to feel that way in my last place—with Khendril, Khaosti’s brother, as my guardian—but that hadn’t lasted either. Then I woke up on Earth with no memory of who I was and ended up with Pete and Lissa, the foster parents from hell. I certainly hadn’t felt at home there.

But then finally, at Hecate’s house, I realized that home isn’t a place—it’s people. She made me feel like I belonged. And soon, I’ll be back there. Maybe we could have a day or two before I start training—just enough to help me feel like the world is a safe place. Or maybe a place worth saving.

Or maybe not.

Anyway, it’s time to move. I grip the torch, wave it around, locate the way out, and head off at a brisk pace. Everyone falls in behind me. There are no screams, nobody’s dying—it’s all good.

We weave, single file, through the narrow corridor of rock, the weight of the mountain pressing above me. I try not to think about it, but sometimes I’m sure I’m borderline claustrophobic. I’m not sure where that comes from.

Up ahead, I see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. I quicken my pace. Finally, I squeeze through the tight entrance and step out into the sunshine.

I come to a halt just outside the cave entrance and heave a sigh of relief. So far, so good. The others gather beside me. We’re standing in front of a sheer cliff face that reaches up to the deep blue sky. Ahead of me, I can see the twin pillars of rock that mark the cave’s entrance. For now, all is well with the world.

I glance at Fury. He’s looking around, amazement shining in his wolfy eyes. Then he sits on his haunches, tilts back his head, and howls. But it’s a happy howl—I think.

It’s sort of cute.

“Yeah, big improvement on the talking,” Zayne mutters.

I nudge him in the ribs with my elbow as hard as I can.

“Ouch.”

Fury looks at me, then gazes out at the open grassland beyond the rocks. I can see the longing in his face, and it’s sweet that he doesn’t want to leave me.

“Go,” I say. “Go for a run. But don’t be long. No more than half an hour. Then we’re heading back to Hecate’s. Go.”

With one last look at me, he’s off, bounding away. I watch until he disappears from sight and heave a sigh.

“You know I don’t like him,” Zayne says, “but I’ve got to admit, he looks like shit. Christ, what did they do to him?”

“Locked him in a cell, didn’t feed him, and wouldn’t let him change back to human form,” I reply. And maybe more. I felt the scars beneath the fur. I’m pretty sure they tortured him. The scars would heal if he shifted.

“That sucks.”

I look around, trying to work out what time of day it is. The sun is high in the sky, so hopefully, we’ve got plenty of time to make the walk home. Back to Hecate. I rummage in the backpack for those biscuits. As I straighten, I sense movement out of the corner of my eye. I turn to look and see a beautiful black horse galloping toward me.

I blink and sniff. “Stella,” I say.

The mare skids to a stop in front of me. She’s as black as night with a white star, and she was my first friend in this world. I met her soon after we arrived on Valandria, and she carried me safely all the way to Hecate’s, looking after me every step of the way.

“I thought I told you to wait one day and then go home,” I say.

She nickers softly and lowers her head.

I wrap my arms around her, and this time I don’t hold back the tears.

Chapter 13

So Far, so Good and Then…

Finally, I sniff, wipe my damp cheeks on Stella’s soft coat, and raise my head. I look straight into Zayne’s eyes. I’m not sure what his expression means.

“What?” I snarl.

He shrugs. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you cry before.”