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"They're almost here!" Rien shouted. "Hurry!"

I looked back to see green vines pulling the door closed as the flowers glowing around us went dark. I could barely make out the silhouette of vines twining together, rising in the darkness towards a vent. I looked up to see them tugging away the metal, revealing a dark tunnel beyond.

Just as Rien had said.

"What's going on in there?" a voice shouted through the little window in the door. "Shut up, beast!"

Good! If they were yelling at the monster, that meant they hadn't seen us … yet.

The man dipped away, likely trying to unlock the door, andBaerloejust kept slamming himself against the bars.

Rien worked fast, though, vines already twining themselves around my waist, pulling me up and off the ground.

No — I wasn't ready! I needed to say goodbye. To check Mirrim! I hadn't even said goodbye!

"Stop!" The word ripped from my soul as instinct took over and I struggled to free myself. "I made a mistake. I have to stay! I can't leave —"

"Quiet!" Kaiya hissed, slamming her hand over my mouth as three guards broke through the door, charging in our direction.

I let out a frustrated sob and slumped in Rien's vines, shoulders shaking as tears ran down my cheeks in warm rivulets.

I was too late. Just like always …

"COME BACK!" the monster howled as we reached the vent. "WE MUST REMEMBER!"

Chapter 43

Tye

Islid into the metal chair, mind swimming from liquor.

Was that really Liam at the bar?

My senses were fuzzy, but as he'd walked away, I thought I recognized that foresty scent.

If it was him, he was being far too reckless, but I'd do my best to keep his involvement from Frexin.

He was important to the Witch.

Fortunately, tonight Frexin was not here, waiting for me. Perhaps I could get the tattoos without the accompanying mind mage interrogation.

"Why must I do these at night?" the masked scientist asked as he prepared the needle and ink. "Can't you come during the day?"

"No."

He shook his head and returned to his work. "You sureyou want more? Lady Frexin said you don'thaveto get them if you don't want to."

I let out a scornful growl, chest rumbling.

"There is someone I must protect … from my wolf."

The scientist shook his head. "Well, I'm not sure how you do it. The one time I poked myself with this ink, it hurt worse than a shock wasp."

I just grunted. Talking was pointless, and I had no interest in indulging this man tonight.

His gaze slid to the tattoos covering my neck, chest, and arms, and his Adam's apple bobbed. "Okay then." He gestured to my body. "Where do you want them this time?"

I gestured to my rolled-up pant legs. I hadn't been joking when I said there wasn't much of me left to tattoo, but my calves were still mostly empty.