Page 19

For a long moment, nothing happened.

Then the creature let out a piercing wail …

"What is —" The mage gripped my hands tighter, feeling along the bond.

The creature's dark tendrils had begun to spin wildly, unraveling from the bond, withdrawing back into the creature. And Ifeltit watching me, as though waiting for something …

"What. Did. You. DO?" the mage snapped, trying to use my korra to pull the monster back.

But the creature's korra had pulled in on itself, no longer hungry and hunting.

"What happened?" Holden called, footsteps heavy as he approached.

"The creature," the mage said, stunned. "She somehow stopped it from accepting the bond."

"Is that possible?" Holden hissed. "I thought you said you had control of them both!"

The mind mage released me, and I gasped as my normal vision returned and control of my body rushed back to me.

It worked! Holy hells —

"Just give me a second," the mage said, voice shrill. "I'll fix this. I just need to —"

The massive doors behind me hissed and opened with a whoosh. Quick footsteps drew near us.

"The Lieutenant has arrived," the newcomer said, clearing his throat. "He's heading down here as we speak, Sir. He, uh —" The man swallowed audibly. "He's coming forher."

"What?!" Holden shouted. "King's wrath, get her collar on," he snapped. "We'll need to figure this mess out later."

"But her memory —" the mage stammered. "I still need to clean it!"

"Forsaken hells!" Holden cursed, glaring at the door behind me. "Ifhe'shere, then her damn memory won't matter for long anyways. The Reaper must have what she needed. The sessions are done."

"But what about —"

"Now!" Holden snapped, gesturing at the others. Themage grabbed the collar from the table to our left, then roughly snapped it on my neck.

Everything went dull once more, and I groaned at the terrible sensation.

Liam —

Relief flooded me as Holden removed his restraints to reveal empty skin. There were no dark markings anywhere — and he was back to his normal size.

Holden pulled him roughly to his feet and dragged him towards the door.

"Are you all right?" Liam yelled, twisting and pulling at Holden's grip.

I nodded, throat tight.

It had worked … somehow, I'd kept him safe. At least for one more day.

Though Holden's words replayed in my mind … if the sessions were done, did that mean everyone else was … safe?

I glanced over at the monster, sitting still in its cage.

Was it really aware? And if so … why did it listen to me today?

Cautious excitement sparked in my chest. I'd won … at least for now …