“Celia, I don’t remember seeing Griselda either,” Taran agreed. “But I can’t help wondering if this is all connected somehow.”

“How can it be?” Gemini asked quietly. “You said Griselda was dead.”

Taran wouldn’t look at him when she answered, choosing to wipe some of the soot from her cheeks instead. “That’s what we were told. But let’s face it, my nightmares are only this strong and graphic when something is trying to warn me. Considering everything that has happened, I can’t pretend like this is all some sort of coincidence.”

“I’m starting to see those eyes you speak of, too,” Emme said almost inaudibly. “I have since our return from Malaysia.”

“I started seeing them a few nights ago,” Shayna said. “They were blurry at first, and I didn’t know what they were.” She shrugged. “Now I guess I do.”

“Shit,” Taran muttered. “Why didn’t you say anything? That’s how my dreams started, and look at what they’ve evolved into. This is so messed up!”

“T, calm down,” Shayna said, despite that her voice carried her fear so clearly. “I thought I was just dreaming them because I’d been thinking of you.”

“Well, I guess you were wrong,” Taran answered, her tone frigid. She was terrified. We all were. I thought we should give her a moment, but Genevieve didn’t share my thoughts.

“What is your conscience telling you, Taran?” Genevieve asked her.

“I don’t know. If I did maybe we could figure out a way to kill this thing before it kills someone else!” She pulled away from Gemini when he reached for her. “Don’t,” she snapped. “Just figure out a way to stop this freak before it’s too late.”

Misha hooked my arm and led me back to him. “Until you do, Celia stays with me,” he said, his voice absolute.

Aric moved toward him. “Like hell.”

Misha’s vampires hissed. Aric’s Pack growled. It was just a banner day all around. A faint howl tickled my ears as the Elders used their magic to subdue the wolves. Aric was the hardest to control, but eventually they managed to hold him.

“If Tura can only possess those with a soul and a connection to her, Celia will be safe among those without one,” Misha continued as if uninterrupted. “My call isn’t enough to link us.”

“What about your blood exchange with her?” Aric accused. “You’ve taken more than your share in the past, leech.”

“As a master, he would still have to establish a tie through her. No such bond has been established so she is safe in his presence.” Martin didn’t seem happy about what he had to say, but he wouldn’t lie, especially if it meant sparing my life. “Aric, for Celia’s well-being, you have to let her go.”

Aric turned away from me. It was then that I noticed his horrible burns were healing. Bits of crispy flesh flaked off, revealing fresh skin beneath. I cringed, knowing how much pain he was likely enduring, but also knowing he’d never demonstrate it, above all in the presence of the vampires. What I would have given then to steal him away and care for him.

My attention drifted to the vamps when they sneered. Aric had to let me leave with them, and they knew it. Tura could find me anywhere and strike at any time. That didn’t mean every part of me didn’t want to stay with Aric or that I appreciated their smug responses.

Shah insisted I wasn’t safe. Not with Aric, not with my sisters, not with my friends. For all that he was or wasn’t, I trusted him. And although I didn’t quite trust the witches, there was something I needed to ask Genevieve. “Do you have any idea how to destroy Tura—for real this time?”

She seemed surprised I hadn’t already left the world of the sane, given the circumstances. “I’m not sure how to kill him, without killing who he possesses and even then at the speed in which he moves, he’ll likely invade another vessel.” She considered me. “However, I may be able to block his entry into your sisters at least for a time…and perhaps spare them from your dark memories.”

At this point, I’d take anything I could get.

She leaned on her staff. “Tura may have feasted on Aric’s power, but it wasn’t enough to grant him a corporeal form. He’ll need another host. Keep Shah close, and trust no one. If Tura does get Shah, he’ll be unstoppable.”

Chapter 26

“Celia,” Makawee said quietly. “While I understand that Shah has offered some protection against Tura, it doesn’t mean you’re safe from yourself. If Tura knows your fears, he’ll manipulate them and create new nightmares which could force you to harm yourself.”

“I need to stay with her and protect her,” Aric insisted.

“You know that’s not possible.” Martin’s words were phrased as a statement, but I recognized the order for what it was. So did Aric, and if he wasn’t furious before, he was then. He stormed to the edge of the terrace, drilling his fists into the stone ledge, trying to rein in his wolf.

Aric didn’t want to hear any more about how Tura could easily invade my mind or possess him and those we loved. He simply wanted to keep me safe. Instead he had to wait helplessly while this asshole drove me insane. I watched him, not believing how ridiculously shitty our situation had become.

“It’s time to depart,” Misha said.

It wasn’t like I could argue. I strolled to where Aric waited. As I walked, I whispered to Shah still clutched in my hands, “Hide.” He vanished before I reached Aric.

For a moment, I simply stood beside him, wanting to feel close to him yet very aware that everyone was watching our every move. “I have to go, wolf.”

“I wish you didn’t have to,” he answered, his jaw tight.

“Me too, love.” I lowered my voice. “Tura can cage my beast. I’m losing her and I’m not sure I can get her back.”

He wasn’t happy about my news. “Maybe you’re just unfocused because of the severity of our situation.”

I shook my head. “I’m losing her, Aric,” I repeated. “If she leaves me completely, I’ll be left defenseless.” It didn’t seem right to dump news like this—not even on him, but I couldn’t stop. “I need you to find a way for us to stop Tura. Baby, I won’t be able to do this alone.”