I shut down my emotions, schooling my features, before following them through that entrance – I had to shift Mischa around so she would fit – and into the next tunnel. The moment I got a free hand I was going to activate my tracker. Mischa was fading, and something told me I was going to need help myself in the next few minutes.

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Mischa stared up at me, her wide green eyes glassy. Shock and pain had set in.

She blinked a few times, bubbles of watery blood forming at the corner of her mouth, and it took her more than one attempt to make a noise. I had to move very close to hear what she was saying.

“I’m … I … I’m sor … sorry, Jess. Said would … get … Max…” She trailed off, her head falling back against me as she ran out of steam.

I could feel the warmth of her blood still seeping out of her side. Her shifter healing should be slowing that flow. Why the heck was it taking so long? My eyes darted toward the twins. Was that knife infused with silver? I tilted my head over and sniffed at her wound. The burning tingle indicated there was definitely silver involved.

“Enough screwing around.” The command came from one of the fruity bitch twins. “Move your ass, Jessa.”

My head flew up, and for the first time I noticed the new area we’d stepped into.

“Oh screw me sideways,” I groaned, frantically looking left and right. I knew this place, I’d seen it before … in a dream.

It was a stone tunnel, about five feet wide and twenty long, ending with a massive symbol against a rocky wall. A compass symbol, the four points perfectly clear in the dim light.

“What the hell is this weapon?” I snarled, moving closer, almost as if I couldn’t help myself. The symbol was calling to me. I had a burning need to see it more clearly.

Orange and Lemon were already standing before the image, one on either side, facing me. “The dragon king had a scepter that he used to rule the races. It is needed to free him.”

I shook my head. “I won’t help you. I don’t care what you want from me, I’m taking my sister and getting out of here.” I spun on my heel, forcing myself to leave. It was tough, like dragging myself through sticky taffy. The compass pulled me back to it. I had to focus all of my energy just to take a step.

Laughter rang out, washing down the corridor, but I didn’t stop. I made it to the doorway in the stone, turning sidelong so I could fit back through again. Truth was, I preferred the hall with all the serial killer sociopaths over the twins.