Everest slid up beside me. “She will be back faster than you realize. You will want to make your attack beforehand, if you wish to save your victim.”

“But how?”

“She approaches. Be ready.”

I turned and spotted the woman in question scurrying towards us in a green cotton dress with mud stains halfway up to her knees. Her blonde hair was frizzy and curly, and falling loose of whatever that weird hat on her head was. Her pale eyes were wide with terror. She kept glancing over her shoulder, and I didn’t want to know what was chasing her.

“Pounce. Now.”

I cursed and dove for the woman. Timing was of the essence here. The woman let out a shrill scream as I tackled her to the ground. “Relax I won’t hurt you,” I whispered in Spanish.

Tegan’s note had already flashed through my mind. I had a plan, or an idea of a plan. I brought my fingertip to the tip of my fang and sliced it open. The woman shrieked and thrashed so I straddled her, pinning her legs down between mine. These big poofy skirts were a great tool for trapping someone. I let out what I prayed was a vicious growl and dove fang-first toward her throat. With one hand, I held her chest down. With the other, I traced the shape of the rune on the side of her throat. The woman wailed hysterically, kicking her legs to try and get free.

“Sweyn is coming,” Everest growled through my mind. “Bite her now.”

“Please forgive me,” I whispered, then lunged forward and sank my fangs into her skin.

I pulled them out immediately, not wanting to pierce an artery and risk her life. But I lowered my lips to her skin to act the part. Some of her blood smeared across my cheek.

Light flashed beneath her body—and then she was gone.

I gasped and jumped back. She was just gone. I didn’t understand.

Sweyn clapped her hands and stepped out from behind a tree right in front of me. “Beautiful work, tickling. I have to admit, you’re even prettier like this.” She traced my jawline with her fingertips. “Do not fret, such is the nature of their magic. Sometimes they slip back out.”

“M’lady?” One of the sentinels I recognized from my first trip to Avolire approached. “The time is nearing close.”

She huffed and pouted her lip. “It moved too fast tonight.”

“You will be pleased with our count.” He gestured behind him. “Shall we retire?”

She pursed her lips like she was thinking then she sighed and flicked her hair over her shoulder. Her fingertips grazed my jaw again. “Come, tickling. You can work on your hunting skills later. For now, let us feast.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

FRANKIE