But I could at least face it with dignity and strength. If nothing else, it would make me feel better afterward.
I forced myself upright. I couldn't stand—the ceiling in the cavern was far too low to allow that. The air was as stale as ever, and the torches only made it harder to breathe.
The Raziq were little more than a faint shimmer in the shadows, but the electricity of them crawled across my skin. This time, it was different, though—stronger. There was someone else here, someone I hadn't met before. Someone more powerful than the other five combined.
And I was without Amaya.
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
Once again I shoved aside the panic that threatened to overwhelm me and hugged my knees close to my chest.
"So," I said, somehow managing to keep my voice conversational, although it wouldn't have mattered if it wasn't. These Aedh had about as much understanding of human emotion as a brick wall. "My posse has gained a new member—how lovely."
"I am not new." Though I'd been expecting a male, this voice was not only decidedly feminine, but surprisingly pleasant. "But I am here due to past actions, both yours and ours."
"And do you have a name?"
She didn't answer immediately. I had the odd impression she was considering the wisdom of doing so, as she no doubt knew I'd ask my father about her. But then, they wanted me in my father's presence so they could capture him, so there was little harm in telling me.
It was a conclusion she must have agreed with. "I am called Malin."
"And what do you want from me this time, Malin?"
"We want what we have always wanted—your cooperation."
"And as I seem to be saying a lot lately, it isn't like I have much of a choice to do anything else." I considered the shimmer that was her presence. "How did you get past Azriel?"
"The distance the reaper kept between you was foolish." There was a hint of smugness in her voice. The Aedh might be unfeeling creatures, but they were not above feeling superior. "He did not realize the danger he had placed you in until you were in our grasp."