God, I thought, it would be hell on earth. Literally.
My phone rang, making me jump. I glanced down, saw it was Hunter, and mentally let loose a string of curses. I might be willing to face her fury, but I’d been hoping to get a few Cokes—or even something stronger—under my belt first.
I was tempted to ignore the call, but I was willing to bet that would just make her angrier. I answered.
"So," she said, her voice like the Arctic, "just when were you planning to inform me about this key-finding mission? One I gather has now gone spectacularly wrong?"
"When I had the key in my hand." Which wasn’t exactly a lie. I would have told her; I just wouldn’t have given it to her.
"Which you do not."
"No. A trap was set and, unfortunately, we sprang it."
"Why did you not call for help? The Cazadors—"
"If reapers and an Aedh could not stop this attack, what hope do you think the Cazadors would have?"
Her green eyes flashed dangerously. "Do not doubt the capabilities of the Cazadors. They are more powerful than you know."
I doubted that, given I knew a whole lot about them from Uncle Quinn. "Look, Aunt Riley’s coming down—"
"I am well aware what Riley Jenson is up to. She is of no concern at this moment."
And I bet she’d love to know that. But all I said was, "Has Selwin lifted the Maniae curse?"
"Yes. And in return, she will receive the protection of a new master when she turns." Heat suddenly burned through the cool depths of her eyes. Heat and anticipation. "You have earned yourself quite an enemy, young Risa. I would watch your step if I were you."
"To be honest, she can take a number and stand in line, because she’s the least of my worries."