You might need this one day. I know you love those boys of yours, but they’re not exactly normal men. This life you’re leading, it’s going to be dangerous. Always. You can’t wear that crown and expect a quiet life. So this bag is only for you. In case you ever need to hide something. Even from Danny and Devinshea. Don’t tell anyone. Keep one secret just for yourself. You could need it one day.
It looked like I would need it today.
* * * *
Kelsey
I could feel myself being pulled into that void. I couldn’t stop it. I tried shoving the sword I held in the ground to use it as leverage, but it didn’t work. The force dragging me toward that darkness was far stronger than I was.
I ended up on my ass, digging the heels of my boots into the soft forest ground. I watched in horror as Kor completely disappeared, as if he had never been there. I was about to go the same way. I could see the tear starting to close, but it wouldn’t be enough, and I didn’t want to find out what would happen if I only went part of the way through.
A thick vine wound around my waist and suddenly grass shot up all around me. One minute I was being dragged across the dirt and the next I was mummified by all that green stuff. I will admit to some claustrophobia. Normally having my entire body wrapped in foliage would make me cranky, but those blades of grass and vibrant vines were strong, far stronger than the sword had proven to be.
“Can you hold her?”
I heard Marcus shout the question as I felt the green stuff tighten around my body. I figured this was probably what it felt like to be swallowed by a really big snake, except without all the digestive enzymes. Still, I was grateful because it felt like I wasn’t going anywhere.
“Yes,” Devinshea replied, though it was really Bris’s voice. I get confused with the whole ascended god thing. “I can hold her until the veil closes, but I don’t know if I can save you, too. Stay where you are. If you get even an inch closer, I worry the void will try to take you.”
“Kelsey, dear, stay calm,” Marcus said. “It’s already beginning to close. When it’s safe, Bris will free you.”
I would have said something but my mouth was covered in cool ivy. God, I hoped it wasn’t poison ivy. I could feel the gravity that tried to pull me toward the darkness, feel Bris tightening his hold. I was in a tug of war between a Green Man and Nothingness. I was going to do everything I could to ensure the Green Dude won. Even if I could barely breathe.
I heard a loud popping sound and then it was like the whole world relaxed.
“Are you all right?” Marcus was at my side as the grass and ivy receded, and I could see and breathe again.
I nodded and let him help me up. When he pulled me into a hug, I went gratefully. I breathed him in because Marcus might not be my lover anymore, but he was still safety and comfort to me. He was still my dearest friend, and I wouldn’t be alive without his good counsel.
“I found you,” I whispered.
I felt him chuckle. “And luckily you also knew how to get my attention. How long have you been here? I did not see you fall. Devinshea and I have tried to stay close to the doorway the painting opened.”
I stepped back and looked to Dev. “I fell into the field a couple of minutes ago, so apparently the doorway shifts around. That sucks. Your wife is scared as hell, Your Grace.”
Dev frowned, his eyes back to normal. “It looked like my wife was here. Who was that?”
I shrugged. “I was hoping to get all that information as soon as I kicked some butt. We didn’t really have time to chat. I hit the ground and then there was a small army after us. Her, really. I’m surprised she ran.”
“This is a trick.” Dev put his hands on his hips and stared out into the forest. “Didn’t Grayson say something about a trick and a trap in one of his prophesies? Sending some creature who can turn into my wife is definitely a trick, but I don’t intend to be trapped here. If she’s the reason we’re here, she can be the