Wicked (Eternal Guardians #9) - Elisabeth Naughton Page 0,56

such a stupid male, thinking only with his dick. The satyr was so clueless he didn’t realize if the prisoner was who she thought, Tohr’s days of leading anyone were numbered.

He led her to his private chambers, shoved the door open, and told her to wait in the outer room. As she did, she tried not to notice the filth on the floor and tattered furnishings in what she guessed was a living space.

Ugh, the males in this place were pigs. But that would soon change as well.

Tohr returned several moments later carrying a blade as long as his forearm.

Her eyes widened as he held the parazonium out to her, the weapon only Argonauts used. It shimmered in the low light, the blade wide, the handle thick. It was shorter than a sword, lighter and easier to use. And carved into the steel were the ancient Greek letters she’d seen on Talisa’s arms. The ones that marked all Argonauts as protectors of the mortal world, chosen by the Fates.

Her fingertips grazed the metal, careful of the sharp edges. It was cool to the touch, but she felt the energy zing up her fingertips. Felt the connection to its owner. And instantly knew what she needed to do next.

She lifted her hand from the blade and looked up at the satyr. “Thank you.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.” She turned for the door. “I’ll meet you at the lower entrance to the abyss.”

“You’re visiting your box, aren’t you?”

She reached the open doorway and glanced over her shoulder at the satyr, not the least bit worried he or the others had tampered with her treasure while she’d been away. It not only cloaked the location of this rundown fortress, it was also deadly to anyone who tried to open it but her. “Yes.”

“And if this time it doesn’t grant you your wish?”

“Oh, it will.” She grinned as she gripped the wood at the doorway, already looking forward to meeting the mystery male below. “It always does. Just make sure your satyrs are ready to attack. I’ve a strong feeling turning him to our cause won’t take long at all.”

Chapter Ten

The nymphs Zagreus had been training as mages were all greener than grass—timid, nervous, and new to casting spells.

Ana had clearly been his most promising prospect, and two minutes with the others made Talisa understand why he’d spent more time with Ana. Especially now, when Talisa knew Ana was a whole lot more than the others.

Still, these four were their only shot at reforging the border, so Talisa led them out through the hidden tunnel and down to the pool at the base of the waterfall where the stone arch sat just beyond, hoping like hell this worked.

Through the trees and flickering magick, she could see Rhen and several of the other guards cleaning up the mess she’d made of those satyrs. So far, no new beasts had returned, but that didn’t mean they weren’t out there. Waiting to strike all over again.

Don’t think about that…

She turned toward the four nymphs, each wearing cloaks, each glancing around the dark forest as if they expected those satyrs to jump out of the brush at any moment. “Okay, focus. Like we discussed. You each know the spell.”

“Our magick isn’t as strong as the prince’s,” the blonde to Talisa’s right said with a nervous expression.

“Doesn’t matter. There are four of you. He picked each of you for a reason. Because he believed in you and knew what you were capable of. My father always said you’ll never know where your destiny leads until you take that first step. This is your first step, not just for yourselves, but for your people.”

The nymphs glanced from one to another then slowly nodded, communicating in some silent nymph way Talisa didn’t have time to wonder about. Holding up their hands, they pressed their palms together, forming a circle.

Talisa stayed where she was, watching from beyond the circle as their eyes slid closed and they began reciting the ancient words that would camouflage the border and form a protective barrier around the kingdom.

Okay, Fates, if you ever wanted to interfere in my life, this would be the perfect time.

The amulet grew warm against Talisa’s skin. Refusing to think about her own destiny, Talisa closed her eyes and reached for the gem at the end of the long chain while the nymphs’ voices echoed around her.

Her fingers wrapped around the warm stone. She pictured the barrier growing like an invisible wall all around the