Chapter 24 · Untitled Chapter

"Hello, Ivy."

My mother's crossbow was aimed at my chest before I could take a second breath.

She stood in the broken doorway with hunters behind her, silver arrows ready. The woman I'd buried thirteen years ago smiled like she'd just won.

Aiden stepped in front of me. "Get behind me. Now."

"Move, Aiden." Elara's voice was calm. Too calm. "This is between me and my daughter."

Cain caught my wrist and pulled me toward the altar. Rex moved with us, his eyes flashing gold as his teeth lengthened.

"Like hell," Rex snarled.

The hunters raised their crossbows as one. The bitter stink of wolfsbane burned the back of my throat.

Elara lifted one hand. "Take one more step and they fire."

Rex stopped.

A woman in chains laughed from the altar. Blood ran from the corner of her mouth. "Oh, this is perfect. You still haven't told her, Elara?"

Elara didn't look at her. Her eyes stayed on me.

"Tell me what?" My voice came out thin.

Cain's grip loosened, but he didn't let go.