Chapter 30 · The Keeper's Bargain

"Don't take another step," Cain said.

Ivy stopped with one boot above the black water. Cain stood at the pool's edge, blood running from the gash across his ribs. Something moved beneath the surface. The ripples spread against the stone like a breath from a sleeping beast.

"You want me to leave you here with the nightmare pool?" Ivy asked. "Try again."

The water rose.

It climbed against gravity, twisting into the shape of a woman. A veil of shadow covered her face, and her voice dragged through the chamber like wet cloth over bone.

"Cain Ashe," she said. "You brought her to me at last."

Cain's shoulders locked. "I didn't bring anyone."

"She followed you. The bond always wins."

Ivy's chest mark flared. Pain punched through her ribs. She clamped a hand over the cut beneath her torn shirt and tasted blood where she'd bitten her tongue.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

"The Keeper."

"Keeper of what?"

"The door your mother opened."

Cain stepped between them. "Don't listen to her."

"That's rich." Ivy shoved around his shoulder. His body was hot beside hers, his breath rough against her temple.