Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Silke’s stomach knotted. A chill went down her spine. She knew. She wasn’t the only one. Benedek’s fingers tightened on her shoulders in anticipation of the rest of Nicu’s vision.
“Above the children, I saw a dark shadow creeping down the rock, using cracks and crevices to conceal itself. It felt and appeared evil to me. Wholly evil. Just the way it moved, and the way it marked the children, gave its intentions away.”
He stood abruptly, as did the others. “We will return to the Carpathian Mountains and warn the prince that something evil is heading his way so that he may be prepared.” He inclined his head toward Silke as she gathered the cards. “Thank you for the reading. You are much appreciated.”
Silke could feel how torn Benedek was. He wanted to accompany the hunters as they went on the next journey to warn their prince and to find their lifemates. Fenja couldn’t travel, and she had little time left to live. Silke needed to be with her mother.
“If you need to go with them,” she offered, her heart in her throat. Just the thought of being separated from Benedek was terrifying when she had no idea how to take care of herself. Not just that, but everything in her screamed she needed to be with him. She refused to allow anyone to see the absolute terror, remaining outwardly composed. “You should go, Benedek. I will have to stay here with my mother.” She didn’t want to ask Tora to stay with her because Tora had been trapped in the village for so many centuries with no chance to find her lifemate. It wouldn’t be fair to her. But…the thought of trying to feed herself and sleep in the ground was absolutely terrifying.
She tried to keep her emotions from Benedek. She wanted him to make up his mind without worrying about her.
Silly woman. I cannot be separated from you. You cannot be separated from me. If I journeyed to the Carpathian Mountains, you would accompany me. Benedek’s hand curled around the nape of her neck. He brushed a kiss in her hair. Most importantly, Silke, I do not wish to be away from you. My choice is to be at your side.
What of the prince? If that evil creature stalking those children is Justice or one like him, you said it would take many hunters to destroy him.
There is a concentration of hunters in the Carpathian Mountains. Nicu, Mataias, Lojos and Tomas will go with speed to warn them. I do not worry that this evil will prevail.
Silke leaned into him as the four men, one by one, went to Benedek and grasped his forearms, murmuring in their language. They bowed to Fenja and then to Silke before they vanished from the room. All but Lojos. He stood tall, looking at Tora. “Do you come with us?”
Tora nodded and Silke’s heart dropped. She knew it was best for Tora, but she selfishly didn’t want her to go. She wanted her family together, especially since she was facing losing her mother.
Tora slipped her arms around Silke and held her tightly. If you need me, I will come. I go for only a short length of time. I feel responsible for Justice escaping. I believe I need to help the others find him. And there’s Gaia. She was Justice’s constant companion and my friend. Where is she? What’s happened to her? I need to know before I will feel I can truly be free.
You are not responsible for the escape. We were occupied with a war, one in which you had a huge part in defeating Lilith’s demon army.
Tora sighed and stepped back. “Justice took advantage of the war.”
“He did,” Benedek agreed.
“Which means he was aware Lilith was going to attack—and when,” Silke said.
That wasn’t the greatest news for any of them. It appeared more and more that Justice was privy to Lilith’s plans, and he had turned vampire and joined with their enemy.
Tora hugged Fenja. “I have loved you both as a mother and sister. Be strong,” she said to Silke. “Benedek, look after them for me.”
“It is done,” Benedek answered.
Blinking back tears, Silke watched Tora leave with Lojos. Benedek wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against him. “Don’t feel sorrow, Silke. We have the privilege of spending time with your mother. We will cherish every moment we enjoy with her.” He drifted kisses down her cheek. “Life is to be lived. We do our part to protect family, friends, community and the world, in that order. You can’t be all things to all people, and you can’t spread yourself too thin. If you do, you aren’t good for anyone.”
Silke loved him for the sincerity in his voice and mind when he spoke of her mother. She turned to face him, sliding her arms around his waist. “I love you, Benedek. Thank you for being my lifemate.”