Page 111 of Madness of Her Mages

When we met my brothers at the other end of the room, I insisted Shiri sit on the canopy bed while Nikkos fetched her a cup of tea. I sat beside her, rubbing her back while she slowly sipped her tea. I feared the news Blaze was about to deliver wouldn’t be favorable. We’d been waiting for his assessment since we’d left the tower.

He’s there,he said to us through thought as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, a grim look in his eyes.His cell is in the same hall as Felicity’s.

Shiri sucked in a breath, tears spilling over her eyes as the teacup rattled in her hands.

And?I asked him as I took the cup from her, setting it on a nearby dresser.

Blaze blew out a breath, dragging his hands through his hair.I only had time to spare him a quick glance, but he appears in very bad health.

I squeezed Shiri to my side when she let out a strangled sob. I didn’t expect him to be in good health after I saw the condition of that dungeon.

When we go with Felicity to train,Shiri said as she stiffened beside me,I’m insisting we accompany her back to her cell.

Blaze straightened.Then what?

Then we get the keys from the guards and check on my father.

I inwardly swore. She made it sound so easy.The guards won’t give you the keys.Not to mention, they’d probably report our actions back to Malvolia.

She jumped from the bed, her hands balled into fists.I won’t give them a choice.

Fuck.You’re using your siren on them?

If I have to.A gleam of defiance flashed in her eyes.

Even if she forced the guards to obey, they would eventually tell Malvolia when Shiri’s spell wore off. Then what? No way in hell was I letting my mate place her life in danger.This is madness.

Her nostrils flared and her eyes lit with rage.My father is in a dark cell!

My brothers and I swore when her voice rattled my bones and shook the bed.

I blew out a shaky breath, doing my best to neutralize the situation.Blaze can get the keys for you, and I’ll distract the guards.

She shook her head.Blaze can get the keys, but you have to stay with the girls. I need Nikkos to heal my father.

I’m going with you.I jumped to my feet, staring her down.Nikkos will go with you next time.I would not budge on this. I knew Nikkos would give his life to protect her, but I was the Lord of Abyssus. I would have better sway with the guards, and I would lose my mind if I was stuck babysitting the children while my mate put her life in danger.

She threw up her hands, her voice ricocheting through my skull.There may not be a next time!

I paced the floor, tension and fear gripping my spine while I struggled to come up with a plan. If I didn’t find a way to appease my mate, she would risk her life trying to get into that cell. Flames of dread raced through my veins because I knew I had only one option. The only problem, I wasn’t always able to control my magic. I would have to, though. For Shiri, I needed to do more than slow time—I needed to stop it.Blaze will stay,Ifinally said to them.Nikkos and I will go. I will stop time, steal the keys, and get you both into the cell before the guard notices.

Blaze gave me a startled look.You can stop time?

I ground my teeth.I will.

But your magic isn’t always reliable.

I clenched my fists until my nails broke skin.I will make it work.

Fine,Shiri answered, pulling back her shoulders.But if it doesn’t work, I’m using my siren’s call.

I nodded, unable to say more. I thought of the choking magic Malvolia had used on my mate, dreading what she would do to Shiri if she found out we’d not only discovered Marius lived, but went into his cell. The queen wouldn’t find out, though, because I would make my magic work or die trying.

Shiri

AFTER A TENSE GOODBYEwith the girls and Blaze, my aunt once again insisted I ride on the back of Mortimus, flying us to a grassy knoll that sloped toward an overgrown forest outside the castle walls. Though the cool ocean breeze and warm afternoon sun felt good on my face, I didn’t enjoy the ride. I would’ve been much more comfortable in Drae’s or Nikkos’s arms instead of being forced to hold onto my aunt while riding her flesh-eating horse. After all she’d done, I didn’t want to be anywhere near her, much less hug her.

After we landed, I couldn’t get off Mortimus fast enough, falling into Nikkos’s arms and getting the hell away from that horse. Malvolia’s five lovers accompanied us, each carrying a witch from Malvolia’s coven. Drae had to carry Felicity, whom Malvolia yanked from his arms and pulled around like a dog, a chain harness attached to her chest, hands, and neck. I couldn’tbelieve I felt sorry for my cousin, but she wore nothing but a tattered gown, no shoes to protect her feet from the thorny grass. If she fell behind, Malvolia would yank violently on her chains while Mortimus snapped at her heels.

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