Page 22 of Ivy & Bone

A muffled outburst signaled Cyrus’s indignation, but she ignored him.

Davies cast a wary look at Cyrus. “Are you certain it’s wise to bring him aboard?” A flicker of fear shone in his eyes.

“I have him contained.” Prue’s voice was thick with authority and power. “He won’t cause you or your crew any trouble.”

Davies cleared his throat and nodded. “Very good, my lady.” He waved them aboard.

As Prue climbed onto the ship, her limbs throbbed, the cost of using so much magic finally wearing on her. She took a deep breath, but it did nothing to fortify her drained body. Behind her, her vines eased Cyrus on deck, then receded back to the ground.

It was just as well. Her vines wouldn’t survive without something rooting them to the earth. But Cyrus didn’t need to know that.

Prue knelt at Cyrus’s feet while he spat leaves from his mouth. “Did you enjoy the ride, darling?” she asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes at him.

“Bitch,” he choked, spitting a chunk of ivy at her.

Prue only smirked at him. “I’ve been called worse.” She traced a finger along the raw welts on his wrists from her vines. He snarled, jerking away from her, and her grin widened. “Don’t test me, Cyrus. Or I’ll tie you up again.”

Cyrus’s eyes were blazing, his jaw taut, but he said nothing.

Ignoring his murderous looks, Prue stood, tying her long curls behind her in a messy braid. As the crew prepared to set sail, she peered over the crowd of passengers, longing for one last look at her beloved island. The palm trees swayed in the unearthly breeze that whispered over the island, a product of the death magic now coursing through the entire realm. Even though the island was still, the air was thick with magic, pulsing and waiting for them on the outskirts of the barrier.

I did this, Prue thought. A knot developed in her throat. Did this mean Mona’s sacrifice had been for nothing? Her sister died so the village would be safe from undead spirits. And now they were back, threatening the entire realm—as if Mona’s death hadn’t happened at all.

I’ll bring her back, Prue vowed. That was, after all, why she was aboard this ship in the first place: not just to return Cyrus to his realm and rid the mortal world of these ghosts, but also to bring back her sister.

Prue glanced over her shoulder, ensuring Cyrus wasn’t causing any trouble. Sure enough, he stood behind her, arms crossed and a scowl on his face as he refused to look at her.

Still sulking, I see, Prue thought to herself, biting back a smile.

The ship set sail, the crew shouting to each other as the boat shifted forward. Prue placed a hand along the wooden beam of the ship, murmuring a quick prayer to the Triple Goddess as the vessel sailed along.

Please give me the strength to protect the boat from the spirits, she thought, her eyes closing. Please.

She bit down on her lip, her eyes opening as she turned to face forward, watching as they drew nearer and nearer to that shimmering gold barrier. She called on her magic, waiting for her third eye to open . . . But nothing happened. Warmth filled her chest, but the aching in her limbs made her go stiff, her magic faltering.

No, no, no . . . The ship was practically at the barrier now. Prue drew on every last drop of strength, struggling to summon her magic.

“Contego,” she whispered in desperation. Energy prickled at her fingertips, but it died as if a candle had been snuffed out.

Come on! Prue sank to her knees, gasping, pleading with the Triple Goddess. Her hands pressed into the wooden floorboards beneath her, urging her magic onward. Please.

Then, she sensed movement around her. Panting, she looked up to find the other passengers moving about the deck, some descending the stairs while others chatted away merrily.

Prue’s mouth fell open. What the hell? She looked toward the barrier and flinched. The gold light gleamed brightly, burning against her eyes. Her stomach lurched as a tremor rocked the boat, making it quiver as it passed through the magic.

Prue held her breath, waiting. Dozens of white ghosts appeared, hovering and floating around the boat like elegant dancers. Prue’s blood chilled at the horrific and yet beautiful sight. Her heart hammered painfully in her chest as she waited for the spirits to dive for them, to start attacking the crew.

But they didn’t.

Prue slowly rose to her feet, gaping at the harmless ghosts in the air. Stunned, she glanced over the crew and passengers, but none of them even noticed the ghosts.

Had her magic protected them after all?

A low chuckle drew her attention. Turning, Prue found Cyrus smirking at her.

“What’s so funny?” Prue demanded.

“Do you really not know?” Cyrus taunted. “Is your mind so simple that you can't figure this out?”

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