Page 73 of Thorn & Ash

Prue stilled, her skin prickling as realization set in. The box would take her magic, too. And Mona’s.

But if it meant trapping Kronos and freeing this realm…

“Is there any way to close the box?” Prue asked. “Once it’s been opened?” She thought of the innocent citizens of Erebos. She couldn’t doom them to whatever destruction would be unleashed if she opened the box.

Trivia frowned in consideration. “My research indicates only a powerful god or goddess can trap the magic inside the box once it’s been opened. Aidoneus managed to do it once. And… you’re the daughter of Gaia. You’re powerful enough to close the box, too. I’m sure of it.”

The certainty in Trivia’s voice sent a bolt of confidence shooting through Prue’s chest. “I’ll do it,” she said. “Even if it means giving up my magic, it’s worth the price.”

“Prue,” Cyrus objected.

“But my sister has to leave,” Prue went on. “I want her back in the mortal realm before the box is opened.”

“No!” Mona cried. “Absolutely not.”

“Mona—” When Prue turned to face her sister, she faltered, noticing Mona’s hand clasped in Evander’s. His frame was tense, his gaze fierce with a protectiveness Prue knew too well.

“I’m not leaving,” Mona insisted. “I’m willing to give up my magic, too.”

“I can help you find the box,” Trivia said. “But—”

A low boom echoed from within the cave, and the ground began to tremble. Prue teetered, finding Cyrus at her side in an instant, steadying her. The walls quivered, and pebbles rained from the ceiling. Somewhere, a distant crash sounded.

“What is that?” Mona asked.

“It’s going to cave in,” Evander warned. “We have to get out.”

“Not without the box.” Prue surged toward the gaping pit, prepared to dive in, but Cyrus jerked her arm.

“Prue, wait—”

“It must be Kronos,” Trivia said, glancing toward the ceiling while Cerberus trotted in circles around her. “He knows we’re here. He knows what we’re about to do.” She gritted her teeth, her gold eyes flashing with determination. “I’ll head him off. Pull his attention away from here as long as I can.”

“Trivia…” Prue said.

“I’ll be fine. You all need to find the box as quickly as you can, understand? It’s the only way to save this place.”

Before anyone could reply, Trivia hurried away, vanishing into the shadows. Cerberus bounded after her, his clacking paws and her light footsteps echoing in the tunnel with their departure.

The walls shook again, and more dust fell from the ceiling. Panic burned in Prue’s chest, and she knew if they waited too long, the ceiling would collapse on top of them.

They were out of time.

Prue slowly approached the gaping abyss, but she stopped when she heard her sister’s panicked voice.

“Oh no… Where’s Evander?”

Prue faltered, glancing around to find Evander had, indeed, vanished. Cyrus’s gaze darkened as he scanned their surroundings, no doubt searching for a threat.

Mona wrung her hands together, shifting her weight. “I—I have to go find him. What if something happened to him? What if Kronos grabbed him again?”

“Again?” Prue said, alarmed.

Mona jabbed a finger at her. “I’m going to go look for him. Don’t you dare go in that pit without me, Prue.”

Prue almost laughed. Of course she would go without Mona, if it meant sparing her from the horrors of Tartarus. But if Evander really was in trouble, she had to let Mona track him down.

And so, even though the words tasted foul on her lips, she told the lie. “I’ll wait for you, Mona.”

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