Page 84 of A Fury Of Shadows

She pushed up onto her hands and knees and stumbled after the demon. Someone shouted her name in the distance.

Bryony ignored them and forged ahead, heart racing and magic blooming on her hands.I can’t let him get his hands on theBook of Light!

A smug expression dawned on Barquiel’s face when he reached the safe. “I win, Witch Queen.”

He wrenched the door off its hinges.

Bryony stumbled to a stop. She closed her eyes and shuddered.

I’m too late.

A curse had her eyes snapping open.

Corruption swallowed Barquiel. He heaved his sword and smashed the safe again and again with a roar of pure fury, crushing it.

A white card fluttered out and landed at Bryony’s feet. She stared.

It was a note. It said “Kiss. My. Ass.” and was signed “The Witch Queen.”

Bryony looked up, shock making her dizzy. Even though the strongbox was barely recognizable, she could tell it was empty. Hysterical laughter bubbled up her throat.

Barquiel glared at her. Bryony sobered.

A muscle jumped in the demon’s jawline. For one heart-clenching second, Bryony thought he would kill her.

A crimson portal hissed into life at his command. The demon disappeared inside it, his expression murderous. The corrupt magic that had signaled the Dark Council’s presence in the building faded a moment later.

Debris shifted behind her. Bryony turned.

“Bry!”

A pale-faced Regina was clambering over broken concrete and smashed-up furniture, Abraham in her wake.

He overtook the witch, stormed across the vault, and grasped her shoulders. “Are you okay?!”

Bryony startled when he squeezed her to his chest. She sagged and clung to him, relief making her tremble. “I’m okay.”

Abraham pulled back and scanned her. He scowled. “You’re bleeding!”

Bryony patted his arm. “It’s nothing that won’t heal.”

Some color returned to Regina’s cheeks. “Glad you’re alright, old gal.”

Abraham turned and raised a hand. A golden sphere bobbed into view and approached.

Bryony’s mouth went dry.

“Penley,” she mumbled.

Abraham endedContainand gently handed her the cat.

Bryony hugged the familiar gingerly, careful not to squeeze his broken leg. Penley meowed and licked her face.

“You silly cat.” Emotion choked her throat. “You’re getting too old for that kind of stunt.”

Abraham looked away as she wiped at a tear.

Regina wasn’t as subtle. “I really thought both of you were goners back there.”

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