Page 88 of Chasing Stripes

Lily, creeping toward a dazzling arrangement of crystals that powered part of the containment field, tripped on her untied shoelace. Her grape juice box went flying, purple liquid arcing through the air before splashing across delicate magical components. Jade, rushing to help her sister, knocked over an obsidian brazier filled with smoldering herbs.

The effect was immediate and spectacular. The crystals sizzled and sparked as juice seeped into hairline cracks, creating short-circuits in the magical network. Smoke billowed from the overturned brazier, filling the chamber with the scent of burned sage and disrupting complicated magical patterns.

Simultaneously, Mimi’s distraction reached its crescendo—a theatrical shimmy combined with a partial shift that had scales rippling across her skin in mesmerizing patterns. Kalyna enhanced the display with fox illusions that made Mimi appear to glow with an otherworldly light, her tiger stripes dancing with supernatural energy.

Every guard stared, transfixed by the display. In that critical moment of distraction, Thora drove her fist into the weakened section of the barrier while Kalyna directed a concentrated stream of fox magic at the cracks.

The barrier shattered with the sound of a thousand crystal glasses breaking at once.

“NO!” The Collector’s shriek echoed through the chamber as he spun toward the commotion. “Stop them!”

Artemis seized her opportunity. Instead of fleeing the ritual circle as The Collector might expect, she planted her feet firmly at its center, arms outstretched toward Bartek.

“Bartek, now!” she cried.

The tiger responded with a roar that reverberated through stone and bone. His containment field, already compromised by the twins’ accidental sabotage, buckled under the sheer force of his determination. Golden light erupted from his massive form as he channeled everything into their connection.

Artemis mirrored his effort, calling on every drop of fae magic in her blood. The tether between them thickened, brightened, transforming from a slender strand into a column of pure sunlight that cut through the chamber’s shadows.

“What are you doing?” The Collector screamed, watching his ritual preparations disintegrate.

“Soul-tethers respond to eclipse energy,” Artemis replied, her voice carrying new authority. “But not just for severing—for strengthening.”

The ground beneath them trembled as their connection intensified beyond anything they’d experienced. The ancient stones resonated with the power flowing through the chamber, dust sifting down from the ceiling.

In their cages, the captives stirred as golden energy washed over them in gentle waves. Locks sprang open, magical restraints dissipating under the touch of pure, benevolent power. Viridian Nightbourne straightened, color returning to his pallid features. The young werewolf’s eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to hope.

Freed from their magical prison, Artemis’s friends leaped into action. Thora moved with sabertooth grace, incapacitating two guards before they could react. Artair’s massive bear form barreled through another group, scattering them like bowling pins. Rust directed the operation with natural authority, his lion’s roar coordinating their movements.

Mimi rushed to her daughters, gathering both girls into her arms. “What in all nine shifter hells are you doing here?” she scolded, even as she covered their faces with kisses.

“We wanted to help!” Jade protested.

“We snuck out the bathroom window when the babysitter was on the phone,” Lily added proudly.

“We’re tiger heroes,” they declared in unison.

Mimi’s exasperation melted into reluctant pride. “Let’s get you somewhere safer, tiger heroes.”

Artemis barely registered the chaos erupting around her, so focused was she on maintaining the connection with Bartek. Their connection had become a conduit of incredible power, the golden patterns on their skin spreading further, elaborate knotwork appearing where simple handprints had once begun.

The stolen recipe book vibrated on its pedestal, drawing her attention despite her concentration. Pages flipped rapidly as if caught in a hurricane, finally settling on what appeared to be a simple honey cake recipe.

“Mom’s special honey surprise cake,” Artemis gasped, recognizing her mother’s elegant handwriting.

Beneath innocent-looking instructions, faint text appeared, revealing itself in the golden light emanating from the soul-tether:

For reversing unwanted magical bindings, add extra cinnamon and a dash of justice. Mix with true love’s conviction under waning moonlight... or during an eclipse for emergency countermeasures. Fold in equal parts courage and loyalty until golden. Best served warm with a side of vindication.

SEVENTY-NINE

Abubble of laughter escaped Artemis despite the dire circumstances. Even facing mortal danger, her mother had maintained her sense of humor—and her foresight.

“Mom hid counterspells in her recipes,” she whispered, awe and grief mingling.

Kalyna peered over her shoulder, fox-quick. “Your mother was brilliant,” she declared, eyes scanning the hidden text. “And her penmanship puts my century-old calligraphy to shame. I’m both impressed and annoyed.”

The Collector lunged toward the book. “That belongs to me!”

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