Page 78 of Wicked Fate

The tether between them pulsed once, and a cold sensation permeated our bond.

My heart galloped. I hadn’t considered that removing the spell could affect our fated-mate bond.

I opened my mouth to ask her to stop, but the swirls shimmered and then vanished, knocking the breath out of me.

A sound like wind through brittle leaves filled the room, and then the link was gone.

Rubbing my chest, fear strangled me as I watched Ryker. His entire body jolted like a string had been cut, then slowly, a tension I didn’t even realize had always been there—eased.

His hand curled into mine, and through our bond, his presence felt stronger than ever before.

Cassi placed a steadying hand on Adara’s back as she sagged, her energy completely drained again.

Ryker exhaled and turned toward me, his eyes shining bright. “Thank you.”

Adara didn’t answer, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw her nod.

And that’s when realization hit me.

I snapped my gaze to Adara. “You said you were still linked to her,” I said slowly. “To Ambrosia.”

“Yes, and when I replenish some of my energy, I’m going to find a way to break the link without her being here.”

“What if we don’t break it?” I had to sound crazy.

Adara’s head lifted.

“She’s still using your mother to cloak the vampires, and you spelled her to be emotionless about everything she does,” I pressed. “But if you’re still tied to her…”

Ryker jerked his head back. “Then we can find her.”

“I-I don’t know.” Adara blinked rapidly. “I’m so tired of using my magic like this.”

“But can it be done?” Briar asked, stepping closer.

Adara didn’t answer right away. Then slowly… she nodded. “Yes.”

The word hung in the air, heavy and dangerous.

“Yes,” she repeated, more firmly this time. “I’ll do it. Helping you might end the connection for me and free my mother.”

A shiver ran down my spine. We finally had a way to find Queen Ambrosia.

“About damn time.” Gage pumped an arm. “I’m so fucking tired of waiting for them to come to us.”

Just then, the door opened, and Xander returned, followed by Reid, Bruce, and Sun.

“Everyone’s here,” he said, breathless. “I filled them in on the way here.”

Reid’s expression was drawn and tired, but his eyes were alert. “Has anything else been revealed?”

“No.” Briar rubbed her arms like she was cold. “She removed the spell from Ryker, and that’s it.”

“Well, we did just learn more information,” I added, filling in everyone about the vampire queen and the king who’d betrayed her.

“She’s fucking crazy.” Gage’s jaw dropped open.

Something still clawed at my insides, like we were missing something.

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