Page 428 of Primal Bonds

“Yes.” She pointed to a point on the black glass. “And there—I can see night fae lairs through the trees. They must be here—in Virginia.”

Olivier spoke directly behind them. “I believe they’ve been in negotiations with the prince.”

Adric’s stomach dipped. “Marjani, too?”

“So I hear,” the butler replied. “However, I haven’t been privy to the discussions.”

Adric glared at the mirror, but all he saw were their three reflections. “She wasn’t supposed to get anywhere near the prince,” he growled.

“Come,” Olivier said impatiently.

“Think, Adric,” Rosana murmured as they followed the butler. “Your sister and Jace aren’t here alone. She’s with Cleia and my brothers. You’re not alone. You have all of us fighting on your side. This changes everything.”

“It’s too dangerous,” he bit back. “She knows it’s her the prince really wants.”

“Oh, Adric. Do you think that matters to her? How do you think she’d feel if you died because of her?”

He shook his head, still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Marjani was right outside New Moon. The prince must be rubbing his hands in glee.

But a part of him couldn’t help be warmed that she and Jace had come after him. And probably Fane—the man wouldn’t allow Marjani to get this close to Langdon without him. Hell, there were probably some other Baltimore fada skulking around in the woods, too.

His step hitched. Every hair on his body raised. Even his scalp lifted.

Rosana had been right all along.

Her being here changed everything.

As they followed Olivier up the last flight of stairs to the outside, Rosana took Adric’s hand. The fae-tailored clothes—a deep green button-up shirt and black pants—outlined every muscle on his hard body. His face was stubbled with night-beard, his eyes a flat bronze.

Mated.

Despite the danger they were in, a delicious shiver went up Rosana’s spine. This beautiful, dangerous man was hers.

She took his hand, grateful for once to be a Seer. She’d felt hope surge in him when he’d realized they had a chance of rescue.

Outside, a soft rain was falling over the foggy grounds. A couple of fae lights wafted near, shimmering like opals in the mist.

Adric brought his mouth to her ear. “Be ready to run.”

She squeezed his hand. “Together.”

“Together,” he agreed as a half-dozen guards emerged from the fog, a tall female at their head. Olivier nodded at them and headed back underground.

Adric stiffened at the sight of the woman. He moved to put himself between her and Rosana. “Neoma.” The word was a growl.

Clearly, he’d encountered her before—and it hadn’t been a happy encounter.

“Lord Adric.” Neoma inclined her sleek black head. The guards surrounded them. Two grabbed Rosana, jerking her away from Adric.

Adric snarled and went clawed, but a fae ball appeared in the hand of a third warrior. He brought it close to Rosana’s face. She swallowed, trying not to flinch from the dark fire.

Adric froze.

“Your quartz.” Neoma held a silk pouch out to him. A cruel smile curled her lips. “Just in case you had any idea of trying to escape the prince’s justice.”

“No!” Rosana whispered.

Adric hissed, his eyes pure blue flame. But he immediately dragged the chunky gray-and-orange pendant over his head and dropped it into the silk pouch.

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