Page 90 of Savage Sacrifice
“Maybe we should go to her,” Minnie adds, and Bryony scoffs.
“My father is never going to let you off campus now that he knows,” she grimaces, and my nostrils flare with anger.
“No thanks to you,” I snap when the call answers, and a sleepy voice echoes through the line.
“Hey, Wylder? It’s really early, is everything okay?”
I plaster a broad smile on my face, hoping it comes through strong in my voice. “Little Witch, hey, it’s your favorite wolf,” I start, and she hums in amusement.
“Hmm, I didn’t know I had one,” she says with a yawn, and I grin, opting to leave that there before someone else decides to wade in on being her favorite. The topic isn’t up for discussion. Not today, at least.
“That’s because it’s always been me. Now, are you ready for some news?”
“News?” she repeats, curiosity thick in her tone.
I nod, even though she can’t see, knowing we’re one step closer to this all being over. “It’s time to come home, Little Witch.”
31
POLARIS
Home.
Four little letters forming one tiny word, which holds so much meaning. If I've learned anything, home isn't a place, it's them, and when I heard it from Wylder's lips, I couldn't move fast enough.
I didn't wait for an explanation, I just moved. I've never dressed so quickly in my whole entire life, and I can say that confidently for the first time ever. In a pair of sweatpants and a matching black sweatshirt, I toss my silver hair up into a messy bun on top of my head, slipping my feet into a pair of sneakers and head for the door.
Thankfully, I manage to get out of the house without being seen, and as the door silently closes behind me, I take a moment to appreciate the sun peeking out over the horizon, casting its swampy heat over the Florida soil.
Something twists in my chest, like I know I'm not going to come back here, not under these circumstances anyway. I know it deep down in my soul, and I hope I’m right.
I won't be able to leave Ben without any answers, but that's not something I should stress over right now.
Rubbing my lips together nervously, I head toward the spot Wylder told me to go to, just on the edge of the forest. It's funny how nature always brings me out of my shell, pulling me into a reality I'm not always ready for, but this time, my strides are purposeful, determined.
My feet pound along the ground as I eat up the distance, but it’s only as I pass the second row of trees that I spy a woman waiting patiently by a large Live Oak. She must hear me approach because she turns instantly, and I pause a moment to take her in.
Uncertainty doesn’t war inside of me as I run my gaze over her from head to toe, so that’s a good sign at least. Her hair is black and braided over one shoulder. It stops at her waist, and I can't imagine how long it would be without the braids. Her olive skin and hazel eyes sparkle with an abundance of wisdom that I can't even fathom. I’ve never seen a glint like it. Like she knows everything in the world, yet is still eager to learn more.
She’s dressed in a navy pantsuit with a silk white shirt underneath, and her lips are painted blood red. She’s gorgeous, yet familiar, and I can't quite put my finger on how that’s the case.
“Hello, Dear,” she says softly, like we’re not meeting for the first time in a random forest. Despite the stranger before me, my shoulders relax as I take another step toward her.
“Hi,” I reply nervously, and her smile spreads.
“You must be Polaris,” she breathes, and I nod.
“I am. It's nice to meet you,” I say, stopping in front of her and reaching out a hand. Her fingers gloss over mine and her spine stiffens at the same time her grip tightens on my fingers.
I freeze in panic, unsure if it’s the half-sleepy delirium wreaking havoc on me as she openly gapes in my direction.
“Devoted,” she breathes, and my eyebrows furrow with surprise.
As I rear back, I can feel my pulse throbbing at my temples, accelerating the blush at my cheeks beyond burning as I try to take a calming breath.
“I’m sorry?” Blinking at her in a mixture of confusion and weariness, it feels like time stills as she tilts her head.
She clears her throat softly, relaxing her hold on my hand as her lips pinch. “You're my son's devoted,” she states, and it’s my turn to gape at her in surprise.
