Page 39 of Midnight Reign
“I really appreciate the rally, guys, but seriously. This is bad. Very, very bad.”
“Of course it is,” Zaiah says with a laugh. “But we are going to beat this and have fun while we do.”
“Glad you think this is fun,” I mutter.
I take a deep breath, trying to process everything we’ve just learned. The weight of it is crushing, but I force myself to focus. “Okay, so we know who she is now. Crimson Shadow, the Progenitor, and we know there’s a ritual that can contain her power. But we still don’t know why she’s trying to merge with me now, or what her ultimate goal is.”
Zephyr nods, his expression thoughtful. “And we don’t know how this ties into the portal Randall was trying to open, or what’s on the other side.”
I groan, rubbing my temples, my head splitting with a headache from all the magick and voices in my head.
Ignatius places a comforting hand on my shoulder, his touch is warm and reassuring. “We’ve got this. I love a good mystery.”
I give him a small smile, grateful for the support. “Right. So, what’s our next move?”
Zaiah sighs. “I think we need to learn more about this ritual. The book mentions five elements, but it doesn’t give any details on how to actually perform it.”
“Good point,” I say, flipping through the pages again. “There’s nothing here about the specifics of the ritual. Just vague mentions of ‘union’ and ‘harnessing power’. No step-by-step instructions.”
Zephyr runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his voice now as well. “Of course it wouldn’t be that easy. Nothing ever is with ancient magick.”
“Maybe there are other books here that could help,” Zaiah suggests, glancing around at the vast library surrounding us. “This place must be full of hidden knowledge.”
I clutch the book tightly to my chest. My mind is reeling from everything we’ve learned. Crimson Shadow, the Progenitor, wants to merge with me. But why now? What changed to make her seek me out after all this time?
Little bitch finally asking the right questions. Took you long enough.
I grit my teeth, resisting the urge to respond out loud. “Care to enlighten me then?” I think back at her.
All in good time, my dear. All in good time. For now, why don’t you focus on finding out more about that delicious ritual? I’m quite curious to see how it plays out.
Her tone sends a chill down my spine. “Delicious ritual…”
The four guys look at me expectantly, and I gulp. “What is it?” Corvus asks.
“I think I know what the ritual requires, and it’s got nothing to do with magick,’ I say, feeling the blush creep up my cheeks.
“Oh?” Ignatius asks as the others seem to get there quicker. “Oooh…”
“An orgy,” I croak, knowing in the back of my head it was probably going to happen at some point but discovering thatit has to happen, especially when Crimson is watching, feeling, enjoying… creeps me the fuck out.
Too bad the guys don’t feel the same way. Quite the opposite, in fact.
16
IGNATIUS
A joltof desire shoots through me at Addy’s words. An orgy. Why am I not surprised? “Well,” I say, trying to keep my voice light, “that’s certainly an interesting twist.”
Zephyr chuckles. “Yeah. Though I can’t say I’m entirely surprised. Ancient rituals often involve carnal elements.”
“But is it safe?” Corvus asks. “With Crimson Shadow in Addy’s head, watching, feeling everything...”
Addy shudders slightly. “I don’t know. But I don’t think we have much choice. If this ritual can contain her power, keep her from taking over completely...”
“Then we have to try,” Zaiah finishes for her.
“Besides, it’s not like we weren’t ever going to end up there anyway,” I point out.
