Page 157 of The Hunger
“What are the possible repercussions of the spell?” I asked, having learned my lesson.
“If anyone tries to harm Elizabeth once the spell is cast, they will die.”
“I’m all for violence,” Megan said, “but that seems a little extreme. What if I stop in for a visit and smack the back of her head for saying something stupid? Would I die?”
“No. The spell will be smart enough to recognize intent. There are a lot of people after me, Megan. This is the only way to ensure Elizabeth’s safety when I’m not there to protect her myself. I’ve carefully researched the spell, and there’s a safeguard that I’ll share with you so the spell can be disabled if it ever gets out of hand.”
I thought of Ashlyn and how trapped she’d felt in her own home.
“If you give me your word that innocent people won’t be harmed in any way because of this spell, I give my consent to use my essence for this spell only. You cannot use any that remains in the vial without new consent.”
Oanen and Fenris agreed, and Megan handed over a vial.
“Don’t make me regret this,” she said.
“You won’t,” he promised.
He disappeared in a flash of light that left spots in my vision every time I blinked.
“I’ll keep you updated,” Megan said, moving to Oanen.
“We’ll do the same.”
They both disappeared in a flash of flames, leaving us to clean and lock up the house.
“You have no idea how much I wish I would have never asked the druids to do that spell,” I said as we walked to the car.
“I have a nose. I know exactly how much you regret it.” Fenris tugged me to a stop before I could get in and kissed me tenderly. “The Eliana of yesterday isn’t the Eliana of today. That’s why I know we’ll get Ashlyn back. You won’t stop. And not because of guilt but because you care about her. It’s okay to be afraid for her, but don’t forget what Zayn said. Ashlyn is alive and not hurt.”
I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him close.
“I love you, Fenris, and I’m so glad I finally opened my eyes and accepted what was right in front of my face.”
He held my door for me, and while he went around to his side, I sent two quick texts. One to Adira that simply said, “Council meeting now,” and another to my mom.
Me: Plans changed. I’d rather not wait until dinner. Can you and Dad meet us at the Quills?
“Are you sure you want to involve your parents?”
“Regarding what’s happening in the Underworld? No. But what Megan said about not blaming myself made me realize something. Ashlyn’s in hell because I was trying to avoid confrontation with the people meddling in my life. It’s time we set some boundaries.”
Ten minutes later, he parked in front of the Quills’.
My phone buzzed with a message.
Mom: We’re leaving in fifteen.
“Let’s go in. Mom’s going to be here soon.”
“You can bet the Council is already in there.”
I smiled at him.
“Good. I’d rather deal with the god business before my dad gets here.”
Mrs. Quill had the front door open before Fenris closed mine.
“You could have parked in the garage,” she said. “This is still your home.”
