Page 56 of Curse of Thorns
Rev
The thorn wall towersover me, making my path nearly impossible to see in the depth of shadows. I rode Killian straight through the Luminescent portal, out the gates of the place I grew up in—the place she betrayed me. The place I lost my brother. Through the iridescent forest and the portal to the base of the Wicked Gates.
Pain and rage still eat away at me as I pull Killian to a stop. My limbs feel tingly, and I know I’m not in the best state to do this. Those last few shots have wormed their way into my bloodstream, and I’m feeling the full brunt of the hallucinogens. But I have to do this now.
I don’t know why I’m here. My mind spins, and I stumble as I hop from Killian’s back. Why is this supposed to be different? Because I hate her now? Because I’m eager for her to be re-banished.
“Let me in, stupid wall!” I shout and run forward into the thorn nook. I duck my head as I enter. Stupid place. I hate this door, so snarky and rude every time I try to pass through. “I’m just trying to save the whole world,” I grumble.
Without pausing to think, I pull out my knife and swipe it across my palm and slam it to the nob where my blood is supposed to go.
You again,the voice hisses. But then, there’s a hum, low and inhuman.
“Let me in,” I say, my anger swirling, soul as black as hers. “Just FUCKING OPEN THE DOOR,” I scream.
Suddenly, there’s a click and the vines shutter.
Well, what a surprise. Your soul is welcomed, Reveln,the voice purrs at me.You may enter. But you, and only you, will be permitted to exit through this gate without achieving redemption—if you live. If you die within these walls, you will be as any other wraith—unable to leave until you have achieved your quest. If you die, another may take your place.
My heart pounds.It’s letting me in?
Fuck. Ty was right.
My stomach twists, my heart aches, and my mind spins. I clench my fists tightly as the vines before me untangle, leaving an opening just large enough for me to walk through.This is it.
I will either die a failure or live a hero.
Past the opening is pitch black. I can’t see a single thing. “Thank you,” I say calmly, though my heart throbs wildly.
And then, I step into hell.
