Page 42 of Call of the Ride
I glanced at Rena, and the goddess gave me a slight nod, confirming Cassandra was telling the truth. While Tan still looked undecided, I sympathized with the seer. I thought of my own mistakes and poor judgment, including the shameful ways I’d hurt humans with the power I’d been given as Yaga. Even when I met my Riders, I was so embittered by time, I could only focus on denying my connection with them—in hurting them—than in claiming my legacy.
We can’t always choose our fate.
But we can change it along the way.
“And just what is Matthew trying to accomplish?” Asa urged the seer to continue. “We’re fairly certain it has something to do with shifter DNA and perhaps even cross breeding, but it’s not entirely clear.”
“Manifest destiny,” Nox quietly spoke, his dark brown eyes meeting Tan’s across the pentagram before he gestured at the holster hidden under his jacket. “The day my father gave me these bullets, he reminded me of what he’d been hammering into my head since I was young—that anything ‘other’ was the enemy. Once we realized it wasshifterswe’d been tagging, he ranted even more about how humans belonged at the top of the food chain, above supernatural creatures.”
Cassandra nodded solemnly. “Aye, that about sums it up. Matthew staunchly believes that man is king of the beasts...and thatheis a king among men.”
Chapter 33
Vasilisa
The puzzle pieces were falling into place. Cassandra—and Nox—confirmed Matthew had plans for humans to become the dominant species on earth. Shifters were the easiest supernatural creatures to capture and control as their powers were limited to shape-shifting and strength, so of course, the Facility would begin testing on them.
I shuddered, recalling how Matthew had mentioned breeding trials were on the horizon during my tour. Anthia had already proven herself a prize specimen, and my claws twitched to think she may have ended up being used specifically for those experiments.
Especially once they realized the truth about her.
Just as Ulysses had promised, our car was magically waiting for us at the curb outside ofFanny Flutter’s Pleasure Emporiumwhen we said our goodbyes. Asa, Nox, and I climbed in, but Tan hesitated a moment at the driver’s side door before turning to face Cassandra where she leaned against the doorway of her shop.
“I won’t lie, Cass. Finding out about all the secrets you and mum have kept from me over the years sucks balls,” Tan took a steadying breath. “However, I’m beginning to understand that everything, both good and bad, has happened for a reason—that it’s all been part of the destiny written on my forehead. And as that destiny apparently involves your sorry face, I will take you up on your offer of witchy woo fortune teller training, once all the excitement dies down a bit.”
The seer nodded, a smile twitching her lips as she gazed upon her honorary nephew. “Well then, I’ll be seeing you, love-muffin. Don’t forget your magic wand when you come.” And with that, Cassandra Moonstone slipped back inside to where Marena was waiting, firmly shutting the door to the sound of tinkling bells.
Tan remained standing on the sidewalk for a moment before climbing into the front seat and quietly getting his bearings. While I hoped my Bright Dawn knew he didn’t have to always wear the mask of the joker with us, I couldn’t help but smile when he finally addressed us in signature, irreverent fashion. “Are we buckled up, kids? Remember, safety first before murder!”
Not exactly how the saying goes, but I’ll allow it.
It was well past midnight as we wove our way through the confusing city streets toward the Tower of London. I spied the Thames River to our left just as Tan pulled the car into a darkened alleyway and parked.
“You mentioned there were multiple towers on the grounds…” Asa whispered as we approached the entrance—a metal gate coincidentally housed between two towers. “How will we know which one Matthew’s in?”
Tan chewed his lip. “I’m not entirely sure,Gueneshem.I was hoping to receive divine intervention once we got inside.”
Unsurprisingly, the entrance to the tower grounds was locked for the night, but Asa simply waved a hand and melted any obstacles in our path. Nox shielded us in darkness as we slowly circled the outer ward of the walled-in fortress, occasionally pausing so Tan could access whatever intuition was guiding him.
I noticed Tan and Asa remained in front, while Nox took my back, protectively closing in, even with no danger in sight. Gently tugging on our bond, I registered their respective powers simmering in my veins, strengthening my own. While part of me felt we could’ve used Marena’s abilities tonight, I was confident enough that my men and I could bring the fight to Matthew that was coming to him.
He dies tonight.
Once inside the inner ward, I noticed my Bright Dawn staring intently at the central keep. As I followed his gaze, the light of the moon illuminated the structure so blindingly that, for a moment, it appeared to be whitewashed.
“He’s in there,” Tan growled, pointing to where a dancing orb flickered outside a darkened window high above. “The White Tower, third floor.”
We located a single entrance on the south side of the building, and again, Asa melted a path for us to gain access. Inside, we found a well-preserved interior dotted with glassed-in displays and signage for the tourist crowd, although my interest was in pending death, not history. Quietly passing through a long galley room, my gaze snagged on a modern wooden staircase disappearing into a narrow turret—presumably the only way up to the third floor.
Nox's large hand landed on my forearm, directly over my tattoo. “Let me go first, Vashka,” he asked in a respectful tone. “I’ll continue to hide us from sight, but...I’d just feel better being in front.”
I smiled at my Rider, realizing he was doing his best to defer to my judgment, but unable to ignore his instincts to protect me. However, I’d agreed to behave like a member of the team, and I intended to keep my promise. “After you, my Darkest Midnight,” I purred, happy to let him lead.
Again, the men naturally placed me in the center of the pack as we quietly ascended the staircase. Still camouflaged in shadows, we passed through the archway to the third floor, and I quickly assessed the scene. We’d entered what appeared to be an artillery museum showcasing various firearms and suits of armor, but my attention was immediately drawn to the sound of someone sobbing, as if in excruciating pain. Creeping among the display cases and mannequins of the medieval armory, we turned a corner and discovered a torture scene that fit the medieval time period all too well.
A shifter in human form was tied to a rack, bleeding profusely into a crude barrel catchment system. Matthew loomed over her, accompanied by three men cloaked in black, although he was inexplicably wearing a suit of armor. All four men chanted, ignoring the woman’s pleas to release her, making my claws lengthen.
This ends now.
