Page 88 of Woven Souls

Theo looks around the cramped quarters of the RV, his eyes searching for any signs of hesitation or doubt.

“What’s there to disagree about?” Jonah asks, shrugging as if we’re not talking about crossing over into, for all intent and purposes, enemy territory. “I think the plan is great. We’ll split up right when we get to Everlast. Us three will slip into a cool castle, find a book, and get out of there. And Willow uses her curse as a distraction for us. According to this fun little map you’ve sketched out, the castle isn’t even that far into Everlast. We’ll be done before the sun sets.”

Both Viktor and I frown.

“This isn’t a joke, Jonah.” Theo scowls. “At best, we only run into Fae civilians, no one trained in fighting. At worst, there is still a guard to contend with, and, of course, there will be Ghosts present, both trainees and veterans who are home for their bicentennial check-in. This won’t be ‘easy.’”

When Jonah just shrugs, I sigh and lean forward to brace my forearms on my knees. “I don’t know if we should be using Willow for any of this.”

She gasps with indignation. “Why not? I want to help!”

Sitting between Jonah’s legs, she glares up at me from the floor.

“Because not only are we allowing demons to get way too close to you, we’re also putting innocent people at risk.” I look at Theo. “Doubtlessly, when demons are spotted, they’ll draw the attention of most of the security around the border of Everlast. My only worry is they’ll heighten security everywhere else in the meantime, to keep anything and anyone of value safe.”

Theo leans against the small kitchen counter.

“It’s a risk we’ll have to take. Stick to the far borders, away from residential homes as best you can. Willow, just make sure you follow Kwil’s lead; he knows the perimeter well. In any case, we’ll need a diversion if the three of us are going to slip into Everlast, and monsters are the best bet. Willow should be safe with you watching out for her and with her own abilities to take care of herself. We’ll be out as soon as we can.”

Willow bites her bottom lip. “How will we find one another afterwards?”

“Wherever we leave the car will be the meeting point.” Theo looks around again. “That work?”

My stomach clenches painfully as I realize the enormity of what we’re going to do. We’re the enemy now. And as the enemy, we’re going to break into our homeland, steal something of value with the hopes it has incriminating evidence against a very prominent organization, and hopefully make it out unscathed. Is it possible?

“Would you guys want to go see your families while you’re in Everlast? Maybe you could tell them what’s going on and they’d help?” Willow asks us quietly.

Viktor shakes his head.

“I hope we don’t run into anyone we know. That would put them in a horrible situation because it would be their duty to report us.” His face pinches with regret before the expression disappears. “They would be happier knowing we’re dead than that we’re doing this.”

For the first time, I can’t read the expression that crosses Willow’s face, but it’s dark and her eyes brighten momentarily before they dim.

Theo must have seen it too because he adds, “It is for the best, Willow.”

She lets out a sigh but nods her understanding.

“So, my role is to get chased by demons, hope the Utikyie don’t show up, and if they do, immediately send them over, while also making sure any Fae guards don’t see my face because they’ll know you’re nearby. I can do that.”

“It’s not only so they don’t figure out we’re in Everlast, Willow. Those Ghosts wanted to take you back to the Brotherhood.” Theo scowls. “They don’t do that with things they believe are dangerous. They kill them right then. They want you for something else. Whatever it is can’t be good, so don’t get caught.”

A deep growl slips past my lips.

“I won’t let them take her,” I vow to everyone in the room. “It will be over my dead body.”

“We all trust you,” Jonah assures me.

Willow nods slowly and then looks up at Theo. “Okay, so what happens if Kwil and I, or you guys, get caught?”

“We won’t as long as we don’t draw any attention to ourselves,” Theo promises. “They won’t expect us to come back to Everlast, so they won’t be looking for us there. We’ll take out any guards inside the castle, but I highly doubt there are any. There’s a rumor that the place is cursed, and our people are a very superstitious bunch. As long as the two of you keep moving, you should be fine. Fall back if you need to. Kwil, you’re sure you remember where the sentries are in the woods?”

“Yup, my sisters and I would make it a game to try to get past them as kids. Theyneverdeviated from their posts,” I assure everyone.

Willow looks around at us with a frown. “This feels too easy.”

“It’s because we know what we’re doing, and this is familiar territory,” Theo says thoughtfully as he continues to gaze down at the map. “There is a risk, but it’s low. Andifwhat we learned from your father is true, I don’t mind taking out some of the trash to get out of there if we run into problems.”

“My dad doesn’t lie.”

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