It didn’t matter how time had stopped because it had happened, and Vivienne needed him to act. Shaking his head free of questions he couldn’t answer, Marius turned and crossed the platform.
A cry of alarm rose from the vampire as he wrapped his fingers around the hilt. At the same time, black and silver sparks erupted from the blade. They danced in the air, sinking into his skin.
Marius yanked the dagger free, the weight perfectly balanced in his palm, as lightning ran through his veins.
“I got it! Viv, we can—” His voice trailed off, and his eyes widened in horror as he took in the scene behind him.
A monster stood at the entrance.
A dozen glowing crimson eyes, some big and some small, were crowded on the creature’s face. It had no nose, but its mouth was a grotesque combination of rows of razor-sharp teeth and a purple, lashing tongue. It had the body of a massive white bear, but instead of paws, eight gargantuan, spider-like legs with enormous pincers held it in place. They were the cause of the scratching sound, the pincers struggling against the stone as the creature fought to squeeze its too-large body into the cavern.
Vivienne’s sword was pointed at the monster’s chest, her grip unwavering despite the monstrosity roaring at her.
Somehow, this creature made the one they encountered in the House of Forgotten Shadows seem like a harmless puppy.
Myhhena’s words from earlier echoed in Marius’s mind.
The dagger will lead you to safety.
Praying the Spirit of the Woods had spoken the truth, Marius leaped off the dais. The monster’s pincers clicked together, and it released another terrifying screech.
Vivienne stumbled back as Marius landed. He extended his right hand towards her while gripping the dagger with his left. He called her name, urging her to take his hand.
The blade was heating up, the hilt becoming uncomfortably warm as if warning him that he was running out of time. He wasn’t sure what the blade would do, but at this point, the Spirit’s assurance that it would get them out would have to be enough.
Thank all the gods, Vivienne didn’t hesitate.
Keeping her eyes on the monster, she held out her left hand behind her.
Marius slapped his palm over hers.
The moment they touched, the dagger’s hilt burned even hotter. Gold and silver sparks erupted from the blade, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.
Vivienne yelled, but her words were lost to the rushing wind as the ground opened up beneath Marius’s feet again.
Keeping the dagger far from Vivienne so he wouldn’t accidentally nick her, he gripped her against his chest with one arm as they tumbled.
More than She Bargained For
What a day.
That was the first thought that went through Vivienne’s mind when she landed in a heap on cold stone. The second was that Death Mountain had earned its name for a reason, and the sooner they left, the better.
The stone floor sealed up the moment they fell through it, providing them a small reprieve from the nightmarish events of this day. The spider-bear was screaming, banging its pincers on the ground above them.
She understood its frustration.
It had probably been excited to have a meal for the first time in the gods-only-knew how long, and now, that chance was gone.
Vivienne rolled over on her side, her sword still in her grip, and groaned as her muscles ached in protest. She needed a long, hot bath. Preferably with bubbles and candles. She would soak for hours, letting the water absorb all her aches. It might not wash all the pain away, but it would help.
Opening her eyes, she cataloged the space where they landed. Theceiling was bare, but the glowing mushrooms were back. They lined the walls, their green glow illuminating the space.
They appeared to be in a hallway. A path led to their right, and to the left, there was nothing but rock.
Vivienne’s gaze swung over to the prince, who had landed beside her. He’d fallen on his side, probably in an effort to protect the vial inside the pack. Blood trickled down a cut on his cheek, but he had no other visible injuries. Doubtlessly, he’d bruise from that fall.
His brown eyes blinked open and roamed over her.