Book 2 Chapter 35
542 Words
35
The baby sleeps in my arms as I stand on shore, waiting for Mavis. It’s small and helpless, yet so sweet and warm at the same time. The manticore had cuddled against me when we passed through the portal, then nuzzled my chest, purring as I shifted and flew us to the island.
How can anyone hate this tiny baby?
A cat runs toward me on the sand, brushes against my legs, then walks away, beckoning me to follow. Mavis leads me to a small boat, crewed by a trio of manticores. One jumps down and stalks toward me, its scorpion’s tail flicking from side to side.
“You’re the one who saved my niece?” she asks, her face filled with hope.
“I am.” I hand her the baby. She sits the baby on her lap to give her a quick examination.
“She looks happy and well-fed. Thank you,” she says, looking away from the baby now held close to her chest. “Thank you for your kindness.”
Mavis shifts, hugs the manticores and we watch them sail away.
I hope that baby is safe. I hope she never has to fight in this war.
“You did a good thing,” Mavis tells me. “But you could do more good. Those monsters you just met, those are the ones I’ve aligned myself with. Falcus and his crew were bloodthirsty. The monsters I know and love only want peace. What do you want, Edie?” Her question hangs in the air.
I hesitate, wanting to make sure I’m making the right decision. “Seeing all the hate at the Academy and how easily Maddox riled everyone up with just a few speeches…it was awful. And eye-opening. I want to be on the right side.” I sigh. “So I guess that means I’m with you.”
She turns to me, arms open, a huge smile on her face.
“No killing,” I say firmly, one hand out to stop the hug. “Rescue and reconnaissance only.”
She pushes my arm out of the way, going in for a squeeze. “This is great. I’ll move to Athens and be your handler. There’s so much we can do together.”
We walk along the beach for a while and up to her cave. It’s dark inside and it takes me a moment for my eyes to adjust, but Mavis doesn’t have that problem; her cat-eyes scan the inside, alerting her to danger. She grabs my wrist.
“Someone’s been here,” she says, seconds before a figure blocks the exit.
“Been knocked down a few pegs in the world, haven’t you?” A familiar voice says.
“From Academy darling to cave-woman,” Nico says, cutting the distance between us with a few strides. “How far you’ve fallen, Emmie.”
He draws her name out, like he’s tasting it.
“Or should I say…Mavis?”
THE END
Continue the series with the next book Wither & Wound, Mythverse Book 3!
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