If you're still reading this fic, thank you! From this chapter on, there might be a few flashbacks from Tamsin and Tatum's past.
Thanks to everyone reading and reviewing. It's always nice to hear from you guys :).
Waves crash steadily against the longboat's weathered hull. Bo sits alone near the rear of the vessel. Her eyes remain open, but she barely sees anything. Her mind races, struggling to process her vision of Lauren. A deep unsettling guilt hits her in a nauseating wave. First Kenzie, then Dyson, now Lauren. She bites her lip hard, holding back when she feels the skin breaking. The people around her are all self sacrificing in their devotions. Even the moody Valkyrie brewing at the other end of the longboat has fallen into her circle. And now, with the best people she's surrounded herself with in her entire life, Bo is leading them straight into a path of torment and death.
Bo blinks and for the first time since leaving the shore, her eyes manage to focus on something other than thin air. She looks up and studies her companions. If they die, it will be because of her. There is no way around that sharp truth. Bo gets up and moves closer to her friends. She picks a bench and lies down. Familiar stars and a weak crescent moon twinkle at her from above. Bo watches as her friends lean over the edge of the bow, letting the surf crash into them.
The three Fae shudder as cold water splashes up from the sea, soaking them utterly and completely. They welcome the rough ocean spray, holding steady with one arm and reaching for the waves with the other. Dried blood, mud and other filth run off their skin and clothes as the longboat skims through the giant beast of burden's wake. All three run their hands over their faces, wiping away the disgusting aftermath of their encounters with the Bastards of Hephaestus. Dyson retreats from the edge of the bow first, shaking his head and flinging water form his hair. He strips to his boxers and lies down on a bench. Bo winces, seeing the mottled bruise covering Dyson's torso.
Tamsin and Tatum follow suite, pausing to thoroughly wring their hair. Bo keeps her eyes shut, feigning sleep, not ready to talk to them just yet. The Succubus peeks at her friends through parted lashes. Tamsin nudges Tatum in the shoulder and motions for her to turn. Tatum swings her legs up and over the bench, turning her back to Tamsin. The Valkrie's fingers set to work, skillfully combing through the other girl's long wet hair. Tamsin's face is hard and set in thought as a thick braid forms under her hands. Bo blinks, realizing she's caught in the way the muscles in Tamsin's forearm move below her skin as her hands move. Panic shoots down her spine. They've been on the boat for less than an hour. There is no way her hunger would be returning this quickly. Bo squeezes her fists hard, digging her nails into her palms as she fights the sudden hunger.
"So how do you know each other?" Dyson asks breaking the silence, eyes closed. Tatum fixes her gaze on the rise and fall of the great beast's back, concentrating hard on the windshield sized scales glinting in the moonlight.
"We met when I was ninety-eight," Tamsin says, twisting her shirt into a tight spool. She squeezes hard, dripping water onto the floor.
"I think I was fifty two," Tatum says. The girls share a look before laughing. "We were such stupid kids," Tatum says, shaking her head.
"You were. Don't lump me into that statement," Tamsin says.
"I was," Tatum says, nodding. She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. She sighs before deciding to speak. "Imagine you're in the mountains. It's snowing and your horse dies on you just outside of your territories," Tatum says, looking at Dyson. "And the Gods bless you with a heated spring a mere stone's throw from where your steed falls." Dyson nods, immersed in the all too familiar setting. "You stop for a bath right?"
"Naturally," Dyson says.
"So I did," Tatum says. "Then in the middle of a glorious soak, the most beautiful girl you've ever seen in your entire life comes tearing through." Tatum laughs and pauses to high-five Dyson's outstretched hand.
"You should wait until she's done," Tamsin smirks, laying out her shirt to dry.
"Ok, beautiful girl, steaming spring, beautiful snowy mountain. Continue," Dyson says. Bo listens, continuing to feign sleep.
"So I'm naked and hiding in the water when a raiding party of devolved wolves and Morags comes running after her..."
Steam swirls on the surface of the bubbling spring. The worn rock grotto echoes with the sound of metal clashing. Tatum watches in awe as the girl moves with astonishing speed and strength. The girl swings at a wolfling, sinking her short sword deep into the creature's matted neck fur. Without missing a beat, she rips the heavy dagger from his claws as he falls. She pivots quickly and throws the blade. The hefty knife buries into the neck of a chasing Morag, sending him gurgling to the ground.
Tatum quickly climbs up from water and shrugs into her clothes. She snatches the felled Morag's dropped hatchet and throws herself into the fight. A snarling wolfling yelps as the thick axe blade bites into the base of his neck. Tatum rips the hatchet free, splattering the clean snow with flecks of hot blood. She looks up, searching for the girl. The girl stands, trapped with her back to a wall. A handful of Morags flank her, spears raised. Two arrows protrude from the front of the girl's left shoulder. Blood drips down her side, melting a pool of snow around her feet. Stunning blue green eyes flash with anger as the girl weighs her situation. A wolfing moves towards her, hands fumbling with untying the crude strip of rope holding up his ragged pants.
Without a thought, Tatum steps forward and hurls the hatchet. The heavy blade spins silently through the air. A loud wet smack resounds as the axe cleaves into the wolflings' back. The wolfling twitches, hands still reaching for himself in his pants. The girl seizes the distraction and kicks out at the closest Morag. A snap punctuates the force of her heel meeting a kneecap. The girl's knee flies up, slamming into his chest. She grips the disabled Morag's spear and spins, immediately pushing it into the other Morag. Tatum pauses to admire her skill. Even with one arm, she moves with a terrifying speed and agility. A blood soaked short sword flashes, tearing open throats and piercing lungs with ease. The girl tears through the remaining devolved wolves quickly. Tatum holds up her hands when the girl turns and glares at her, standing above a pile of fresh Morag corpses. The girl steps on a warm body and pulls a spear free.
"Wait, I-,"Tatum manages before the girl steps and launches the iron tipped spear at her. Tatum throws herself to the side, but the spear catches her right below the collarbone. She spins from the force of the throw and crashes into the snow. "Ow…" Tatum wheezes.
With great pain, Tatum snaps the spear off at the head. She looks up, expecting to see the girl ready to deliver the killing blow. Tatum looks up to see a wolfing on horseback cornering the girl. She's quick, but her wounds are bleeding fast. The wolfling spurs his horse forward, pulling back on the reigns. Large hooves raise in the air before slamming down into the girl's chest. Her attempt to block the blow fails and she falls back, slamming her head into the rock cave wall. The wolfling dismounts and pries the blade from her hand before letting her drop to the ground. Kneeling next to the girl, he grins, exposing his rotting jaws. He grips her throat, holding her down. The wolfling draws a crude sword from his belt and slips it under the fabric of her shirt. The girl gasps, unable to scream with the claws around her throat tightening. She glares up at the half shifted monstrosity on top of her. Suddenly, the cruel smile splits, parted by a hatchet blade. Tatum swings again, driving the blade sideways into the wolfing's head, separating jaw from head.
"Shit!" Tatum swears when the wolfling's body collapses on the girl driving the blade into the girl. Tatum shoves the body away and tears the sword from the girl's chest. The girl stares up at Tatum's face as she struggles to breathe. Tatum panics as blood wells up from the puncture wound. With a hastily ripped wad of fabric pressed against the bleeding puncture, she pulls the girl into her lap and hugs her tightly. Wrapping an arm round her, Tatum plugs the exit wound in the girl's back with her finger.
"Release her!" Another girl's voice shouts. A group of similarly uniformed girls burst into the cave. Before Tatum can react an arrow pierces her back. The arrowhead bursts through her shirt, shallowly piercing the girl in Tatum's arms. Tatum slumps forward. Rich, warm blood pours from Tatum's wounds, coating the girl's chest. Tatum's blood seeps into her wounds, working into her veins. A band of female warriors rush in. The leader quickly kneels at the girl's side and puts pressure on her chest wound. Another warrior, a young blonde, grips Tatum by the hair. A rough jerk and Tatum's neck is exposed. A cold blade presses against her throat.
"Wait," the girl gasps as the blood seals her wounds. "She saved me."
"Wait. Why didn't you just heal her right away?" Dyson interrupts.
"This was way before my dawning…I didn't learn about all of my abilities yet," Tatum says.
"Then what happened?" Dyson asks.
"Then they took me as an offering to their royal court," Tatum says. "Thanks for that, by the way." Tatum shoots Tamsin a dirty look.
"Wow Tammers. What a way to say thank you after she your life saved," Dyson says.
"Oh the girl wasn't her," Tatum says. "She was the bitch in charge who decided to put me in irons."
"It looked like you killed her!" Tamsin says, throwing her hands up.
"Alexandei. Look at me," Tamsin says, kneeling above her bleeding friend. "She saved you?" Tamsin holds her face gently and checks her eyes. Alexandei nods, focusing on Tamsin. "Bind her," Tamsin says.
"Are you sure?" the younger blonde asks, releasing Tatum. She watches as Tatum slumps to the floor, barely breathing.
"Kristin," Tamsin begins, patience wearing thin in her voice. "Remember the last time we let a stranger go…" The younger blonde sighs and her shoulders sag.
"I got a lead dagger in the back and I almost died and I should have listened to my knowledgeable sister and mentor…" Kristin mumbles. "Just like Alex should have listened to you when you said it was a trap," Kristin continues, frowning at Alex's wounds.
"And the lessons are well learned, aren't they?" Tamsin asks, tossing a set of heavy manacles to her sister before turning back to the bleeding girl on the floor. She curiously lifts the blood soaked material and peeks at Alex's chest. Tamsin scoops a handful of snow from the ground and wipes at her bloody abdomen. "What in the seven kingdoms?" Tamsin whispers. She removes her leather and metal studded gauntlet and runs her bare fingers over the healed flesh.
"Ah!" Alex flinches at Tamsin's touch.
"Get the healer," Tamsin says.
"No," Alex says, raising an arm. "That didn't hurt. It's cold," Alex says. She presses her own hand to her stomach and carefully feels her skin. Tamsin slips her arm under her neck and eases her into a sitting position. "Ow!" Alex yells as her flesh starts pushing against the two arrowheads in her shoulder. The healed skin tears as the broad tips force through the tiny openings. "Tamsin what is this?" Alex asks, looking up at her friend.
"I don't know!" Tamsin says, squeezing Alex's hand as the arrows continuing pushing out of her flesh. "Amazing," Tamsin whispers, watching as her skin mends completely. "Kristin. Put her in the wagon. We're taking her to the King," Tamsin says.
"And that's how we met," Tatum says, tapping her fingers on the bench.
"That's it? What about the Royal court? Which Royal court are we talking?" Dyson asks.
"Are you trying to ask me how old I am?" Tamsin snaps, setting an unfriendly look on Dyson.
"No. Not at all," Dyson says quickly. "So, Babylon huh?" Dyson says trying hard to steer the conversation back into a friendly direction. He looks at Tamsin expectedly. A slight blush tinges Tamsin's cheeks with red. Tamsin's eyes dart to Tatum's face before glancing to see if Bo's listening. "Care to share?" Dyson asks.
"A modern name for an ancient city?" Tamsin says, wiping wet hair out of her face
"Tell me you didn't sack the city for the sake of sacking it," Dyson says.
"Who said we sacked it?" Tatum says, eyeing Dyson.
"She," Dyson starts, lifting a finger to point at Tamsin.
"I never said anything about sacking anything," Tamsin says quickly. Tatum smiles at this.
"It was just a practice war party," Tatum says. "For fun," Tatum elaborates. "Fucking Valkyries," Tatum teases.
"It was fun!" Tamsin says.
Bo peeks at them from behind half closed eyelids. She feels her heart warm the sight of the girls' genuine smiles. Tatum glances at Bo, feeling the Succubus' gaze. Bo looks away, caught eavesdropping.
Tamsin catches the exchange and gets up. The Valkyrie walks to the far end of the ship, in search of the boat keeper. Tamsin's ears burn as the memories of Bo on top of her return all too quickly. An echo of arousal runs through her as she walks briskly away. Although the Valkyrie has been struggling with her attraction to Bo for a while now, a dying wheat field is not where she wanted to initiate an intimate relationship with Bo. Tamsin struggles to push thoughts of Bo's lips on her neck out of her mind to no avail. The Valkyrie blinks as her mind replays the memory of Bo's hand slipping into her jeans. She shakes her head, pushing thoughts of Bo away. Aside from the fact that they're rushing six ways to hell, the Succubus is already juggling two too many current on and off lovers. Who was she to add a dying Valkyrie to that list?
"Valkyrie," the boat keeper says, greeting the scowling woman walking towards her.
"How much longer?" Tamsin says. She pauses and leans against the railing. Her fingers tighten around the wood handrail. Patience was never one of her virtues.
"How ever long you want," the boat keeper says, dipping her pike into the water.
"Got your beauty sleep in?" Tatum says, not looking at Bo.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to…" Bo says. She sits up and offers Tatum and Dyson a sheepish smile. "What?" Bo asks when Tatum's eyes widen. "What is it?" Bo asks, taking a step forward. Tatum quickly takes a step back, holding out her hand almost as if she's trying to calm Bo down.
"Bo…" Dyson says, slowly angling himself between Tatum and Bo. Bo's eyes shine bright in the night, casting a blue light over the water. Tatum slowly edges away from her as blue lights up the boat.
"What's wrong with her? Tatum whispers.
"I don't know," Dyson says.
"What the hell you guys?" Bo snaps.
"Bo, I think you better take a look at yourself," Dyson says, glancing at the water. Bo rushes to the edge of the boat. Although the longboat is skimming along rapidly, the reflection of blue light in the water is unmistakable.
"Shit!" Bo reels back from the edge. Her hunger flairs again and her limbs start moving on their own accord. Tatum quickly jumps up and runs to the opposite end of the boat.
"We have a situation," Tatum says, slowing as she reaches Tamsin.
"What now?" Tamsin sighs. She turns to find Bo backing Dyson into a corner.
"That, apparently," Tatum says. "I don't exactly have a PHD in Succubus, but I'm pretty sure what you gave her back there should be holding up for a little longer than this," Tatum says.
"Wait," Tamsin says. "Listen. Do you hear that?"
"Shit," Tatum says. Both women run to the edge of the boat and look out across the water.
"Does that cliff look familiar to you?" Tamsin asks, pointing at the jutting outline of a rock cliff in the moonlight. Tatum nods.
"We passed that about half an hour ago," Tatum says quickly.
"We've been circling," Tamsin says, studying the coastline in the distance. She turns to find the boat keeper, only to see that she's vanished.
"We need to get off," Tatum says. "I'll take the wolf. Can you handle her?" Tatum asks. Tamsin nods. They silently count to three and sprint towards Bo and Dyson. With a rough tackle Tatum crashes into Dyson, splintering the railing as they keel overboard. Tamsin leaps at Bo and wraps her arms around the shorter woman. With heightened reflexes, Bo spins around using Tamsin's momentum to pin her to the ground.
"I'm starting to get that your whole tough girl thing is really just an act. Seems like you just can't get enough of being on the bottom," Bo smirks, blue enveloping her eyes completely. Tamsin slams her eyes shut as she gathers Bo's shirt in her fists. She ignores the sensation of Bo's lips pressing to her neck.
"Sorry," Tamsin whispers before opening her eyes. Shadows barely enshroud her eyes when she stretches a leg out and trips Bo, tugging hard at the same time. She rolls on top of Bo before roughly jerking her to her feet. With a quick spin, Tamsin launches Bo overboard.
The water is cold and rough. Bubbles churn and swirl, making it nearly impossible to swim. Bo chokes down a large gulp of saltwater as the long boat speeds past them. The shock of plunging into icy water pulls Bo back to consciousness. All arousal flees her as the rough tide thrashes her around. Just when she thinks she's actually about to die, a wave pushes her face first into a sandy bank. The water pushes and rolls her up through the whitewash.
"There!" Tamsin's voice calls out on the beach. Tatum sprints down the sand and quickly helps Tamsin drag the waterlogged Succubus out of the surf. Bo chokes up water as the women thump her roughly on the back. She gasps as much needed air returns to her lungs.
"What the hell was that?" Bo asks, glaring at Tamsin.
"That was us saving your ass," Tamsin says, wading back into the tide to wash sand from her body.
"What happened to exiting the boat in an orderly fashion guys?" Bo asks, sitting up.
"You didn't notice either?" Tatum asks, staring at Dyson. "We've be circling this shore for almost an hour now."
"Are you sure?" Dyson says, staring out across the water.
"I wasn't until I realized why Bo was getting hungry," Tamsin says. "Sirens."
"What, like Hale?" Bo says.
"No. Like the underfae variety. The ones that sing songs to get sailor all hot and horny enough to sail their boats into rocks?" Tamsin says impatiently.
"Seriously?" Bo says. "Well. Thanks for that," she says.
"We need to get away from the shore," Tamsin says, glancing between Bo and the dark waters. "Don't want Miss Appetite here to get too riled up. I know we're a tasty bunch but we just don't have the time to explore that right now."
"Come on," Tatum says, daring to lay a hand on Bo's shoulder. Bo's eyes dart to the hand on her bare skin. "You got everything under control?" Tatum asks, not removing her hand. Bo nods.
"Yes," Bo croaks. "Yes," she repeats, clearing her throat.
"That way," Dyson says, pointing at a grove of coconut trees at the end of the sand. "I smell fire."
The grove extends barely twenty yards inland before opening into a clearing. Tatum tosses a green coconut to Dyson, motioning for him to open it. He smiles before turning around. He quickly shifts, extending his jaws and claws, making quick work of the thick husk. Stooping, he grabs another and repeats the process before tossing a bald coconut to Tatum. She finds the soft spot below the eyes and pushes through tender skin and meat, creating a tiny hole. Bo watches as she holds the fruit up, dripping translucent juice into her mouth. Tamsin selects a large, juice filled specimen from the ground before slamming it into the sharp edge of a boulder. With a few expert motions, she's husked the fruit on the rough rock edge. She hands it to Bo wordlessly as they continue on through the grove.
"What the hell?" Tamsins says as they enter the clearing.
"What?" Bo says, following her gaze to the most beautiful horse she's ever seen in her life.
"When's the last time you rode into battle?" Dyson grins at the women before vaulting the wooden fence.
"Dyson wait!" Tatum calls out. As Dyson nears the mare, the creature rears up on its hind legs. Magnificent, golden feathered wings erupt from the mare's back. The powerful downdraft knocks Dyson to his back as she flexes her wings. Tamsin appears behind Dyson and drags him back just in time to avoid two heavy, sharp hooves to the chest.
"Is that a real Pegasus?" Dyson stammers. Awe floods his face as he watches the creature stretch. "Am I hallucinating?"
"You're not hallucinating shit, boy," Tamsin says pulling him back towards the fence. Bo and Dyson both stare as the golden wings extend into the air. The mare snorts as she stretches, lazily flapping her wings. She trots to the edge of corral and studies her spectators before turning her attentions to a tuft of grass.
"Tamsin. When's the last time you spoke to your sister?" Tatum asks quietly. Bo and Dyson both jump when the sound of Tamsin's fist connecting with Tatum's cheek echoes through the night air. Tamsin kneel's above her body, both fists tangled in her shirt. A deep split in Tatum's cheek begins to bleed freely. Tamsin pulls her close, lifting her back from the ground.
"Don't you fucking talk to me about my sister," Tamsin whispers, venom dripping from her voice. She releases Tatum, allowing her head to slam into the floor roughly. Bo takes a step forward, pausing when Dyson grabs her arm. He shakes his head, cautioning Bo from entering a situation out of her control. Bo pushes past him and kneels by Tatum, ignoring Tamsin's searing glare. The Valkyrie storms off towards a torch lined dirt road on the other end of the corral. Dyson glances at Bo before jogging after Tamsin.
Tatum holds up a hand, waving Bo off weakly. Bo watches helplessly as the cut on Tatum's cheek heals. The skin pushes together slowly, leaving perfect skin under a shiny layer of blood. Bo quickly reaches out and takes Tatum's hand when she reaches up. Tatum lets Bo pull her to her feet.
"Ok. I know I don't know you that well, but what the hell was that?" Bo asks, watching Tatum wipe blood from her cheek.
"That was a typical Valkyrie being a Valkryie," Tatum says. "Look, we've known each other a long time ok? She's done worse. She's not even PMSing right now," Tatum says. She offers Bo a small smile.
"So Tamsin has a sister?" Bo asks. She frowns when she looks down. The dusty dirt road coats her already wrecked boots with more grime.
"Yep," Tatum says. She stares at Tamsin and Dyson's disappearing forms in the distance. Bo pauses as they near the end of the dirt road. A series of grassy hills sprawl out across the land. Dyson and Tamsin pause at the top of a ridge, illuminated in the moonlight. Two torches, stuck in the ground, flicker as they talk. Tamsin looks up and sees Bo and Tatum. She rips a torch from the ground and starts walking. Dyson motions for Bo and Tatum to follow, before turning to Tamsin.
"Seriously?" Bo says.
"I think the Labyrinth is doing something to her," Tatum says as Tamsin stalks off.
"But you said," Bo starts.
"I know what I said. But we need to be careful. I wouldn't put it past the forces in here to drive everyone a little, off center," Tatum says.
"You mean crazy?" Bo says.
"Just, be careful," Tatum says. She stops and stares hard at Bo. "If any of us start acting a little strange, it's ok to leave us behind," Tatum says.
"But," Bo says.
"You're with a Valkyrie, a wolf and someone you don't know at all. If we start acting weird, you make sure you keep yourself safe," Tatum says.
"Ok," Bo says. "But I can't just leave you guys behind."
"Trust me. If things get bad enough, self preservation won't be a problem," Tatum says. "Tamsin! Wait!" Tatum calls out as Tamsin and Dyson start running.
"Dyson!" Bo yells. "Are they fucking serious?" Bo and Tatum watch as their speed increases. There's no way they will be able to catch up as the wolf and Valkyrie start displaying their physical superiority.
"Wait. Stay here for a second," Tatum says before jogging back towards the corral.
"What? Why?" Bo calls after her.
Tatum vaults the fence and approaches the grazing mare. Holding out a hand, Tatum whispers comfortingly as she presses closer. The mare raises her head and stares at Tatum. With a steady hand, Tatum softly pats her mane. The mare lowers her head, allowing Tatum to climb on. Hooking her knees under the wings, Tatum tugs on the mare's mane. The great creature turns and sprints towards the edge of the corral. A power jump and they're sailing over the wooden barriers.
"Come on!" Tatum says, reaching out for Bo. Bo quickly grabs the outstretched arm and clambers up behind Tatum. "Val aht hissan!" Tatum whispers to the mare. Bo falls forward and grips Tatum tightly as the mare sprints towards the grassy plains. The ground moves by in a blur below them as the creature heads toward a hill.
"Oh my God!" Bo yells as the creature leaps up at the peak of a hill. Her wings stretch and flex and suddenly they're galloping on thin air.
The ground falls away from them as they take flight. Bo's breathe hitches as she struggles to come to terms with the fact that she's on a flying horse. Hills flash by beneath as they rise. Tamsin and Dyson both look up and watch as they soar past.
"Val tach hissan!" Tatum shouts over the whistling wind.
Bo yelps and locks onto Tatum's waist even tighter as the mare banks hard. Hooves graze grass in a blur and the mare gracefully glides over the ground, galloping to maintain speed. By the time Bo manages to open her eyes, they're trotting easily on the ground. The Succubus looks up and finds herself in front of an enormous 1920's Miami drug lord mansion complete with palm trees and a lengthy driveway lined with classic cars. Tatum dismounts gracefully, turning just in time to break Bo's messy dismount.
"Thanks," Bo says, embarrassed.
"Can you get them too?" Tatum asks the mare. The creature snorts and stomps her hooves before galloping off into the night. "It's been too long since I've seen one of them," Tatum says, her eyes on the sky. She smiles when she sees Tamsin and Dyson flying in on golden wings.
"I'm still not fucking talking to you," Tamsin yells as she swoops in. She dismounts gracefully, dropping into a crouch as the mare glides several feet above the ground. Dyson drops haphazardly to the ground when it becomes apparent the mare isn't stopping. The great creature circles once before deciding to touch down.
"Hissan al vera," Tatum says to the mare, patting her neck.
"Hissan al et vera," Tamsin says, bowing her head.
"What the hell was that horse whisperer?" Bo asks.
"Just respect," Tamsin says.
"You're going to have to elaborate," Bo says. She turns to the mansion. "Wow, no wonder people never make it through the journey," Bo says, taking in the beautiful estate.
"Don't speak too soon," Tamsin says. "Nice rides…" she says admiring the polished cars along the driveway.
"Wait," Dyson says. He sniffs the air for a moment before jogging to the cars.
"What are you doing?" Bo says, watching him rapidly opening and closing different car trunks. Dyson ignores her and continues down the line. At the last car, a 1940 Cadillac Sixty Two sedan he yanks open the door.
"What is it?" Tamsin asks as they catch up to him.
"Oh my God. Kenzie!" Bo screams as she recognizes the tiny body gathered in his arms. Dyson kneels and lays her gently on the floor. "Is she ok?!" Bo's pulse races as Kenzie lies on the floor, unmoving.
"Bo," Dyson says. He reaches out and lays a hand on her shoulder. "Bo!" Dyson repeats as Bo begins hyperventilating. "She's fine!"
"No she's not Dyson! She's not breathing!" Bo says, clutching Kenzie's hand. A loud snore escapes from the tiny girl.
"She's really really drunk," Dyson says. "See?"
"Bitches ain't shit...say nothing...A hundred mother fuckers can't tell me nothing…" Kenzie mumbles.
"Kenzie!" Bo hugs the girl none too gently, lifting her roughly off the ground. "She's ok!" Bo says, looking up to see Dyson and Tamsin frowning. "Guys?"
"Shit," Tamsin says. "This is really bad. What are we going to do?" Tamsin says, glaring at Dyson.
"I don't know," Dyson says. Tatum peeks into the car and notices a card on the leather bench. She quickly palms the card before shutting the door.
"Let's get inside, Tatum says, motioning towards the lit mansion.
"Why aren't you guys happy?" Bo asks, watching Dyson lift Kenzie into his arms. "Hello?" Bo follows her friends into the mansion. "Are they losing it on me?" Bo asks, turning to Tatum for support, only to find another solemn face.
"Another body to look out for in this place is nothing to be happy about," Tamsin says as they approach the mansion.
"Tamsin," Tatum says quietly. The Valkyries allows Tatum to pull her aside at the door. "When were you going to tell me we were dealing with him?" Tatum presses the card into Tamsin's palm. Tamsin turns her hand over to reveal the embossed card. Another Gift.
"This could be from any one of the Labyrinth Masters. They're just trying to throw us off our game," Tamsin says. She flinches when Tatum's fingers grip her wrist tightly.
"Bullshit Tamsin," Tatum growls, eyes growing golden. "Why didn't you tell me?" Sadness creeps into her voice. "This means we might finally find her," Tatum says.
"This doesn't mean anything," Tamsin says. She looks through the giant double doors. Bo sits with Kenzie on a lounge as Dyson searches the first floor for water.
"Is it her?" Tatum whispers. She takes a step towards the doors. Tamsin reaches out and quickly grabs her arm. "Tamsin. If we've finally found her, we can end it all. Alexandei-," Tatum starts.
"She doesn't exist! She is just a stupid fucking prophecy we don't have time to wait around for. Bo is just a Succubus and we are just trying to survive this," Tamsin says too quickly.
"Just a Succubus? A Succubus with a heart? A Succubus who gives more than she takes?" Tatum rips her arm out of Tamsin's grasp. "How could I have been so stupid?" Tatum says, pacing on the porch. "The Pegasus? The Bastards? I should have known it was him."
"Tatum, wait," Tamsin says as the wheels continue turning in Tatum's head. "She can't know," Tamsin says. "She won't understand."
"We all followed her into the fucking Labyrinth. Does she really need to understand anything else?" Tatum says.
"Please," Tamsin says, glancing between Tatum and Bo. Tatum pauses and fixes her gaze on Tamsin.
"Who is she to you?" Tatum asks. She walks up to Tamsim and stares into her face. "Why do you care so much about her?" Tatum sighs loudly when Tamsin stares blankly back at her. "And to think we were past keeping secrets." Tatum shakes her head sadly before walking into the house.
"I don't know," Tamsin says quietly, answering Tatum's question a minute too late.
In the next chapter we'll be exploring Tamsin's past as the leader of her "squad" and exactly what kind of serious shit she's gotten herself into. Also, the gang will be struggling with lugging Kenzie around a decidedly unfriendly territory.