Page 72 of For the Ghastly and Beautiful

Cotear pales under the pressure of our combined power, each of us unraveling at different rates. But the tension is physical, swarming around us like irritated wasps. He glances around his surroundings, inching backward.

“Don’t run.” Connak threatens, his pupils lost in his black irises. “That would be a terrible mistake.”

He runs.

Connak lurches forward to chase him, but Talodus shoves him back, stopping him at the door. The guard’s entire body trembles in suppressed fury. He did a great job of hiding it until now.

“Where are Ada and Rin?” His voice is a grating rumble spoken through clenched teeth.

“Rin is at her parents’ tonight.” Connak blinks rapidly, clearing his vision as he lets go of the hunt.

Rain begins to violently fall as thunder clashes in the sky. Electric tingles buzz across my skin, raising the hair on my arms. A low hum fills my ears as my heart slams into my ribcage.

Cotear stopped us from leaving.

We told Ada we’d be right behind her.

How long ago was that?

“Fuck,” I growl. “Ada is by herself.”