Pack of Lies (Shadow Guild Pack of Lies (Shadow Guild Wolf Queen #3) - Linsey Hall Page 0,4

I know that they are twisted together like a rope. What they seek is part of her past. Part of her.”

“Why didn’t you tell her this?”

“She is in her tower, protected from the outside world.”

The protections, of course. The Shadow Guild had increased their security after Eve’s stalker had started getting bold. “What else can you tell me?”

“Just that they are not done with her yet. You must stop them if you hope to save her.”

“I can’t be near her.”

“The curse.” Her eyes swept me up and down. “I can see it starting to take hold. You care for her.”

I stared at the seer, not needing to confirm it.

“Well, get it under control. You can’t afford weakness.”

Story of my life.

“Go now,” she said. “You must work together. Only with both of your skills will you be able to save her. Fate demands it.”

Damn it, that would be difficult.

“Do as I say.” She stared hard at me, her glare even flintier than mine. “This is the only time I will visit you in this fashion.”

With that, she disappeared.

Damned elusive seer.

I turned back to Mordaca’s house to find her peering out the window, her pale face alight with curiosity. She raised her hand and waggled her fingertips, her black, pointed nails gleaming.

“Nosy sorceress.”

She grinned.

I turned away and drew a transport charm from my pocket. Quickly, I hurled it to the ground. The silver cloud burst upward, and I stepped into it, letting it suck me through the ether. I envisioned the alley near the Shadow Guild tower and arrived a few moments later in its shadowed recesses.

The buildings rose tall on either side as I looked toward the narrow exit. I reached into a pocket and withdrew one of Mordaca’s vials. I’d wanted to save them until I really needed them—I just hadn’t expected to need one so soon. But there was no question that seeing Eve would be risky.

I uncorked the vial and tossed it back, grimacing at the sour taste. A moment later, a sense of calm shivered through me.

Suddenly, I felt more like myself. The dark shadow that the curse had cast over me felt distant.

Grateful, I heaved a sigh and started toward the end of the alley. The protections on the courtyard fizzed against my skin but didn’t repel me. They’d clearly included me in the exemptions to the spell, thank fates.

The Shadow Guild tower soared overhead, the silvery gray brick gleaming in the early morning light. Roses climbed the walls, the vines curling around the windows protectively. As I neared, the main door opened.

Carrow stood in the doorway, her right eyebrow arched as she looked at me. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

Eve’s familiar appeared at the woman’s side, its little masked face staring speculatively at me. The raccoon’s black eyes glittered with suspicion, and I vowed to bring it a chocolate bar next time to try to win the creature to my side.

Win it to my side?

Next time?

What the hell was I thinking? Those were ridiculous fantasies that would never come true.

“I’ve come to speak to Eve,” I said.

Carrow crossed her arms. “She’s not accepting visitors.”

“I’m not a visitor.”

“Considering that you’re standing out there and I’m standing in here, you definitely are a visitor.”

I sighed. “I appreciate that you’re being protective, but I have a message from our most revered seer. It will be important to her.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Well, perhaps that changes things.” She spun around. “Wait here. I’ll check with Eve.”

The door slammed in my face, but not before Ralph scurried out. He sat on the stoop, staring up at me.

“Hello, Ralph.”

Ralph frowned. I’m not sure about you.

“Neither am I.”

You’re dangerous.

“I am.”

I like dangerous. But not when it comes to Eve. Her life has been too hard.

Fates, this raccoon. “I’ll bring you a chocolate bar next time.”

I couldn’t help but try to win him to my side.

I am not so easily bought.

I gave him a skeptical look.

I just make people think I’m easily bought. So make it a big one, and I’ll pretend you’re not the worst.

I nodded.

The door finally opened, revealing Carrow. She looked down at Ralph. “Bargaining?”

He nodded.

“Take him for all he’s worth.” She looked up at me. “Eve will see you.”

“Thank you.”

As soon as I stepped over the threshold, I felt Eve. My heart clenched, and the wolf inside seemed to sigh with satisfaction.

My mate was near.

Absently, I rubbed my chest. How the hell was I supposed to resist this? Just being near her felt good. I could feel