The Dark Calling (The Arcana Chronicles #5)(111)

Or worse.

But if he could sacrifice for Tee, so could I. Stemming my tears, I turned back toward the castle.

My soul mate, the father of my son, awaited me there. I had a relationship to repair, alliances to rebuild, and a home to defend.

As certain as I felt that I’d see Jack again, I was even more sure the game was spinning to a bloody end.

I’d be ready.

—Empresssss.— A whisper in my ear like a breath of frost. The Fool was contacting me through our mental link.

I drew up short. I’ve been waiting for you to answer me. I plumbed my emotions. How did I feel about my former ally now?

Conflicted again. I’d missed him, and I owed him for saving Jack from those slavers. I owed him for helping Aric get free from Paul. But Matthew had also allowed awful things to happen to our friends.

To Finn . . .

—Do you know what you really want? I see far, Empress.—

Then tell me what’s to come.

—The gods vent their wrath. The Minors unite. Hell on earth. Quakes. They’ll all be coming for you.—

Out loud, I said, “Let them come.” My claws budded and sharpened. The scent of roses steeped the frigid air.

—Empress?—

“Matthew, I finally understand what you’ve wanted me to learn all along.” I glanced down at my marked hand, then back at the lonely road Jack now travelled. In that breathy, evil voice, I said, “For better or for worse, anyone who touches me pays a price.”

I headed inside.





Author’s Note





Dear Reader,

I often get asked if I’m Team Jack or Team Aric. Like Evie, I think each is perfect for her in his own way.

And so writing this book was bittersweet. My eyes water every time I read Jack’s farewell or reflect on the pain lingering inside Aric.

The Flash is leaching away hope, and a perilous future lies ahead for the woman they love. But the pieces for the final showdown in the Arcana Chronicles are now in place. Everyone remaining has a part to play in the battle to save the world.

Evie can be a reckoning, but at what price? Has the seed of hope already been planted?

Thank you so much for continuing on this journey and for trusting me to shepherd these characters to a better tomorrow.

Stay tuned; the end is beginning. Warmest wishes,