Devoured by Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #7)(89)

She trembled from the effort, sweat dripping down her face as she reached into the mists and wrapped her arms around the baby.

It would, of course, be safest to simply remain in the corridor and travel as far and fast away from the mountain as possible. But, the very fact she could barely hold open the smallest doorway warned she was far too weary to make the attempt.

She would need hours, if not days, of rest before she could shadow walk again.

Allowing her cloak to drape around the babe, Laylah closed the veil and turned to continue her path through the dark tunnels.

For the moment her only thought was finding Tane. And then curling up in the nearest corner to rest.

After that …

Any fuzzy plans beginning to stew in the back of her mind were forgotten as the unmistakable scent of fresh herbs mixed with the thick dust in the air.

A Sylvermyst.

Heading in her direction at a rapid pace.

She glanced over her shoulder, as if she hoped a magic door had suddenly appeared. What she saw instead was a whole lot of nothing.

No magic door, no quick escape route, no fairy godmother.

Just the cramped passageway that led back to the crumbling caves below.

Effectively trapped, she clutched the baby tight against her and watched the Sylvermyst with long chestnut hair and bronze eyes round the corner and step into view.

Ariyal.

“Don’t move, Jinn.”

The fey kept his crossbow at his side, but he didn’t have to wave his weapon around to make his point. He screamed danger from the coiled muscles of his slender body to the lethal intent etched onto his beautiful face.

Laylah tried to swallow the lump in her throat. Judging by the Sylvermyst’s ripped T-shirt and the blood staining his jeans, his past few hours had been about as much fun as hers, but unlike her, he didn’t look like he was running on empty. Just her luck.

“What do you want?” she demanded.

His lips twisted in a parody of a smile. “We have unfinished business.”

Great. She gave a shake of her head.

“Is there a freaking demon who isn’t lurking in this cave?”

The odd, metallic gaze lowered to the child she had tucked beneath her cloak.

“You hold the fate of the world in your arms.”

“And that’s exactly where he’s going to stay.”

He took a step forward. “No, I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

“Stop,” she gritted. “You’d better keep your distance …” She deliberately allowed the threat to dangle. He didn’t look particularly intimidated. Big shocker.

“Or?”

“I’m not helpless.”

He took several more steps toward her. “Neither are you at your full …” He jumped backward as she released a bolt of energy that hit him square in the chest. He glanced down in shock at the singed hole in his T-shirt.

“Shit.”

“I warned you,” she rasped, praying he wouldn’t suspect that she was as astonished as he was. “Next time I won’t be so nice.”

For once her prayer seemed to work.

Or maybe the fey just assumed he could talk her into handing over her baby.

“Easy, female.” He lifted a hand, his tone patronizing.

“There’s no reason we can’t discuss this in a rational manner.”

“My name is Laylah, not female,” she snapped. “And this is Maluhia.”

“Laylah,” he grit between clenched teeth. “This isn’t your battle. Give me the child.”

“You’re wrong. It’s very much my battle.”

“Why?” He appeared genuinely perplexed by her refusal to toss aside Maluhia as if he were no more than some trash she’d found. “That babe has no connection to you. Unless Marika lied and claimed …”

“Maluhia became my child the moment I took him from the mists,” she fiercely interrupted.

“Admirable.” His tone revealed he found her anything but admirable. “But don’t you think it’s unforgivably self-indulgent to condemn the world to hell because you want to play mommy to a creature born of sin?”

Her spine stiffened at his accusation.

Maluhia was an innocent. And there was nothing self-indulgent in her desire to protect him.

Schmuck.

“I’m not the one who wants to return the Dark Lord.” “Neither do I.”

The stark words brought the conversation to a screeching halt.

She blinked, trying to figure out what new game he was playing. Did he really think she was stupid enough to believe he had become her aunt’s henchman, not to mention chased her and the baby halfway around the world, for shits and grins?

“I don’t believe you. You’re …”

“Evil is no doubt the word you’re searching for,” he smoothly completed her sentence.

Her chin tilted. “That’s exactly the word I want. It’s no secret the Sylvermyst willingly worshipped the Dark Lord and were banished from this world.”

“Most were banished, Laylah,” he corrected, anger flaring in his beautiful eyes. “Get your facts straight. Some of us chose to become slaves rather than continue to follow the Dark Lord.”

She frowned at the throbbing sincerity in his voice. “Only because you didn’t want to be cast out.”