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We stared at each other, truly breathless, and I understood as happening We were too close to the full er controlif we’d be trapped here forever, however short a tiave way

Desh the other side of the passage and found ourselves safely in Calliope’s waiting roo, and Holden stood next to the Oracle, waiting for us Desmond pulled his claws free fro in air and holding the wounds on his forearm I cradled my brutalized wrist in the crook of my arm and tried to keep my half-wolf hand hidden

It was pointless Neither of theered into the room claws-deep in each other

Holden’s nostrils flared as the scent of fresh blood filled the roo a cri in loose waves over her shoulders, gave Desmond and me a cursory once-over

"Secret, you promised me"

"I know"

"Yet here you are, and here he is, and it see me to break my rules for you" She crossed her ar into a delicate pout It was almost offensive how beautiful Calliope was

"We need your help," I said

"Clearly"

I followed her gaze to Desrew and then faded on his neck Over his body the sa and instantly vanishing, see hih me My wolf could smell his wolf, and she wanted to accept the invitation to come out

I had to look away froot himself under control, but I was certain the moment I touched him my humanity would melt away entirely and we’d all be screwed

My inner asn’t exactly a good listener

Holden see with and ca a hand on the back of my neck like Desmond had done in the elevator His touch felt blissfully cool against my too-hot skin Just his touch and the nearness of the scent of vae The bones of lanced down again they were nor to Des hiru form and put his hand on the olf’s neck Desmond jerked, but Holden didn’t back away He lowered, whispered so moment I wasn’t sure if it had worked, but then Desot to his feet His claws had retracted, and he didn’t have any hair other than what he was meant to

One problem down

I looked to Calliope, her ry with me, and I wasn’t sure if it was solely because I’d broken her No Werewolves rule She et this over with, shall we? If you thought this was dramatic, you have no idea what you’re in for on the other side"

Thankfully being pissed didn’t impact Calliope’s hospitality She provided fresh blood for Holden and me, and made sure Desmond had eaten about half a cow, before she explained e should expect froth for this co experience

"Did Gia say what Kellen had promised?" Calliope asked as she walked us down one of the ruffer than usual, replied, "From ere told, she pro and turned to face Desmond "Are you sure? Those exact words?"

Not accustoaze, Des, "Yes"

The Oracle drummed her nails on the wooden door we’d stopped in front of "That’s…complicated"

"How co to be able to get her back," Calliope adh court, he whispered soirls are wont to say I’m all yours or some such nonsense To a fairy lord, that’s a proht to lay clai irls

"If I were kidding, Secret, you wouldn’t be running off to the fairy realue

"This one is going to be difficult for you" She pointed to Des hi hiht I’d say this, but I wish your fate was clearer" She grabbed ave the to end for you"

"I’ll be fine," I assured her, although I had no way to know that, and I was hoping she’d be tellingbefore I go?"