Chapter 41 - Hollyn

I turned around and stepped forward. If anyone would be getting punished, it was going to be me. Not these brilliant, brave men who'd done nothing but accept me for who I am.

I dipped my head. "Master."

He stepped closer and I forced myself not to move or shiver. He punished weakness to a brutal degree.

"We've missed you in the village, Hollyn. It's time for you to come home."

Grumpy, sweet, brave, stupid Grumpy, stepped forward, wrapped his arm around my waist. "That won't be happening. We're keeping her."

My eyes fluttered closed.

Hollyn.

I squeezed them shut now. No. No. No. Get out of my head. I screamed it. Howled it. I grabbed both Tove's and Grumpy's hands. I needed their help. This close to the master, I needed their help to resist his call.

Their fingers entwined with mine.

Take what you need, sweetcheeks, Grumpy said. I believe in you.

So do I, Tove added.

You'll kill them. They have no magic of their own. You'll rip their spirits from their chest