Tormented: The Dhampyr Series, #3

By V. M. Nelson

Dhampyr transitions should come with a warning label.

Tasi, an eighteen-year-old dhampyr, read the chant that starts her final transition to immortality. Little did she know how those few spoken words would turn her world into complete chaos.

Now, in a race against time, Tasi must follow the quests given to her by a group of vampire-hating fae—known as the iele—all while they torment her mentally and physically. If she fails, it is a failure that results in her death.

Will the journey be too much for Tasi to withstand?
Is she mentally strong enough to earn her immortality?
What if her failures diminish any hope for her younger sister's future?
And the boy she's soul bound to . . . what happens to him?

Follow Tasi, as she sets out on her path that's going to test her strength, her will, her patience, and her tolerance for pain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: V. M. Nelson
• Release date: Oct 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958280089

Book preview

1

How does a person live each day knowing they’re one day closer to dying? In my case, I stopped giving a damn.

This book is useless, just like the last one, and the hundred before that. The vibration from slamming the book on the wooden table jolted Emily. Sorry, Em.

It’s fine. I watched as she wiped her hands on her pants, then tucked them in to her front hoodie pocket.

I walked back over to the bookshelf and ran my fingers along the dilapidated bindings. I stared at the overwhelming amount of information in front of me, letting out a long-drawn-out breath. These books had been sent to us from all around the world. Books that—if I was lucky—would give me a tiny clue as to what I needed to do to stay alive. My heart thrummed against my chest, sending echoes through my ears.

What if I can’t figure it out in time?

We were still at the farmhouse waiting on paperwork to travel. These days I spent most of my time either in our makeshift library or in the training room trying to clear my head or settle my anxiety. We needed to see Henrik Johansen, uncle to the only other dhampyr we’d found who had completed the last transition. I had one goal these days: help find the information needed to complete the transformation into an immortal, non-French-fry-eating, full-time, blood-drinking dhampyr.

Taking this trip would hopefully give us the answers we needed, so here I was—with the people I loved—doing more research. Every day I hoped we’d get lucky and find some more hidden secrets or—even better—another dhampyr. Since we hadn’t found anything helpful, all it did was cause the never-ending churn in my stomach to increase in size.

I don’t understand why there wasn’t a warning label on that stupid book we found. Like, ‘Hey, maybe don’t read these words, because if you do, you’ll be tied to a timed quest, and if you fail, you’ll die.’ I swallowed hard. It was like broken shards of glass scraping at the back of my throat.

I turned back around, leaning against the shelf. I thought about Henrik and his nephew some more. His nephew had lived through the final transformation, and knowing how he survived the transition was crucial for Emily and me, but having to take a trip just so I could talk to him was frustrating. It would’ve been more convenient to pick up the phone and speak to him that way. Problem was, Henrik had hid his nephew from everyone, fearful someone would want to kill him. After the fiasco with the Deity and them wanting to murder Emily and me, I really couldn’t blame him.

I agree, but I wonder if it was done that way on purpose, as if to challenge us with a deadline to see how we’d react under pressure, Emily said, shifting her weight.

Definite possibility, I guess. I wiped my palms together. Either way, a starting point would have been nice, and not some riddle telling me little to no useful information. I now have less than four months to do what? Drink a nasty-tasting potion, or maybe run a marathon blindfolded? I took in a few deep breaths and shook out my hands.

We’ll figure it out, Tasi. I’m sure of it. Emily touched my arm, but pulled back when she looked at my face. Or not.

How, Emily? We both know the information we need is in Norway with Henrik, not in these books. How am I supposed to survive this final transition if we have to wait on passports? This is dumb. Can’t we hijack a plane or stow away on a boat? I knew I was being irrational, but waiting around felt ridiculous when I was running out of time. If I couldn’t make this transition happen, I’d die. I didn’t want to die.

I turned my back to my family once again and leaned my head against the wall—this time so no one could see me holding back the tears that burned behind my eyelids. When his hand touched the small of my back, it was like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. I squeezed my eyes tight before my shoulders dropped forward. He knew exactly how I was feeling. Not because of the bond we shared—the unmistakable tether that brought us together—but because he knew me. He loved me.

Are you okay? Ethan asked. I was appreciative he was keeping this conversation between us. We were still learning how to control hearing each other’s thoughts when touching. Sometimes, I could almost block him out, and him, me. When we did, there was a soft static between us. But I couldn’t do it as often as I’d like.

Yeah. I’m just having a Tasi moment. I turned to him and sank into his eyes. Some days, it was like no one else existed when we were in our space.

"Oh. One of those moments. I should probably run for the hills." The corner of his lips turned upward. His forehead touched mine.

You think you’re so— And then I was being yanked across the room by a blonde tornado.

Nope. We aren’t doing this all day. Lizzie placed her hands on her hips. You two need to stop talking to each other in your heads. She was poking at my chest now. I want to hear what is being said.

Her annoyance lightened my mood. Aww, is Lizzie jealous? I leaned in, sandwiched her cheeks between my hands, and gave her a peck on the lips. I still love you. You’ll always be my Lizzie, I said in a baby voice.

You’re unreal. She pushed me away and shook her head. Next time, I’ll kiss you back, so watch out because I use tongue.

I made kissing faces at her while Emily laughed, and Ethan arched his brow. These were the people in my life that I’d do anything for. The tension I was feeling deep in my chest fizzled as I took in my family.

The sound of footsteps caused me to look over Lizzie’s shoulder. Sonya—holding two large manila envelopes—and my mother strolled into the room.

The waiting is over, Lily said. Passports are here.

Relief washed over my skin. It was like getting fed oxygen after being deprived of it for too long. Finally, I said. I was about to lose it.

About to? Lizzie snorted.

I shoved her in the shoulder.

So, what’s next? Ethan asked, running his fingers through his thick, messy dark hair. He always gave it a little squeeze or tugged on it as he reached the back. He was so damn sexy when he did that. It made me want to run my hands through his hair and pull it so I could engulf myself in his scent as it followed. I shook out the thought and focused back on the passports.

Sonya walked over to the table and placed one of the envelopes on it. These passports belong to the four of you—

Wait. You aren’t coming? A prick reached my cheeks at the thought of my aunt not coming along, and as the words left my lips, her face softened.

No, Tasi. Lily and I will remain here. We’ll close up the farmhouse and head back to New York City while you’re away. I have coven duties that need to be addressed, and your mother is going to take Jelena’s place in the library. Sonya touched my shoulder with one hand and Emily’s with the other. That feeling of my heart being squeezed like a lemon subsided for a moment.

I understand. I pressed my lips together. Sonya had helped us so much, including putting her life on hold for Emily and me. I didn’t want to sound ungrateful, but she was good at grounding me in a different way than Ethan could. Especially when I was having one of my outbursts.

The four of you will leave tomorrow night at ten thirty p.m. out of New York City. You will stop in Amsterdam with a four-hour layover, and arrive in Bergen, Norway, at about four fifteen p.m. She placed another envelope on the table. This one was bigger. The tickets are in here, along with phones and a couple credit cards without a limit. Spend the bare minimum if you can, and I’ll pay off the balance each month.

Yay! Let’s go shopping, Lizzie said. Sonya raised an eyebrow, and Lizzie threw her hands up in surrender. Just kidding.

Sonya shook her head. There will be a car at the airport in Norway waiting to take you to your accommodations.

Emily raised her hand. She was always the polite one.

Yes, Emily? Sonya’s face was kind.

Where will we be staying?

A house in Bergen. We’ve rented it for a week. I don’t expect you’ll be there for a full week, but you’ll have the option just in case. You’ll meet Henrik and his nephew on Mount Floyen. He said it’s very public, which he prefers.

Anything else we should know? I asked as I pulled my hair back, twisting it around and pushing a pencil in to stop it from falling in my face.

Yes. You may have the house for a week, Tasi. Her eyes met mine. But you are there for one reason and only one reason. Get the information you need, then get moving. Finality rumbled in her words.

Noted, I reassured her.

Sonya, Ethan said, we were supposed to send a letter back with a time and place to meet Henrik. I know you already have a place for the meeting, but since we didn’t know when the passports would get here—

Already taken care of. I was tracking the package in the mail. Once I saw the passports had shipped, I sent an expedited letter to Henrik. For the next week, he should go to the meeting point each day with his nephew. I wrote the address on a note with the time. Don’t be late. All the information is in with the credit cards. She tapped the envelopes sitting on the desk.

Anything else? Emily asked.

Other than getting packed? No. Just be ready at noon tomorrow, Lily said. Oh, and let’s all have dinner later. It’ll be a while until we see one another again. She clasped her hands together.

We all nodded as Sonya and Lily headed out of the room.

I’m going to shower and pack. Meet up after? Ethan asked. His fingers brushed over my lips. Unless you’re also in need of a shower?

I bit into my bottom lip, trying to hide the smile blossoming on my face. Stop tempting me. We’ll meet up after you shower. You might want to make it a cold one, I said.

Ethan moved his lips to mine, where they lingered a little longer than usual.

An overexaggerated sigh left Lizzie’s mouth. You two are hurting my teeth with all that sugary sweetness.

I think they’re cute. Emily giggled, throwing me a wink.

You have to say that, mini-Tasi. That’s your sister and, oh . . . wow, there is a high probability that’s soon to be your brother-in-law. She stuck her finger down her throat this time. Let’s get in some training. I need to get rid of this nervous energy before I’m stuck on a plane with these two lovebirds.

All I could do was roll my eyes at her. Ethan kissed my hand one last time before heading out with Emily and Lizzie. Emily turned back and mouthed, I love you. I returned the words.

Once they left, I sat at the table. My chest throbbed as the reality of the situation again sank in. Knowing my friends would come with me to meet with Henrik was the only thing keeping me in one piece. Otherwise, I think I’d have broken all over the wood floor like a porcelain doll and ended up in too many shattered pieces to put myself back together.

My hand ran over the book that had started this mess. It was bound in black leather with silver script embossed across the cover. After running my fingers along the pages, I flipped it open to the page I had bookmarked. Not that I needed the bookmark anymore—I had skimmed this page so many times when no one was looking, hoping for clues I might have missed. There was never anything new.

I stared at the words on the page as they danced around, taunting me. It was as if they knew what I had done to myself and that my own ignorance had started the journey toward whether my soul would bind with my body or I’d die. I had the feeling that whoever created this curse was more than happy to take my soul from me.

I repeated the words that were forever burned into me once more: ‘A child of evil is born, the spirits wince in the wake, a curse bestowed upon the youth, a pure heart they won’t take. An offering must be given, to stand in the path, time is now against thee, thy soul may feel their wrath.’

I got the child of evil part. I mean, I had seen vampires. Some of them were nasty little jerks. And, okay, dhampyrs were cursed. Anyone saying otherwise wasn’t a dhampyr, so that explained that piece. But who were these spirits, and where were they planning on taking me if they didn’t think my heart was pure? How did I know what they considered a pure heart? Regarding the second sentence, I guessed I needed to bring a gift to someone before my time was up. But to whom, and what kind of gift?

With my elbows on the table, I ran my fingers through my hair, massaging my scalp. The kneading relaxed me enough to where I let out a slow sigh. If Ethan were here, he would feel my heart battering against my insides like a jackhammer. I rolled my neck.

How pure is the heart you carry? The one beating in your chest, an unfamiliar voice called out.

Excuse me? With a hop off my chair, I spun around. There was no one there. I shook my head. Maybe I needed more sleep. It had been a few weeks since the virus incident, and I still hadn’t been sleeping through the night.

Typically, I got up early and left Ethan in bed while I read through this stupid book . . . which was now talking to me. He always found me and brought me back to our room.

I shut the book, tucking it under my arm so I could pack it with my stuff.

Don’t linger, young dhampyr. Or you shall be ours. The whisper crawled along my ear, leaving a frostbitten coating on my skin.

I did a three-sixty, looking for who might be in the room with me, when Ethan walked in, his hair still damp.

Gorgeous, what’s wrong? Ethan held my waist, keeping me from crumbling to the ground.

You weren’t whispering through our tether, were you? I knew the answer the moment a spark of uncertainty flooded the bond.

No, and you’re scaring me. What happened? He pulled back to meet my eyes. Tears trickled down my cheek. Ethan ran his thumb across my skin, gently wiping them away.

I think I’m going crazy.

2

When we reached my room, Ethan had our suitcases laid out on the bed.

I was going to pack your suitcase, but then thought you might want to do that. He pulled me into his arms. It was the one place my anxiety always subsided. Do you want to talk about it? You’re still trembling.

For the moment, I knew I was safe, so I pulled myself into him tighter. I think I need a good night’s sleep. I’m hearing things that feel so real to me—as real as when we chat through our tether. The whispery words taunted me, as if to keep reminding me of what was at stake. Maybe it was truly my inner conscience telling me to stop slacking.

Are you sure it wasn’t anything other than lack of sleep? His stare was heavy with concern.

I don’t know. Everything is so weird right now. We just got done with Jelena and the virus. I’m finally able to start coping with Devin’s death. What if this is it and I’m having a psychotic break? Who would blame me for a complete breakdown? I’d been through more than most people my age. I bet you wish you’d bonded with someone else. The tether tightened, and a shock sizzled through it as if it had found its way into an electrical outlet.

Ethan cupped my face. Never say that. I’d endure pain, suffering, heartache, and centuries of solitude until I’m driven insane, all to be with you for one day. One hour. One minute. You’re my everything. My light and my darkness, my sun and my moon, my sanity and my madness. Without you, I’m no longer whole.

His words made me pause, and I let the comfort of them soak into my frigid skin. I’d do the same, I whispered.

Another tear rolled down my cheek, and he kissed it. His lips were sticky against my damp skin. Then he moved toward my lips. We’ll figure this out, Tasi. And if these voices are supernatural entities trying to come between us, they’re in for a surprise. Nothing and no one can come between what we have. I think it’d be almost laughable if they try because our bond will always hold. Never forget that. He looked deep into my eyes as if he were talking to my soul. Always, Tasi. Me and you, through love and hate, darkness and light, always and forever.

Me and you, through love and hate, darkness and light, always and forever. My body eased into his. I knew he’d never think I was crazy. Can we keep this to ourselves until we figure out if it’s lack of sleep, me having a psychotic break, or something else?

Of course. Our lips met once again. When his tongue pressed against mine, they danced. Warmth radiated from my skin. There was urgency in the way his fingers trailed my hips. He pushed into me so close I had no choice but to move back until I was against the wall. When he looked at me, he bit the corner of his lip. His fangs pressed into the soft flesh, making him look oh so good. May I? His finger teased the skin under my shirt.

Yes, you may.

There was that familiar look of hunger in his eyes. His cool lips grazed mine once more before he snatched my shirt off and threw it across the room. I giggled as his mouth met my neck, sending a tingle through my body.

What about your shirt? You know, I give one, you give one. I raised my eyebrows, waiting for him to comply.

He laughed. You’re trouble.

Just as much as you are. I returned the smirk before moving my mouth back to his. Being pinned between Ethan and the wall made my blood turn to liquid fire. I ran my fingers through the back of his hair, releasing his scent, which swirled around us. You smell delicious.

He tickled my cheeks with his lips, then my nose. Oh?

Yes. My breathing was becoming labored the more he trailed his fingers down the front of my body.

Care to elaborate on how delicious I smell? The more comfortable I became with our intimacy, the more Ethan treaded in the territory of wanting me to tell him what I was thinking out loud. I knew he felt it in our tether, but my words seemed to provoke him in a way that also lit a fire inside me.

Can’t. Not until you take these off. My fingers skimmed over the button to his jeans, hitching onto his waistband.

We have dinner, love. Ethan continued to kiss me along my collarbone. We’ll need to finish this at another date and time.

Should I schedule you in? I joked.

Ethan’s chest shook against mine as he let out a full laugh. I love you.

I pushed away from the wall and farther into him, slipping my hands around the back of his neck and pulling him toward me. I love you too. As our lips met, I bit the bottom of his, pulling it into my mouth. When I let go, I ran my tongue along my lips, as if to savor the last bit of sweetness that dripped into me from his mouth.

You don’t know how to play fair, do you? He lifted me by my waist. I wrapped my legs around him. We were like magnets clinging to each other. He pushed the suitcases off the bed and lay on top of me. My fingers tangled in his hair again. I wanted more of him. The electricity flowing through the tether became taut the closer we got. His hands moved to my pants.

Tasi? Emily asked with a quick knock. Mom wants some help in the kitchen.

But I’m not done packing.

Ethan continued to trail kisses down to my belly button.

Please, Tasi. She hesitated. If you don’t come downstairs, Mom said she’s sending Lizzie up next. Her voice cracked with an urgency for me to obey.

If Lizzie came up, that would be the end of the fun and the beginning of her harassment. Fine. I’ll be down in five.

Okay. And Tasi?

She was using one of her don’t-kill-the-messenger voices. I huffed out, Yeah?

Mom said she wants to talk to Ethan. Sorry, not sure why, but her face did that motherly squint-her-eyes-while-she-purses-her-lips thing.

Great.

Thanks, Em. See you in five.

Ethan sighed before detaching himself from me and sitting next to me on the bed. I was waiting for this.

I sat up, squinting my eyes at him. You were? I fumbled with my hair, trying to make myself look put together again. I didn’t know what my mom wanted with Ethan, but I had a feeling there would be a lecture in his near future.

Yes. We’re . . . well, you’re only eighteen, and I’m a bit older than that. She’s just looking out for you. He stood in front of me, stroking his thumb along my soft skin. Plus, if I can face your mother, then I can face anything.

Sonya’s way scarier than my mother, I said.

Who said they wouldn’t both be cornering me? My eyes popped open wide. Ethan’s lips tugged upward. Don’t worry about me. I’m prepared to walk through fire on a sunlit day while being doused in holy water for you.

So melodramatic. He may have been overly dramatic, but my stomach fluttered, sending a hotness through me, knowing how much he truly meant every word. The tether told me it was true. C’mon, let’s get this over with.

The kitchen was big enough for all of us to be in there and still have space to move around. It was modern, but still had the old farmhouse charm. And if anyone ever forgot how old this house truly was, they were reminded of it every time someone walked across the floors. No matter which room you were in, there was always a creaky board.

Ethan and I stood in the doorway for a moment. Emily was cutting up carrots on the counter next to my mother, who was mashing a pot of potatoes on the stove. Steam whirled around them. Sonya filled a pitcher with warmed blood, while Lizzie gathered cups out of the cupboard.

This was us—my family. I cleared my throat.

Here they are, people. The couple who decided to rearrange furniture when they should have been packing. Lizzie carried the cups to the table, trying hard to hold in her snickers.

What are you talking about? I asked.

They must have heard the suitcases hit the floor, Ethan said, touching my hand. Among other things, I’m guessing.

Oh. I pressed my lips together.

Don’t do that. I want to see this play out, Lizzie said, pointing at us.

What’re you babbling about, Lizzie? Emily asked. Did something happen when Sonya and I went down to the wine cellar for blood? I never hear anything down there. That last part was more to herself.

My mother turned her eyes on us. Tasi, can you take over the potatoes? I’d like to have a quick talk with Ethan. By the look on my mother’s face, it was going to be one serious conversation. Some might think she should’ve had this conversation when we first got to the farmhouse, but she and I weren’t seeing eye to eye back then—something about her being a newly turned, overemotional vampire; me acting like my father, who she’d just lost; and both of us losing Emily when she was kidnapped by the Deity. It would’ve been counterproductive if she had even attempted to influence my relationship then.

Ethan nodded and followed Lily out of the room.

But . . . I said.

Sonya’s hand was on my shoulder. Relax, Tasi. Let your mom be your mom. She needs this before you all leave tomorrow.

My shoulders slumped forward as I headed to the pot of potatoes to take out some of my frustrations on mashing.

Hey, by the way, Tasi, how delicious is Ethan? Lizzie mused as she set plates on the table.

Emily coughed out the carrot she’d bit into, and Lizzie’s laugh thundered through the room.

Whatever, Lizzie. One day you’re going to have someone you love, and I’m going to have a field day with you. I promise. I narrowed my eyes at her and continued mashing.

Let’s go, Tasi. I can’t wait to see what you bring to the table. She waved a fork at me before putting it down.

There was a flash of something in Lizzie’s face as I stared at her. Wonder, maybe? She didn’t remember her past. Maybe there was a time when she’d loved someone. If so, what happened to that person?

I couldn’t stand it anymore. I squished the potatoes and concentrated on Lily’s voice, grateful for my dhampyr hearing.

She’s young and impressionable, Ethan. You’ve been around much longer than she has, and you have more experience, I’m sure. I felt a surge of apprehension come through our tether. If you love each other, you’ll care for each other’s hearts. You’ll also protect her when you are in Norway.

Geez, Mom. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Like I can’t take care of myself.

Lily, what Tasi and I have is like nothing I ever believed to be possible. She’s helped me realize not only that my soul still exists, but she’s tied to it.

But maybe it’s only temporary. Maybe—

No, Lily. With all due respect, she’s the most important person in my world. I’ll protect everyone she loves and betray everyone I love if she asked me to because she’s the only reason I want to exist.

But what if—

No. Only Tasi and I can make the decision not to be with each other. And my experience is nothing like you think. I’ll say it over and over if I need to. She’s the only person I have ever and will ever love in this capacity.

Okay.

That’s it? No telling me I’m too mature or forbidding me to see your daughter?

Why would I do that? I just wanted to know you’d fight for her. The way I know she’d fight for you. You two remind me so much of my relationship with her father. If your bond adds to that, I know what you have is unbreakable, and I’m glad you know it as well.

Earth to Tasi? Any harder on the potatoes and we will be eating starch-flavored gum, Emily said as she pulled on my arm.

Sorry. I was distracted. Reaching for the spoon and scooping the potatoes into a bowl, I looked over at Sonya, who was shaking her head at me. She knew I was being nosy. I shrugged.

Dinner is ready, Emily said. She grabbed some dishes and brought them over to the long wooden table in the kitchen. Sonya and Lily sat at the head and foot of the table. I went to sit next to Ethan, but Lizzie swooped in beside me.

Oh no. You two aren’t sitting next to each other. Then you will head chat or whatever it is you do, and no. Just no.

Why does that bother you so much? Emily asked. This question coming from Emily—of all people—surprised me. Sometimes I wondered if my relationship with Ethan made her feel like she was being pushed to the side, which is something I’d never do.

Because they might devise a plan to leave on their own, and I can’t have that. Tasi has a tendency to run away, and now that she’s bonded or tethered or whatever to Ethan, she’d never leave without him.

Emily looked at me with a small crease in her eyebrows before looking back at Lizzie. No . . . she wouldn’t leave me.

No, I wouldn’t. I’d leave Ethan before I left Emily. I looked at Ethan. No offense.

None taken. He winked at me.

Then what I’m hearing is the three of you will leave me, Lizzie said. She sat back in the chair and crossed her arms.

I peeked over at Sonya, who was watching Lizzie with curious eyes.

"Is this why you have been so strange about Ethan and me head chatting, as you call it? You must know by now that I won’t leave you. You’re my family too."

"But really, I’m no one. I don’t even know who I am. Sometimes I don’t even know what I am." There was frustration in her tone.

Lizzie, Sonya said. You are part of this family. Tasia has made stupid decisions in the past. She will not repeat those mistakes. I am sure of it.

Now I was the one slumping back in my chair. I’m right here. Can we stop with the ‘Tasi is going to run off’? I’ve learned my lesson. I shifted in my seat. Lizzie, tomorrow the four of us are getting on a plane. Not the three of us. Four. What’s really on your mind, other than me running off into the sunset? Because I told you, I’ll be with you to help you find out who you are.

After everything that had happened with the virus and Lizzie’s immunity, she had shared some of her theories with the others. The look on everyone’s face when she showed the group the picture of her from the book about Valkyries and Vikings was priceless. Sonya had already offered to reach out to her contacts to see if she could find additional information about her past.

Lizzie placed her elbows on the table and tilted her head toward me. What if I lose you? I don’t know if I can handle that. Or what if someone takes you from me the way Josiah took Devin from you? What if I can’t save you like I couldn’t save Devin?

Josiah was Devin’s father and the leader of the Deity. When Josiah tried to kill me, Devin had protected me, which was sweet but unnecessary since he was human. Lizzie ended up killing Josiah, but not before a gun went off, striking Devin and killing him.

You can’t blame yourself for that madman’s decisions. He killed his own son. None of that is your fault, I said, putting my hand on hers. Her lip tugged upward slightly. I hoped she would one day believe that to be the truth.

Suddenly, Sonya was behind Lizzie, with her hand on her shoulder. Lizzie, stand up, please.

I’m fine. Lizzie kept her eyes on her place setting.

Stand up. I’m not asking.

Lizzie stood, facing Sonya. Tears pooled in her eyes. Sonya cupped her face and pulled her into a hug. She didn’t hug often, so when she did, it meant something. "Sweet girl, I know being alone is difficult. I’ve done it myself, for a long time. Just know I love you like a daughter. You are not like family. You are family. My family."

As a hugger, naturally I couldn’t handle all this love in the room. I stood up and hugged the two of them. Suddenly, there were arms wrapped around all of us. When we let go, Lizzie was wiping her tears, flicking them from her wet fingers. Her eyes shifted as if to push down all the emotions building within her, and her tough, Sonya-like demeanor came back.

Okay, enough of this. Tonight’s our last night together for a long while. We should spend it laughing, not watching me blubber like a fool.

Agreed. If Lizzie holds in her snarky comments for too long, she might implode, I said, bumping her shoulder.

She raised an eyebrow. This is quite true. Plus, you were going to tell us whether it was . . . strawberries, cupcakes, or maybe coconut.

I looked at Sonya, who was shaking her head a lot tonight.

What are you babbling about now? I asked.

How Ethan smells, or wait—was it how he tastes? She smiled and was watching Ethan for his reaction since he’d missed out on the first part of this conversation while he was talking to my mother. He coughed into his cup, splashing blood on his lips. His eyes met mine.

And now I think it’s time to eat, Emily said, scooping a gigantic pile of mashed potatoes onto her plate. My mother just ran her hand down her face.

This was it . . . my family. I had thought for a long time it was only going to be Emily and me trying to maneuver through life on our own. I’d worried who would care for her if something happened to me. Now, if something did happen, she was safe, with several people who loved her. Plus, my mistake of reading the cursed chant early would be one she wouldn’t make. She would learn from my errors and make better decisions. Looking around the room, I knew my journey from here on out would probably be scary and stressful. The unknown terrified me, but knowing I had people on my side brought not only comfort in knowing Emily would be well cared for, but also gave me a little hope that we could actually pull this task off in less than four months.

The iele await you. We do not sleep knowing a child of evil is among us.

Ethan’s eyes widened. Lizzie may have sat us across from each other, but that just meant our hands weren’t touching. He and I could still communicate if we weren’t touching—it just became more muted the farther away we were. Touching kept the communication clear. Lizzie must’ve forgotten this minor detail.

You heard that, didn’t you?

Yes, and now you need to tell the others. Unless we are both lacking sleep and losing our minds, this is real, Ethan said. And potentially dangerous.

And now we know who it is sending the voices. I’m really hating the iele, and I haven’t even met them yet.

The first time we went over the book, someone had scribbled iele in the margins, which prompted us to do some additional research. The iele were some type of all-female fae who lived in Romania and who—this was noted in our research—weren’t very nice. They didn’t like when people saw them and often punished anyone who crossed their path. What we couldn’t figure out was how they were tied to the transition. To add another layer, how in the hell were they able to get inside my head like this?

I knew Ethan was right. I had to tell the others before we left tomorrow, but the idea of bringing it up when everyone was finally laughing and joking made a rock plunge into my stomach.

I think I’m going to be sick.

3

The plane ride went smoothly, aside from the weird voices in my head making comments about watching me and telling me how evil I was. Each time I heard the whispers, my skin glazed with ice, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I had hoped being in the air would dull the voices. It didn’t.

Our layover was timed perfectly, not that I should’ve doubted Sonya. I was sure she’d traveled often in her lifetime. The sun set right before we landed in Norway. As planned, there was a car waiting to take us to our temporary housing. We were all tired, but we wanted to try our first attempt at meeting up with Henrik tonight. Ethan was overly aware of the harassment I was getting from the voices. I could feel his waves of concern through our bond, but he remained supportive, knowing how it was messing with my head. The voices somehow knew whenever I was getting comfortable and would attack then, seemingly so I’d feel unsettled again. Whenever I dwelled on it, Ethan was there for me.

After dinner yesterday, I had told the rest of the family what was happening with the iele sending me telepathic messages about how they were waiting for me. Sonya suggested I talk to Henrik’s nephew and see what he could tell me about the fae creatures. They weren’t ever mentioned in any of the communications between Henrik and Sonya, but maybe there were some things he couldn’t put in his letters.

As we piled into the black sedan, I glanced up across the roadway. A large sign stared back at me. It read, bergen?

Hey, driver guy, Lizzie said. Why does the Bergen sign have a question mark?

It was scary when Lizzie and I were on the same page.

My name is Steven, and maybe go ask the artist. He continued to drive.

To the point. Do you not like talking? Because I can be a bit of a talker. Lizzie leaned into the area separating us from the driver. Are there Viking museums here? I’d really like to see them. Are they open at night?

We’ll arrive in town in thirty minutes. It will be a short walk to your accommodations. The man then hit a button, which triggered a divider to emerge. Lizzie watched as it blocked us from him. Emily giggled.

Lizzie turned back to us, plopping into the seat. I don’t think he wants to talk right now.

You think? I said. Maybe he feels inconvenienced. Remember, he’s on assignment here, and Sonya made one call and here we are throwing a wrench in his day.

I forgot about that. I guess I won’t go all Lizzie on him, then. She rubbed her lips with her finger.

Smart move. We don’t need to piss off our ride. I looked out the window as we drove. It was January, and a mist blanketed the land. The days were about three hours shorter here than back in Pennsylvania, which meant Ethan and Lizzie only had to stay covered for about six or seven hours a day if it was sunny out. My eyes watched the mountains in the distance as we drove. The landscape was full of snow-covered mountaintops with remnants of brown peeking through the light dusting of frost. I could only imagine how much more beautiful everything would look once spring came around.

Are you okay? Ethan asked. His fingers danced on my leg.

Yes. I’m a little eager to find out what we need to do next.

He leaned in and kissed the side of my neck. Whatever it is, we’ll conquer it together. Don’t forget that.

The corners of my mouth tugged upward, and I collapsed back into the seat, running my fingers through his hand. When I caught his eyes, I felt safe.

Do you think we’ll find Henrik tonight? Emily asked. She looked young today with her aqua-colored beanie and jacket. Her eyes matched the bright color of her outfit. The freckles strewn across her skin and having her hair braided—courtesy of Lizzie—into two pigtails added to her youthful appearance.

I don’t know. Sonya said he should be there every evening at seven. We should make it tonight. The question is, will he show? Even though we had made the arrangements, I wasn’t convinced someone who was so fearful of having his nephew discovered would be keen on meeting up with us.

He’ll show. He’ll be excited to find other people like his nephew. Think about it. If it was just you and your aunt Eva, and your aunt knew she would grow old and one day die, wouldn’t she want you to find other immortals to ally with? Ethan asked.

Never thought about it like that. I playfully added, You’re so smart. I leaned my head on his shoulder.

Or the opposite. Ethan is just, well, Ethan, and you’re slow to catch up. Just saying. Lizzie’s green eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Lizzie, your eyes. They’re captivatingly bright today. Unfortunately, your mouth is as dull as ever, I said, a smile plastered to my face.

Emily laughed.

You need to work on your comebacks. Next you’ll say something like, ‘I know you are, but what am I?’ Lame.

Whatever. I rolled my eyes at her.

Look, Emily said, pointing to a sign that said mount floyen. We must be getting close.

As Emily said this, the car came to a stop and the back door flew open. The driver stood there waiting for us to file out as he tapped his foot.

You know, you aren’t very pleasant for a tour guide. I’m sure you can find some online classes for that, Lizzie said as she stepped out onto the curb.

I thought you wouldn’t go all Lizzie on him, Emily snickered.

We’re already here, so he can’t drop us off in the middle of nowhere. She continued to speak as if he wasn’t there.

No, but I can choose to not pick you back up, Steven said. In the driver’s seat, he’d seemed much smaller. Now, standing before us—staring down as if he could smite us—I realized he was enormous, standing at about seven feet. Maybe even taller. He was bald, with a short, stubbly beard and piercing blue eyes that were as icy as the air around us. Here’s the central market. You should be able to find your way to the housing. There was a glint of fangs as he spoke, and I wanted to ask him if he was a hit man for some high-level vampire. He reminded me of one of those gangster guys I’d seen in movies. Then I thought better of it.

Just ignore her. She’s jet-lagged, Ethan said. Thank you for the ride.

Steven nodded to Ethan and waited until everything was out of the car before getting back in and driving off.

Some people are so sensitive, Lizzie mumbled, swiping back the waves of her hair that had fallen forward.

All I could do was shake my head and sling my backpack over my shoulder.

We stood in what looked like the main town center. There were several outdoor vendors, most under small red tents along the wharf. Some were closing for the night.

Ethan plugged the address into his phone. It’s a quarter-mile walk that way.

That’s not too bad, I said.

As we walked through the center of Bergen, I surveyed the buildings along the way. Their lofty peaks and colorful painted wood siding made me excited to be somewhere I had only ever dreamed about traveling to. Even the McDonald’s was in a beautiful wooden building. More impressive than being in such a timeless city was having the mountains as a backdrop. The frosty air skimmed over my cheeks as I took in the scenery.

As we left the main road, it turned into cobblestone, which was also striking. I thought it would be annoying under