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ALASTAIR THREW A GLANCE at the door Corinth just exited through. “How’s he doing?”
I blew out a troubled breath. “Holding up… but this whole dream-mind-healing thing has me worried.”
I had confided in Alastair about Corinth’s dream because he needed to know. Corinth could be mad at me for betraying his trust, but there were bigger issues at hand, like the fact that he might try and slay both of us when we weren’t looking. I tried to shake the disturbing thought from my head. He would never hurt either of us, right?
“I should’ve thrown the dagger into the ocean when I had the chance,” he said gruffly. “You and I could be halfway to Switzerland by now.”
I could sense sincerity in his voice and it made my heart ache. Even though I knew it was impossible, the thought of leaving everything and everyone behind sent a shiver of excitement coursing through me. I knew it wasn’t an option, of course. Gabriel would find us no matter where we went—and it was time we took the battle to him, but, man, a secluded cabin and a ski resort sounded amazing right about now. I’d never seen the mountains. The closest I’d ever gotten was a trip with Mom and Dad to Austin, Texas, through hill country: gently curving roads dissected by giant oaks, rolling rivers, and fields of bluebonnets so bountiful you’d think you’d stepped right into the heart of the ocean. I could only imagine seeing the enormity of a mountainside and feeling the exhilaration of insignificance. There’s something addictive about the connection of Mother Nature’s biggest treasures. Maybe it’s because Mother Nature could smash you like an ant.
The whole point of seeking out this clan was to gather an army willing to help us take down Gabriel once and for all.
“Something tells me the dagger wouldn’t stay in the deep blue sea for very long,” I said, my voice clipped.
Speaking of skiing, I couldn’t help but notice how Alastair’s eyes were as glacial as a mountain peak. They pulled me in, and I found myself drifting closer to him.
When he spoke next, he enunciated each word, making sure to get his point across to me. “I will make it my personal mission to end Gabriel as quickly as possible.”
I glanced down to my feet, but when I felt his hand on mine, my eyes flew up to meet his gaze; the intensity of the way he was looking at me made my heart leap in my chest.
“You guys have been spinning on a hamster wheel for eight months. It’s time to put a plan in place. It’s what your father would have done.”
I nodded, feeling marginally better for the first time in months about the direction we were headed in. “You think we’re making the right move?”
With conviction, Alastair said, “I know we are.”