Page 37 of Thorn & Ash
“Samhain is a month from now.”
Goddess above, only a month? Time must pass differently in the mortal realm. In the Underworld, it only felt like days.
“I’ll need a distraction for the coven, though,” Prue said, her gaze growing distant with thought. Planning ahead wasn’t her strong suit.
Mona thought carefully. “I can help with that.” During the Samhain ceremony, the veil between realms was temporarily removed. She had managed to travel between realms at will before. She could do it again, especially if her soul was still tethered to the mortal realm. And with the magical energies so potent on that hallowed day, Mona was certain she would be able to sense when it was time. The realm would call to her, and with a bit of practice, she could return.
If she could manage it, her presence alone would buy Prue some time. Mona would be a diversion for the coven—particularly her mother.
Her chest tightened with grief at the thought of Polina and the pain she must be in. Mona hated the idea of tormenting their mother even more.
But if it meant Mona could come back, it would be worth it. Polina would see that in the end.
Come back. Was this truly going to happen? Was Mona going to return to her mortal life? And leave the Underworld forever?
Leave Evander forever?
No. She shoved that thought away. Evander might have intrigued her, but he was only supposed to guide her passage. Their alliance was temporary.
That was how it was always meant to be. He was a shepherd for her soul. Nothing more.
“This is going to happen, Mona,” Prue said, her eyes shining with hope. “Are you ready?”
Mona nodded, even though she wasn’t. Her eyes felt warm, as if she might cry, but she knew she wouldn’t. Not in this form. “I’m ready to be with you again. I miss you so much.”
Tears streamed down Prue’s face, and her arms twitched as if she wanted to embrace Mona. But, of course, she couldn’t.
And the thought was so heartbreaking that it made Mona want to weep along with her.
A faint dizziness spread through Mona’s mind, clouding her thoughts. “I’m fading,” she whispered.
“No, Mona, stay,” Prue pleaded.
“I can’t. But I will come back on Samhain, Prue. I swear it.”
Prue pressed her lips together and nodded, more tears streaming down her face.
Mona blinked, and Prue was gone. And yet… the beach hadn’t changed. Mona was still in Krenia, and—
“Oh, no,” she whispered, raising her arm to see real and solid flesh before her. She was between worlds.
She turned in time to see Vasileios grinning at her, his hands in his pockets as he strode closer.
Mona backed up a step. “Stay away from me.”
“Why so afraid? I’m trying to help the Underworld. It’s dying. Did you know that?”
Mona stilled, unsure if she should trust his words.
“Together, you and I can restore it to its former glory,” Vasileios went on. “We can heal it, Mona. Just come and find me. And I’ll take care of everything.”
“No. No.” Mona shut her eyes, willing herself to disappear from this place. “Take me back. Take me back!”
“Mona,” Vasileios warned in a growl.
Her voice was a scream as she roared, “Take me back now!”
And then, in a flash of light, Mona was in the Underworld once more, surrounded by trees and the sounds of rushing water. A startled laugh escaped her. It had worked! She had traveled between realms at will. Could she do it again? Could she return to Prue in time for Samhain?