Page 309 of Psycho Gods

“It was one of those accidental, on purpose situations,” I explained awkwardly.

“Whatever you say, killer,” Scorpius whispered against the side of my neck.

I groaned.

It was hard to argue your innocence when you had the Latin word for “we slaughtered” magically tattooed across your shoulders. The good news was the new tattoo was hard to read because Mother had carved “WHORE” into my back.

A win was a win.

“You’re going to love it.” Malum smiled.

I frowned because anything that made him happy was automatically a red flag.

Before I could ask more questions, an RJE device swirled, and the men all reached for it.

CRACK.

We changed realms.

Chapter 61

Aran

THE ESTATE

Snuggery (noun): a snug cozy place.

I was kneeling on white pebbles.

Birds chirped, and water gurgled in babbling brooks.

Was I hallucinating?

A comfortable breeze blew through my hair. Golden sunshine covered everything in a dreamy haze. Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily through the sky and strange birds flew overhead.

Horse was still missing.

A crushing sense of loss speared me. My heart twisted. With shaky fingers, I pulled out my pipe and exhaled. He’ll come back. He’s a phoenix, I reminded myself.

I focused on the picturesque landscape.

It calmed me.

Rolling verdant hills were intersected by glittering peaceful lakes. Meandering streams snaked between them. Tall flowering trees dotted the hills and offered patches of shade.

We were standing on a pebble path that led to the front gates of a stunning white brick estate.

A miniature pony trotted across the field, and a goat followed close behind.

I spun around—pushing Scorpius off me because he was still clinging—and took it all in.

Swans bowed their heads together in the ponds, and strange-colored ducks quacked as they waddled in a line.

I thought I was a rainy-day-type girl.

I wasn’t.

This was what I craved.