'If I had stayed still, if I had listened, she would not be in more danger than before. I thought I was saving her, but all I had done was hand myself over to the Bone Witch. And now I have put everyone else in chains with me. When did I become so dumb? What have I done?'
Beowulf shifted back slowly, his massive body shrinking until Damon stood where the wolf had been. His chest heaved, his silver grey eyes burning with fury and desperation, but his hands stayed at his sides.
Alaric and Theo shifted back as well, both of them bloodied and tense, their eyes flicking between me and the circle of witches.
The Bone Witch stepped closer, the orb glowing steadily in her palm. She crouched slightly, her pale face tilting toward me. Her breath was cold when she spoke. "Do you see now? This is how the game is played."
I squeezed my eyes shut. My tears slid hot down my face as regret hollowed my stomach. I had been reckless, I had been desperate, and now everyone was paying for it.
