Chapter 20 : Do You Really Think That You Can Escape What You Are?

Before we start devising a plan of safe departure, a tremor runs through the sanctuary, cutting her off. The magical barriers we'd felt on our way in are vibrating like plucked strings.

The ancient books around us still pulse with their gentle glow as Evelyn grips my shoulders, her eyes boring into mine. "Listen to me carefully, Olivia. Just knowing where the crown is... it makes you an even bigger target. They'll stop at nothing…"

"Too late," Jay mutters, his body already tensing into a fighting stance. His nostrils flare as he scents the air. "Movement. At least six... no, eight different positions." His eyes meet mine, and I see my own worry reflected there. "They're surrounding this place."

I feel it too.

that crawling sensation between my shoulder blades that means we're probably being watched. But there's something else, something that makes my newly awakened powers twist uncomfortably. A familiar presence that tastes like ozone and bitter herbs.