Kieran POV
Tish insists on linking arms with me as we walk through the dungeons. I don't know if it is because she is scared or if she is trying to assert some authority over me. But I don't argue with her. As much as her touch makes my skin crawl, I don't pull away from her. I know pissing her off is not the answer when she might be just the person I need to help me find Mae. So, I suck it up and walk her cautiously through the dungeons.
As we pass through the cells, the rogues approach the bars. They whistle at Tish as we walk by. Tish holds her head high, but I can feel her trembling. She is terrified.
One of the rogues is brave enough to wrap his hands around the silver bars. He hisses through his teeth as we pass. For some reason, the sound makes Tish turn in his direction.
"I knew you wouldn't follow through on your orders," he snaps at her.
Tish steadies her glaze on the rogue, careful not to give anything away. "I don't know what you are talking about," she deadpans.
"They will come for you," the rogue laughs. I can smell his skin burning against the silver, but he doesn't seem to notice. "You would have been safer down here."
"No one is coming for me," Tish tries to sound convincing, but even I can hear the trimmer in her voice.
The rogue finally lets go of the bars. Blood is dripping down his palms onto the floor. He wipes his hands on the rags he is wearing as clothes. He must be in pain, but he doesn't wipe the smirk from his face as he disappears into the darkness of his cell.
Tish doesn't take her eyes off him until he is completely shrouded in darkness. A shiver runs through her spine, and I gently pull her toward the exit.
I open the door carefully. I don't want Tish to know the code to the dungeons. There is no telling what she is capable of. The door swings open, and the sun blinds Tish. She raises her hand to shield her eyes from the sun's rays. But once her eyes adjust to the light, she drops her hand and lets the sun hit her skin. She closes her eyes and lets the sun beat down on her face.
I watch her with great interest. When I first met her, I thought she was incredibly beautiful. That's why I fucked her right there in the bar. But now, knowing what she is capable of, I can see past her beauty to the ugly jealousy that resides within her. I am able to see every flaw on her body and I am disgusted by her very presence.
I don't want to touch her anymore, but I also don't want to risk her running. I tighten my arm in hers and drag her to the entrance of the pack house. Much to my surprise, my mother and Narah are sitting on the porch swing, chatting like old friends.
Narah has been bathed and given clean clothes. Her eyes are clear and no longer glassy. I don't know how my mother has done it, but she seems to have kept Narah lucid.
The sound of our footsteps alerts them to our presence and Narah narrows her eyes at Tish. She quickly gets to her feet and marches across the porch. Her eyes remain clear, but there is something within them that I don't understand. That is until she reaches out for Tish's throat.
Quickly, I push Tish behind me, but that does not stop Narah. She is determined to get to Tish.
"Why have you brought me the traitor?" Narah demands to know as she attempts to reach behind me.
"She wanted to speak with you directly," I tell Narah. "She wouldn't tell me anything."
Tish looks around my shoulder and sneers at Narah. "So you are the mother that abandoned her daughter?"
Narah growls at Tish, causing Tish to shrink behind me. "You know nothing about my life or what I have done. But I know all about you."
"What do you know about me?" Tish scoffs.
"I know you were shuffled from foster home to foster home, and no one wanted you. That is until you met my daughter. She took you under her wing. She adopted you when no one else would. She cared for you all of these years. Until she took something you wanted. Something that rightfully belongs to Mae," Narah's words are harsh.
Tish hides her head in my shoulder, and I can feel her tears leaking through the fabric. Narah's words must have been true.
"I never wanted her mate," Tish says through her tears. "I wanted Mae."
"Lies," Narah hisses back at her. "You knew who he was that night at the bar. You were told by your boss at the bar."
"That's not true!" Tish screams.
Narah tries to approach Tish again, but my mother stands up behind her. "Stop!" She yells.
Narah obeys and takes a step back from me. Her eyes turn to my mother, and she waits patiently.
"Raven saw her memories," Mom begins to explain. "She did not speak of anything you are saying."
Narah's eyes are beginning to turn glassy. She is looking into Mom's eyes. "Your daughter's powers are limited. She has not seen it all."
"Raven is a descendant of the Moon Goddess," my mother snaps at her. "She sees all."
"There are many of us that have been touched by the Moon Goddess," Narah begins to raise her voice. "Not all of us have mastered our abilities."
Tish is gripping the back of my shirt tightly. I know she is trying to hide from Narah, and it makes me wonder if there is some truth to what Narah is saying.
"Tish," I growl her name. "What did you know about me the night we met?"
I spin around and force Tish to look into my eyes. Her green eyes are swimming with tears, but she only shakes her head in response.
"So what Mae's mother says is true," I groan as I run my hands through my hair. "You were trying to use me."
"You don't understand," Tish sobs. "I needed you to get away from the rogues. I thought if we spent enough time together, you would want me as your mate."
"Lies, all lies," Narah laughs. "Go on, child. Tell them what you know."
Tish swallows hard; she knows Narah has her backed into a corner. "There is a beach house," Tish begins. "Her parents used to take trips there when she was young. I have been there once or twice. I think that is where they have taken her."
"You think, or you know?" I snap at Tish.
"I know," Tish cries.
"Back to the dungeons with this little Twat," Narah laughs manically.
"I know how to get to the beach house," Tish begs. "You need me."
"Narah," I approach her carefully. "Do you know how to get to the beach house?"
Narah hangs her head in shame. "I do not."
"Then we need Tish free for the time being," I sigh.