“And you from him?”
“Yes, of course. He doesnt have her soul,” she said, gently, to Flynn.
“Whatever hes got, get it back.” Flynn shoved forward again, pushing Malorys hand away. He only flicked a cold, hard stare atPitte when he moved to flank Rowena. “Do you think you worry me right now?”
“You waste time in your fear for your sister.”
“Shes cold. Her skins like ice. Shes barely breathing.”
“He took her into the book,” Jordan said and had Rowenas attention snapping to him. “How do you know?”
“I know.” He picked up the book hed set on the night table. “She opened this and she was gone.”
She took the book from him. “Its gone. The key is gone from here. It was not to be this way,” she murmured. “He crosses too many lines, breaks too many pacts. Why is he not stopped? This is not temptation, intimidation, or even threat.”
She turned toPitte , and there was a spark of fear in her eyes. “Hes changed the field, and somehow hes moved the key.”
“It was in the book?” Jordan interrupted.
“Yes. Now, somehow, hes taken it into the story, and her with it. He should not be permitted to do so.”
“Shes alone in there. Whether its the story or whether its Kane, her lifes in danger” Jordan gripped Danas hand. “Bring her out.”
“I cant bring out what he put in. Its beyond my power. He must release her, or she must free herself. I can warm her,” she began.
“The hell with that.” Jordan snatched the book back. “Send me in with her.”
“Thats not possible.” She turned away from him to lean over Dana, to run her hands gently over Danas face.
On an oath, Jordan grabbed her arm, spun her back to him. “Dont tell me its not possible.” He felt a jolt, a shock that sang straight up his arm to his shoulder, but he kept his grip firm.
“Take your hand off my woman,”Pitte said very softly.
“What are you going to do, smite me? My womans lying there helpless, going through Christ knows what, because she gave her word to you. And youd stand here and do nothing?”
“He conjured this world he took her into. Its his power that holds there.” In a rare sign of agitation, Rowena pushed at her hair. “Theres no way of knowing what hes done there, or what would become of you if I attempted it. And Im not permitted to take you beyond your own world. To do so would break the vow I took when I came into this place, when I was given charge of the keys.”
“I conjured this world,” Jordan tossed back, and threw the book on the bed beside Dana. “Thats my mind in there, my words, and Ive got a real problem with some self-serving god threatening the woman I love, and plagiarizing me to do it. I dont care how many vows you break, youre not leaving her in there alone. Youre sending me after her.”
“I cant.”
“Rowena.” Taking her shoulders,Pitte turned her to face him. “He has the right. Listen,” he insisted as she started to speak. “A man shouldnt be stripped and bound while his woman fights alone. It was Kane who broke an oath, and doing so crossed beyond all honor. He was not meant to take her life. He was not meant to touch the key by hand or mind or sorcery. Its a different battle now. We fight on his terms or we lose.”
“My love.” She curled her fingers around his arms. “If I do this, even if I succeed, you know what it may cost us.”
“Can we live, in this prison, and do nothing?”
The sigh ached in her breast as she lowered her forehead to his heart. “Ill need you.”
“Youll have me. Always.”
She nodded, drew a deep breath, then looked at Jordan with eyes that seemed to burn. “Be sure. If I do this thing, her life, yours, and all are at risk.”
“Doit.”
“Send us all.”Zoe grabbed Danas hand again. “Send all of us in. You said were stronger together, and we are. Well have a better chance of getting her back if we all go.”
“Valiant warrior.”Pitte smiled at her. “This is not for you. But if gods are willing, youll have your turn.”