Chapter 92: The Serpent Inside

I shuddered as the power swirled inside me. What was that?

Chase roared my name again and I realized it was from fear.

I'd forgotten. Oh, Light, I'd forgotten to pay attention and think. Aiden was holding the power he'd been gathering. He was speaking, gripping me, like when he bound me. His skin on my skin. The gateway for him.

I try to pull back out of his arms, but he whispers words that sift through my insides. And I freeze because something deep inside—that thing. That snake. That weight that's been in my gut ever since the rite making me feel dark and sick—it moves and . . . stretches.

"No," I gasp and push Aiden back. But he's too strong. His wiry arms remain around me, and I begin to shake.

"Kate!" Chase screams a tortured scream, but somehow I already know it's too late.