Her husky voice chants in a whisper, as if it’s a psalm for the Wild Mother herself, and I find myself swaying a little, enamoured by its dark cadence: “Five devils are approaching. Five black hearts are wanting. It is five who cry a dark and lonely song, calling for their queen. Lion, shark, dragon, wolf and…shadow.” My stomach lurches into my throat. “Five mates?” I croak. “Are you sure?” She opens her eyes, and they are aflame with some kind of immortal power unique to her order. Her hand is a vise around mine. “Congratulations Aurelia, you are a regina to five animus’ beasts.” Her eyes
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