For a moment, he felt a twinge of guilt when he caught a glimpse of Fiona’s horrified face. But the guilt was quickly replaced by a molten rage that ignited his limbs with an otherworldly power. His lips drew back from his teeth in a snarl, and he gripped the athame in his hand. Jack turned to him with a calm smile, black curls unruffled. His peaceful expression only inflamed Tobias’s anger. Jack’s eyes darted to the athame. “So that’s where that went. You know, I’ve been looking it that all over.” Heat roiled beneath Tobias’s skin. The goddess took hold of his body. Munroe was shouting something behind him, but it was as though her voice was underwater. I need to move the crowd away before my wrath incinerates them all. He lifted the athame, chanting a barrier spell to repel the guests, and as they stumbled back, he arced it around his body. Flames erupted around him, enclosing him in a burning circle with Jack. Somewhere in the distance, Mrs. Ranulf shrieked. Let her scream.
