by Nicole Adamz
The man looked toward me, and I froze. His burgundy eyes searched the bushes before returning to Maewyn. His voice was a deep rumble when he spoke.
“—no one knows we’re here?”
Maewyn shook her head, “No—please, Drakon. You promised—can’t wait any longer.”
The disjointed conversation was confusing, but the more I heard the more concerned I became. What is Maewyn doing here with this man? The man nodded again and Maewyn turned, gathering something from the bench behind her.
While Maewyn was turned, a dull flash of silver slithered from the man’s waist as he grabbed a dagger. The motion was smooth, practiced, and menacing. He held it in the air, the tip angled toward Maewyn’s unsuspecting heart.
He’s going to kill her! The Abeyance burned through me, cutting my warning cry short as I stumbled through the bushes. Rushing forward, I ignored Maewyn’s yelp of surprise. I stumbled while the pain from the Abeyance receded. Attempting a strike, the man effortlessly avoided my clumsy assault. His expression was suspicious but not surprised.
“Are you the best they could send?” he asked with a low chuckle.
Wine colored eyes glittered coolly while he twirled the knife in his fingers. A small, amused smile edged his lips. My gaze darted to it. He’s trying to kill Maewyn, thundered my heart. Is it because she knows the truth about High Lord Bera’s murder?
The man remained stationary, dodging my weak punches and kicks. His movements were fluid, his body barely shifting beneath the onslaught of my frenzied attack. He’s toying with me, I thought frantically. The dagger zipped through the air, a shadow of movement in the burning daylight. A sting sliced my shoulder twice before the man glided out of reach. Two warning cuts. I hissed heatedly.
“Ari, no!” Maewyn shouted.
Pausing, the man looked at Maewyn, “You know her?”
Using the distraction, I charged him. Head-butting his torso, I grabbed a sheathed dagger, held the hilt tightly, and yanked upward. It was like slicing butter; there was no resistance. Time slowed as a hot gush of blood splattered my face, the metallic taste slipping into my mouth.
A slick dampness splashed across my skin, staining my tunic. Maewyn made a distressed sound, and my dagger clattered to the ground. The man shoved me away and I stumbled into a garden hedge before staring numbly at him, stunned and relieved. Astonishment rode the man’s face, and he slowly reached up to the dripping gash. Blood gushed over his fingers, splashing the marble platform wetly.
“NO!” Maewyn screeched.
She reached out a grasping hand, faltering forward before clutching her belly with a whimper. Groaning painfully, Maewyn staggered toward the man, “I think…” she panted, “it’s coming…Your promise.”
Confused, my gaze darted between them. What’s happening? The man shook his head apologetically, tearing a long strip of cloth off his tunic. Wrapping it tightly around his neck and tying it, he quickly repeated the process until a single, regretful eye was visible. A crimson stain bloomed across the makeshift bandage. Tears streamed down Maewyn’s face, and she whimpered.
“The knife, hurry!” Maewyn said through gritted teeth.
Hot, sticky blood coated my skin, and my heart pounded in my ears. Something is wrong, something is wrong, something is wrong sung my mind. Sheathing his knife, the man kept his single, wary eye on me while he collected the dagger I’d dropped. His movements were careful as blood leaked around the bandage. Stunned, I stared at the spreading ruby stain.
I was protecting Maewyn, I numbly reassured myself. If his wound wasn’t treated quickly, he would die. Panicked, I stared at my hands. Blood coated them. The wrongness of the situation slammed into me, and I crumpled by a hedge, vomiting. Bile splattered the ground.
Maewyn moaned, clutching her belly harder, “No, no.”
Shaking, I looked at her, terrified by the raw pain in her voice. Her skin was flushed and sweat dampened her brow. Her features twisted miserably, and between eerie, silent pauses she moaned gutturally. Something is wrong. The words thumped heavily against my skull. Maewyn looks like she’s in labor, I thought hollowly.
The back of Maewyn’s dress clung damply to her legs, and she sobbed pitifully. “Please,” she implored the man. “You promised.”
Tearing more material from his tunic, the man didn’t spare her a glance. “We had an agreement, but no promises,” he said in a thick, muffled voice, “I have to go.” Turning, he hesitated. “Larrikin,” he said roughly over his shoulder. “Go there. Ask for Ciara.”
He sluggishly pressed his hand against the wound, his brown skin pale as he leapt into the sky. A tense silence fell in the wake of his departure. Placing my hands on my pounding head, I pulled my knees to my chest. He won’t die, I told myself. My stomach heaved, and I winced.
“YOU,” Maewyn ground between clenched teeth, “What have you done?”
I don’t know, I thought numbly. I wanted to ask her the same question. Looking up, her face blurred with the ringing in my mind and my skin burned. Something is wrong. I pulled my curls, folding into myself.
Hot blood leaked down my chin before I wiped it. A slippery warmth smeared my face, and I pulled my hands away. My hands were covered in blood, but I wasn’t sure whose. Looking helplessly at Maewyn, my heart squeezed at the bitter hatred on her face. I jerked at the imploding force in my mind before my vision darkened.
Chapter 48
Maewyn
ARI’S BODY SAGGED LISTLESSLY beside a row of hedges as despair roiled through me, shredding my limbs before converging in my abdomen. I hunched painfully, staring at the pools of blood in the garden. She did this! I thought furiously.
I’ve tried to keep her out of it, and what does she do? Betrays me! Just. Like. Pearl. I would have kicked Ari’s prone form if I had the strength. Another sharp pain ripped through me and I gasped. Rubbing the snot off my face, I grit my teeth until it passed.
Gulping in air, I searched desperately inside for the brightly colored strings of my Blood-Bonds. Their colors shone dimly. It’s not a good idea to use them again so soon, but I—a moan escaped my lips. I need to get to Larrikin—I panted—I need to find the person Drakon mentioned—I doubled over—I need to deliver this fledgling!
Pulling on the floating strands, relief slid through me. The colors dulled further, becoming ethereal hues before another one winked out. Worry vaguely flashed through my mind before another rush of agony hit me. Will I be able to make it to Larrikin? I thought fearfully. Drakon was my last hope. He was so strong. Creating a Blood-Bond with him would have allowed me to defeat Greerson. I know it! Instead, Ari had ruined it. Her interference had cost me everything.
My abdomen pinched tightly, a thunder of anguish rolling through it, and I grit my teeth against a low moan. Terror darted through me. What if I can’t make it to this Ciara person? I spread my wings, the muscles shaking with panic and exhaustion. I hadn’t slept since High Lord Bera’s murder.
Forcing away the memory of his lifeless head being pushed callously into the pudding bowl, I bore down on a particularly sharp ache before leaving. Sluggishly lifting into the sky, I struggled toward Larrikin. There were an unusual number of Ward Units patrolling the skies, and the nearest one swiftly approached me. A jolt of alarm punched me. Did Greerson send them for me?
When they saw me the leader signaled, and the entire Unit altered course. Relief trickled into my tense limbs before I continued. The trek to Larrikin caused a few more Blood-Bonds to fade, and I arrived drenched in sweat. I landed in a random, narrow street. The rotting stench was worse in the heat, and I wretched. I didn’t bother wiping the spittle from my lips.
Leaning against a wall, I hunched over my protruding stomach, cursing Aeolus for the torture my body was going through. The waves of agony crashing into me made thinking difficult. How…do I find…Ciara? I thought dully. I staggered, swaying against the wall as I walked. Additional low moans accompanied mine in the dirty street, but I ignored them.
Beggars an
d rotting bodies lay in the road indiscriminately and I flinched. How—Ciara—help? I banged on the first door I came to, croaking out the only word I could manage.
“Ciara!” I called, the word swallowed by my panting.
There was no answer, and I couldn’t waste time hoping it was the right door. There was an entire ring of Summit to explore before I could allow this fledgling into the world. I repeated the process at every door. Stay in…stay in…stay in! I chanted with each grueling step.
If a door opened it was promptly shut in my face. Once or twice I was cursed before the door slammed shut. I didn’t know how far I’d walked, but when I fell to my knees in rotting filth before the next door, I couldn’t muster the strength to get up. Crumbling dirt and rock dug into my skin.
Pulling on more Blood-Bonds was too risky. Curling my arms around my belly I cried against a decaying building. Waves of agony racked my body, and I wondered if I was dying. A part of me was glad. I wouldn’t have to endure my family or Greerson anymore, and I could take my fledgling with me. We’d be safe and free. Weary, I slumped quietly against the wall and pressed my hands against my belly.
A flash of red glinted on the path, and I squinted in the sunlight. A cloaked person approached, casting a shadow over me. I looked up, straining to see into the depths of its haloed hood. The person inhaled, and large rubies glinted off a slim wrist clutching a bulging satchel.
“Ciara?” I whispered tentatively.
The figure bent, its face coming into view. Muddled, I stared into shocked midnight blue eyes. The face disappeared and rapped out a rhythm against the wooden door beside me. It jerked open. Quick, whispered words were exchanged, and the bundle was handed over before strong hands pulled me up. I wavered, staring into a face that annoyed me.
“Healer Willow?” I said in confusion.
Chapter 49
Ari
THE WARM MARBLE DUG HARSHLY into my bones while the sun battled the moon for dominance. I blearily sat up, flinching when a small branch scratched my face. Tentatively putting a hand to my head, I massaged a residual ache. What happened? I thought groggily. The crusted, metallic scent of blood assailed me when I wiped my face. That man. I might have killed him, I thought with horror.
And Maewyn…Maewyn wasn’t here. Panicking, I scrambled to my feet and dashed into the tall bushes where I’d left my satchel. The whipping branches slapped against my cuts, and I hissed before falling against the wall. Most of the day had passed, and miraculously the Warders hadn’t found me conveniently hugging a scrub in the open garden.
Scanning the area through the leaves, an image of Maewyn’s pained, hate-filled face made my heart stagger. It was the same expression father wore when he looked at me. I swallowed, staring at the crusted blood on my arms. Was that man really trying to kill Maewyn? If not, what were they doing?
Stupid! I thought scathingly. Maewyn was pregnant and keeping her fledgling a secret. Something I should have known as her Tyro; pregnant women were confined for safety closer to delivery. Why didn’t she tell me?
The rising moon shone brightly in the sky, casting shadows over the garden when dark figures flit past its light. I stilled, hoping the blood on the ground wasn’t noticeable in the encroaching darkness. If I was caught, I would be handed to High Lord Talon like a gruesome trophy. Fear pinged through me, and I wrapped my arms around myself. What do I do now?
The shades passed the dais, and I nervously released a breath. I didn’t have time to think about Maewyn’s deceit. I chewed on my lip. Where can I go? The Warders would be watching my family dais. And what would they do to Zora for sheltering a murderer? Worse, they would discover her secret because of me. No, it was safer not to go back. Searching the sky, I saw the vague outlines of Ward Units throughout Summit.
I’d be visible in the bright moonlight if I flew. The man’s instructions to Maewyn filtered into my mind. Go to Larrikin. Ask for Ciara. Maewyn’s hunched form flitted through my mind. Could she fly there? I glanced at the dais. If I’m going to go…somewhere…I’ll need provisions.
I crawled toward the nearest window and peered in. There was a distinct lack of life inside. I hesitated. Is it okay to break in? The wanted poster in my satchel rubbed against my thigh and I swallowed. Being demoted to thief shouldn’t bother me. Taking a breath, I pulled on the window’s latch. It refused to budge, and I groaned.
Breaking the glass might catch the attention of a Ward Unit, but I could slip inside if a latch was open. Skirting around the perimeter, I tugged on every window and door. They were solidly locked. A shout from above made me duck close to the ground, heart beating rapidly. Did they see the blood? Frightened, I searched for a rock.
Picking one, I threw it. It bounced off the window with a small tink, and I stared at it. Choosing a larger one, I threw it at the corner of the window. The glass burst inward, jingling harshly against the floor inside. I jerked and stilled, shivering nervously while I waited for a Warder to investigate the noise.
When nothing happened, I kicked a larger hole in the window. Climbing inside, I tucked my wings tightly against my back and edged over the windowsill with my satchel. The dais was gloomier than I’d anticipated, and I stumbled, pausing with my hand against the wall. Sky blasted fool! If the dais is uninhabited there won’t be any food. I wracked my brain. Maybe there’s something useful here.
I searched carefully in the pale moonlight filtering through the remaining windows. The dais was richly furnished, but everything was too impractical to be useful. On a whim, I walked to the kitchen. Pieces of hardened food were tucked into the pantry like there had been a recent occupant. I hurriedly collected the remains of bread and cheese, wrapping them in a small cloth.
Placing them in my satchel, I contemplated the decaying apple and decided against it. Spoiled food is worse than no food. I can’t afford to get sick. Walking to the front of the dais, I crept up the stairs. A rumpled bed and a few drawers in the armoire were open in the first room.
My heart beat faster. If the owner returns, I’ll be caught. Increasing my pace, I searched the room aimlessly. Opening the armoire doors, I smothered a scream when a heavy, black heap fell onto the floor. The Abeyance tightened my skin; a warning. Swallowing, I quickly poked the heap. Nothing happened.
Picking it up, my heart leapt at the sight of the hooded cloak. A disguise! Quickly wrapping around it myself, I immediately felt safer. Hope filtered into my veins. I couldn’t fly away from the dais, but I could walk out of it. Using my hands to guide me toward the kitchen, I found the door at the back of the larder.
Pulling the ringed handle, the door creaked open and belched a cloud of dust in my face. I coughed and smiled. Anomalies needed a different exit—stairs. Peering inside the stairwell, I hesitated at the consuming darkness. If I missed a step, escape would be the least of my immediate problems. Biting my lip, I peered at the dimly lit kitchen. Adjusting my satchel, I searched it again.
A lantern sat at the back of a cupboard, and I found a small flint box in a drawer. Lighting the wick, I tucked my wings in and took a deep breath. Walking through the door, I shut it resolutely behind me. My foot slipped a few times, jerking my heartbeat, and I was twitchy when I reached the bottom. Fumbling with the stuck outer door, I slammed my shoulder into it.
It erupted, and I fell forward, gulping in crisp air. Facing the vast expanse of the Private Holding, anxiety gripped my heart. Larrikin. Layers of lush grass rolled smoothly into plains farther away. Terrifying memories threatened to rush in. Do I really want to go there?
Where else do I have to go? I thought desperately. Remembering the hazy lights I saw while flying back from the Autumn Feyle, I snuffed the flickering flame and left the lamp in the stairwell. Snapping the hood up, I shut the door. Glancing at the sky, I dashed across the length of the grassland. A few yards in, I got a stitch in my side.
Grimacing, I slowed until I heard a shout from above. Terror streaked through me and I ran into the shadows of another dais. My legs ached,
and my lungs burned as I aimed for the distant wall. Soon, there would be no cover against the moon’s revealing rays. At the last dais, before a vast expanse of open grass, I waited for my legs to stop cramping. High above a Ward Unit circled the perimeter. Skies! I cursed.
If they caught me, the blood and stolen goods would seal my fate as a criminal without wanted posters. My heart slammed against my ribcage, and I shot toward the shadows of the towering wall before glancing up. The Ward Unit was exactly where it had been. No one was looking for an escaped Elysian on the ground.
Still, it would be hard for me to blend with my surroundings when the sun bloomed. Hugging the outer wall of the Private Holding, I searched for the arched opening to Larrikin. Stumbling across it, I stepped through and tugged my hood further over my head. The rotting odor was the same, and I shuddered when my boot squelched.
The people here barely managed to survive. Which made me wonder why Maewyn was told to come here, and if she had. Surely, she went to the Sanatorium? Biting my lip, I wandered down the street. The crumpled wanted poster in my bag crunched, a reminder that everything had changed.
I’d potentially killed a man, broken in to someone’s dais, and stolen. Wiping my crusty hands against my leggings, I grimaced. My face now littered the dirty streets, and anxiety twisted in my heart. I wasn’t sure who I was anymore. Hunching my shoulders, I tried making myself less visible. Going back wasn’t an option. How do I find Ciara?
Deformed and elderly Anomalies hobbled around. Many didn’t live long; starvation killed them before the shame did. A few Elysian men exited doors, and I ducked my head, tugging on my hood. People wouldn’t pay attention to a hooded figure, but my eyes were distinctive. If someone saw them, they would report to the Warders.
I can’t draw attention to myself. Wandering down streets, my hope dwindled. Aimlessly rounding another corner, I grimaced. My nose had become numb to the reek. Small favors, I thought cynically. Care to add another? I pleaded to the True One.
