The Daath Chronicles- The Complete Series

by Eliza Tilton

  She looked at Derrick then. “This must be a dream. Lucino told me you were both dead.”

  “Dead?” Derrick said.

  “He must have thought we died during the attack on Crain

  Village,” I said, letting Jeslyn go.

  “Just a misunderstanding,” she said. “He’ll be so happy you’re both alive.”

  Derrick and I looked at each other, then back at Jeslyn who seemed creepily happy.

  Derrick moved towards her. “He tried to kill us.”

  “No, he sent his men to look for you, but he was too late.”

  “He’s fooled you then,” I said, staring into her wide eyes and watching them tear.

  She shook her head. “I don’t understand. Why would he lie?” Another set of footsteps sounded from the stairs.

  Derrick reached for his sword and took Jeslyn’s arm. “We need to get you out of here,” Derrick said as we started moving toward the cellar.

  “No.”

  All three of us looked at her like she’d gone mad. “Jeslyn, we need to go, now,” Derrick said.

  “I must speak with Lucino. If you’re telling me the truth, then you’re still in danger and if I leave with you, you’ll be hunted.”

  “Jeslyn, we’ll be fine,” I said. “We have friends here.”

  “I can come meet you tomorrow in the gardens,” she explained in a rush. “I’ll find a way to sneak out. I won’t risk your lives again.”

  The heavy footsteps were getting closer. “Lady Jeslyn?” A man’s voice said.

  Her eyes darted to the stairs. “That’s the guard. Go, before you’re caught.” She whispered and rushed to the bottom of the stairs. “I’m here.” She called to the guard.

  “I’m not leaving you!” Derrick hissed.

  “I’m not either,” I said, pulling out my sword and readying it.

  “Go,” she said and before we could move, she ran up the stairwell.

  “What do we do?” Raven whispered.

  I kept my hand on my sword. “We’re getting her out tonight. Who knows what Lucino will do to her? I’m not taking any chances.” I moved past Derrick to the stairwell and listened. “Do you know what’s up these stairs?”

  “Follow me,” Raven said, and with her daggers still drawn, crept upstairs.

  At the top of the stairs, Raven held up her hand, stopping us then peered around the wall with a mirror. She held out one finger.

  One guard. We couldn’t afford a fight, not with Jeslyn so close. I pointed to the mirror and she handed it over. I positioned it and saw a guard standing at the middle of a long hallway. Besides a few fancy decorated tables with sculptures, the area was empty—no doors, except the one he guarded. I returned her mirror “We need a distraction,” Raven mouthed.

  I reached into my pocket and grabbed a marble.

  This better work.

  I looked around the corner. On one of those tables, past the guard, sat a porcelain bird. If I could get it to break, he’d run to check it out. If I missed, he’d look this way.

  One … two … three! I launched the marble, and the bird cracked in two. The guard turned his head and walked towards it. Raven stepped into the hallway and blew into a long thin tube. A second later, the guard toppled to the floor.

  Derrick ran into the hallway first.

  Raven followed and pulled the dart out of the man’s neck. “He’ll be out for a few hours, but we need to hide his body.”

  I grabbed the guard’s legs and Derrick lifted the torso. Then we carried him back down the stairs, tied him in case he woke, and hid him in the pantry.

  The door he guarded led to the guest wing. Raven began using her tool to unlock any doors we passed. I hoped Jeslyn was in one of them.

  Raven unlocked the next door and peeked in. “Just a study,” she whispered, and closed it.

  “Wait.” I stopped her. I don’t know why, but I wanted to go in there. I needed to know more about Lucino, and the answer might be inside that room.

  I walked in and they followed, shutting the door after they entered. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary: large bookcases, a massive desk, usual stuff.

  “Look around,” I told them, and headed to the desk. My stomach twisted with nerves. A part of me wanted to ignore the sinking feeling in my gut, but I couldn’t.

  “Why are we wasting time in here?” Derrick hissed. “We should be searching for Jeslyn.”

  “Just do it,” I said and Raven hushed Derrick before he could argue with me.

  The desk had a few rolled parchments. I gently unfurled one. Sprawling the page were words written in an unknown script. I put it down and opened one of the drawers. Nice knife. The dagger had a jagged edge. I picked it up, examining the unique curve of the blade. Derrick glared at me. “We don’t have time for this,”

  I needed to find something and quick. A large landscape painting hung crooked on the wall behind the desk. I touched the side, fixing it back into place.

  Click.

  The painting moved down, revealing a map.

  Is that … ?

  It was. It was a map of Tarrtainya and right in the center, a diagram of a red star. Belfur, Thebas, Jehoia, Esdrastas, Thummin, all five lands connected. I pointed to the middle of the star. Reading the name there made me want to puke. Tyre. Whatever he was planning, my home was smack in the middle of it.

  “He’s invading.”

  I heard Derrick say it, but I refused to believe it. “How can you be sure?”

  Derrick’s eyes glazed over the map. “They’re strategic points. If he has control over these lands …” he pointed while he spoke. “… he has control over the trade routes.”

  I rubbed my forehead, trying to take it all in. “Why? Why would he care about the rest of the world? He lives in Daath.”

  Raven tugged on my arm. “We can discuss this later, we need to keep moving.”

  I looked at the map once more, fear and anger colliding in my chest.

  I don’t know what you’re planning, I thought, but I’m going to stop it, no matter what.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Jeslyn

  They’re alive. I can’t believe they’re alive.

  Derrick and Avikar. My heart raced wildly. I sat on the chaise, running the brush through my hair and staring at the door. Tears rolled down my cheeks. I never thought I’d see either of them again. I had accepted this new life. Now, everything has changed, and I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t think Lucino would let me just leave and if he really did try to kill them, he was not the lord I thought he was.

  Knock. Knock.

  “Yes?” I said, continuing to brush my hair.

  “I’ve come to see if you’re feeling well. Reginald said you weren’t.”

  I wiped my face and prayed to The Creator Lucino didn’t notice. If he caught Avikar and Derrick in his home …

  He opened the door and stepped inside. “What’s wrong? Shall I fetch a doctor?”

  In my haste, I’d told Reginald I felt queasy and needed to lie down in order to get him away from the kitchen. “No, I’m feeling better now.”

  Wearing just a plain black shirt and breeches, Lucino glided to me. He placed his hand on my forehead. “You feel very warm.”

  “Oh?”

  His hand slipped to my chest.

  “What are you doing?” I gasped. No man had ever touched me there.

  He ignored my embarrassment. “Your heart beat is out of rhythm.”

  “My what? How do—”

  He ignored me, again, and went to one of the bureaus. “I’m bringing you to Abigail. She’ll see that you’re given the right tonic to fix whatever ails you.” He removed a lilac robe from the bureau and handed it to me. “Put this on, and I’ll take you there.”

  I slipped the robe over my night chemise and fastened
it closed.

  “What were you doing tonight?”

  I focused on the remaining buttons.

  “Jeslyn.” His tone changed, deeper and I was afraid to look at him. Afraid my eyes would give away the truth. “When I left earlier, you had fallen asleep.”

  “I woke and needed water and something to eat. I didn’t want to bother the servants. They deserved a rest after the ball.” He stared at me and my chest tightened.

  I placed my hand on my head. “I think you’re right, Lucino … I don’t feel …” I wobbled and leaned on the top of the chaise, pretending to be ill.

  His hands steadied me, and I rested my hand on his arm. “I don’t think I’ll be able to walk. Maybe I should lie down.”

  “No, I’ll carry you.” He gently lifted me into his arms, holding me as if I weighed no more than a flower.

  I put my arm around his neck and leaned into his chest.

  “Whatever you think is best, my lord.”

  I closed my eyes, praying he didn’t ask any more questions.

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Avikar

  We stayed in the shadows, stalking through the house, searching for Jeslyn’s room. Jericho wasn’t kidding about Raven’s thieving abilities. She moved silent and fast. No locked door could stop her. Every moment I watched her work made me want her more.

  She grabbed the handle on the next door and opened it just as we heard footsteps. Having no time to check the room, we bolted inside. It was a massive bedroom with wood paneling and a large canopy bed. A single lantern sat on a nightstand. The low light illuminated the deep red curtains around the empty bed.

  Voices accompanied the footsteps. A man said, “This is the room.”

  My eyes darted around the room, looking for a place to hide. I grabbed Raven’s hand and pulled her into an enormous wardrobe, while Derrick slid underneath the bed as the doorknob turned. Dresses stuffed the wardrobe, forcing Raven and I together. I strained to listen to the voices outside.

  Images of us being slaughtered or tortured raced through my mind. Why had I let Jeslyn go? I should’ve grabbed her, forced her to come with us. What if we got caught? If anything happened to Derrick or Raven …

  Raven’s arms slid around my waist. She leaned into me. I could feel her heart pounding, just like mine. Two near death experiences in one night could make you mad. I enclosed her in a tight hug. I wanted her to know I’d keep her safe.

  My head rested right above hers, perfectly. I smelled her hair. Honey and oatmeal. How does she always smell so good? It felt right to hold her. Having her close made me calm. I didn’t understand why, but she had this soothing effect on my soul.

  I wanted to see her face. To look into those dark eyes and disappear. I listened to her breathing. Why is she breathing heavily? Suddenly, I felt like an idiot. My stupid hands were intertwined with her long hair, twirling them. My sister twirls her hair. My stomach constricted. Being this close to Raven and not able to do anything but stand here was torture. Between the anticipation of death and the raw emotion Raven sent through me, I thought I would explode. I shifted my weight from one foot to the next. Then I rubbed my palms on the back of her shirt.

  Stupid.

  Wiping my fear-sweat off on her wasn’t the greatest idea I’d had.

  Her hands rubbed my back.

  It could have been a friendly gesture, or something more. I put my hand on the back of her neck, cupping it. She gasped and I threw my free hand over her mouth. Any noise and we’d be a sitting target. Her hot breath beat against my palm. She breathed heavy. I listened for the voices. The room was silent … too silent.

  I lowered my head, removed my hand from her mouth, and whispered in her ear. “I’m going to see if the room’s clear.”

  “Don’t go,” she whispered.

  I tilted her face in my direction. “I have to, unless you want to stay in here all night.”

  Her warm breath blew against my cheek.

  I had to do it.

  I pressed my mouth against hers. Her soft, sweet lips parted and every emotion you could feel concentrated in that one spot. She even tasted like honey. Her arms snaked around my neck. I slid my hands down her sides, until they were below her tiny waist, and lifted her, bringing her closer. I needed to feel her, all of her.

  “What are you two doing?!” Derrick hissed as he swung open the wardrobe doors.

  “Uh …” I had no excuse. I stepped out of the wardrobe, Raven followed.

  “Did you even hear anything?” Derrick glared at me. I expected a wallop in the face.

  “No. I tried, but it was all muffled.”

  “Raven, take us out of here. We’re leaving,” Derrick spun around.

  “Wait,” I grabbed his arm. “What about Jeslyn?” Derrick shook me off. “She’s gone.” What?

  “Raven,” Derrick said, and she stepped forward, taking the lead.

  What does he mean by ‘gone’?

  Chapter Fifty

  Avikar

  Raven took us home a different route. I think she got lost in the tunnels and didn’t want to admit it. I understood. Derrick refused to talk to us, and he glared

  at me the entire trip. We ended at a tunnel near the market. At this time of night, the streets were clear. We walked past a tavern and four men stumbled out.

  “Well, well, look who we have here. Our little friend from the alley.”

  Raven’s brows narrowed at the man who tried to rob her the first day we met. He stood with three drunken fellows, smirking.

  As a sign of peace, Derrick held up his hands. “We don’t want any trouble, just passing through.” The four men circled us.

  “Is this the girl who bested you? She’s awfully pretty,” one man said, licking his lips.

  I stepped in front of Raven, meeting his harden stare. I’d kill all four of them before I let anyone touch her. Judging by their staggered steps, they wouldn’t be hard to beat, either.

  “It’s been a long night and we would greatly appreciate it if we could pass by quietly.” Derrick dug in his pocket and pulled out a coin. “This is for your troubles.” He tossed the coin at one of the drunks who surprisingly caught it.

  “One gold piece, huh? You think that will buy your freedom?”

  “No,” Derrick replied, “but it can at least buy a round of ale.”

  The four looked at each other. The man who caught the coin spoke. “Very well, but next time we see your pretty friend there we might not be so accommodating. My friend has taken a liking to her.

  Better keep her away from those alleys.”

  The man’s friend gawked at Raven. “I can’t wait,” he sneered.

  Raven spit at him, and I shoved her behind me before she launched a dagger into his throat.

  “You put one hand on her and I’ll cut if off,” I said.

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  We glared each other. I itched for a fight, but it never escalated.

  Derrick steered us away while the drunks shuffled into the tavern.

  When we reached Jericho’s, Derrick veered off to the right.

  “Where are you going?” I called after him.

  He ignored me and kept walking.

  “Go on back to Jericho’s. I’ll go see what’s bothering him.”

  “Okay, be careful,” Raven said.

  I ran after Derrick. Luckily, he was a slow walker. I stepped in pace with him, debating if I should start the conversation.

  Pushing the hair off my face, I took a breath and said, “What happened in there? Where’s Jeslyn?”

  Derrick spun around to face me, his face a cross between anger and hurt. “What’s the matter with you?”

  “Me? What did I do?”

  “How can you even ask that question? Are you that dumb?” Derrick paced bac
k and forth. “It’s always the same with you, over and over. You never think of anyone else but yourself! Especially when it comes to women.”

  I thought back to all the times he referred to, but this was different. “You’re the one who told me to use my charms on her.”

  “To get information, and I don’t think you can discuss much when kissing.”

  I rubbed my forehead. “You misunderstood.”

  “No? What were you doing in that wardrobe before I interrupted?”

  “She started it.”

  Derrick scoffed. “I doubt that. I don’t care what you do with Raven, but do it after we save Jeslyn.” Derrick stood in my face, his nostrils flaring. “Get your act together. If you were paying attention, we could’ve done something. Attacked those men and forced them to tell us where Jeslyn was going.”

  “I’m sorry. You’re right.”

  Derrick walked over to a nearby tree and punched it.

  “You’re going to need that hand if you plan on fighting with it.”

  “She was in my arms. Why didn’t she come with us?”

  I’d been thinking that same thing. “I don’t know.”

  Derrick tapped the tree with his head. “I should’ve grabbed her. When she said no … I … it happened so fast. What’s she thinking?” His voice drifted into silence.

  “We’ll find her. At least we know she’s alive.”

  “What if she doesn’t want to leave?”

  I put a hand on his shoulder. “Of course she wants to come home. Derrick, she was kidnapped.”

  His hands gripped the tree, and he shook his head. “I can’t compete with wealth.”

  Hearing the defeat in his voice vexed me. “Are you forgetting the fact Lucino isn’t HUMAN?”

  Derrick pushed off the tree and rubbed his bloody knuckles. “You’re right, and I doubt he revealed his true self to her.”

  “Do you know where they took her?”

  He stood straighter. “Yes.”