It was Myrin’s expression that fascinated me the most, however. The concern for me faded, and in its place, pride shone in her gaze. She smiled, nodding in approval.
“I’m proud of you, Kyella. You have the best instructors at your side, and I am always here to help in any way I can.”
Hearing that she was proud of me healed a part of me that I didn’t realize hurt still. Perhaps it was leftover from growing up without my mother and losing the rest of my family. But to hear those words? Emotion clogged my throat quickly.
I’d thought of Myrin and her strength while being held captive. It had given me strength while I was tortured, and the happiness I felt at her pride in me was unparalleled.
Before I could respond, soft clicks floated through the air in the seconds before Barnabus flew through the open balcony doors and landed on her shoulder. Nuzzling into the side of her face, Myrin reached up to stroke his head.
The sight brought back the million questions that swirled around in my head about how the bats had saved me. About how it was even possible that such large creatures existed.
“Myrin, how was I saved back there?”
She smiled with soft amusement and answered cryptically, “It’s the work of the gods. They work in mysterious ways.”
I didn’t quite believe her, not with how integrated she seemed to be with the situation. However, if she wasn’t willing to share, I wouldn’t push. I was grateful no matter how it came to pass.
“We need to get her blood and a bath,” Dakath murmured, brushing his fingers over the back of my hand.
I barely swallowed a moan at the thought. That sounded absolutely divine.
“Yes,” Myrin agreed, before pivoting the conversation abruptly, “but I have to ask a few questions before you leave, Kyella.”
My stomach sank, but I nodded in understanding and waited for her to begin.
She was the Empress of these lands, and with that came the responsibility of knowing what was happening within it. I would help as much as I could, but I wasn’t sure how useful I would be.
“Did Malakai’s men say how they managed to breach our security?”
Taking in a deep breath, I thought back to every word they said. “No. Two out of the three vampyres who seemed to be in charge on the ship captured me in the hallway as I was on my way to Tristan’s—” I broke off, horror dawning on me that I had forgotten about him until this moment. “Tristan! Tristan was hit with a dagger!”
“Shhh,” Elijah soothed me, turning and grabbing my chin as I began to blabber about the vampyres telling me he was dead. “He is fine. He is the one who alerted us that they took you, and then he was immediately taken to medical. He’ll heal up in no time if he hasn’t already.”
My shoulders sagged with relief. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep at night, or look his family in the eyes ever again, if he had been killed because of me.
“Do you feel up to continuing?” Myrin asked gently as Elijah removed his hand from my chin and dropped it to my side, entwining our hands together.
“Yes,” I responded, taking a deep, calming breath to ground myself and focus. “They said it was difficult to find me alone, but I couldn’t say how long they had been here or waiting. If I had to guess, though, I would think they had at least some help from within.”
I took a deep breath, squeezing Elijah’s hand before continuing, “They seemed like they were completely in the dark about these lands.” My throat tightened around the words I knew needed to come next, and I forced myself to swallow before adding, “They tortured me to try to get information about the empire. They were very interested in the size of the population and how large your army is.”
Dakath and Elijah’s grip on my hands tightened at my words, and when I glanced in his direction, I could see that Kolvar physically vibrated in the seat across from us. I knew it would be hard for them to hear what happened, but I couldn’t—I wouldn’t—hide it from them or myself. It was a fact, and I wouldn’t pretend it didn’t happen. I survived, and I was damn proud of that.
Pushing on, I continued, “Malakai ordered them to not return until they had information to use in the war against us. He didn’t care what they did to me in order to obtain it. He didn’t want them to immediately return to their empire, in case I provided information that could be used in the moment.”
“Fucking bastard,” Dakath ground out. “I’ll rip his head from his body.”
My sentiments exactly.
“I would never fault you for giving them information in order to protect yourself,” Myrin began, but I cut her off.
“The only answer I had for him after each question was tofuck off.They didn’t get an ounce of information from me, and they’re likely dead at the bottom of the ocean or in the belly of a sea monster now.”
With that, she nodded and pushed to stand up. “Please take as much time to rest and heal as you need, and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.”
The adrenaline that had been surging through me, keeping me going throughout this horrid day, was suddenly gone. Fatigue crashed through me at the same time that my throat began scratching with hunger. I needed to feed badly. My body had been through so much and healed a tremendous amount of wounds. It was a wonder that I hadn’t collapsed yet.
With a nod of acknowledgement, I stood and took a step to leave before faltering. Indecision plagued my gut, but I decided to do what felt right. Quickly moving to stand before her, I threw my arms around her, hugging her close as I whispered, “Thank you for whatever you did.”
