“Kade’s been taken, and we don’t know what happened. I am…” I stumbled and leaned forward on the edge of the bed. “Freaking out.” Ian snapped forward, lunging across the bed to take my hand in his as I stared between the two of them. “Get dressed, we’re meeting in the library in ten minutes to come up with a plan.”
Ian and Raya gave each other a look, and I stood there waiting for them to move, becoming frustrated when they didn’t immediately get out of bed.
“What are you waiting for?” I shouted, throwing my hands in the air.
“We’re coming, Lan. Don’t worry,” Ian assured me. He pulled the covers off, wrapping himself in another bedsheet before coming to my side. He gripped my shoulder. “Take a deep breath.”
I obeyed, not bothering to hide my trembling.
“Again,” he said calmly. His eyes flicked over to Raya, who I saw rise and move toward her clothes in my periphery.
“We’ll figure this out,” he said sternly, as if he had no doubts. “We’re right behind you.”
I nodded. While my body relaxed slightly, this disaster still had to be dealt with immediately, and I turned, fleeing the walls of the room. I had to do something. I couldn’t stand still. “Staywith them and meet me in the library,” I called over my shoulder to Storm, who couldn’t quite figure out where to go.
I turned down the hall and made my way to Kalliah’s room. I prayed she was there and not in Leif’s chambers, because it would take too many precious minutes to get to the other wing of the castle where the rest of the staff were housed. It was time I didn’t have to waste. Nothing was more important than finding Kade and returning him to my side.
I struggled to possess the cool, calm demeanor and confidence Ian always had in times of trouble. My thoughts spiraled as I hurried down the hall. I could only presume Thames was behind this disappearance, and all I could think about was Kade in that monster’s grasp. The darkness Thames forced into him, or stirred in him, taking over against Kade’s will. His black eyes and haunting laugh swallowing him before my light could bring him back.
My heart stuttered and I rubbed my chest. The moment I thought he was safe, he was ripped from my arms once more. How many times would I have to endure this feeling?
Shaking my head, I steeled my nerves and continued down the silent halls. The tattoo on my back ached from the rawness of the skin, but it was a pain I would gladly endure. It anchored me to the present when my heart threatened to run to Mysthaven, no matter the consequence.
I decided there would be another tattoo joining this one soon enough. When Thames was dead, it would be forever marked on my body as a reminder never to let evil take over our lands again.
To treasure the bonds we hold dearest.
A reminder that I would destroy anyone who threatened those I loved—especially my mate.
The back staircase used by the palace staff twisted and turned but eventually popped me out three doors down from Kalliah’s room. I twisted the handle and shoved my body into thedoor but bounced back. Jiggling the handle, I tried once more. The door didn’t budge; it was locked. Unusual for Kalliah.
I pounded on the wooden frame. “Kalliah,” I shouted. “Leif, open up.” When no one answered, I knocked harder, more insistent. “Come on, this is serious. Open the door.”
I heard heavy footsteps thudding toward me, which were clearly not Kalliah’s. The door creaked open and Jax peeked his head through the slim opening.
“Yes, Lana?” He smirked, standing shirtless before me. “You needed something?”
I was momentarily speechless, unprepared to find Jax here and in this state of dress, but it didn’t matter. I blinked rapidly, shaking my head. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on in there, but Kade’s gone. I need you all.”
Jax’s face fell. “What?”
“Get Kalliah and Leif and meet us in the library in ten minutes.” I turned to walk away and stopped. “Or sooner.” I paused, closing my eyes. “Please.”
“What do you mean, ‘gone’?” His normal bravado completely vanished.
“Gone.” I flared my hands at him. “Poof, disappeared.”
If I had to explain myself any further right now, I may actually combust. My light flowed inside of me, heating my hands and causing the force to gather in my chest as if searching for a way out.
We will find them and destroy the one who hurt them.
I held my breath, mentally pushing down my light magic to a more manageable corner for now. Going back to being erratic wouldn’t help any of us.
Jax’s eyes widened, taking in my struggle. “Say no more, we’re on our way.” He turned and yelled into the room. “Kalliah! Leif! Grab me a shirt and meet us in the library.”
Jax followed me down the hall, not waiting for Kalliah and Leif or his shirt, even though we both heard them immediately scramble inside the bedroom. I gave Jax a side-eye and stifled a smirk, latching on to a respite of distraction now that we were moving toward doing something again. He shrugged in response to my silent query before a devilish grin escaped that he couldn’t hide.
Ten minutes later, with everyone finally clothed, we all assembled in the library. This was my father’s personal library and study. He came here often to think and reflect on whatever troubled him. Growing up, if he had some sort of life lesson to teach me, he would bring me here. I ran my hands over the section of the bookshelf he’d deemed mine. It housed some of my favorites, but it was also where he’d leave books he wanted me to read. I swallowed down the fresh grief rolling through me. I missed him so damn much.
