Nodding, Branwyn already started back up the stairs, smoothing back her hair.
“You two,” he ordered, “Closet, now.”
Auriel helped me to my feet, and we rushed into a tiny closet in the back of the basement. I was pressed against the wall when Auriel slammed the door behind him, enclosing us in total darkness.
The door at the top of the stairs slammed shut, a bolt locking into place, and then I heard the creak of the front door opening.
“Turion Kevel,” Sean said, his voice carrying through the house.
The air was warm and still inside the small closet. My head started to swim. I tilted my head back, my breathing labored and erratic. It was becoming more difficult. Everything was becoming more difficult.
“Lyriana?” Auriel whispered. There was a rustling sound, and movement near me that I couldn’t see.
“You were called to the city, Soturion Sean. I expected your wife, not you. Didn’t you receive your orders?” the turion spat.
“I was on morning patrol when the orders came through. Lost a sword to the river. Came back for a replacement. I’m on my way to rejoin my unit as we speak.”
Auriel’s arm wrapped around my waist, and I leaned into him, letting him take on most of my body weight. “I feel faint,” I whispered.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you. Is it your arm?” he asked.
I shook my head.
Footsteps sounded above us.
“We’ve had conflicting reports of Lyriana. She’s apparently capable of appearing on every end of Urtavia, north, south, east, west at once. Ridiculous. Unless she’s vorakh like her dead forsworn lover?—”
I stopped breathing. Auriel tightened his hold on me.
“I doubt that,” Sean said, his voice tense. “Last I’d heard, her seraphim was spotted in the woods. Quite a way from here. And she’s … well, not exactly one to move quickly. She’s the powerless one, right?”
“Not anymore it seems. She took out the Blade with her own hand, massacred a dozen of our men last night in Numeria.”
“Did she now?” Sean said, the surprise in his voice real. “Well either way, I would like to return to the field and find her. Before I go, is there something I can help you with?”
“Not unless it involves you returning to your post immediately,” he yelled. “Your beautiful wife can walk me through the house.”
My throat tightened, a nervous gasp escaped my lips. Auriel kept one hand on my waist, but the other he pressed against my mouth, stifling the sound of my breathing.
“If you don’t mind, since I’m here,” Sean said coolly, “I’ll walk you myself. I’d rather my wife not be alone here with you.”
More heavy footsteps pounded on the ceiling, like the turion was walking in circles.
“This is protocol, soturion. I don’t like what you’re insinuating. Or your insubordination. If you’re not out the door in the next ten seconds, you’ll be at the pole tonight.”
“Turion,” Sean said. “We’re not hiding anyone or anything here. If you wish to search the house, you may, but I’m going to insist on being present.”
“That’s three lashes, Soturion Sean,” barked the turion. “We could have completed the search by now if you’d shut up.”
“I’ll accept my punishment,” Sean said. “Gladly.”
The boots continued to stomp, moving across the room, closer and closer to the kitchen. To the door to the basement. A pair of steps and a door between us. We were in a closet— but that was it. All the turion would have to do is open the door and we were caught. And then Branwyn and Sean would be arrested. And …
The basement door shook. “Why the fuck is the door locked?” barked the turion.
“I’m so sorry about that,” Branwyn said quickly. “There were some small rodents coming inside—I locked the door to keep them out. But I can unlock that for you if you like— though, honestly, the door has been getting a bit stuck with this humidity.”
“Unlock it,” he ordered.
