Rolling over, I wince as the two knives on my thigh dig awkwardly into my leg. This isn’t working. The tea may have relaxed me, but I can’t get comfortable. Maxon's absence had left a void, a longing for his strong arms to envelop me in their embrace.
Climbing from the bed as quietly as I can, I tiptoe toward the secret passage, doing my best not to disturb either the wolves or Kian. Without looking back, I hold my breath as I press the small stone button on the wall. The door slides open and I make my way toward Maxon’s room in the dark. The only sound to be heard is my breathing and the soft click of my boot onthe stone floor. My fingers trace the wall as I walk, the stone smooth and cool beneath my hand. I find the lever in the dark and pull. The moment the door slides open, I'm greeted by Maxon's unmistakable scent.
For the first time since he left yesterday, I feel at peace. Without bothering to remove my boots, I crawl onto the bed and collapse. The softness of the bed cushions me, providing a comfort I've been seeking. Within seconds, my eyelids grow heavy, weighed down by the fatigue that has accumulated throughout the previous day. The gentle rhythm of my breath matches the peaceful silence in the room. I feel the outside world slowly fading away as my body sinks deeper into relaxation. Thoughts and worries dissolve into the abyss of my subconscious, replaced by a blissful stillness. I pull the blanket up to my chin, the warmth of it adding to the sense of comfort, lulling me further into a state of blissful surrender. Tendrils of sleep wrap around my mind, gently pulling me toward its realm. The world around me becomes distant and blurry as my consciousness drifts away, succumbing to the irresistible pull of slumber.
‘Come to me . . . ’
With a jolt, I wake to find myself standing amidst the dense, eerie darkness of the forest, where shadows dance and whisper. Slowly, I pivot. The unsettling silence is broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. An icy shiver runs down my spine, my heart pounding in my chest, as I realize I am still clad in the same clothes I fell asleep in—a chilling confirmation that I am trapped in a nightmarish realm.
‘Come to me, Everly . . . '
The piercing glow of those red eyes, haunting me since my first night in these woods, flicker and shift around me.
“Everly!” a familiar voice yells from somewhere far away.
The voice sounds so real.
I watch the horrible black beast approach, its ruby red eyes glowing in the darkness, its hot breath misting in front of it. I tremble in fear, the blood freezing in my veins.
‘Everly . . . ’the voice sings followed by a chuckle.
“Everly, wake up!”
I shoot up in bed, my eyes scanning the room frantically. Maxon’s room. Tristan and Kian are standing over me, concern lining their faces. The room is darker than normal, vines covering the windows and doors to the balcony. One vine trembles as it snakes over the sheets toward me, wrapping around my wrist as if to soothe me.
“I’m okay,” I mumble, trying to adjust to being woken so suddenly. Though I’m glad I’m not facing that hellish beast again. “It was just a nightmare.”
My voice wavers slightly, and I repeat it again, not sure if I’m trying to convince them or me. Kian and Tristan exchange worried glances.
I scrub my hands over my face, causing the vines that have wrapped around my wrist to loosen their grip. As the tingling sensation of magic slowly fades away, a sense of relief washes over me. The emerald green leaves that have entangled the balcony within their thorny embrace now begin to recede. Reflecting on the experience, I realize how terrifying that dream was. My heart is pounding so hard in my chest, it seems like it’s about to burst free. The lingering fear has engraved itself into my mind, sending shivers down my spine. It feels as though the nightmare has seeped into reality, leaving me feeling utterly vulnerable and on edge.
“I spoke to the queen last night, and she is currently questioning Madeline. We will know soon enough if she is the traitor,” Tristan’s voice breaks through my inner thoughts.
I swing my legs from the bed and stand. I have an overwhelming desire to be there, to lock eyes with her and see it for myself. The countless years of being mistreated and bullied in foster care left a lasting impact. I have finally reached a point where I refuse to let anyone think they can treat others badly without facing the repercussions.
“Then let’s go.”
With each step I take toward the door, my footsteps resonate with a resounding echo, a declaration of my unwavering commitment to dealing with the traitor. The world around me fades into insignificance as my focus sharpens, honing in on the task at hand. Nothing else matters now except finding the one responsible for Maxon’s betrayal.
Before I can reach the door, sounds erupt in the halls, and some screams. I halt and suddenly Kian and Tristan grab me, dragging me to the door, both drawing their swords.
The piercing screams resonate through the hall, causing a surge of adrenaline as I try to free myself.
“We have to help!” I yell.
Kian's eyes dart between me and Tristan, and a silent understanding passes between them. A sense of unease hangs in the air, making it hard to breathe.
“Your safety comes first,” Tristan argues.
Shock has my mouth dropping open in protest. “No. We need to see what’s happening.”
“We will go. You stay here.”
“What? No. I can help.”
“We are wasting time!” Kian snaps his eyes darting toward the door.
“You will wait here.” Tristan growls a second before Kian lifts me.
