“Where is Nix?”
With a shrug, I drop my arms, brushing past him to continue walking. I don't know the way back to my room, but I can't endure his stare any longer.
“I’m here!” Nix calls as she flies around the corner in front of me, leaving a shimmering trail of fairy dust behind her.
“Where have you been?” Maxon demands, pinning her with a fierce look.
“Zaria told me to go rest.”
Maxon throws his hands in the air as he stops beside me. “You were supposed to be watching her.”
“Well, I didn’t think she’d be stupid enough to leave the safety of her room after almost ending up in the dungeons only a few hours ago.”
“Well, you thought wrong!” Maxon snaps at her.
“Hey! I’m right here, you know!”
They both look at me in confusion.
“Yes, we know,” Maxon replies.
My eyes narrow, and I let out a huff of annoyance, making my way toward the stairs.
“You’re going the wrong way!” Maxon calls out when I go to turn left.
A low growl slips past my lips, and I spin going the other way. Wisely Maxon remains quiet as we climb the stairs in silence, but as we reach the top, two soldiers materialize in front of us, blocking our way. Shock and surprise are evident on their faces as they both look at me and then at Maxon.
“How–” one guard says in disbelief. His lavender eyes are wide as he stares at me. They have a pinkish tint to them, making them look like a blooming flower in spring. He runs a hand through his blonde hair, looking adorably confused.
The other guard's initial look of surprise quickly turns to one of displeasure, his eyes a shade darker and flashing with anger.
“How did you get out?” he glowered.
Maxon steps in front of me. “I will discuss this with you after I’ve spoken to Everly.” Maxon moves past them, and I quietly follow, mouthing sorry to both of them. The blonde guard gives me a small smile, but the other remains aloof as he watches me.
Maxon opens my door then waits for me and Nix to pass before stepping inside and shutting the door. As the silence stretches on, I finally turn to face Maxon, searching for any sign of what he’s thinking.
“So, care to explain how you were able to slip past the guards? Because I can assure you they are two of my best.” Maxon folds his arms over his chest and leans back against the door. Despite the room's enormity, his commanding presence makes it feel small. Dressed in his black breeches, boots, and black shirt, even with his cape and leather cuffs gone, he still looks fierceand deadly.
I pause for a moment, considering my options. Even though I wanted to lie, I knew they would eventually discover the truth. Without a word, I turn and walk over to the dresser, pressing the small button ingrained into the wood. The sound of the wall parting fills the chamber, and my hidden passage appears.
“What the fuck?!” Despite her small size, Nix's voice echoes through the room.
I bite my lip as I turn around, my fingers twisting in the tulle of my skirt. “I went through here.”
Maxon pushes off the door with a scowl, his footsteps heavy as he stalks over and brushes past me into the dimly lit passage.
Nix flies across the room and lands on the dresser. “I thought only the royal chambers had tunnels and escape passages.”
“They do,” Maxon rumbles, walking back into the room and pressing the button, sealing the door shut once again.
His eyes meet mine, and I feel a hitch in my chest. Why does he have to look at me like that? It makes it impossible for me to look away.
“Get whatever you need, you’re moving rooms.”
The rasp of his voice causes a wave of goosebumps to break out over my skin. “What? Why?”
Maxon stares at me with a strange expression, like he isn’t sure if I’m being serious or not. “If you can get out, it means others can get in.”
