We will get her back. Or we will die trying.
13
ZADYN
“This will keep us linked,” Mar explains, taking a dagger and slicing a clean line across her palm. She squeezes a few cobalt drops into one of the six interlocking circles she’s drawn in the sand.
“We’ll be able to communicate at all times as long as the connection remains intact. I will serve as the anchor.”
She passes me the dagger. I barely feel the slice as my blood fills in the circle at my feet. We go down the line until five red circles and one blue enclose the star etched in the center.
Mar’s eyes close, and our blood begins to bubble with life. Almost instantly, I feel a channel open up in my mind.
Can you hear me?Her voice is clear and bright in my head.
Yes, we echo as one.
I can hear all of them.
Loryn carefully uncovers the celmilline and turns to Ilayna. She shivers in the early morning breeze, holding herself.
“Keep it on you at all times,” he says. “Once you’re inside, you take hold of this and imagine the wards easing down. Understand? The rest I will take care of.”
She nods dutifully, taking it from him. “I understand. I have to get back. The carriage is picking us up at noon.”
“Go. Be safe,” I tell her before she disappears through the tall, wild palms.
“How will we know the wards are down?” Jace asks Loryn, adding another dagger to the collection strapped around his hip.
“I’ll be able to tell. On my signal, you go.”
“Loryn, thank you.” I pull the pouch of gold coins from my pocket and press it into his palm. There’s enough there to pay for the celmilline and a fresh start.
“I am forever in your debt. Once the wards are down, take that boat, and don’t stop until you hit Tir. Gods be with you.”
“Good luck.” He takes the pouch and casts a wistful look down the beach at the tiny rowboat and supplies we secured for him.
“We ready?” I ask, turning back to the group.
Dover leans down to kiss Mar. Her gray eyes peer up into his, pregnant with emotion. “Come back to me. In one piece, please.”
“I always will.” He gives her a reassuring smile as he backs away.
And with that, Dover, Jace, and I start toward the castle. Armed to the teeth and ready for the bloody battle that awaits us.
We waitin the brush lining the pebbled drive, listening for the sound of horses. Finally, the rattle of squeaking wheels interrupts the unbearable quiet, and the carriage carrying twelve courtesans, including Ilayna drives by.
Wards are down,Loryn says.
Showtime, boys,Dover replies.
We lurch forward as one, dashing for the carriage before it disappears through the glittering gates now visible to us for the first time. Jace latches onto the back and pulls himself upward, extending his hand for Dover while I shift into a falcon.
We’re in, I confirm for Mar and Loryn as the gates close behind us.
Let the fun begin. ?*
The wedding guestshave already arrived. Empty carriages line the perimeter of the massive courtyard, filling in the gaps between fluted pillars.
