Bookshelves cover one wall. Beside the tiny window, a ledger rests upon a small desk, along with mage ink, plus a vial containing mage power used to mix into wax seals. The powder enchants the letter so it can fly as a bird does across the lands.
I lick my lips. “Explain.” I block the door. This is a pinch-me moment. I am ordering Vice Admiral Adrian Airendale. Tristen won’t believe this!
“I can’t.” He rubs his temple. “All I can tell you is Everett warned me something was coming, and I presume this is it.”
“The girl or the Shade?”
“Both, one or the other, I do not know.” He hunches over his desk. “She was human, Titus. I smelt her.”
“She had fangs.” I pause. “We need to figure out what she was.” I rub my jaw.
Adrian shakes his head. “You have a queen to guard. Let me dig into this matter.”
Selene.Thump!My palms sweat. The need to see Selene floods my mind, consuming me.
“The tides are changing; only seasoned fishers know how to read the waters, Titus. Galen hasn’t sensed it, but he will, and when he does, be prepared.”
“How do I do that?” I grate out.
“Follow Everett’s orders.” He looks at the door. “You should go. Galen will arrive soon to continue his bitch-fest.”
“Where do the Shades originate?” I inquire.
“There is no set place. I hear whispers of their sightings all over the land.”
I glance at his mage ink. “I have family stationed near Lunestra,” I admit.“Is this why Galen sent half the army there?” I cautiously step forward.
Are my sister and brothers about to face an unknown enemy?
I look at the mage ink again. I can steal some and warn them.
“He sent his army there for another reason.”
“What reason?” I come to stand in front of his desk.
“I can’t tell you that. I will admit that I acknowledge I know those you consider family. I made sure they were sent to Lunestra.”
My bones feel hollow. My family is my biggest weakness. “Why?” I rasp.
“Because the last thing you need is more leverage within this castle for Sable or Galen to use against you. Keep Tristen in your sights. You need to go. Go! Let me handle this.” Adrian grunts, stands, and walks to the door.
My lungs release a hiss before I turn.
“And drink some blood.” Adrian’s order is full of concern. “Never leave yourself vulnerable within these walls.”
I have no choice but to tell Tristen and Selene as soon as I arrive for guard duty. It delays Selene’s scheduled training, so in order not to arouse suspicion, she tells her maid she’s still hungry. The new plate of eggs and pancakes sits untouched as she paces her room.
Her palm presses into her stomach. “My brother knew Adrian,” she whispers. She feels betrayed. Again. It fractures trust, which we need to have in Everett.
I step in her path. Her hips feather over mine. She has the willpower to step back.
I don’t. I want to grab her, to shield her from this additional pain.
“I’m sorry.” Looking upon her is like staring at a star—all fire and blinding light, a fighting force trying so desperately to keep everyone at a distance, yet it does the opposite. It draws attention.
“Stop. Apologizing.” She glares at me through hooded eyes. That wicked, sharp tongue makes me want to punish it with mine. Instead of yelling, I want to coax it into my mouth and show it what love can feel like.
“I’m comforting you,” I snap, stepping closer. Too close. Our hips touch once more, like two docked ships recklessly close to sinking one another.
