In the next second, Chaz reappeared at my side. “I couldn’t find anyone. I think they left. There were fresh tracks about fifty yards into the woods.” He pointed out the window toward the trees.
“Stride to the palace, Chaz,” I instructed him. “Get a unit of the Royal Guard and have them sweep the sector. Make sure a couple of them are stationed here and other heavily populated areas in the village.”
“What do you want us to do if we find the shooter?”
“Detain them. We can question them at the palace later.”
He nodded and vanished once more. Turning to the rest of the bar, I cleared my voice and called for their attention. Slowly, the shouts died down, replaced with murmurings as I dropped my burgundy hood so they were able to see my face. A hush fell over the crowd. Many of them probably recognized me from my time with the Sentinels, before they knew me as Empress Aris. I’d worked hard to gain their trust. Their loyalty. We were one people, fighting for one cause, hoping for one future.
“I understand many of you are frightened,” I started. “But the shooter is no longer a threat. One of my guards has ensured the immediate area is clear of any danger. We have more soldiers coming to watch over the sector tonight. If you will all please stay here until guards come to do a final search and help you get home safely, I’m sure our friends here will make you comfortable.” I motioned to the pair of bartenders behind the bar. “Anything they want is on me. I’ll cover all expenses and any trouble this may cause.”
Dozens of eyes searched mine, and faces began to slacken in relief. I locked gazes with a young woman in front of me and gave her an encouraging smile. “Nobody has been harmed. I promise, we’ll find whoever?—”
Time stopped.
My nose twitched. I heard the faint rustle of dried grass, the quiet kiss of steel slicing through air. But I wasn’t fast enough.
Another arrow came racing through the window.
The young woman before me furrowed her brow and turned her head.
The arrow planted itself in her throat.
“No!” I screamed, launching myself at her.
The entire bar erupted. Blood gurgled from her neck as her body convulsed and fell to the floor. I hastily scooped her into my arms. Her eyes flickered shut, and unintelligible garbles left her mouth.
My chest heaved. It was too late. I watched, helpless, as her chest rose once more and then sagged. Her eyelids fell shut. Blood trickled out of the corner of her mouth, mixing with what already coated her neck and chest.
That arrow was meant forme, and this innocent woman suffered the consequences. Sorrow and rage and regret ripped through me and crashed beneath my skin. She was one ofmine. One of my people. I was supposed to keep her safe. I was supposed to provide a better life.
I didn’t realize I was crying until a tear dropped onto her cheek. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered, body shaking as I wiped a blood-soaked hand across my face.
I gently set her down and rose to my feet. My limbs continued to tremble, but not out of grief.
In that moment, I was pure vengeance.
Lark’s features were ashen as she tried to grab my forearm. “Rissa, wemustleave. It’s too dangerous for?—”
I tore from her grasp, a snarl building in my throat. My teeth sharpened, and my claws extended. “I’m going after them.”
“What? Absolutely not. That is the worst possible?—”
“Get out of my way, Lark,” I said with a growl as I hurled myself toward the window and shifted, glass shattering beneath my paws.
I exploded into the night. Warm air whipped at my fur. Bolting into the thicket of trees outside the bar, I instantly smelled someone. Salty sweat mixed with a hint of steel and moss. But then, the scent changed. From human to…other.
A Shifter.
I let out a raspy bark as I followed the scent. They were moving quickly to the south. Grass and twigs crunched under my paws as I flexed my legs and put on a burst of speed. With the villagesand nightlife fading behind me, the trees thickened, and the scent of the oncoming shoreline slammed into my senses. They were heading to the water.
I pushed myself faster, muscles straining and groaning with exertion. I was getting closer. I couldfeelit. Just a little farther?—
There. I caught sight of a tan tail flailing through the underbrush, maybe thirty yards away. They must have sensed me gaining on them. When it turned its cat-like body, bright yellow eyes met mine for a breath before it launched himself up the closest tree.
A cougar Shifter. Male, by the looks of it, and not a particularly large one. No wonder Chaz found his tracks but wasn’t able to see signs of him still at the bar—he’d probably climbed up a tree to hide.
Two could play that game.
