“This is the worst idea ever.”
I tapped my nose. “Or—hear me out—is it the best?”
“You’ve been around Tessa and Arowyntoo long.”
“That’s neither here nor there. Are you in, or are you going to make us miss this once-in-a-thousand chance?”
He met my gaze. His eyes searched mine, hesitant and worried, and the column of his throat moved as he swallowed.
“Come on, Everett,” I said softly, all humor and frustration forgotten. “Those could be new prisoners they’re carrying. Don’t you want to help them?”
He inhaled slowly, and on his exhale, he nodded. “Alright. Send the message to Nox, and I’ll illusion you long enough for you to get into the forest. Wait for him and Kieran before you go running off.”
“Yes, yes, I know.”Not a chance. “We have to hurry. Is your illusion ready?”
He rolled his neck along his shoulders, causing his necklaces to rub together. “This is a bad idea. Alright, you’re clear. Go.”
I shot him a grin, threw open the carriage door, and jumped down. I made my way to the copse of trees bordering Scarven’s property as the carriage rolled away.
I didn’t lie to Everett—I planned on telling Nox and Kieran what I was doing. I just needed to wait until it was too late for them to make me turn back.
Staying within the shadows of the trees, I loosened my shoulders and took a few deep breaths. I’d never tried to shadow whisper over such a large area. I wasn’t even sure where to focus my attention—for all I knew, the Hollow could be miles away. But I didn’t think Scarven would leave in the middle of the night to go “sort through” this new arrival if it wasn’t close by.
I pulled the hood of my cloak up to block the cold wind. The night was quiet, save for the sounds of insects coming to life in the trees and the breeze rustling through leaves. I closed my eyes and let my shadows come to life. They billowed across my skin, their form expanding and contracting with my breaths.
Find Scarven, I urged them. Just the sound of his name made them coil into a tighter ball. They seemed to share my aversion to the man. But, little by little, myshadows flitted away from me, curling across the dark grounds and searching out other shadows to latch on to.
It was hard to describe what this magic felt like. They were a part of me, even when they were detached like this. I could stillfeelthem moving in my mind. Like something brushing or scratching against my thoughts. Soon, other sounds began to reach me.
Hooves stepping on straw. Hard bars of soap rubbing against a washboard. Metal creaking and footsteps pacing stone. Hints of the late-night servants and manor guards going about their jobs, all echoing back to me.
And in the distance was that sound again, the same one I’d heard in the hallway with the paintings—rattling chains, mixed with a mournful wail.
“Get them in here,” a gruff voice said. So quiet, so far away, I thought I’d imagined it.
I sucked in a breath, willing my shadows to stay steady. I stretched my magic and felt them strain against my hold as if they were going to snap back into me like a bowstring.
The sound of hooves pawing the dirt was suddenly magnified. Several heavy feet plodding on straw, doors swinging on hinges, tails swishing, teeth munching on something.
Horses.
The stables. That was where I was hearing all this come from. The Hollow must be near the stables.
I hastily grabbed my parchment and charcoal from my dress and scribbled out a message.
Found the entrance to the Hollow. Meet me at the west stables on Scarven’s property.
A reply burned in my hand almost instantly.
Whatever you’re doing, stop. Kieran and I are coming.
I couldn’t help but grin. So predictable, these Shifters. I jotted one last message before tucking it back in my dress, throwing off my heels, and sprinting through the night.
35
Nox
Too late.
