“Raelys!” I hear someone call out for me.
Turning, I waver, tripping over myself as the world spins. I hit the wall, my knees buckling under the weight as my head hits the stone with a thump. My blood makes thick streaks against the stone as I fight to remain standing. A groan leaves my lips as I force air into my lungs. I can’t faint—not now; there is too much at stake.
It’s Sebastian who darts in front of me, his body shielding mine as his blade meets Nikolas’, launching into intense combat. Blood rushes down Nikolas’ face, a hollow socket the only remnant of his left eye. There are flashes of steel as the two clash in a battle of wills.
The mark on my arm burns with a sharp, searing pain. It’s the same pain I felt when I tried to do something deceitful. Only this time, I am not betraying Casimir. I quickly yank my sleeve up to look. A diagonal slash cuts across the mark, the edges looking fractured. The silver lines slowly wither like broken vines.
Something is wrong.
I am compelled to rush back to Casimir, but someone steps in my path. I look up to meet a pair of brilliant green eyes. Sebastian’s hands grasp my shoulders to stop me.
“What happened?” Sebastian takes in my state. “Are you all right?”
My fingers close around the edge of his armor as I try to steady myself, my body wavering. Glancing over his shoulder, Isee Nikolas face down on the ground, lifeless. Sebastian saved my life. If he did not find me, it would have meant my end.
“I-I don’t understand…” I struggle to speak. “The rebellion?—”
“I lead the rebellion, Raelys.” Sebastian cups my face gently in his hand. “Come, let’s get you out of here.”
I poisoned the wrong man.
How did I not see? There is no one rooting for Casimir’s downfall more than Gottfried, and Sebastian is his most prominent loyalist. In my quest to gain my freedom, I’ve walked into a larger cage—trapped again.
“No!” I pull away. “Your soldiers tried to capture me.”
My entire body wavers, and I struggle to stay standing, clinging to the last threads of strength in my limbs. Every movement feels heavier than the previous, haze forming in my vision. Sebastian’s grip is the only thing keeping me upright, anchoring me to the ground.
“It’s for your protection.” A tick forms in Sebastian’s jaw as he tightens his grip. “You’ll be much happier in Rykaris, Raelys?—”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I demand.
“We did not trust one another yet,” Sebastian explains. “That’s why I’m telling you now. Wemustgo.”
“Where’s Wrath?” I ask between pained breaths as I fight the darkness that threatens to consume me.
“He’s dead.”
My heart breaks in two.
“You’re lying!” I look down at the mark on my arm.
It’s still there, but faint and lifeless—a pit forms in my gut. He can’t be dead. I saw him moments ago. Felt his lips against mine moments ago. I refuse to believe it. Horror and dread lace my every muscle as I shove him away.
“Don’t fight me.” Sebastian reaches down, scooping me upin his arms and tossing me over his shoulder. “You’re losing too much blood. I must get you to a healer.”
“Stop!” I scream.
“You’ll thank me later.” Sebastian moves. “Fall back!” he commands to his men.
“Let me go!” I thrash, but the world spins, weakening my resolve.
Sebastian descends the front steps of the castle and makes a sharp turn to the left, heading for the trees. Several rebel soldiers flank us on either side, and I see Hans, Lucio, and Gavriel as they guide us into the forest. We rush through the thick brush and into the snow-covered bushes, the sound of hurried footsteps and labored breaths filling my ears. The world around me fades quickly as we reach a nearby clearing, and I don’t know how much longer I have left before I faint.
My feet suddenly hit the ground. I stumble, head spinning as I gasp for breath that won’t come. The sensation of heavy weight presses down on my chest. Confusion floods me, my vision blurring with every frantic turn of my head as I try to run the other way.
“Raelys.” Sebastian’s voice reaches my ears as he rides towards me. He reaches down, yanking me onto the saddle and pulling me flush against him.
“Commander,” Gavriel says, circling us on his horse. “You go. I’ll gather what's left.”
