I gasp.
Cold air rushes from the tunnel, blowing the stray hairs away from my face. A deep, musky scent invades my senses, the smell slightly foul. My curiosity gets the best of me… I take a hesitant step forward and lean in to get a better look. Below my feet lies a small stone staircase leading down into a tunnel. The bottom steps disappear into the darkness below. The deeper I peer, the more my nerves twist up in fear, as if the tunnel is trying to swallow me whole.
Not today.
Stepping out of the entryway, I return to the encyclopedia and pull it again, hoping the passage will close. The mechanism grinds together, and the tunnel closes with a thunk. Breathing a sigh of relief, I allow my shoulders to relax as I step away.
That’s when I hear the faint echo of a voice.
“We have received word that human troops have attacked the border near Ashvarin several times. Stanik intercepted a pigeon stating that the humans expect to attack again before the first snowfall.” Gilead fires off the information in rapid succession, their voice growing louder.
My breath catches in my throat as I slip into the next corridor, pressing my back against the towering bookshelf. Footsteps echo against the marble floors, and my heart pounds with suspense. Every muscle tenses as I pray the shadows will hide me from view.
“Let Sebastian defend his border.” Wrath’s voice echoes throughout the library. “We’re not leaving with this so-calledresistancerunning amok.” The word resistance is laced with venom. “Rykaris can send troops.”
I press myself tighter against the shelves, wishing I could merge into the books and disappear. Holding my breath, I try to silence myself completely as they stop in the aisle beside mine. Wrath’s magic bristles against my skin, causing me to tremble from the sensation.
“They're after Raelys,” Gilead says. “Just give the human princess back.”
“I will not.” Wrath refuses. “I would rather burn Dratheria to the ground than give her back.”
Shock coils in my chest at his words. Wrath has no intention of letting me go. The King sees me as a key to breaking the curse. If I fail—if I prove useless—what then? Will he cast me aside, discard me like a broken tool no longer worth keeping?
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Gilead replies. “What of the plans to cut off trade to Oderris before winter?”
“We’re moving forward with it.”
“Anything else?” Gilead asks.
“Write to Duke Nikolas Sterling of Thalvar,” Wrath commands. “Tell him I’ve got a deal for him.”
The echo of Gilead’s footsteps fades in the distance. Every nerve in my body fires at once, yet I stay frozen. I don’t move, don’t breathe—not until the library door creaks open.
“How long are you going to stay like that?”
I let out a yelp in shock.
Whirling, I see Wrath behind me. He eyes me with intrigue as he crosses his arms over his chest. I watch his corded muscles flex beneath his tunic. It is the kind of strength gained only from years of relentless combat. It infuriates me that I allow his physique to catch my eye.
“You scared theshitout of me!” I say in dismay, keeping my voice low.
Wrath laughs. Actually laughs. His lips part, the scar on his jaw pulled tight. It’s the first time I’ve seen him truly smile. It catches me off guard, my anger waning. I didn’t know Wrath was capable of any emotion behind his cold, stoic exterior.
“Why are you barefoot, Raelys?”
“No reason.” I toss my slippers down and slide my feet into them.
“Snooping around, are we?” Wrath says in amusement, knowing he’s caught me.
“No.” I huff, paying him no heed. I turn down the previous aisle. “I was reading this book about my mother.” I pluck the text from the dais, holding it up and pointing at the page.
“The battle for Grimhold Crossing,” Wrath says. “A classic.”
“Were you there?”
“That battle was nearly thirty years ago. How old do you think I am?” His lips press into a thin line.
My words must have struck a nerve. I keep the conversation lighthearted to distract him. “I don’t know. Don’t Elvarrans live forever… or something?”
