When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, Cedric braced himself.
The change tore through him as it always did. He ignored the chill air on his bare skin, shoving himself upright. His desperation for answers was stronger than his still-trembling body.
“What exactly did you hear about Finn?” His voice came out rough. “Is he alive? What are they doing to him?”
Gwenna tossed him the bundle of clothing. “Slow down, Ced. I don’t know much. Just that he’s being held in the castle dungeons, accused of treason for failing to bring me back and slay the ‘evil dragon.’” She even made air quotes, rolling her eyes.
Cedric’s stomach twisted violently. Treason. They would kill him for this.
His head dropped forward as he exhaled shakily, his fingers curling into fists. If I had just—if I had let him… But no, that path didn’t exist. He couldn’t have let Finn kill him. Not when it meant Gwenna would be forced to return to the palace, to marry Darius.
Gwenna nudged his shoulder. “Get out of your head.”
Cedric forced himself to look up, clearing his throat. “Sorry. Thanks.”
She gave him a knowing smile. “I could tell you were stuck in a loop again.” Then, as if to shake off the heavy moment, she added, “Are you planning on another flight with me later?”
He raised a brow. “Do I detect a hint of enthusiasm at the idea?”
Gwenna lifted her chin, staring straight ahead. “Flying has an appeal I can’t deny.”
A huff of amusement escaped him. “Maybe. It’ll depend on where we are by then.”
They walked on, the night swallowing them in its vast quiet, the world around them shrinking down to the crunch of leaves beneath their boots and the distant hum of insects. When they crested the last hill, Cedric froze.
Mirathen.
The city stretched before them, its towers and spires glimmering in the darkness. He never thought he’d see it again.
Gwenna reached for his hand, giving it a squeeze. “We’re almost there.”
They made their way down the hill, sticking to the darkest shadows of night as they approached the city walls.
“How are we going to get in?” Cedric whispered. “We can’t exactly approach the gate and ask for them to allow Princess Gwenna and Prince Cedric to enter.”
Gwenna’s lips twitched. “I mean, we could…”
Cedric turned to glare at her.
She grinned. “You should have seen your face!” Then she sobered. “We can try the south gate. It’s the least busy of the gates, especially at night, so the guards are usually drunk and not too careful about who enters.”
Cedric narrowed his eyes. “I beg your finest pardon?” How did his sister, a princess, know about the habits of drunk gate guards?
She waved a hand. “That’s how it was ten years ago. Hopefully, that hasn’t changed.”
Cedric inhaled sharply, casting aside his protective curiosity about her knowledge. He considered her suggestion, then his face fell. “It’s too close to dawn. I can’t?—”
He couldn’t.
He couldn’t be in the middle of the city when the sun rose, couldn’t let it happen again—his first transformation, the blood on his hands, the way his world had shattered forever.
Gwenna’s face paled. “Oh.” Her voice was small. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” She squared her shoulders, recovering quickly. “You’re right. Let’s find a safe place to rest. Maybe near the south gate, and I can scout it out to see if it’s still a good option.”
Cedric sucked in a calming breath. A plan. That was good. That was control. He nodded. “South gate it is.”
They had thirty minutes.
Thirty minutes to reach the gate. Thirty minutes to disappear before the sun rose.
