Fuck, fuck.“Fuck!” I curse, moving my hand over the stones again.
Unexpectedly, my fingers come across a small stone that’s slightly raised.
Instinctively, I utter a prayer and then press the cobble.
The door to my room crashes open with such a loud thud I’m sure the boards have been splintered.
I’m practically choking on fear, the prospect of being captured again making my throat close up.
To my surprise, the wall in front of me tilts open and I fall forward through the opened hatch.
My shoulder smacks against the hidden barrier as I tumble to the floor. Voices fill the room I just stood in and adrenaline surges through my veins.
I scurry on my knees, trying to put as much distance between me and the soldiers that have broken in.
It’s hopeless though. As I shuffle to go further down the hidden passageway, a vice—like grip grabs hold of my ankle.
It’s punishing.
I’m ripped backwards through the hidden entrance and the tapestry that covers it before another set of hands encircle around my limbs.
I’m caught, like a rabbit in a snare. Except I can’t chew my way free from this.
I snap my eyes shut as I’m blinded by the sudden change in light.
“Ahh, Alora,” the velvety voice crushes against my ear as I’m held from behind, “you wouldn’t be scurrying away now would you, mouse?”
Oh Haldir…
The grip around my arm turns more severe as dawning comes over me.
The only one who’s called me mouse, was The?—
“Orlin.” The King’s voice booms from behind me and the vice around my arm loosens slightly.
“Yes, my king?” The Nightmare’s chagrin tone settles over my bones.
I roll my shoulder in an attempt to get his hands off me. The room blurs as he responds by jerking me to face him.
King Euron raises his voice again, this time it’s directed at me, “Enough with this foolishness.”
The Nightmare twists my arm, enough to cause me to wince and shoves me towards the king, forcing me to my knees.
Other soldiers push into the room, filling the emptiness with their clanking swords.
It should flatter me that the king has this many men to capture me, but instead my thoughts swim in a sea of concern. Is Jessamine safe? Rune? Gods forbid if they discovered Leeson and the rest of The Hidden.
I look from face to face, worry building as the silence grows.
Finally, I muster the only words I can as my voice threatens to crack,“How did you know?”
King Euron’s lips separate from one another and a chuckle leaves his mouth.
“You would be surprised, starshine, at how much I do know about you and your little group of friends.”
He tilts his head back and takes a step forward, his boots right in front of my aching knees. Lifting one of his feet, he presses the boot against my chest and holds it there.
With a raise of his brow he lets his gaze wander over my exerted form. My cheeks flush with anger and I want nothing more than to spit on him.
