“Oh, no,” I whispered. Were they in one of the prison cells? Because of me?
A group sped over to us. It was Galene and the three young mermen from Kori Maru.
“There’s gorgeousness that needs rescuing,” said Creon. “You look like you’ve got a plan.”
I looked around, mind hazy. I couldn’t think of anything but that feeling squeezing my heart. If I felt them, that meant they must have felt me. Were they out here searching for me, or were they stuck somewhere waiting to be rescued?
I shook my head and, with great effort, pulled my attention back. I had to stay focused. This was too important.
“A plan,” I said, taking in what had suddenly become my team. “Right. I think there are cells near the surface. One of them should have the queen.”
They all looked up.
“She’s definitely here?” said Creon.
I looked at Guenevere’s fierce, desperate face.
“Positive. Spread out—”
Dione rushed to a stop beside us. “What are you all doing?”
“We’re helping Lysithea find Evagore,” said Creon. “She’s in one of the cells up top.”
Dione glared at me.
I scanned the cavern. My pulse had reached a peak, pounding in my ears. They were so close. Where were they?
Dione addressed the others. “Spread out. Trace the walls. Anthias, bring that one over here with the rest.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Anthias.
I grabbed his arm. “Wait. Keep her with us. I want her to tell us where Evagore is.”
Anthias glanced between me and Dione.
“I’m not telling you anything,” said Guenevere, her voice strained under Anthias’ arm.
“See?” said Dione. “Now put her—”
“Force it out of her,” I said. “We’re wasting time. Creon, take your friends over there and search the far wall.”
“Do not tell my soldiers what to—” said Dione.
“Aye aye!” said Creon, speeding off.
Dione looked at me furiously. I shrugged and hurried away. I smelled blood. We had to get out of here before anyone was killed—if it hadn’t happened already.
I hit the wall two-handed and pushed along it, feeling for anything odd in the stone.
Around the cavern, the army was slowly disarming the guards and pushing them inwards, circling them like a baitball.
Ephyra flashed by. She was searching the crowd instead of fighting. I wondered if Nilus had told her he was going to find Meela, or if he’d left without saying goodbye.
Such a jumble of activity met my senses that it was hard to feel for any halls leading to the prison cells. I kept sliding my hands along the stone.
But there was that presence squeezing my heart. Instinct told me to search for them, more strongly than the logic telling me to find Queen Evagore.
Stay focused,I told myself. You can find them later.
