My feet begin to move of their own accord, carrying me forwards without thought or permission.
His eyes go wild. That look of confusion and wonder morphs into something feral. Hungry.
We step towards each other. When he’s only a few paces away, I feel it—a blast of power that washes over me, making my skin erupt in goosebumps. The pull intensifies, a physical ache in my belly that demands I close the distance.
I’m about to take another step when fingers grip my forearm tight and spin me away. I collide with a hard chest. I look up quickly—Kiernan. He looks at me strangely, and I panic, wondering if he saw what just happened. But his arm comes up and embraces my shoulders.
“Run!” he shouts.
We run.
As we do, I feel another blast of that power—fainter this time, but still there. I look back over my shoulder.
The Equitae stands motionless, still staring after me. His yellow eyes burn through the chaos.
Then I hear it. A husky, sensual voice, so clear it’s as if spoken directly into my mind.
“Until next time.”
The words wrap around something deep inside me, and I know with absolute certainty—this isn’t over.
Not even close.
Prince Kiernan
She’s just standing there, staring at him. I watch in horror as she turns and starts walking towards the Equitae. I race forwards, stumbling over debris and bodies. He’s so close he could grab her when I finally reach her side. I spin her away by the arm, pulling her against me. She looks up at me strangely, her gaze languid, almost sleepy. Then her eyes go wide with panic.
I need to get us out of here.
“Run!” I shout, my arm protective around her shoulders as we bolt towards the golden doors. We stumble and slide on blood that coats the marble like rivers.
Relief shoots through me as we blast through the doorway into the empty hall beyond. We don’t stop. Our legs pound in unison, our breaths sharp and quick. I remember a room I found while exploring the library—small, with a thick metal door that bolts from the inside. Hidden in the dark wooden panelling.
Perfect.
The library door bangs against the wall as I slam it open, making for the dark corner. I pry my shaking fingers into the small gap and pull. The door opens slowly. The room is pitch-black, thick with the smell of musty old books. I leap in, pulling her behind me, and manage to slam the door shut and throw the bolt.
We slide to the floor, backs against the far wall. I pull her closer. She’s shaking. Our breaths are raspy as we listen for anyone who might have followed.
We’re safe.
We’re alive.
We sit there for what feels like ages, the only sound our breathing. The darkness presses in, oppressive.
“Kiernan—” Her voice trembles.
“Hold on.” I stand, hands searching the walls for the Faelight switch. When my fingers find it, I press it. The room fills with soft, glowing light.
She has her head down in her hands, shoulders shaking with soft sobs. I walk over and crouch in front of her, my hand reaching out, caressing her cheek. She looks up. My heart lurches. Her eyes brim with tears, and one traces its way through the blood splattered on her face. I wipe it away with my thumb.
“We’re safe, Princess.”
She cries for a while. My legs start to shake, so I stand and lean against the shelf lining one wall, giving her space. The room is small but not claustrophobic. Boxes of books fill the shelf. A dark wooden desk sits against the opposite wall.
Eventually, she wipes her face and stands.
“Sorry.” She smiles over at me. She’s a mess—blood splayed across her face and chest, her gown ripped and dirty, her hair a riot of curls with debris stuck in it.
