I move faster now, slipping down staircases, through halls lined with marble busts and velvet curtains. The deeper I go, the colder it gets. It’s like the Crimson Spires has a furnace at its heart and I’m getting further and further away from it.
At last, I see them—the front doors. Massive wrought iron panels carved with roses and thorns, and of course, Chalices, loom before me like the gates of Hell itself.
Naturally two guards are standing sentinel. My heart skitters in my chest. Perfect—just perfect.
They’re tall and broad—armored in crimson and black, with swords gleaming at their sides and those magic-looking machine guns slung over their shoulders. In other words, armed to the teeth. Quite literally since I’m pretty sure they are vampires like Lucian which means they have fangs.
I study them carefully from my hiding place near the bottom of the staircase. One has long silver hair and the other has a jagged scar cutting down his jaw. Both straighten as I step out of the shadows and approach. They stare at me, their eyes narrowing.
“Stop,” Silver Hair commands. “No one leaves tonight on the Don’s order.”
My heart bangs against my ribs. Okay, I did drama in college but that was over ten years ago. Time to see if I’ve still got it.
“It’s on the Don’s orders that I’m leaving,” I say coolly.
He frowns.
“You’re lying! He would have sent down to tell us.”
Okay, be calm. This isn’t over yet, I tell myself.
I raise myself to my full height and look at the guard who challenged me imperiously. Slowly, I pull the signet ring from my cloak pocket and hold it up. The gold gleams in the torchlight.
“Do you see this?” My voice sounds steadier than I feel. “I am Lucian’s Curvy Queen. I bear his signet. And you dare to question me?”
Scarface frowns.
“The Don’s…Queen?”
“Yes,” I snap, channeling every ounce of authority I’ve ever used to bluff my way through tax audits and terrible dates. “Do you think I forged this? Stole it? You think I’m stupid enough to parade through the Spires with the Crimson Syndicate’s seal unless it was mine to carry?”
I step closer, tilting my chin so I can look them both in the eyes.
“Let me pass. Or I’ll see your heads mounted above these doors by morning.”
The two exchange a look. My knees are shaking so hard I’m amazed I don’t topple over but I keep the imperious “Let me talk to your manager” look on my face.
At last, Silver Hair bows his head.
“Very well, my Queen. Forgive us for challenging you.”
“That’s all right,” I sniff. “Just don’t let it happen again. Now get these doors open at once!”
The two guards are quick to grab the metal handles and the heavy doors groan open.
Cold night air rushes in, sharp and bracing. I tuck the signet back into my pocket and stride through, my cape flaring around me like I own the place.
The moment the doors slam shut behind me, I nearly sag with relief. My lungs heave—my heart is pounding against my ribs like it’s trying to break out and escape.
But I did it—I got out.
For the first time since I stepped out of my bathroom and into the long stone corridor, I’m free.
At least…for now.
22
Jules
