He threw himself at her and pinned her to floor. She winced beneath him as the walls shook.
“Was that—” Esaias began.
“Cannon fire,” Theo called, poking his head up. Esaias was crouched over Pricilla, dust and debris raining over them.
Theo pulled Amaris to her feet. Another blast sounded, shaking the ceiling and sending more bits of dust falling around them. His blood filled with the rage of war. The monster within him slithered to the edge of his mind without a hidden stitch to hide behind. Theo breathed and allowed the creature from the depths of his mind to wait. He couldn’t unleash it.
“Did you say cannon fire?” Amaris asked, the whites of her eyes overtaking the oceans.
“Both of you get downstairs and barricade the door. Don’t let anyone in, understand?” Theo ordered.
“But, Theodoric—”
“No, Amaris,” he shouted. “Lock yourselves in and don’t leave until I come and get you.”
His gentle composure was gone, replaced by the commanding officer. She took a breath but nodded. He wanted to pull her to him and give her a moment to remember what they shared, but this was his home, regardless of what he told himself. The surviving memories of his mother resided within its walls. He forced himself to turn away and headed down the steps.
Theo and Esaias sprinted through the library and into the hall. Chaos ensued around them. Another cannon blast sent the walls shaking and the portraits shattering as they hit the ground.
“What in the bloody crack in the realm are you two still doing inside? Get your asses out there now!” Bennet snapped from down the hall.
He stormed toward them, two swords drawn and a look of brutal conquest in his eyes. Theo gripped the hilt of his sword, mainly to hold his composure as he stalked closer, but also to show he wouldn’t be afraid. Bennet had been testing him ever since he returned home, attempting to break him, to see if he’d truly become a soldier or if he’d cower under his thumb.
Bennet stood before him, their noses inches apart. There wasn’t a whiff of alcohol on his breath. “Are you ready to defend your people or are you planning to hide thatbitchwho killed one of my men?”
Was he the one to poison her?
Theo leaned in, forcing Bennet to balk. “Amaris didn’t kill that soldier, and I’ll defend my people, not to show you my loyalty, but because that has never been in doubt. My allegiance is to Luana, my home. You and my father can throw whatever you wish at me, but I’ll protect everyone of Luana Bay, and that includes Amaris. She saves people, and you’ll see that soon enough.”
Bennet released a snarl. “Gather a few soldiers and defend the western entrance,” he grumbled. “Several are already positioned along the gardens, but we need more. Grab them from the southern doors. They’re making their push along the coast.”
The metal of Theo’s sword dug into his palm. “Who?”
Bennet flared his nostrils and said, “Deavopan.” His tone grew colder. “Esaias, stick with him, and both of you try not to get killed.” He took off at a sprint for the northern entrance.
Another blast echoed through the hall, and Theo rolled to the side as a large portrait attempted to squash him.
Esaias bent forward, resting his hands on his knees. “What in all of Magoria is going on? Why would they attack us?”
“I don’t know,” Theo breathed. “My father has been obsessed with incriminating Amaris instead of focusing on Duncaster. What if they killed Freville and left his body as a diversion?”
Drawing his sword, Esaias twirled the silver blade with a smirk. “Look who’s thinking like an officer again.” He reached out his other hand, waiting to pull Theo along.
Theo didn’t have time to further ponder the implications. He grasped Esaias’s hand to fight for them, Amaris, and his people. He hauled him to his feet, and they once again went into battle.
Chapter 37
Amaris
Amaris latched onto Pricilla, dragging her from the shaking tower and into the safety of the library, or at least where she’d thought they’d be safe. Amaris gaped in horror at what had befallen the library. Bookcases had tipped over, spilling their contents and scattering pages across the floor. Silent tears spilled from Pricilla’s eyes, but Amaris squeezed her hand and pulled her along.
Gone were the swirling emotions building within her. Her only focus was on how to survive the night. She held tight to Pricilla’s hand. They needed a safe space to hide from the enemy soldiers and the swaying shelves threatening to topple over. A shriek froze them in place, and Amaris’s heart leapt from her chest. Lying crushed beneath a pile of rubble was what had once been a person. Blood pooled around the stone. Only a single leg was exposed.
Another blast rung through the air, and Pricilla threw herself into her, but Amaris couldn’t take her eyes from the pool swelling with each of her passing breaths. She had to do something.
“I’m going to help the wounded.”
“But—”
