Sebastian takes my hand again. We move quickly but carefully, staying close to the walls, sticking to the dark.
More guards run past, their shouts growing more frantic.
Thankfully, they can’t see us. My shadows keep us hidden.
We reach the south wall. Sebastian crouches next to a drain hidden behind overgrown bushes.
I frown.
He pulls the grate aside, revealing a dark opening below.
He gestures for me to go inside.
I have to trust that he knows this castle – he is the Shadowfae King, after all; this is technically his court – so I lower myself into the passage using a metal ladder. Sebastian follows immediately after, pulling the grate closed before he descends.
The darkness down here is complete. I let my shadows dissipate, conserving my energy. My arms are shaking from holding them for so long.
“I used this drain to sneak out when I was young. This way,” Sebastian says. “Stay close.”
We move through the passage. It’s narrow and damp, the walls slimy with moisture. I cover my nose because of the stench.
After what feels like forever, we reach the exit. Fresh air washes over my face as we emerge into the forest beyond the castle grounds.
We don’t stop. Sebastian pulls me forward, moving quickly through the trees. He seems to know exactly where he’s going.
Behind us, the shouts grow distant. But they’re still there. Still searching.
We reach a dirt road. Sebastian pauses, looking both ways. Then he pulls me to the left, moving at a run now into the forest on the other side.
We plunge into the dense bush, shrubs, and trees. I’m grateful for the advanced vision my fae blood has gifted me.
Sebastian still holds my hand tightly. By now, I’m exhausted, my breathing coming in rapid pants. The only thing that’s keeping me going is the fear of capture. This time, they won’t let me go.
My secret is out.
There’s shouting from not too far behind us, and adrenaline floods my system. I need to do something, or we might get caught.
I throw my silk up into the trees, using my magic to guide it around a high branch. “Wrap your arms around me,” I whisper to him.
Sebastian doesn’t question it. His arms close around my waist, his body pressed against mine.
I pull on the silk, using my magic to amplify my strength. We rise into the air, swinging up into the canopy.
Below us, guards pour into the clearing where we just stood. Their torches illuminate the area. I hold my breath. Sebastian seems to do the same. I stay as still as possible, shutting my eyes, praying that they don’t look up.
“I was sure I saw movement. They must have gone this way!” one shouts, and they run in the opposite direction to the one we are going in.
Kakara be thanked.
We stay frozen in the tree for a few beats until all is quiet.
After a time, Sebastian touches the side of my arm.
I nod, stepping from the branch. I manipulate the air around me, using it to hold me up. I gesture to Sebastian to step from the branch. He hesitates, taking in a big breath, then he does as I ask and steps off. He drops an inch before I catch him, using my magic to lower us to the ground.
He frowns because this is not the magic of the shadowfae. He glances at my ears, which look human, and his frown deepens.
“Which way?” I whisper.
