But a growl fills the sanctum, echoing off the walls, and then comes the sound of nails clicking on the floor. A large quadruped shadow appears behind Roane, and he turns to face his lioness friend.
“Druna! Where have you been?” His voice drops. “Why are you covered in… is that fucking blood?”
My heart drops to my toes. She’s smeared in dark crimson and her muzzle is coated in it.
“It’s Talton,” she says grimly. “He was taken.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
CRACKS
ADELINE
“Thefuckyou say. Taken by whom?” Roane goes down on one knee, face draining of color. “Druna, you’d better start talking.”
“I left Aline here and went out to find him. I thought he might be hunting or watching the herds. He likes that.”
He growls. “Get to the point.”
“Yeah, I was getting there.” She shakes her head. “The centaurs got him.”
“Centaurs!” I gape. “You said they attacked you in the past.”
“And now you’re here, they’re back.” She bares her teeth. “Don’t get all star-eyed. They are horrible creatures.”
“Why would the centaurs grab Talton?” Roane groans and rubs his temples. “What in the hells is going on?”
“He tried to stop them from abducting a group of nymphs,” Ardruna says.
“Talton the gallant hero,” Roane grouses. “What was he thinking?”
“That abducting people isn’t right?” I say.
“He’s a raven. Against centaurs. You have to choose your battles.”
“Or you have to choose to do the right thing, no matter what,” I whisper.
“That’s some pretty rhetoric, but he had no business getting himself into danger.” Roane gets up. “He should have come and told me about it.”
“What could you have done?”
“I’d have gone with him. I may not have all the magic a librarian ought to wield, but at least I don’t hesitate to fight. What more would you expect of me?”
“Nothing,” I whisper. “You’re right. You’re doing all you can.”
He turns to me, brows arching. “Are you fucking with me right now?”
“No. It’s the truth.” I lift my chin. “Let’s go get Talton back.”
“You’d come with us?” Ardruna asks.
“Do you have to ask? Of course I’ll go. He’s funny and brave and kind.”
“Yes,” Roane whispers, “he is. But you’re staying, Aline.”
“She has magic,” Ardruna says. “She might be of help.”
Roane frowns. “Magic?”
