“And my father.”
Unable to respond, I turn to look over the crowd, none of them taking their eyes off Silas. Deep down, I can feel my darkness bubbling up in defensive mode. I swallow hard, choking back the feeling of losing control.
Those standing before me aren’t monstrous; instead, they are a sea of striking individuals. Dark and light hair intertwine while shadows and electricity dance in the sky, as if their powers are interconnected. I know this reaction stems from their prince’s return, but I can’t help but think—why are they so fearful?
What would this welcome be like had someone inadvertently stumbled onto the pier? They’re a trained kingdom, an army capable of moving in unison to sweep away the masses if provoked.
“My father isn’t here,” Fen speaks again, still whispering. “He’ll be waiting for us to arrive at the castle.”
The cheers fade, and the crowd parts to let us pass.
Silas takes my hand, prompting a few huffs from those around us. Maines and Oak step forward, hand in hand, staying as close to us as possible. Fenmore paves the way through townwith Warrick bringing up the rear. They surround us, for who knows what these people might try to do to outsiders.
“Keep close,” Warrick’s rough voice echoes.
Fen keeps a quick footing about her, weaving through the few people left standing in the streets who are curious about our arrival. Whispers echo through the alleys as we pass, and I can’t help but hear what they say about me.
She’ll destroy us all.
Go back to Daramveer, you possessed bitch.
Anger and shame run through me like a chilled breeze. Silas grips my hand tighter, quickening his steps but otherwise not reacting.
“Don’t listen to them. Right now, we need to get you inside the castle grounds,” Silas warns. “Nightfall is coming. I can deal with them later.”
“There isn’t even a gate to keep them from entering the grounds,” I reply. “How do you know I’ll be safe there?”
“They know better,” Silas replies, his voice deepening to a growl.
We continue down the streets of Andorwood, Maines and Oak staying close. The sun dips low behind the clouds, casting a muted glow around us, and as its warmth begins to disappear, causing a cold chill to run up my spine. Silas notices my shiver and moves closer as we near the castle.
“Briar,” Maines starts, coming up behind me. “What the fuck was that welcome?”
I cut my eyes toward her and raise my shoulders. “I’m not sure yet.”
I peer at Silas, but his stern gaze is trained forward, as if he’s trying to see through the castle walls to see where Malachi is. Candlelight flickers in the castle windows, and I swear I see shadows passing by each window as we approach.
“Are you alright?” I ask, moving into his body.
“I’ll explain soon,” Silas replies sharply, pulling me against him. “Keep quiet. Just a moment longer.”
The town's cobblestone streets end as we reach the castle grounds. The castle looms above us like a dark fortress of shadows, and its sheer size leaves me speechless. The vast size of both the castle and the mountains behind it are intimidating.
As I scan the area, I notice that there are no guards stationed outside the castle to protect those inside. My brows furrow.
At least my father had guards around the castle grounds.
I turn back to see Maines and Oak having a hushed conversation, likely about the same thought I just had. We move quickly across the large courtyard, each step soundless in the dimming light.
“Silas,” I say hesitantly, squeezing his hand. “Where are the guards? Who protects the cas—” I trail off, an unfamiliar tingle of nerves moving through me.
The grass rustles as a cold breeze blows by, racing past me. I turn to find Oak, Maines, and Warrick moving forward with ease, not noticing the change in the air.
The chilled breeze whips past us again, and I tighten my grip on Silas’s hand. He returns the squeeze and quickens his pace, pulling me forward, as if he also notices the shift around us. Unease fills my stomach, and my hair stands on end as I shudder, the darkness within me perking up.
“Something isn’t right,” I whisper to Silas.
He slowly pans his gaze to mine, feeling the shift, and his eyes widen.
