I keep my feet planted on the cold ground and stare into the darkness, paralyzed by my fear. The shadows become darker by the second, and the panic rises in my chest, causing it to heave.
Oh, Gods.
I can’t move or think for a moment, because whatever is before me has petrified all my senses and ability to reason.Somehow, the darkness between the two large bookshelves seems to stretch—opening wide to suck me in, never to return. This is a different darkness—something ancient and long forgotten. The room around me takes another breath, and a gust of wind causes my hair to whip my face from all directions, blinding me momentarily.
The dark creatures of Andorwood.
I backpedal, completely terrified of what’s in front of me and what lurks in the dark hallways of the castle. At this moment, I’d rather confront the invisible creatures than whatever protects these books. I glance down at the old leather book that has fallen to the ground. The text is faded, and I squint my eyes to read what I can before fleeing.
A shock rushes through me, and I do everything I can to focus. I bring the trembling candle closer to the text as the growls grow louder and closer with each passing second, and a heat fills the space, making my skin slick with sweat. A single word catches my eye, and my stomach drops, and my whole body freezes. I’m unable to move.
Kalix.
Another gust of wind blows through the room, shocking me out of my frozen state. Without thought, I rush toward the wall I came through, the single sconce serving as the only landmark for my exit. The wall begins to shimmer as I approach, welcoming me back. Looking behind me one last time, I see a solitary hand wrap around the end of the bookshelf nearest the table I stood at moments ago. Long black claws dig into the wood, and a deep growl reaches my ears, invading my senses with a surge of fear. I close my eyes and move through the wall. The darkness envelops me as I seem to travel back in time to my world, amidst the deep hallways of the castle.
The hallway is dark and silent, and thankfully, the overwhelming sensation caused by the presence of the invisibleguards has disappeared. I sprint down the winding halls, doing my best to recall each turn I took only an hour ago. My heart pounds in time with my footsteps on the smooth floor, my hair whips behind me, and my lungs burn from running for so long.
The air starts to lighten, and I know I’m getting closer to our rooms. A rush of adrenaline hits me, and I push even faster around the last corner. I never thought I’d be grateful to see the bright, jeweled-eyed snakes staring back at me from the bedrooms.
I catch my breath outside the onyx-jeweled room and slump against the opposite wall. I lower my hand, resting it on my knee, and take the deepest breaths I can to slow my racing heart. I still feel the snakes slithering around me, causing me to shiver.
I hear a voice from down the dim hallway, and I jerk my head up.
“For fucks sake,” I mumble.
Larkin stomps in my direction, light and anger radiating off his large body.
“Are you fucking insane?” He grabs my arms and pulls me upright in a single motion. “Do you have a death wish?”
“Don’t fucking touch me like that,” I clap back, ripping myself from his grip. “What is wrong with you?”
“What’s wrong with me? You’re the one who went off alone in this castle.” He furrows his brow. “Do you have any idea how dangerous that is for you? The moment I slammed the door, I knew I shouldn’t leave you alone, but by the time I opened the door, you were gone.”
“Well, I’m sorry I didn’t stay to continue being humiliated by your closed door.” I cross my arms and stand a bit taller. “If you weren’t such an asshole…”
Larkin leans closer. “You’re lucky I didn’t shift straight to Silas’s house and explain your vanishing act.”
“Oh, please.” I square my shoulders. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but he’s used to this.”
“Do you know what he would have done to me for losing you?
“Killed you?” I move my face toward his. “Scared of your boss?”
“This whole kingdom would be in flames right now, with my body being the torch.”
“Silas wouldn’t kill you, Larkin.” I roll my eyes. “Stop being dramatic.”
Larkin gives me a look of incredulity. “You clearly don’t understand how angry Silas can get. Especially when it comes to finding or protecting you.”
“And you do?”
“Yes.” His eyes shift into something I don’t recognize from him.
Fear.
He continues, “Sorry for wanting to save my own ass and avoid being murdered.”
“You wouldn’t be killed. And you don’t get to threaten me with him,” I snarl, refusing to back down. “Especially if you are only looking out for yourself.”
