Raiden considers the request, but then says, “I think we win these people over by digging in the same way they do. Not by making things happen the easy way. Besides, I don’t want to waste any magic.”
I narrow my eyes at him, annoyed that he’s right.
“Fine, let’s go,” I say, joining the group of soldiers who have started throwing grappling hooks.
When each hook is secure, Raiden, Lavinia, Baltas, Phil, Anyx, and I climb first. I find it much easier to pull myself up this time, even without knots tied in the rope. There’s something to be said for even just a small break out from under the Smog.
Climbing the wall fills my mind with flashes of the tournament that I’d rather not see. No matter how hard I try to push them away, the visions persist. I breathe in deep through my nose, trying to find my center, and focusing only on the climb.
I’m halfway up when Raiden’s voice reaches me. “I could watch you climb all day!”
I grip the rope tighter and look down at where he’s leaned back on his rope, staring up at me.
“Stop being a pervert and get your ass up here!” I yell back.
He laughs and climbs until he’s at eye level with me on his rope.
“Race you to the top?” I ask.
“You're on,” he says, and we both begin the final part of our climb. He’s strong and fast, but I’m determined not to lose.
My hands burn by the time I reach the battlement, but I don’t pause for even a second. And when my feet are flat on the ground, I’m swept into strong arms.
“Gods fucking damnit!” I laugh, panting as Raiden spins me in his arms. He sets me down and kisses me. I will never tire of his lips on mine.
“You put up a good fight, little snake,” he whispers into my hair, pressing his lips to the top of my head, and then releasing me.
Nothing could have prepared me for the sight before me. The courtyard just outside the steps of the castle resembles a graveyard. Stone statues are spread across the ground. Most are soldiers. A few appear to be servants. Some of them are crouched, frozen in a scream. Others are running, attempting to flee their fate.
“How many people do you think she’s done this to?” Phil asks, and there’s an edge to her voice that's lethal.
“Even if it were only one, it’s too many,” I say.
The castle grounds are eerily empty, and it’s hard to picture a time when this place might have held anything other than great pain.
We cross the footbridge leading to the inner bailey and are once again met with nothing.
“Maybe she’s given up,” someone says, the hope in their words a little too prominent.
“Or that’s what she wants you to think,” I say.
“Either way, we need to split up and find her, and where the fuck is Eryk?” Raiden asks.
As if summoned, Eryk and a group of Lukasian soldiers march into the courtyard. There’s a long, tense moment where everyone has their hands poised to draw weapons. The air is thick, and I think I’ve forgotten how to breathe.
“We’re here to help,” Eryk finally says, and I release my breath.
Raiden looks to me for something … approval, I think. Right. “We’re glad to have you on our side,” I say, a little too enthusiastically. “We are looking for the qu—Invidia. Do you have any idea where she might be?”
“She’s either in her chambers or on the throne in the great hall,” a soldier says from somewhere behind Eryk.
“And if she's not?” I ask.
“Then we’ll just have to smoke her out,” Raiden says, eyes darkened.
The two males barely acknowledge each other, but they agree to split up. Eryk and his men head for Invidia’s chambers, and Raiden and our group move toward the great hall.
My heart throbs painfully in my chest as we reach the doorway. Raiden turns, grabbing my wrist and pulling me close. There’s a question in his eyes, and I know what he’s about to say.
