Ronan rushed ahead, into the stable.
She stayed by Xaydin’s side. It was obvious he wanted to run forward, too, but his injuries were still too raw for that degree of mobility.
As they entered the stable, she saw the empty shackles that were still fastened.
“How did he get free?” she asked.
Candara pointed to the cuffs. “Someone removed the ward.”
“His accomplice, no doubt.” Ronan growled low in his throat. “Want me to hunt them down?”
Xaydin shook his head. “They haven’t gone far. I can sense it.” He glanced about making her wonder if they hadn’t turned into a fly or something smaller.
By the expression on Ronan’s face, she could tell the same thought was in his mind as well.
Ronan paused and met Xaydin’s eyes. They were talking to each other.
Why don’t I have that ability?She hated that she had no idea what they were discussing. Part of her was suspicious and felt left out. Had it been her mother, she would have definitely been on high alert.
With Xaydin…
She trusted him. As miraculous as it was, she knew he wasn’t keeping her out because he was plotting against her or doing anything more than trying to protect himself and Ronan. He wasn’t vicious or duplicitous.
While Rob and his men continued to search for Garyn and uncover clues, Ronan turned into a bird and flew off.
Xaydin offered her his arm so that he could lead her toward Masakage who’d just entered the stable.
He paused next to his brother, then kept walking. Masakage fell in line behind them.
“What’s going on?” she whispered.
Not here. I’ll explain in a moment.
Without anything more, he led them back to the inn and didn’t speak until after they’d climbed the stairs to his room.
“Secure the room.”
Masakage brought out a small wand that elongated into his staff that held the glowing blue ball on top of it. He tapped the bottom against the floor, causing the ball to turn so bright, it was blinding. A soft wave went through the room. One that rippled her hair and clothes before it settled down.
He inclined his head to Xaydin. “We’re good. The room’s sealed.”
“Good. I sent Ronan out to search for the Ningyoan prince while we deal with this.”
“Finding Garyn?” she asked.
Xaydin shook his head. “He’s dead.”
That shocked her. “What?”
“He was on the floor as an upside-down cockroach.” Masakage crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m thinking his partner got to him so that we couldn’t question him anymore.”
Before she could ask why, they heard a scream from down the hall.
Masakage went pale. “Dara’s being attacked!”
18
Masakage immediately vanished while Gisela and Xaydin rushed to Candara’s room.
