The reminder of Casimir’s imprisonment reignited the fire in her veins, the magic waiting to destroy. Minuscule flowers bloomed around her feet as she allowed her wrath to overtake her fears.
“There she is,” Raine said with pride. “Keep your magic under control. But when it’s time…unleash it and don’t hold back.”
Ava directed her attention back to the scene before them. Smoke billowed from numerous campfires as daemon soldiers milled about, some in the midst of conversation while others wound their way between the canvas quarters, as if they had not a care in the world, confident in their strength and power.
The sun dipped below the horizon and she prepared herself, knowing it was almost time. All they had to do was get through the daemons and their terrifying creatures, get Casimir out, and escape before they were overrun.
It wouldn’t be easy.
There was a rumble at the far end of camp.
They’re about to begin the distractions,said Luna.
“Get ready,” Ava whispered to Raine.
A nearby group of daemon soldiers turned toward the commotion as the volume increased and shouts echoed in the distance. Loud snarls reverberated in the night. Sabriel and Bastien.
“We’re under attack at the north end of camp!” someone called. “And the west side!” another shouted.
The daemons rose from their seats around the fire, snatching their weapons as they hurried away, dozens more joining them.
“Let’s go.” Raine gestured for her to lead.
Ava led him behind a tent at the border, pausing to assess their surroundings. It was eerily quiet, but she could still hear the commotion as the rest of their group enacted the plan. Daemons shouted and the clanging of weapons floated on the breeze as she and Raine crept forward.
They reached the back of the prisoner’s tent and Ava closed her eyes again, pushing away the memories. Now wasn’t the time for another flashback or panic. Casimir was in there and they had to save him. Now.
Raine unsheathed his dagger and sliced through the canvas, pulled it apart, and entered. Ava followed, heart racing as she prepared herself for whatever state Casimir was in.
The moment she entered the tent, she froze.
“He’s not here,” Raine whispered.
Her eyes darted throughout the space. Casimir wasn’t here. He wasn’t here.
But someone else was. Vivienne, one of the advisors from their kingdom. And she was chained to a pole, bruised and beaten. Her black hair was matted with blood and dirt, her lip split open and her head hung low.
Ava knelt before her, brushing the hair from the woman’s face. “Vivienne? Can you hear me?”
Vivienne stirred, eyes fluttering open. “Your Highness?”
“Yes. It’s me. Let’s get you?—”
“I’m sorry,” Vivienne interrupted, her deep blue eyes filled with guilt.
“Sorry for what?” Ava held Vivienne’s hand. “What happened?”
“I didn’t want to do it…But they threatened my family. My sister…” Her voice came out in a raspy whisper.
“What are you talking about?” Raine asked, stepping closer.
Realization dawned on Ava, her gut sinking. “It was you…You let the assassin in at the ball.”
Vivienne let out a sob, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t…I couldn’t…I had to try and save my family…They were so angry it didn’t work. That you survived. I—” She took a shuddering breath. “They killed my sister. My nieces and nephews. As punishment for my failure. But they were going to kill more if I didn’t give them something else.” Vivienne hiccuped. “I had to give them something else. Please, forgive me…”
“Something else?” Raine’s voice had gone lethal. “What did you do?”
“I told them the general was coming. I knew it would lure you here. I’m so sorry.” She repeated the words, whimpering and begging for forgiveness.
