Page 13 of A Castle of Broken Memories

I shrugged. “If they’re willing to risk their village by allowing us up there in the first place, then we should be willing to do whatever we can to protect them. It’s only fair.”

Noah threw up his hands, his previously level expression giving way to desperation. “Think of what you’re saying, Mariana. Throwing yourself into a dangerous situation without any means of escape?” His voice took on a pleading edge. “Jack wouldn’t have wanted that.”

Oh no, he did not just say that. I shot to my feet, a burst of anger burning through my chest as I growled, “Fuck Jack, and fuck you if you think I'd care for even a second what that asshole wants. He's not worrying about me from beyond the grave, Noah. He's off chasing adventures in the outside world because he, and I quote, wasn't ready to settle down. So yeah. Tell me again what Jack wouldn't want, and find out what it feels like to have a werewolf's teeth tear through your flesh. Spoiler alert, it isn't nearly as pleasurable as a vampire bite.”

“That's enough, Mariana,” Lawrence interjected. “Noah, you've voiced your concerns, and Mariana has addressed them. I suggest we move to a vote.” I dropped back into my chair while he looked around the table. “All those in favor of allowing Mariana and her companions to ascend the beanstalk?” He raised his hand, and Mary, Gareth, and Lotte followed suit. “Those in favor of denying her request?” He looked pointedly at Noah.

Noah frowned, pushing back from the table as he stood. “I see I'm the only one with any sense around here. Mariana, I pray you reconsider.” He shook his head. “If you'll excuse me.” And with that, he turned and strode toward the exit without another word.

“That went well,” Tenebris said as the door fell shut behind him.

Calum snorted.

“He'll get over it,” I muttered. “Right now we need to focus on the beanstalk. Lawrence, do you think you can have a group gathered for guard duty by tomorrow morning? I'd like to start as soon as possible, and the more people available to keep watch, the safer you’ll all be.” And the faster the beanstalk would fall if it came to that, although I hoped to the gods it didn’t.

“I think that can be arranged,” Lawrence agreed.

“You can count me in,” Lotte said, a wide grin stretching her wrinkled face. “I know a spell that can blow that stalk to smithereens should anything foul come creeping down.”

“Now why doesn’t that surprise me?” I chuckled, looking to Tenebris and Calum while I stretched up from the table. “Since that’s settled, we should be heading back. I want a full night's sleep before tomorrow's climb.”

We said our farewells, thanking the remaining council members for coming.

“Tomorrow's climb,” Tenebris murmured as we stepped outside. He shivered. “I don't know if I'm more excited or scared.”

I patted his shoulder. “It’d be okay if you wanted to wait for us on the ground, you know. No one would blame you.” Stay. Stay and be safe. Please. I bit my tongue before the plea could pass my lips. If my tumultuous relationship with my brother Lyall had taught me anything, it was that I needed to let people make their own decisions instead of foisting my selfish desires on them. Tenebris was a grown man. He could do what he wanted.

He gave me an affronted look. “And let Abuela down? I don’t think so.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I’m sure,” he grumbled. “I’m more than just a pretty face, you know,” he added, kicking a stone along the path. “I can hold my own just fine.”

Something in his tone made me pause, fingers reaching out to loop around his arm. “I know you can, Ten-Ten. I’ll be happy to have you watching our backs up there, just like Calum and I will be watching yours.”

“Like a hawk,” Calum agreed solemnly, wrapping his arms around Tenebris’s and my shoulders and drawing us into his sides.

Tenebris let out a breathy laugh. “Shit—we’re climbing the beanstalk tomorrow, you guys. To rescue someone we don’t even know. I’m pretty sure that makes us, like, heroes or something.”

“Wonders never cease,” I laughed, anticipation bubbling up inside me as Tenebris broke into song, belting out the words we can be heroes. Visiting Mondue and facing the memories I’d spent a decade trying to forget may not have been my idea of a good time, but this was my chance to actually do something good. To help instead of hurt. Wasn’t that the very thing I’d been working toward these past two years? Atonement?

That, and the idea of actually ascending the beanstalk and seeing the legendary Sky Castle was pretty damn amazing. Jack would be so jealous.

I stumbled at the rogue thought, causing Tenebris to break off his power ballad with a concerned look. “You okay?”

“Yeah, fine. Just caught my toe on a loose rock is all.” A rock named Jack.

The sooner we left this village, the better.

8

We made our way to the meadow at first light, fully equipped with climbing gear and borrowed weapons for Tenebris and Calum. Noah had been right about one thing—we didn’t know what we’d find up there. Best to be prepared. While I'd been sure to pack my knives, Calum hadn't had a chance to bring anything. And Tenebris, well. He wasn't exactly a fighter. Still, I made sure he was at least equipped with a knife should two armed werewolves not be enough to keep him safe.

Lawrence met us at the beanstalk along with Mary, Lotte, and Gareth, none of whom wished to miss our ascent into the clouds. Sean was there, as well, armed with a sword, and a redheaded girl who looked to be in her late teens bounced on the balls of her feet beside him, a bow slung over her shoulder.

“Morning,” Sean greeted us, hiding a yawn behind the back of his hand. “This is Rose Red. The two of us will be standing guard along with Lotte and my dad while you’re up there.”

“Actually,” the girl interjected, “It's just Rose.”