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One whips out a hand. Water springs forth from their palm like a geyser to douse the flames. The other takes in the scene, studying everything from Fox’s arm banded around my front to Bodin and Legion now casually standing by the balcony railing.
“Late as usual,” Legion notes dryly.
While he debriefs the Keepers, Bodin comes over and quietly instructs Fox, “See our Shadow home safely. Ensure you remain with her until we return.” He lowers his volume. “Legion was right. The Cauldron stirs.”
Fox’s arm tenses around me. “But there are... midnight adventures to be had.”
“This takes priority.” Bodin sighs, then pinches the bridge between his eyes.
“Hardly.” Guilt flashes beneath Fox’s scoff. “You can barely stand on your feet. I’ve delayed enough.”
Bodin’s warning growl reminds me he’s the hive’s Second. Where Legion commands with calm, dominating allure, Bodin is a strong and steady power. He is the stone relentlessly honing the blade.
“Fine,” Fox grinds out. “I’ll babysit.”
I bristle at the insinuation and twist out of his arms. “I can take care of myself.”
He is the picture of decorum as he offers me his hand. “Shall we?”
“If you have any sense”—his whisper caresses my mind—“you’ll do as you’re told. We are watched.”
“Why would I care if your secret gets out?”
“Because they work for the queen, someone who will want to kill you the moment she meets you.”
Or curse me, I want to say. But he might have a point.
While talking with Legion, the Keepers have their eyes on us. Something about their stare is more creepy than the Sluagh who just saved my life.
I take Fox’s hand and head toward the staircase.
Downstairs, the revelers are almost all gone. Only a few drunkards are left. Tables are upturned. Decorations and food are spilled. Our waiter hands me my cape, and we leave the restaurant. It’s not until we’re a few steps along the bough’s walkway that my mind clears, and I remember what the nightmare said to Legion.
I see you, my prince.
Chapter
Thirty
WILLOW
Two minutes down the muddy city street, I whirl on Fox.
“What the fuck happened back there?” I ask and check to see if we’re followed. The trees and buildings aren’t as lit up as before. People must have heard about the attack. The denizens on this level are veterans of war. They know when to hide.
He ignores me and continues walking, his long legs eating up the distance faster than I can keep up. I break into a jog, hating my hindering stupid skirt.
“Fox.”
“The sooner we get you home, the better.” He glances at me over his shoulder. “It’s a long walk, and I’m not supposed toflickeruntil we’re out of sight.”
I chase after him until the buildings lessen and the trees grow thicker. My feet are cold, and my ears are starting to ache, but I don’t want to wait until we get to the keep.
“Stop.” I pull his arm.
Exhaling, he faces me and raises his brows. What changed with him? In the restaurant, he was joking one minute and irritable the next.
“What was that thing?” I whisper harshly. “And why did it call Legion prince? Was it there to hurt him?”
