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Chapter 37
Lily
Back in my chambers, I hide the vial in a lower drawer in my bathing chamber, knowing no one will look there. I take a moment to come to terms with what this all means. The time to awaken Theo’s memories is quickly approaching, and I need to come up with a plan.
Readying for the quest, I gather my gear, strapping my dagger to my thigh and pulling on my vest with hidden blades. I grab my hooded cloak before heading out the door.
Evening has settled in within The Keep, barely any noise echoes through the halls. I walk to Theo’s cell. It’s the safest place for him while I’m gone. While he has been making a home here, I can’t risk something happening to him. With two guards always watching him, no one could get to him without going through them first.
Theo is seated in his chair with a good book, completely relaxed. I could get used to seeing him like that, comfortable and content in my home.
He looks up from his book when he hears the clicking of my boots from the hallway. Placing the book down, he stands to greet me with a breath-stealing kiss. I melt into his arms as his hand grips the back of my neck.
A clearing of the throat stops our kiss from progressing further. “I shouldn’t be gone long, and I’ll come straight here when we get back,” I promise, looking up into those gorgeous honey eyes. He pulls me tight to his chest, and I wrap my arms around his waist, soaking in the warmth of his body.
“Please be safe tonight,” Theo’s words rumble from his chest and into mine. I give him a squeeze before backing out of our hug. I kiss him softly as his hands cup my face. Taking one more look at him, I step away and join Nyx in the hall. I give Hiram and Silas a nod before we step through the back door.
The red-rimmed mist of the portal appears immediately, revealing gray stone. Our boots clank on the cobblestone walkway as we cross the portal into the alley behind the shops.Our alley. The pallets and boxes are long gone, but the memory of Theo remains.
We walk down the dimly lit pathway of Lux. Stopping at the end, Nyx peers around the wall, checking for any concerns before pulling back. I draw my hood over my head.
For now, we will act as a tradespeople in town looking for a good deal. I serve as Nyx’s obedient lady, and the rest of our crew are bodyguards. We take formation, with Nyx leading us and the other three members taking up each side. I walk behind Nyx with my head down and hands laced in front of me.
Villagers walk past, not paying any attention to us. Based on their uneven footsteps, I would bet many of them are drunk as they stumble down the path.
The door of the shop chimes as we enter. The space is lit with several lanterns along each wall, making it too warm. Boots thud on the hardwood floor as a heavy-set man walks out from a back room. He’s as short as he is wide. The vile smell of ale and sweat enters the room with him. I fight back a gag.
“What can I help you with?” the man asks our group. Nyx steps forward and scans the room as if looking for something.
“Word across the realm is you’re the man to see if one is looking for a trove item to purchase.”
The man’s jaw clenches as he studies all of us.
“Those items may be out of your price range.” He says with self-righteousness. Nyx scoffs at the man while digging in his pockets for a satchel of coins. He drops it on the counter with a loudbang. The man eyes it with newfound interest.
He gives us one more glance before saying, “This way,” and heading into the back. We follow in a line and enter a space with an assortment of items lining the walls. My shadows stir under my skin as a faint chime rings in my ears.
Nyx gradually closes the distance between him and the man while admiring the collection. Nyx inquires about an item on the shelf, and the man gleefully gives him information about it.
With the man distracted, Nyx grabs him in a headlock and lifts him off the ground, cutting off his air. Nyx's biceps strain against the fabric of his shirt as he hauls the heavy man to a chair placed near the middle of the room. My crew ties the shopkeeper to it before Nyx allows him to breathe again. The man gasps and coughs as air enters his lungs.
I drop my hood and step to the man. “Where’s the amulet?” I hover over him, forcing him to look up at me. The color has returned to his face as he scowls. “You’re wasting your time. I have no amulet.” His raspy voice can’t hide his lie.
I check the room as I pace around him. The chime turns into bells ringing, and my shadows beg to be released. I flinch, trying to clear the sound growing in my ears. “We know you have it, so save yourself by telling us. We don’t want to hurt you.”
He rolls his eyes at me and cranes his neck to Nyx. “Do you always let pathetic little bitches speak for you?” Nyx laughs to himself as he steps toward the man.
I backhand the shopkeeper hard across the face before snatching his chin in my hand. I squeeze his face, digging my nails into his skin, hard enough to draw blood.
“Seeing as how this bitch is their queen, I would say they do,” I sneer, inches away from his face. I release tendrils of my shadows to trail over him as his eyes go wide. Darkness dances around him, coiling him like a snake holding its next meal. Irelease him roughly, allowing my shadows to circle around him, increasing his panic.
“Tell me where it is before I rip you apart.” My words are a hiss as he remains frozen with fear. My shadows squeeze the man, emphasizing the threat.
Bells ring, harsh and loud, in my ears, briefly drowning out all other noise. I cover my ears, trying to block the sound, but it doesn’t work. My shadows vibrate in response. A sense of urgency washes over me, and my heart races.
“What’s wrong?” Nyx is at my side, gripping my elbow as I pull my hands away from my ears.
