The blade moved on its own. With a smooth, precise motion, the knife plunged into the side of his neck right where he got Mayer. His head dropped to the side. I was already in the hall.
I started running toward the castle. Then I transformed and lifted into the air, not looking back. Shouts sounded from the ground. Several warriors quickly transformed, closely following me as I dived toward the castle. The sky appeared artificially low, almost touching the spikes on the roof as I crashed through the window into the room Alina and I occupied.
At first, I could only hear glass shattering, then footsteps and yelling in the corridor. My eyes adjusted to the shadows of the room and a devastating feeling took total control.
Two feet on the floor extended beyond the bed. Blood roared in my temples, bright red spots filled my vision and a low animal-like growl escaped my throat.
“Alina!”
I had to take a step closer, I had to see her. And for a long moment, I could not move. There would be no life without her.
A sharp noise sounded from somewhere nearby. My dagger slipped from my hand, cutting my fingers. Blood poured onto the floor as I stepped closer.
The simple dress, the thin hand and then the light colored braid. It was not Alina. It was her maid.
Someone's arms wrapped around my shoulders and I was pulled back.
“It’s not her. It’s not her! We need to leave the room.” Denis pushed me toward the door. “Let me find her. I’m sure she’s fine. Let me bring her to you,” Denis said, but I could not concentrate on the words that left his mouth.
I pushed him aside and sprinted down the corridor. Madness was closing in, taking over every thought. I needed to see that she was alright.
Down the hall, were two maids carrying straw baskets.
“Where is my wife?” I darted toward them.
“Milord! The dining hall, milord?” one of them responded.
I ran down two sets of stairs. The double doors were wide open. Courtiers spilled into the gallery, talking, sharing gossip.
“Where’s my wife?” I grabbed the forearm of one of the white clan’s knights.
“The heiress was with Lady Augusta,” he responded.
“Where is she?” I yelled.
“I heard them talking about visiting Lady Augusta’s father.” Someone offered.
“Where?”
“Milord? I can take you.” A young knight stepped forward.
“Now!” I growled.
“Of course. As you wish, Your Majesty.”
I yanked him toward the set of stairs and we sprinted up.
Was it a trap? Did the daughter of the traitor lure Alina into the room? Was it too late? No, she was alive. I could still feel her in every breath I took. She was alive because my blood still pumped through my veins, because my heart was still beating. I knew it in my bones that her last breath would be my last.
“How far is it?” Denis shouted behind me.
“We’re almost there.”
We entered a long corridor where several knights were guarding the entrance. My sole intent was getting through the door without even stopping for the guards.
“Milord, we can’t let you . . .”
I threw the man out of my way and the back of his head crashed against the wall. The second knight reached for his weapon but Denis brought his arm up and punched him in the chin. Knowing Denis could handle the rest of the men, I booted the door, drawing my sword. The black steel was craving blood and my very being had turned murderous, maniacal.
