At that moment, I know I hate him for doing this. But lurking behind my anger towards him are, perhaps, answers. But I clench my jaw in his face and hold my nerve, pulling out of his grasp.
As we make our way, I try to remember our path, taking note of anything that might be able to help identify who else might be on their side. The route is unobstructed by questions or people, and I wonder if this is the same way my fleeing attacker got away last time.
With every step forward, I focus my mind and energy on my power, hoping, praying, that there’s a flicker of life or warmth. Enough to enable me to fight back, or try to reach Ten or anyone who might be able to help. But there’s nothing.
That blissful realisation of being powerless under a new moon I was so excited about last month, is now my biggest weakness.
Finally, we reach wherever mybrotherdeems his destination. A narrow path, cut away from buildings. He smiles, but it drips with arrogance and knowing, as if the very act is daring me to open my mouth and give him half a reason toshut it for me. But I refuse to give him any more power than he already has. I’ve played this part before, and it’s taught me well.
We’re staring up at a wall of rock and mud, like the inside of the outer wall of The Court. I remember the first time I saw it on the ride in, that tall, shimmery castle in the distance, protected from everything.
His two accomplices carefully move a few boulders, creating a narrow gap in the wall, tight to squeeze through, but fine if small spaces don’t scare you. Mybrother’scompanions go first, turning sideways to shuffle through.
I look back at him. “Go on,” he encourages.
I step forward, plastering my back to the edge of the stone and creep through. Light vanishes within a few steps as the crevice seems to bend and twist, and I have an awful thought of what might happen if this shifts before we’re on the other side. My first thought is that the wall was built from the ground itself, and it might just take offence and swallow me back down.
As my heart rate chases me to find the exit quicker, I all but tumble free out into the wild. Free of The Court, the river sounds close, but out of sight.
Mybrotheris a few steps behind, and then the gap we emerge from is concealed. The two do the same trick of covering the entrance to our secret escape, and I wonder if they are Naturals or Warriors, and when they decided to betray Kirrasia.
“That’s better.” Mybrothershrugs as if shaking off the confinement of the wall.
“Will you tell me where you’re taking me now?” I ask.
He cocks his head at me, all signs of the jovial character now hidden away. “I thought I told you not to speak.”
“You told me not to until we were clear of The Court.” I hold my arms out and look around. “It looks like we’re clear to me.”
He pauses, as if waiting to decide how to respond, and I wonder if he expected to continue to be able to intimidate me.He bursts into a loud laugh, “Oh, Ever. We’re going to have some fun.”
I take a breath at his insinuation. From where I’m standing, there will be no fun. The only thing I want from him is answers.
“You have power.” A statement.
“Oh, well done. Well done, Ever.”
My teeth clench at his mocking. “Why do you have power when it’s the new moon?” I ask, wrestling my temper.
“Right to it, then. No pleasantries?”
“You forwent those when you murdered my friend.”
“Ah, loyal, I see. Even after you’ve learned of what he’s done. You know, Ever, I normally have an uncanny ability to read people. Call it a gift.” He flourishes his hands and takes a mock bow as if collecting his applause. It makes me wonder just how big his ego is, beneath his normalcy. He’s not wearing any finery. Just a simple shirt, rolled to the elbows, creased and worn. A leather waistcoat over the shirt, with plain trousers and sturdy boots. He said the army Micah mentioned was his. Did that make him a commander? Someone important?
“How do you still have power?” I ask again, fighting the urge to be drawn into his small talk.
“Fine.” He stiffens, standing taller. “The moon doesn’t bind my power.”
“Aslendrix,” I correct him. I might have my own issues with the Goddess, but I could do with all the help I can right now.
“Yes. Aslendrix. She does not control my power. It does not wane or rise with her.”
“How?” It bursts from my lips before I can stop myself. But he doesn’t answer this time.
“Come on. Time to go. We’re on a schedule.”
“Where are we going?” How will Ten or anyone find me if they don’t know where we’re going? The sense of panic fromearlier starts to surge, and my fingers dig into my palms to quell it.
