We ran at least another half a mile before Ryker stopped.He pulled me up beside him and used his thumb to wipe some blood from my cheek before he surveyed the woods.
Panting, I bent over and rested my hands on my knees.A twinge ran up my broken arm, but it was nearly healed, and the odd bow in the middle had flattened out.
The clink and rattle of the chains set my teeth on edge.We were more vulnerable now that we’d stopped, but it was best to be silent in this forest.However, there was nothing these women could do about the manacles shackling them.
I took a deep breath and straightened; every part of me was still on fire from running and sweat soaked my clothes, but none of us had time to wallow.I ignored the curious stares of the women as they watched me.
“She’s a lightning bearer,” someone whispered.
Being the center of attention was the last thing I wanted, but I couldn’t avoid it.My secret was out, and I would have to get used to the stares and curiosity.
“How?”another asked.
“I don’t know how,” I said in a loud, clear voice.“I just know that I am, and I’ll do what I can to protect you and Tempest.”
A murmur ran through the women as they edged closer, so I continued.“I’m sorry they put you there because of me.I didn’t know….I didn’t think….”
My words trailed off when Ryker placed his hand on my arm.
“What thearistocratsdid wasnotyour fault.”His eyes burned into mine before they shifted to the women surrounding us as he spoke in a tone that brooked no arguments.“She revealed what she could do to save the rebels from endless torture.In doing so, she gave up the safety she’d experienced by keeping her ability hidden.Shenevercould have known the nobles would retaliate like this, and when they did, she exposed who she was to them to save countless lives.”
The woman stared at us, blinking from the shadows of the trees.Some of them smiled, and murmurs started again, but their attention remained riveted on us… well, mostlyme.
Feeling uncomfortable with all the scrutiny, I turned to Ruby.“We need the keys.”
When Ruby pulled them from her pocket, some of the women edged closer.“Please,” one of the women pleaded as she held out her hands.
Ruby went to work on opening the locks.A tall woman, free of her chains, dug into her pockets before pulling out another set of keys.
“I can help too,” she offered.
“You have to open a portal to the encampment,” Ryker told me.“I only have one, maybe two left in me right now, but I can’t risk not being able to open another.I have somewhere else to go.”
A chill ran up my spine.“Where?”
We were away from the battlefield, but his eyes remained black while lightning fired through them.“We need weapons, and I know where to get them.”
My mouth parted a little as the hair rose on my nape.That couldnotbe good.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
Ellery
“What about these women?”I asked.
Many gathered around us while others remained near the trees, watching and wary.I sensed their desire to help, but we didn’t know these women and couldn’t trust them, even if I would like to.
Ryker studied the bloody, breathless women surrounding us.Some of the lightning in his eyes eased, and his face softened.
“If you come with us, you can’t leave the encampment.”He pitched his voice louder to ensure it carried over those gathered nearby.“At least not until we’re sure we can trust you.Many live at the encampment, which meanslotsof lives are at stake, and we plan to wage a war against those who imprisoned you.I won’t letanythingcompromise that.”
“You plan to fight the aristocrats?”one of the women asked.
“Yes.”
“Youplan to do so?”another asked as they eyed him warily.“You’re one of them.”
Irritation flickered across Ryker’s face.“In case youfuckingmissed it, I just killed the king.I’mnotone of them.You’re looking at the two most wanted amsirah in this realm.”
