Not only that, but I couldn’t let these amsirah see me lose it. Many probably saw me as their last hope, and if I lost control, they might do the same.
Slipping away from them, I moved into the shadows outside of muted light from the lanterns and torches. Mr. Fletcher was still directing others; he pointed to the tunnel leading out and ordered six amsirah to stand guard in it.
I didn’t listen to the rest of his commands as I hid with my hand over my mouth to stifle my sobs. The amsirah spread further out in the cavern as they claimed different spaces, laid out blankets, and sorted out their clothes.
They’d taken the animals to their new areas, but Xanthus remained near the exit tunnel, his head turned toward the fresh air. I didn’t know how long the stallion would stay, and no one approached to take him away; he wouldn’t go.
Please stay safe, I inwardly pleaded.
Scarlet appeared before me; she clasped my arms as she blocked my view of the cavern. “Are you okay?” she demanded.
My heart hammered as my mind spun with memories of the black dog and the pulsing beat of the Heart of Stone. I knew what the woods wanted, but could I trust them?
They’d aided us against the duke, but was that to help us orthem? Most likely, it was for the woods; of course, they didn’t want to burn, but it could have been for both.
“Lery?”
Images of Ryker kissing me, telling me he loved me, and slipping the ring onto my finger as our powers bound us for eternity swam before me. They were so real I could smell his cinnamon and horse scent and feel the warmth of his lips against mine.
I recalled our time in the maze that King Ivan had established and how I’d yearned for him to kiss me, almost as much as I’d feared it. We’d sat in the center of the labyrinth, taking it all in, and Ryker didn’t have a clue that he sat beside the amsirah who’d robbed him.
Our history was so complicated, but we’d made it this far. We’d fallen apart and come back together stronger than ever; we’d found each other time and time again.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to find him again.
The ring burned a hole in my pocket while the ice of his finger chilled my leg. Neither belonged there; they should both be with him, and I would ensure they found their way home.
The black dog was waiting for me, expecting me to understand what it required of me. And I had understood; I just couldn’t do what it needed me to do… then.
When the black dog rose and walked away from me, it was shutting me out and throwing me to the wolves.
And those wolves were howling through the woods, bearing down on us, and seeking to tear our flesh away. There could be a way to stop them; it might not be the right way, but it could be the way.
Or it could be the very path that led to our downfall. I didn’t have any other options. We had no army, were trapped beneath the earth, and the forest could decide to turn on us next.
That black dog had made a statement when it turned away from me.
“I have to do something,” I whispered. “And I have to go alone.”
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Ellery
“Absolutely not,”Scarlet said. “We’ve been in this together since the start, and that’s not going to change.”
I closed my eyes before opening them again. I focused on the displaced amsirah over her shoulder before shifting my attention to my best friend, who was like a sister to me. Dirt streaked her pretty face, and concern filled her brown eyes.
“I have to go alone,” I told her, “but I’ll be back.”
I hope.
“You can’t go after Ryker by yourself.”
“I’m not.” When she gave me a doubtful look, I clasped one of her hands. “I’m not going after him.”
I planned to do something she’d probably disapprove of more, but she didn’t have to know that.
“Ihaveto go,” I told her.
