CHAPTER THIRTY
Ryker
When Samael returned and opened the door, his expression was troubled as he stepped aside to let us exit. “Was someone here?” I asked.
“No, it’s quiet, but it won’t stay that way.”
He turned and walked away, but I fell into step beside him. “Then why do you look so worried?” I asked as we wound our way around a gleaming, white marble island.
The open kitchen stretched endlessly onward; the vast room was so clean and shiny that someone could eat off the floor. Above the numerous islands and countertops, pots and pans hung from ceiling racks. Their shiny, copper exteriors sparkled in the dim light of the turned-down kitchen fires and the sconces on the wall.
In the flickering lights, shadows danced around the room, and the smell of the lemon cleaner permeated the air. But beneath its fresh aroma was the scent of the meat from last night’s dinner.
My stomach cramped in response, and my mouth watered. Callan’s head twisted around as Lawrence veered toward one of the ice chests before shaking his head and striding back to Tucker.
The slop they’d given us hadn’t provided much nutrition, and our bodies required sustenance. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop and eat.
To my left, at the far end of the room, a wall of windows looked out on the land. I’d visited the kitchen more than a few times in my life, usually to beg for treats as a child, and then to swipe them as an adult, but I’d never seen it so empty. Even at midnight, there were usually servants here, which meant it was probably later than that.
“I think your wife might be here,” Samael said.
His words jarred me from my inspection of the spotless, dimly lit kitchen. “What?”
Samael waved his fingers over his shoulder as he beckoned us toward the windows. My heart hammered with trepidation and excitement as we approached.
She couldn’t be here. It was far too dangerous for her, but I’d give anything to see her and reassure myself she was okay.
I craved drawing her close again and inhaling her sweet, apple scent. But while my body yearned for her, I’d give anything for her to be a thousand miles away from here and safe.
Within me, Ellery’s power stirred. She wasn’t drawing from me, but it reminded me that we were connected; if I drew on her abilities, she’d know it. I still couldn’t bring myself to do that, as Samael could be wrong about her being here.
In the spotless glass, our reflections appeared in the windows until we stood directly before them. I still didn’t understand what Samael was talking about with Ellery, as our reflections were the only things in the glass.
It took me too long to realize that our reflections were so clear because of the thick wall of fog pressing against the window. The gray mist revealed nothing of the world beyond.
“Fuuuck,” I groaned as I opened myself more to Ellery. She was far too close for my liking.
“That could be natural,” Lawrence said.
“No. That’s Ellery.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I can feel her out there. She’s come for the children.”
Samael snorted. “Won’t she go for you first?”
A harsh chuckle escaped me. “You and Veni have no clue about her. You’re constantly underestimating and misjudging. She wants me back, but she’ll go for the children. She can survive without me; she’ll never live again if those kids die because she chose me over them.
“If she’s learned where the children are, she’ll go for them first. She knows she has far less chance of getting to me than them. She’ll free the innocents and all the amsirah Veni holds captive by keeping their offspring from them.”
“And she’d do this while knowing she’ll condemn you to a whole lot of fucking misery?” Samael asked in disbelief.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure she loves you?”
Despite my growing apprehension, my lips twitched toward a smile. “I’m positive.”
