A light breeze rustled the leaves of the trees nearby as a nocturnal bird called in the distance.
“Depends on what it is…”
Quinn stood. “Let’s get some food.”
“What? Where? It’s late. I’m sure restaurants or taverns are closed at this hour.”
Quinn grabbed Ava’s hand and yanked her out of her seat. “We’re going to break into the castle kitchens.”
“What? That’s a terrible idea.” Ava followed her through the living room and into the hallway.
“It’s the middle of the night. No one will catch us. Besides,I’m starving too, and you’re a good cook. You’ll make us something delicious.”
Ava bit her lip as they stood in the hall, but a thrill went through her at the idea. Something to take her mind off all the recent stress.
“I feel like a teenager sneaking out in the middle of the night,” she whispered.
“That will make it more fun,” said Quinn.
“Alright, lead the way. I have no idea where we are. Do you?”
“Of course. I pay attention to detail when we’re in an unknown place. Unlike you.”
Quinn led her through the silent hallways, no guards in sight. Stopping before the double doors where they’d eaten dinner, they scanned for any signs of someone coming. It was silent.
Quinn tried the handle and it opened. Ushering Ava inside, she closed the door behind them. Pointing to another door at the far end of the space, she gestured for Ava to follow. “It must be that way. That’s where they emerged when dinner was served.”
They scurried across the room, Ava’s heart in her throat. Reaching the door, she tried to open it. “It’s locked.”
“No problem,” said Quinn.
She flicked her wrist and formed a dark root in her palm, extending it to the ground. It snuck under the door and into the kitchen.
“Just…one…second,” Quinn said, closing an eye.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway.
“Hurry.”
“Don’t distract me.”
“Hello?” A voice called, the footsteps growing closer.
“Shit,” Ava whispered. “Quinn…”
Quinn scrunched her face and the door opened with aclick. They rushed inside and gently pulled it shut, just as someone opened the door to the dining hall.
Ava’s heart was nearly beating out of her chest as she slumped against the wall. This was stupid. They shouldn’t have come here. They were going to get caught and who knows what Orion would do to them.
Quinn slapped a hand over Ava’s mouth as they heard the person make a lap around the room on the other side of the door.
After what felt like a lifetime, the footsteps grew softer and the guard disappeared.
Quinn removed her hand and they both let out a breath.
“That was too damned close,” Ava said.
“Well…get cooking.” Quinn gestured to the space around them.
