Page 118 of Nocturn

While she was gone, I settled onto the straw and stretched my aching legs out. Staying for a moment sounded lovely, but I must be on my way to the Plaza. My hip pinched and I leaned into the agony.

Miriam had not betrayed me. Doubt had nagged at the back of my mind since the eve my Sigil appeared despite my adamant refusal. But I was right. She could not have. Piper kept near the exit of the stall, watching steadily.

Soon we would have safety. Where there would be no cages.

‘I hope she’s back quickly. Everything feels off,’ Piper said.

I frowned down at her.

Dusklight came quickly, casting yellowing light into the barn. Nocturn would begin in mere moments.

“We did it,” I breathed.

Piper climbed toward my knee, her nose twitching as she peered around.

‘I sense danger.’

I was on my feet.

“What kind? Should we leave?” I whispered, already striding around the stall toward the exit. Piper had a keen animal sense of danger. Always had.

‘I think . . .’ she trailed off.

“I do not want to risk it,” I decided and neared the barn wall to leave.

Someone could have seen me. I had allowed myself a moment of selfishness in coming here, but that would have to be enough. Miriam would have to forgive me for disappearing. I poked my head out from around the barn door, and seeing the way clear, I slipped past the entrance, bolting along its side as quickly as my leg allowed.

“Amara?” Miriam shouted.

I slowed, tugged by my bond with Miriam to see her once more. To tell her a final goodbye.

She rushed around the side of the barn.

“Shh.” I peeked around.

“Why are you leaving?” Her brows furrowed tightly, a red flush across her cheeks, her footsteps crunched near.

“It is time for me to go.”

I was about to turn away.

“You cannot!” she shouted, verging on panicked.

An officer rounded the barn where she had come. I stepped back a few paces. My thoughts raced, and my gaze bounced from Miriam to the officer and back again.

“What?” I whispered, staggering back. She kept her gaze fixed on the dirt path, her face leached of color.

“I am so, so sorry,” she sobbed. “I will not be allowed to wed Lord Cedric if we have no sway.” She kept hugging herself as if she had been the one betrayed. “I love him.” Another sob gust free.

The officer approached, and I clasped Piper, my heartbeat faster than ever. He converged on me, and I managed to slip to the side. My leg gave out, the one Cassiel had broken, but I caught myself with a hiss. The moment cost me the distance I needed. Miriam’s betrayal brought the officers. Cassiel’s left me too slow to outrun them.

Jolting to the side to avoid another heavy-handed swipe, I was not counting on the other officer lying in wait. His palm slapped over my mouth, and I grunted, struggling against the grip. Piper slipped out of my arms, and everything went dark.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

At the Beginning

Istruggled to blink through my swollen eyelids. My temples throbbed in an agonizing thrum, attempting to drag me back into unconsciousness.