Page 73 of Facade

As I looked between them, I couldn’t ignore the nagging thought that there was a deeper purpose to their aid. The way they carried themselves, the urgency in their actions, and the intensity in their eyes made me wonder why they’d risk themselves against the King’s guard, for me?

“We’re friends. It’s difficult to explain. Please, I know it’s a lot to ask. Especially with the manner you were brought here.” She shot a glare at the male. “But we’re asking that you trust us.” She fiddled with a ring that had a sapphire on it. “You can’t remember anything? Anything at all other than the past three years?”

My eyebrows knit together, trying to figure out what game they were all playing.

“What would that matter to you?” I held his stare, though I addressed the Witch. “Any of you?” The male’s brows dropped, jaw working.

“It matters.” His deep voice echoed off the stone. The Witch shot him a clear warning as he moved closer to me, the torch lighting up his white hair. I tensed, ready to fight my way out of here if he tried anything, but the Witch… Aniah, stepped between us with her hands raised.

“Please, we haven’t much time at all until they realize you’re gone. I know you have no reason to trust us, and you don’t remember anything, but we know each other.” I blanched at her words, my breathing becoming uneven. “I know you don’t remember me, but I can get your memories back if you’ll trust me,” she said breathlessly, as if her heart were beating as fast as mine.

“How?” My voice cracked. “How do you know me?”

“I’m so sorry, Evanee. I can’t say much more. Just, please. Trust me.”

I looked to Freesia, frozen in place as she watched the exchange. Then forced myself to look at the male. His eyes flashed brightly, and though he held himself with a lazy confidence, I noticed the tension in his rigid muscles.

I swallowed dryly. “And… You? Do I know you, too?” The cave fell silent, save for the faint whisper of wind through rock. Aniah looked between us, her mouth pressing into a line, before she scowled.

“This is—”

“Ryker. And, no. I had the pleasure of meeting you for the first time that night you were in similar attire.” He smirked. I flushed and turned my gaze quickly from him, but not before I saw a look pass between him and Aniah. Brutish asshole. Every instinct screamed at me to run—but there was a small voice in my head whispering to stay. Trust them. And it hadn't steered me wrong yet.

“What… What do I have to do?” I asked her slowly.

“I can use my magic on your blood—to draw memories from it. Then….” she hesitated.

“What?” The eagerness slipped out before I could stop it, my feet moving me away from the security of the wall.

“I’ll use my magic to draw as many memories as I can from your blood. Then there’s a mixture you’ll drink with it, along with an incantation.” She offered apologetically.

“I have to drink my own blood?” I exclaimed, my nose wrinkling in disgust. “Like a skur?”

“Don’t you want your memories back?” Ryker stepped forward, clenched fists falling to his side.

“Give her a moment to process it, Ryker, ” Aniah scolded. Freesia shifted uncomfortably in the shadows. He huffed a sigh that came out more like a bears growl, looking to the ceiling.

Aniah turned back toward me.

“Will you let me help?” she asked.

I gnawed at the inside of my cheek.

I wanted my memories back badly, but at what cost? She claimed we knew each other, but how could I trust her? Especially after my experience with Cressida. And how did I even meet Aniah if she’d been at the Gargoyle kingdom? Rumored to die alongside them? For each question that crossed my mind, three more popped up. And if I wanted answers, I’d have to take a leap of faith.

“If you’re too scared of your own memories, then I’ll take you back—” Ryker started. But I bristled.

“I’m not scared of my memories!”

“Then what do you have to lose?” His words weren’t sarcastic or barbed—but calm. A subtle plea.

“Okay.” Uncertainty coated that small word. But he was right, I had nothing else to lose.

Relief flooded Aniah’s features.

“Freesia, will you stand watch outside?”

Freesia nodded once and slipped past Ryker.