Page 91 of Facade

“I didn’t know you were there, at the Queen’s.” His fists tightened at his sides. “Once I learned of it, I informed the King of you, and he granted permission for a small group to retrieve you. Look,” he sighed, “the past is bloody and cruel. I can’t change what’s happened. It’s a gift that Cressida locked your memories away—”

“A gift?” I scoffed. “Do you have any idea what I’ve been through these past three years? What it’s been like to be an outcast—to not even know who I was or where I came from?” Again, he looked away.

An animalistic growl rumbled deep within my chest.

“Why can’t I shift?” I demanded, my anger rising at his words as the ache in my back flared once more. How could he have worked with the Fae at all, after what happened to the Gargoyles? No—our kind?

His jaw worked, and I could see it in his eyes—he was losing patience as they cut toward me.

“Likely because of the memory curse. But even if you could, the Fae crown forbids us to shift. Those of us who survived and were allowed to stay were marked, preventing us from shifting at all.” There were more of us here… My heart constricted at that thought, but fury flooded my veins and I settled it on Aiden.

“But you can,” I said, the accusation coming out deadly calm. It was only a guess, but the steely gaze he turned on me was answer enough. That’s how he was able to get ahead of Fletcher—how he'd snuck up on me at the beach.

“I don’t owe you an explanation. Too much has already been said. This is a very dangerous conversation to be having so close to Castle Lawryn. When we arrive tomorrow, I’ll take you to Cressida so she can reinforce her magic over your memories and the proximity. Until then—”

“What?!” I hissed, anger igniting. “You’re going to have that Witch take away the memories that have leaked through? Why?” I had to leave. I had to—

“Because this is the only way!” he snarled, fangs glinting as his lip curled. His skin flashed the darkest blue for a split second, his Gargoyle slipping through.

I didn’t flinch.

“Aiden.” His name was a growled warning as Malachai emerged from the shadows on foot.

Aiden turned from me, inhaling deeply, and roughly raked a hand through his hair.

“I need to take a walk. Don’t let her out of your sight,” he ordered.

A shiver snaked its way down my spine as his cold tone left a chill colder than the ice and snow surrounding us.

Laughter rang out, echoing against the quiet village as Lyra and Brax approached. In no mood to speak to anyone, I stomped to the edge of our camp near the tree line with my shadow a few steps behind.

I shifted from foot to foot. My back twitched, ached, and itched all at once. A scream burned in my throat as my head tipped up to the sky.

Turning to go back, I plowed right into Malachai.

“Do you have to stand so close?” A growl ripped from my chest, lip curling.

“I’m following orders.”

I snorted.

“Watch yourself,” he warned.

“Or what?” I clipped.

His eyes flashed gold—two small suns in the dark. Yet he said nothing, instead turning back toward camp where Lyra sprawled across the muddy snow, making a snow angel as she sang an off-key melody.

As I found a place close to the fire, I glared at Malachai and Aiden beneath lowered lashes as they huddled together near the horses, hurried whispers passing between them. Their voices didn’t reach me like they had the other night, which only soured my mood further. I didn’t want to hear them. I needed to.

Lyra, who was most definitely drunk, slumped over on the ground after another hour, snoring loudly. Brax lay against his saddle near her, a rhythmic breathing meeting my ears. Alaric had stayed at the healers with Dimitri, and Slade was on watch. So I couldn’t make a move yet.

I lay back with my arm beneath my head, staring at the clear night sky, chewing on everything I’d learned, as well as the bitter leaves. So many questions bombarded my tired mind that I hoped would be answered. If only the rest of my memories would release. Which wouldn’t happen if I didn’t get out of here. Castle Lawryn was only a day’s ride away. If I focused on it, I could feel that invisible thread in my arm—the oath with Aniah. Now that Aiden wanted my memories taken again, I wouldn’t be able to run. Not without putting Aniah and Ryker in danger. My only hope was that they'd keep their word and come to me. Quickly.

“Lyra could wake the dead with that snoring.”

My body tensed as Aiden settled on the ground next to me, stoking the fire.

“I’m not in the mood,” I bit out.