Page 131 of Elysian

He never knew when to mind his words!

I took one step forward, but Morak’s, “No,” stopped me in place.

“His Highness is needed.”

I slowed my approach. Jude deflated, and Liadan let him go.

“Enough with the cockfight!” Lucinda shouted. She pushed through the crowd blocking the path she had come from. “We are being invaded.”

She had taken a breath when all broke loose. Swarms of officers flooded the cave. The Guard had arrived. It turned to madness. Screams echoed, fighting ensued. Blades clashed against each other. One officer took the arm of a redblood, shoving her to the ground. He brought his pommel down on her temple. She lost consciousness. Another woman was dragged over. It seemed they were collecting any that were redbloods and dispatching any bluebloods.

Liadan was slicing through officers. Jude and Morak fought side by side, pushing back the line of officers trying to get past them.

“Amara!” Cassiel roared.

I found bloodshed around him, but more officers kept coming. One raked his blade across Cassiel’s calf. Cassiel buckled and dropped to one knee, but he swiped out and sliced across the neck of the one behind him.

“Turn!” I screamed in warning. A blade came at Cassiel’s neck. He managed to twist, driving the blade away.

But a different officer jabbed at his chest. A blade drove through his stomach, erupting through his back.

‘Go’.

He hadn’t looked at me.

I numbly turned to find Damien in front of Vera and Branwen. Tabby had been pulled away at some point.

“There you are,” the familiar voice broke through my panic.

I blinked up at the red-headed officer. “Egan?” I choked out.

“Hurry,” he gritted out, hauling me past a bleeding redblood.

“Wait! I have to get Cassiel,” I mumbled. My thoughts were a mess. I jerked and tugged, but Egan kept pulling me.

Not until we were past the entrance did I snap to life. I turned back to Cassiel who fell to his knees, black blood dripping from his lips. Another blade split through his torso.

“Saints, Egan! Set me free!”

Cassiel still remained fighting, and they were skewering him. Egan only shook his head, pulling me even faster. He wound through the path as if he knew it. Dirt and stone blurred past.

Egan swiped his blade out, sliding it into an officer as they rounded a corner. I choked on my shock, but Egan didn’t stop. Since I last saw him, his hair had grown to his shoulders. It flowed behind him. He dragged me through a tunnel that inclined until we emerged outside.

“Egan!” I crouched, ignoring the pinch in my hip.

My weight forced him to slow. He hovered over my face, using two fingers to pinch my chin.

“It is to keep you safe,” he whispered, eyes thin. “All I have ever wanted was to keep you safe.” He leaned closer until his breath touched my lips.

I turned my face away before his mouth touched mine.

“Get away from her.” Lucinda’s voice was low and harsh.

A flash of annoyance crossed his face, and he stood, casually swinging the sword. His posture was too relaxed.

“What?”

“Do not attempt to fool me,” she bit out, rushing toward us, a blade the size of my forearm in hand. Panic drew the air from my chest.