Page 39 of Elysian

“Be ready to leave with only what is on your body.” A cough wracked my frame on the heels of my words, and I tasted blood.

“Speak of this later,” Cassiel said harshly.

“No,” I bunched the front of Hester’s dress and pulled her close to my mouth. “I have something important for you to bring me, but you must tell no one.” It was best that way. Her eyes flicked to the side. “It is a book under Branwen’s wardrobe.” I squeezed her hand hard, more for my sake. She blurred. Only a bit more and I could give in to the sweltering heat. “No one can know about it. Find a way to strap it to you.” Her throat bobbed. “And the journal I left in my drawer—burn it.”

“I understand.” She would not hold still, her glance darting about.

I could see uncertainty flitting across her features. I let her hand go, and she dragged the basin over.

“There are rags, a small water jug, and a loaf of bread. If you need anything else, tell Al, and he will send me with what you need,” she said rushed.

“You are dismissed,” Cassiel said.

I thinned my lips.

Hester straightened to her feet and curtsied. “Yes, my lord.” She retreated to the glass pane and knocked. The surface vibrated.

“What is the glass made of?” I slurred.

“Indestructible material found in Jalixo.”

“That’s another realm.” The dark pulled at me again. Cassiel kept speaking, but it sounded as if he were attempting to speak with his mouth closed.

“Amara!”

I jolted awake. A damp rag rested on my forehead. Cassiel dabbed it on my temple.

“Keep your eyes open. Do not sleep, not yet,” he ordered.

“I must,” I mumbled. “Exhaustion . . .”

“Tell me how we will leave this place.” That phrase came through the fog, and I pried my eyes open. “You have a plan with the feeders.” I hummed and nodded. “Tell me.”

“Just for you to tell me that it is foolish? And to let you handle it?” I croaked. “Your teeth are gritted.” I poked the side of his hard jaw.

“I will not tell you it is foolish.”

I scoffed. “I will only tell you if you agree to my plan.”

His silence prodded me to shut my eyes. I shrugged at his non answer and regretted it as soon as the pain shot through my veins.

“I will follow it,” he bit out harshly. “Now look at me and tell me the plan.” He tucked me against him. It was the only place that I felt any sort of peace.

I hated it.

“I collected a flower that can be turned into poison. I gave them directions on how to turn it lethal.” His eyebrows rose on his forehead. “Hester discovered when we would be gathered with the council again.”

“They will poison them.”

My nod took effort.

“Brilliant mortal,” he murmured, running his thumb across my temple. “And what of the book you mentioned to the feeder?”

I hesitated before speaking, unsure if he would betray me.

“You must learn to trust me.”

“It is pure necessity at this moment.” I didn’t withhold the snap. Cassiel’s mouth flattened. “It is the Lore of Old.” I lowered my voice even more.