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“We found it, sir!” someone calls out.
The white fabric of a tent door opens, and Taranus strolls out. Far thinner than he was the last time I saw him, his gaunt face and pale hair showcase that he, too, is suffering from the bond not being complete.
Which answers my earlier question. Of course, he came here. He’d be so desperate to find her that this would be the best place to start looking. After all, why wouldn’t I try to take her home?
Because doing so will kill her.I clench my hands into fists. Taranus didn’t know about that part—didn’t suspect his unwilling bride would already be dying. “Where is it?” he demands, marching up to a soldier whose back is to me.
When he turns to address his king, a low growl emits from my chest.Conary.“This way. It’s small, barely large enough for a grown woman to slip through,” he explains.
Heelean and I move carefully in the trees, following their path as they move parallel to us through the clearing.
The moment my gaze lands on the shimmering space between two trees, that answer is confirmed. They found the portal. It slithers in the air, there but not really there. Honestly, unless the sunlight hits it just right, I imagine it’s near invisible. Which explains how Ember managed to stumble into it at night.
Soldiers gather around it, all of them gazing intently. And who can blame them—an open portal between worlds? That’s not something you see every day since those of us with wings can move freely between them without one.
Movement on the other side of the clearing catches my attention, so I shift my gaze just as a flash of orange comes into view between two bushes.No.
Fin moves to crouch beside her, both of them staring straight at the portal.You fucker, I trusted you.I glare across at him, willing the bastard to see me, but neither pays me any attention.
“We need to send someone through, see if she’s there.”
“There’s no way she got past our lines, sir,” Conary says. “My men have been combing this area since she left the castle.”
“Then where the hell is she?” Taranus snaps. “Anyone?”
“She’ll be here,” a woman replies as she steps into my line of sight.
Rage burns my blood.Not. Possible.
Though, Lloren’s dark hair and crooked nose are unmistakable, as is the dark magic that swirls around her like a constant blanket. I drove a blade through her damned heart, and yet she stands less than four yards from me. How the bloody hell is that possible?
My own heart lurches in response, so I clench my hands into fists.
End this with an order, my inner voice coos.One. Word.
“Do you believe she is still in this world?” Taranus questions.
“I do,” Lloren replies. “In fact, I’d imagine she’s nearby.”
Fear claws at my throat. There’s no way—
“Then shut the portal down,” Taranus orders, gesturing toward it. “Close it for good.”
“Your Majesty,” Conary argues, but stops as soon as Lloren holds up a hand.
“Are you arguing with your king?”
“Shutting the portal could do more damage than good,” he adds. “I merely wish for him to think it through.”
“Shut. The. Damned. Thing. Down. Now!” Taranus roars.
“As you wish,” Lloren replies as she bows her head.
Please don’t move, I silently urge Ember as her eyes widen. She still hasn’t seen me, but she’s all I can see.
With my heart in my throat, I watch her expression morph from fear to determination. That’s when I know I’ve lost her.
“No!” she screams and explodes from the brush, running into the clearing. “Please, don’t shut it down!”
