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Chapter15
Ember
Days pass with the speed of molasses in January—as a friend of mine at the orphanage used to say. Since I can’t gauge the sunlight outside, I have no way of knowing exactly how long it’s been since Conary forced me to change, but if I go strictly based on my exhaustion schedule and the single trays of food brought down for Rafferty and me to share, I’d say it’s been about three days.
Three days since Rafferty has spoken a word to me.
Three days since I’ve breathed fresh air or seen the sunlight.
I have no idea how the man currently brooding in the corner managed to remain sane during his stay here. I’m already about to lose my damn mind.
The door above opens, but I stay where I am. Chances are it’s just another tray of food. But as soon as the boots hit the stone stairs above, I’m on my feet and pressing my back in the corner as far as I can get it.
“Get up,” I hiss at Rafferty, but he makes no move to either get away from the bars or to look at me. “Dammit, Raffe!”
A man appears at the bottom of the stairs, wearing the white and golden armor of a guard. Though, he’s not alone. Directly behind him is Petal. The petite brunette peeks around and smiles with relief when she sees me. Shoving past the guard, she rushes over and begins signing with her hands so quickly I can barely follow.
“Easy, Petal, I can’t understand. You’re moving too fast.”
She nods and then begins to sign again, much slower this time.How are you? I am sorry I was unable to come see you before now. It was not safe.
I meet the gaze of the guard before me. “Is it now?”
“I will not harm you, milady,” he says. “Rafferty, I am glad to see you breathing.”
Raffe moves now, if the shuffling behind me is any indication. I can feel his body heat directly beside me almost instantly. It’s intoxicating. “Tommy, I’m glad to see you alive. What the hell are you doing here?”
“Getting my mate.” He wraps an arm around Petal’s shoulders, and she returns to me.
We ran into each other in town while I was getting vegetables for the kitchen. He is going to get me out of here, tonight. We want you to come.
Tears spring to my eyes as I reach through the bars and grip her hands. “I cannot go with you, Petal. The only one who has a key is Conary, and he’s not letting us out any time soon. You guys go, now, before he sees you.”
“He and Taranus are off the grounds at the moment,” Tommy replies. He reaches behind him and hands Raffe a dagger through the bars. “The Rebellion needs you, Raffe. We’re falling apart without you.”
“I wish I could help.”
“Have you seen Heelean?”
“She’s here. Trapped in a warded room,” I tell him.
“Shit.”
“We’ll find a way to get her out,” Rafferty promises. “But now, you and your mate need to leave before it’s too late. Once they’re back, you’re done. And don’t dematerialize, not until you’re sure you can’t be followed.”
“We won’t. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
The two men clasp hands, and Petal squeezes mine. “I know,” I tell her. “I’ll be fine, though. I’m fairly resilient.”
With one final smile, they turn and leave, heading up the stairs quietly and quickly. I glance over as Raffe runs his finger along the blade of the dagger.
“Considering murdering your cellmate?” I ask.
He doesn’t look at me.
“Listen, I don’t know what I did to piss you off, but I’m getting really tired of the silent treatment.”
