Page 223 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

“Excuse me,” I asked the owner. “I’m looking for two of my friends. Have you seen them? About this tall, pointed ears, elves?”

“Oh, yes.” She beamed and put the finishing touches on a display behind the counter. “They were in here earlier. They chatted together for a moment before leaving. I saw them head that way,” she said, pointing toward the docks.

“Okay, thanks,” I said, forcing a smile. My gut was telling me something was not right.

I took one last look at the woman as she waddled, one hand on her growing stomach, toward another glass case of sweets. She didn’t smell dead. Some parts of me would never stop looking over my shoulder for Tobias. I also didn’t detect the stench of a lie coming from her. Okay, perhaps it wasn’t a trap.

The door behind me closed with a creak as I pulled my hood higher on my head. The cobblestone was rough and uneven as I pressed forward. A reflection of small eyes caught my attention, and I looked up. There, on a broken sign, a bird made of midnight sat watching me. Its beak was as dark as its feathers, and its body was as long as my forearm. I inhaled deeply, but no scent flowed to my nose. My eyes narrowed. It was not a shifter. The lack of scent proved that. I hissed, baring my fangs at the creature, and it took flight, disappearing into the night. I shook my head and continued toward the docks.

The moon hung far closer here than in other worlds, covering most of the horizon and ringed by rocks. It was quiet on the docks, with no sign of anyone, and I could only smell a hint of the ryphors. I stopped short when I saw a dagger embedded in a pier post. I ripped away the paper it was holding in place and read.

Meeting changed to Torkun. Hurry, they decided this place wasn’t good enough for a rest. Left a transporter for you under the pier.

Orym

I crumpled up the note and incinerated it with a small flash of my flames. Grabbing the edge of the pier, I slipped over the side and gripped the worn wood with one hand. I saw one of the gauntlet transporters tucked under a beam and grabbed it with my free hand. With a soft grunt, I swung my legs and propelled myself back up.

I walked back up the hill. The mud clinging to my boots caused me to slip when I hit the slick cobblestones. I flipped the latch on the gauntlet open, and runes burst into the air, surrounding a small circular map. A red dot flashed, pinpointing my destination. Orym, you beautiful elf, you already set the coordinates.

My finger paused over the button to send me. I knew I needed to tell Samkiel I was changing locations, but he would only show up, protesting he needed to go with me. Realistically, I needed to do this alone. I had to show him that we couldn’t do every mission together, and I’d be okay without him at my side. We could not save the world while connected at the hip. These realms were far too vast. I took one last look at my wedding ring and pressed the button.

THE GAUNTLET HISSED IN MY HAND, AND I SHOOK IT, THE TOP SPARKING and sizzling. I looked closer and saw a small dent and a crack. It must have gotten damaged when Orym and Veruka stole it. Luckily, I had made it to Torkun before it gave out, but I hadn’t realized how far this planet was. It was definitely a pit stop between worlds.

A ryphor’s cry rent the air, and my head shot up. The beast hovered beside a tavern. I didn’t see the box of weapons, but I figured Orym and Veruka had to be nearby. Chucking the gauntlet into the trash, I pulled the hood of my cloak up and strode toward the small building.

“Everything okay?”

I jumped, damn near squealing as I whirled, expecting to see Samkiel behind me.

“Gods, I still have to get used to that,” I responded.

His laugh floated through my head. “Are you all right?”

“Yes,” I said, stopping just outside the tavern. I didn’t know if he would be able to hear the music, but I didn’t want to take any chances. “What music?”

“Uh, there’s a band,” I said. “In town. Weird, right?”

“Yes, actually.” I hummed in my head as if I were listening to the music, hoping it would drown out my other thoughts. “Everything is fine. I need to concentrate, though. I found the ryphors. Now, I just need their weapons. I’ll check in as soon as I have them.”

Samkiel was silent, and I swore I could hear him thinking. “Five minutes.”

“What?” I mentally snapped, stepping closer to the door.

“Check in with me in five minutes, or I’m on my way.”

“Oh, my gods.”

“Tick-tock.”

My eyes rolled as I smiled and pushed him out before storming into the tavern. I’d have to hurry because I knew Samkiel meant what he said. Music, smooth and smokey, filled the room. People sat around small tables, some drinking, some just talking and laughing. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

I stood on my tiptoes, glancing around a few taller beings, trying to spot my elf companions. I didn’t see them, and my lips twisted to the side. Fuck. Where were they? I absently side-stepped a stumbling drunk, half pushing him out of my way. My gaze restlessly roamed the tavern. My instincts were screaming at me, but there were no soldiers here that I could see, and I couldn’t locate the danger. Everything here seemed exactly what you would expect from a place like this.

“Can I help you, miss?” a voice asked over the chatter and music.

I turned to see a green, spiky-headed bartender wiping at the bar.

“Yes,” I said, sliding into an empty seat. “I’m looking for my friends. Have you seen them?” I raised my hand as I spoke. “Tall girl and guy, kinda look alike? Pointed ears and tails?”

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