Page 64 of Stars May Burn

I needed to get out of this stifling place where everything was whispered and nothing explained. Get away from the husband who didn’t even want me.

I needed freedom.

I just needed…

SOPHIE

Iran down the stairs to the ground floor and skidded over the black and white tiles to the main door. I barreled into them and pushed them open without stopping, immediately taking the steps to the courtyard two at a time, holding my skirts above my knees, and not caring if I over-balanced and fell.

The courtyard was empty of all but guards holding flaming torches at the inner wall. I ignored them as I ran past, not giving them the chance to question whether they should stop their lady.

On the wide street of the city, hushed by night, half silvered by starlight, and half shadowed by cloud cover, I slowed and heaved in great ragged breaths, finally letting the tears flow freely.

Guards patrolled the main street. One headed toward me between the blue pools of kryalcomy lamps, so I took a side street and hurried up the twisted path between houses. A cat darted across my path as I walked, choosing turnings at random and listening to my heartbeat slow until my tears finally dried up.

I stopped and looked around as my mind caught up with my reckless heart. I pulled my shawl tight around my arms. Where was I even going? I hadn’t been in the city often and had always been in a carriage or guarded and directed by Meena. The clouds now covered the whole sky in an expectant blanket of black.

I hesitated. Dawn couldn’t be that far away. Should I turn back to the castle, or find a place to rest? I’d traveled a long way through meandering streets, and in the heavy, humid darkness, I couldn’t find the silhouetted towers of the castle. It could be a long walk back, and it felt like it was about to rain. An inn with food and drink was probably a good idea. Besides, I didn’t want to face Kasten again right now. I touched my wrist and my neck to ensure my jewelry was still there. That should be more than enough to pay for a meal and maybe a simple bed to rest in.

I took a left, then a right, the twisting streets narrow and disorientating. They would eventually lead to the main street, which was crowded with shops and restaurants and inns. I just had to go downhill.

A set of heavier footsteps behind me made me pause. The footsteps paused too. My heart leapt in my throat, and I spun around but only found the dark cobblestone street full of shadows and wonky corners. I started walking again, and a moment later, the footsteps resumed, slightly faster than my own. Again, I stopped and turned. Again, I saw nothing.

I picked up the pace and chose intersections at random. The footsteps continued, always on the edge of my hearing, stopping when I stopped. I was definitely being followed. I took a left and a second set of footsteps joined the first.

My heart thudded so hard, my chest ached, and I wished I had any sort of weapon. Not that I knew how to use one. Why had I been so stupid to come out here alone? If whoever was following me approached, maybe I could just give them the jewelry and they would go? Maybe Red Men were after me again to threaten Kasten. Or maybe something even worse.

I took a deep breath. Maybe it was just Meena giving me space. Or another castle guard.

I couldn’t convince myself.

I kept walking, hoping that any minute now I would see the soft blue glow of the main street with its patrolling guards. It was straight and well-lit, making it much easier to see anyone trying to follow me. I would be safe there.

A few warning spots of rain hit my face. I looked up as the clouds unleashed, drenching me in seconds. Drips fell from the tiled eves of the houses like curtains, running in channels on low walls to water butts lining the narrow street. The sound of rain increased, making it harder to hear the footsteps, but I was sure I could hear a whispered voice.

“You sure that’s her?”

“Yeah, yeah. Positive.”

My skin prickled as all the hairs on my body stood on end. I broke into a run over the slippery, uneven cobblestones. The footsteps became heavier as they picked up the pace behind me. My skirts tangled around my ankles, clinging to my skin as I attempted to pull them free.

I rounded a corner and saw the glow of kryalcomy lights ahead. Just a little farther.

A tall, broad man appeared with a kryalcomy lantern, blocking my path and my way to the main street. I stumbled as I slowed, looking for another path to take, but the walls of houses and gardens extended to either side. The footsteps behind me slowed, loud enough to be heard even over the rain. I turned and saw three men cautiously coming closer. They’d caught me. I was trapped. Fear, cold and relentless, froze my limbs as I desperately sought a way out.

“Sophie?”

I looked back to the silhouette of the tall man with the lantern, his face hidden under the hood of a rain cloak. Kasten. That was Kasten’s voice.

Relief flooded me, so palpable, I choked on a sob. I ran up to him and grabbed his free arm, hugging it tightly to my chest. “Kasten.”

“Are you hurt?” he asked gruffly.

I shook my head, rain trickling down my face.

“Let go of me, then. Stay here and don’t move.” His voice was low and dangerous.

I awkwardly untangled myself and instantly felt foolish for grabbing him. Especially since only an hour before, I had been running away from him. His hand found the small of my back to steady me, and I felt something hard and pointed in his grip.

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