Page 17 of Tempest

Ardyn

The sidewalk shines like oil,slippery with recent rain, the air moist and thick from evaporated storm clouds. Streetlights cast their golden reflection into the puddles, shattering into a thousand tiny droplets when I sprint through them.

I’d flown out the side of the building, and it takes me a minute to get my bearings, even as I run away. I end up on the corner of Bowery and Third, bowing forward and clutching my knees to catch my breath.

Did the man named Miguel follow me? Is Tempest shot? Has he taken my place as a sacrifice?

I must staunch these thoughts if I’m to make it all the way home. Like a coward.

Father was right. I should stay in my gilded cage. It’s where I’m safe, looked after, and shrouded from the worst of human society. There are no Tempests there to swell my heart and awaken my bones, daring me to risk danger.

“Ardyn!”

Clover’s familiar voice comes through the dull ringing in my ears. I right myself as she approaches, concern shining through her dark lashes.

“Are you all right?” She grabs both my hands. “You ran off, and we couldn’t find you. Tempest promised he’d get to you. Did you see him?”

I nod, squeezing back. “Yes. He’s … I saw something, Clover. Something I shouldn’t have, and I’m afraid he’s paying the price.”

Clover’s eyes darken. “I wouldn’t worry. He’s no stranger to scary situations. He’ll be fine.”

My brows tighten. “You don’t understand. The man has a gun. He-he killed someone.”

Instead of freaking out—like I would, did, will for the next century—Clover’s expression shutters even further. She drags me away from the corner and to the curb. “Then we have to get you out of here.”

“Clover, did you hear what I just said? Your brother could be facing down a murderer.”

“I heard you.” Her throat bobs as she looks out to the road, searching through the row of parked cars and onto the busy street. “He’s been through worse. What’s important is to get you back home and pretend this night never happened.”

“You’re hilarious.” I pull my hand out of hers. “We need to call the police.”

“No cops.”

I jerk my chin back. “Are you out of your mind? I can’t pretend I was never here! Someone died, Clover! I don’t care if he was some kind of-of criminal or if we’re exposing a black market auction, we have to do something—”

“Shhh!” Clover’s eyes spark to life as her head whips toward mine. “Do you want to attract more of those kinds of men? Keep your voice down. I knew this was a terrible idea.” She turns back to the row of cars, scanning them with more desperation.

“Hey, ladies!”

“Speak of the source herself,” Clover mutters, crossing her arms as Mila approaches.

She stumbles on her heels with a silver flask clutched precariously in her hand. “Apparently, we have to leave early. Lame-o. But look! I scored us a roadie.” She holds up the flask as if it were an auction piece. “This should salvage some of the evening.”

I stare at her but say to Clover, “Mila has no idea, does she?”

“About as much of a clue as you,” Clover answers. I jolt at the change in her tone, containing a clarity or an awareness I’d never heard before. No, she sounds like her brother.

The realization makes me retreat from her and a little closer to Mila. A part of me still believes there’s safety to be found in ignorance.

Mila squints at me. “You’re looking ghostier than usual. Here.” She unscrews the cap, then shoves the flask in my face. “Drink up.”

“I don’t—”

“Do it.” The cold metal rim smacks against my lips. Bitter, burning liquid fills my mouth. On instinct, I swallow it, wincing as the fire travels down my throat. Within seconds, the savage burn turns into a pleasant thrumming in my veins. I grab the flask from Mila, who squeaks in surprise, then smiles as I gulp down more.

“Just what we need, depositing her back home drunk and terrified.” Clover rolls her eyes while she pulls out her phone. “Where the fuck is the car Tempest promised? I might as well order our own.”

“Terrified?” Mila cocks her head. “Why would anyone be scared? Did you see how many hot men were in there? Why are we leaving? Ardyn didn’t even see what she came for. That sword thing, right?”

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