Page 78 of Blood Feast

The diviner handed Cassia her hardy old gardening satchel, which had carried her prize possessions through many past travails. But leaving tonight felt harder than anything she had ever done, from walking into a war mage’s assassination plot to trekking across the Maaqul.

They were out of time. These were her Trial sisters’ last embraces and final farewell blessings. She had to let them go.

“I will see you again,” Cassia said in defiance of the dread taking hold of her. “This isn’t forever.”

It couldn’t be. The forever she had envisioned for herself in Orthros couldn’t be gone.

Rosethorn felt so heavy at her waist as she and Lio collected their packs and gathered with Mak and Lyros around Solia. Lio’s magic wrapped her close, and they stepped into the unknown.

FUGITIVES

The cold calm overthe Sea of Komne gave way to gusts of wind that still tasted of salt, and Cassia set Hesperine foot in Tenebra for the first time.

At first she didn’t recognize the ragged moor and steep coastline, where waves crashed against the rocks. The moonlight was so bright, the smells so vivid. Could this really be the gray world she had lived in before?

Tenebra would never feel the same again. Her Grace’s presence filled even this desolate night.

“Where are we?” Lio asked.

“Hadria,” Cassia said.

Solia’s cloak tangled around her in the wind. “This is the safest place I could think of to bring you. On Lord Hadrian’s orders, no one will persecute Hesperines in this domain, and it’s too fortified for Lord Lucis to attack…yet.”

“This is a good plan,” Lyros said. “Thank you. We’re far from the siege, here.”

“And from Rudhira’s forces,” Mak muttered.

Solia scowled. “Steer clear of Castra Hadria, the main fortress. There’s a Charger there providing protection and communications.”

Knight was suddenly alert, his nostrils flaring, but his hackles didn’t rise. The aromas of blood magic and indigo warmed the night, and Karege’s veils dropped to reveal him and Kella waiting with four horses. Knight wagged his tail at Tilili.

“I knew if you could escape the Maaqul, you could get out of this, too.” Karege’s grin turned to a frown. “But where is Tendo?”

Kella held out her hand. “You owe me twenty silver. I told you he wouldn't come.”

“And I told you she would ask him,” Karege returned. “Didn’t you, Sunburn?”

Solia crossed her arms. “Yes, I wasted my breath asking him.”

Karege crossed his arms at Kella. “You owe me snake blood. Make sure Tilili catches one alive. No Hesperine wants snake jerky.”

Cassia found a smile for Standstill and Noon Watch. “The Ashes have our gratitude. Tell Hoyefe that for us when you see him.”

“Don’t get sentimental on us now, Shadow,” Kella said. “I’m sure Lonesome and I will cross paths with you in Tenebra many times before this war is over.”

“After I step Kella and Solia to Castra Patria,” Karege explained, “I’m heading back to Ukocha’s village with Tuura. You’ve been fugitives there before! Come find Peanut and me if you need to disappear.”

Solia rested her hands on Cassia’s arms. “I must get back to the siege now. I wish I could offer you refuge in my fortress.”

Cassia grimaced. “If Rudhira catches sight of us, he’ll be honor bound to arrest us and take us back to the Queens.”

Solia muttered a curse. “I’ve half a mind to toss him and his entire Charge out on their ears.”

“That’s out of the question!” Cassia protested. “The Charge’s support is essential to you in the war. The four of us can’t give you that kind of support.”

“We have to focus on what we set out to do all along,” Lio said. “Find the truth about the door, wherever that may take us.”

Solia embraced Cassia one more time. “I don’t want to leave your side, Pup.”

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