Page 18 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"Eliah," Jesri called out, halting me just before I reached the foyer, my emotions teetering off the edge. "Do not fail me, girl."

His voice sliced deep, dripping with repulsion. Within an instant, my body ignited with anger, fizzling through my veins like a wildfire that was impossible to contain. His words seized me, taking hold of every blood cell, every vein, and thread of control, refusing to succumb to his entitlement.

The room buzzed with a sharp, metallic twang that sent my senses into overdrive while an overpowering fear crashed over me like a wave. I heard Calum shift, the chair scraping as he stood, his voice firm as he shot back a retort to his uncle. Jesri's response was a light, mocking laugh, followed by the sound of feet shuffling across the slick ceramic floor with pebbles crunching beneath them.

I clenched my fists, digging my nails into my palms as the pressure in my ears intensified. My body trembled, rooted to the spot, until Calum's gentle touch on my shoulder pulled me back, reminding me of where I was.

Calum clasped my hand, gently urging me forward, though his words were muffled. My feet shuffled hesitantly as waves of anger and fear thundered in my ears, swirling my mind into a chaotic storm of emotions. Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed through my head, spreading in ripples that left my hands andlegs numb. I could no longer tell if I was standing still or moving, only feeling the warmth of the sun on my face before I surrendered to the comforting embrace of darkness.

My eyes snapped open, and I was blinded by a brilliant light, which soon softened into the gentle shimmer of sunlight filtering through the trees above. Groaning against the pounding in my head, I sat up, feeling a wet cloth slip onto my lap. I took a deep breath, feeling the hollow ringing in my ears fade into the soft songs of birds and insects. I blinked to see Levon sitting against a tree, his attention shifting over my body with palpable concern.

"Are you alright, my lady?" Levon's voice sounded distant as I fought to recover my senses.

I rubbed my face, feeling a rough texture scrape against my cheek. When I pulled my hand away, I noticed dried blood smeared on both hands and caked under my fingernails. I shook my head, trying to piece together what had happened.

"Eliah?"

I snapped my eyes back to his voice, forgetting he was there. "I'm…fine," I replied quickly, and surprisingly, I meant it. Despite everything, I felt okay, just a bit disoriented.

His eyes shifted to my bloody palms, and he stood. Worry covered his face.

"What happened?" he whispered with conviction.

I shook my head again, shrugging. I didn't know what had happened, still feeling the lingering pain within my skull. I looked back up to Levon in silent question.

"I saw you collapse in Calum's arms as soon as you stepped outside. I rushed over to help, but Calum wouldn't say what happened and only stayed silent while he carried you here," Levon explained, gesturing to the damp cloth in my lap. I picked it up and scrubbed away the dried blood from my hands.

"All I remember was being angry and—" I halted, recollecting the vivid details of my surroundings: Calum's breathing, Jesri's knife slicing into his food, and…fear, so much fear. "The test," I said, changing the subject. "Did I miss it?"

Levon laughed heartily, tilting his head back. "Your first worry is about the test?" he chuckled again. "Jesri really did instill resilience in you."

I bit back my tongue, letting the words roll off. Jesri didnothingto instill that. He was only there to punish.

"Did I miss it?" I asked again, sharply.

He shook his head. "No, my lady. You weren't out very long."

I twisted to stand as Levon reached out a hand, but I quickly backed away.

"I'm fine." I turned back to the estate, walking anywhere besides Levon's bright eyes.

"Eliah, be careful with yourself." His voice filled with sincerity.

I glanced back with a curt nod, hastily walking away and shaking away the murky fog that still held my mind.

I stepped into the open courtyard, where the tall fence loomed overhead, supported by sturdy wooden posts. Darius and some of his men, clad in green training cloaks, shared a laugh while pointing high to the fence's edge. Changing direction, I went to the back of the estate to catch a breath.

I turned the corner of the estate's plastered walls and adjusted my pace as the terrain sloped downward, forming a gentle hill that leveled out further below. In the distance, the shimmering sea caught the sunlight, its surface sparkling like a vast expanseof jewels. White sails could be seen, roaming freely. I inhaled deeply, relishing the humid air that sunk deep into my lungs.

I concentrated on breathing, inhaling, and exhaling slowly, trying to regain my composure.What was that?It felt like life had momentarily vanished, leaving behind only a profound sense of fear…fear unlike any I had ever known.

I stretched my arms and neck, letting the sun soak deep into my tanned skin. Closing my eyes, I concentrated on clearing my mind, letting the chirping birds and the distant yell of voices fade into the distance, and refocused on my lungs expanding and compressing—in and out.

Quickly, I opened my eyes, deciding to find Cal before warming up and letting my mind wander over what might happen in that cage.

I walked through the side door into the servant's quarters, where the maids quickly curtsied before hurrying off. The scent of warm butter filled the air, leading me to the freshly baked rolls. I couldn't resist snatching one, savoring each warm bite as the rich butter melted on my tongue. Continuing, I rounded the corner to the stairwell and began my ascent.

I jogged up, leaping across two steps and then back, focusing on balance and control as I tried to warm up my legs and lungs. The strain left me panting for air when I reached the top.

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