Page 103 of A Dagger in the Ivy

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot the muddy banks of a shallow pond.

Desperation floods through me as I realize our only chance lies in masking Dante’s scent, a task made all the more difficult by his injuries. With a grim resolve, I guide him toward the muddy bank, the thick sludge offering a crude disguise against the keen noses of our pursuers.

Apologies spill from my lips as I lower us into the mire, the cold embrace of the mud sending a shiver down my spine. But there’s no time for hesitation, no room for fear. With only our heads above the surface, we lie in silence, concealed by the murky waters and the whispering reeds.

And as the carnoraxis rush past in their relentless pursuit, I can only pray that our makeshift disguise will hold long enough for us to slip away into the safety of the night. Their high-pitched whistles pierce the air as the horde thunders past us. Their growls and grunts and barks diminish, but still, my heart hammers in my neck.

Not convinced that we’re in the clear, I wait, holding Dante against me in the mud. It seems like an hour passes before I finally accept that the carnoraxis threat is far away from us.

It’s a struggle to move, and my heart seizes with panic every time I think Dante has stopped breathing, but the adrenaline coursing throughme aids my efforts. We’re both covered in mud, and Dante can barely remain conscious. As my heavy breathing slows, my mind whirls with questions and strategies.

I need to tell the regiment what we’ve witnessed. I should find the horses and ride to the Garrison to alert my uncle. He could send squads here to take down everyone in the camp, Torbin included.

Which would mean war.

If the king is unaware of what Torbin is involved in, he would surely counterattack if the regiment were to battle with Torbin. Or if we were to kill him.

Besides, we are farther away from the Garrison than we are to Ivystone. Maybe our best bet would be to inform King Silas of his son’s association with the Shadow Tsar. Once he knows, we might be able to get the support of the Hederan guards.

Dante groans, and I’m reminded of his state. There’s no way we’ll get far with his injuries. Not if I want him to survive.

No. I need to get him somewhere safe first, I need to heal him. Somewhere between here and Hedera’s capital.

“Dante.” I shake him, wanting to keep him from passing out. “Your manor. Can we go there?”

His words are mumbles, his eyes drooping.

“Dante!”

He blinks, and I can see he’s trying to cooperate. “Yes. Lake Peony.”

“Hang on, you hear me?” I summon my fae strength, hoping it’s enough to get him mounted on my horse.

CHapter

Thirty-Eight

Dante can barely stay awake to give me directions to his manor. Luckily, I am somewhat familiar with where Lake Peony is located. It’s just a matter of keeping Dante conscious enough to point out his house.

Between his semi-conscious state and my fae strength, we were able to get him up on Thora’s back, and now I ride with Dante slumped over my back, while his horse follows. We are both wounded, but his injuries are worse, and I can feel his blood seeping into my clothes.

Finally, emerging from the shadows, we come upon a clearing where Dante’s manor stands bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. The manor rises before us, its walls, adorned with ivy and climbing roses. The moon’s glow casts dancing shadows upon the cobblestone path that winds its way to the grand entrance. In any other situation, I’d have the inclination to appreciate the manor’s rustic charm and regal sophistication. But in this moment, there is no time. I need to be able to get him inside, to keep us out of sight from whoever might be pursuing us, and try to heal Dante’s injuries.

It takes some effort to dismount, and I almost drop him to the ground. I wrap his arm around my shoulders and allow him to lean onme as we follow the path. His strides falter with each step, his injuries slowing our progress. I cast worried glances at him, noting the lines of pain etched upon his face, but he presses on with a determined resolve. We approach the sturdy door and turn the handle, but it doesn’t budge.

“There, beneath that stone.” Dante’s voice is weak. “A key I leave for the housekeeper.”

I lean him against the door as I fetch the key, then I hold him steady as I get the door open. As we step inside, the scent of polished wood and lavender fills the air, enveloping us in a comforting embrace. I settle Dante on the first seat I can make out in the dark, an armchair made of leather. Once I’m convinced he won’t fall out of it, I search for a gas lantern to give us light.

When the room is finally illuminated, I quickly take in my surroundings. The interior of the manor is no less impressive, its spacious rooms adorned with rich tapestries and plush furnishings. A grand fireplace stands at the heart of the main hall. Despite its grandeur, there is a sense of coziness and intimacy that permeates every corner.

Now that I can see, I’m able to light a few candles so I can examine the extent of Dante’s injuries. He winces, and the hand he uses to grasp his chest is drenched in crimson. His features are softened by the flickering candlelight. Mud and blood cling to our clothes and skin. Dante’s chest heaves with exertion, and there’s a crimson stain spreading across his shirt where blood seeps from a deep gash.

I fetch a basin of water and tear a strip of cloth from a sheet I find, soaking it in the cool liquid before gently dabbing at his wound. I remove his shirt, careful not to extend his wound. The water turns red as I cleanse away the dirt and blood, revealing the raw flesh beneath. Despite my best efforts to remain composed, my heart pounds with fear as I realize how close he came to death. The wound is deep, dangerously close to his heart, and I can’t help but feel a surge of panic at the sight of it. The cut is wider than I thought, but it’s the depth of it that concerns me.

I set down the cloth and try my healing magic first.

Gently placing my hands upon his injury, I call upon my fae powers of healing. My magic isn’t enough to completely heal him, but it canmend him enough so that he doesn’t bleed out.

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