Page 98 of Daughter of the Darkened City

“How likely do you think we can find them quickly in this castle?” she asked.

Onora shook her head. “Not easily. I think we may have to split up if we want to make the best of our time.”

“You take the west wing. I’ll take the east.”

Onora nodded and started towards the west, then halted and looked back. “Thank you, Enid. I appreciate the help.”

Enid gaped, unable to form a response before the woman trotted away. Of all the things that had happened in the last day, that was the most surprising of all.

Chapter 36: Avenay

Enid was alive. Avenay gripped the bond between them, afraid of it slipping away again. Minutes passed into hours and still it stayed strong between them. At intervals, she felt a brush along the line, as if Enid had a break from whatever she was doing and wanted to reassure her. Avenay almost sobbed with relief each time. They just had to hold out until dawn. Then she could see Enid, hold her, feel that she was alive and well.

Just stay safe until then.

Something rippled through the bond, an unformed thought that felt sarcastic, and she gave a breathy laugh.

Steps echoed down the hall, and everyone came to attention. Thetup, tup, tupwas a soft sound, but enough to set all of them on edge. Guards came to attention at the grate. The steps grew louder, closer, then disappeared altogether. Avenay swallowed, exchanging a tense glance with Vasu. What kind of creature could do that?

She held her breath, waiting for something to happen. Only silence filled the air as they waited. Then, suddenly, the grate’s crank moved on its own, the gate moving up. The guards cried out as others screamed and rushed to stop it, slashing wildly.

Shadows burst from the air, spiraling like a flower blooming, grasping the guards and holding them until they fell unconscious. The citizens whimpered but backed further into the cave, no one wanting to confront whatever it was. Avenay frowned, squinting her eyes. The air shimmered where the crank was. The grate continued to rise up and Avenay focused on that spot. In a moment, the air in front of the grate shimmered again, then wobbled, like a mirage, and the shroud fell away, and Avenay saw who stood there.

Enid.

She ducked below the grate as she entered, eyes landing on Avenay.

Avenay cried out, jumping to her feet and rushing to Enid. Her face melted into warmth. Her shroud must have disappeared fully, because gasps filled the room as Enid caught Avenay in her arms, spinning, then giving her a long, passionate kiss. Avenay’s hands grasped Enid’s head, holding her against her lips, unwilling to let her go. A sob escaped her, and Enid pressed their foreheads together, gripping her hips tight.

“I felt you die,” Avenay said, voice thick with unshed tears.

Enid traced a line on her cheek. “It wasn’t really death. Not fully, but I felt you trying to find that bond between us when I woke up.”

“Don’t do that again.”

“I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Avenay scowled, and Enid smiled.

“But I’ll try not to almost die again,” Enid acquiesced.

Avenay kissed her again, satisfied with the response for now.

When she finally let Avenay down, Enid snaked an arm around her waist. Enid’s gaze landed on the king. He crossed his arms and pursed his lips, bracing for what she had to say. With the guards down, everyone in the room was at Enid’s mercy. Avenay could feel the power rolling off her in waves.

“I think I’d like some explanations,please,” Enid said, emphasizing the last word with enough malice to make Avenay flinch.

Edond sighed. “Very well. I think you’ve earned it.” Then he told her what he’d told them. Avenay watched a myriad of emotions flash across Enid’s face as he spoke, her expressions loud enough that they practically screamed her every thought. It would have been humorous if they weren’t in such a dire situation and if the king wasn’t casually explaining a blood sacrifice.

“The well is open, but you’re not sacrificing anyone to bring Evoleen through again,” Enid said.

Edond nodded. “I expected as much.”

Avenay could hear the trick in his voice. Edond didn’t intend to stop his sacrifices or attempts to bring her back. No, he would continue unless he was stopped.

Enid looked down at Avenay. “I need to find my brothers.”

“I’m coming with you,” Avenay said.

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