Page 144 of The Sins of Silas

Era shuffled up from her spot on the ground. “Dani.”

The man grinned. So, Dani had shifted into one of the Faltrunian guards.

“I thought you couldn't shift into other people?” I questioned with a raised brow, trailing my eyes down her new form.

“I can. I'm just without clothing initially.” He pointed at his head—the man's head. “This poor bloke is hog-tied in a closet, naked as the day he was born.”

Roland snorted.

“So, what's the plan?” Lena pressed, striding toward the cage door. Silas's eyes had just begun blinking open. “Have you spoken to Vi?”

Dani nodded. “She's currently playing the role of Dimitri, sending soldiers out in different directions outside of the castle. When she's done, I'll go on the outside, taking care of as many as I can.”

“We need to take himout,” Hendry insisted, speaking of the King. “We need him dead.”

“I agree.” Dani's head turned toward the creaking door, alerting us that someone was walking down. “This castle is massive. Vi is trying to memorize where all the exits are.” He paused. “She should be down here soon, though. It won't be much longer.”

“Dani,” Lena urged. “You can't hurt Waylon.”

Dani smiled. “I know. I heard. I've already spoken with him, and he's on board with our plan.”

“Hey, what are you doing down here, Eric?” the soldier hollered. “Aren't you supposed to be on watch tower duty?”

Eric—Dani—gave the man a quick once over. “There must have been a miscommunication.” He hauled his thumb toward us. “I was told I was taking over watching these ones.”

The dark-haired soldier's brows furrowed. “That's not what I was told.”

Dani sighed, stepping toward the exit. “Very well. I will go back. It's no worry.”

The man shook his head, holding out his hands. “Actually, you can be of help. Cain was just heading down to help me, but he can take watch while you assist me.” His glare shifted to Silas. “King Cortev wants the Otacian Prince brought to him.”

Dani slowed his steps. “What for?”

The soldier frowned as he began unlocking the cage. “Does it matter? Orders are orders. Help me lug him upstairs.”

My eyes nervously shot to Dani's. His jaw clicked, his eyes going to the now-awake Prince.

“Don't hurt him,” Era pleaded, as if it would do anything. Silas stood, gently waking the young girl. When she sleepily looked at him, then at Dani and the other guard, she began crying.

“Don't take him!” Her eyes nervously darted up at Silas. “Please, don't leave me!” she cried, grasping onto his leg.

True compassion shone within in the Prince's eyes, and I could swear I felt his torment even with this device numbing me.

“I'll be back,” Silas vowed, ruffling the top of her head. “I promise.” His eyes went to Lena. “My friend over there will watch over you until I get back, okay?”

Lena's tearful gaze broadened, and she quickly gave Saoirse a smile, gesturing for her to stand beside her.

Tears spilled down the young girl's cheeks just as Silas was roughly pulled out of the cell, Dani wincing at us as he helped guide him away. The other man—Cain—quickly replaced him, and once again, we were separated from our friends.

“He'll be okay. Dani and Vi will make sure of it,” Elowen insisted to Saoirse as the men were leaving our range of sight, though her worried gaze gave away her uncertainty.

Era wrapped her arms around herself, wandering away from everyone.

I followed her.

The Otacian Princess glared at me over her shoulder when she sensed me behind her. “Leave me alone.”

For once in my life, I wished my gift could work. I wished I knew what she was feeling.

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