Page 206 of The Sins of Silas

We all hiked up the many steps leading up to the temple, and as we reached the entrance, Lena began to step in. I instantly tugged at her arm. “Hey, we don’t know if there are any traps.”

“This place feels…right,” she said, slowly staring up at me. “You don't feel anything off, do you?”

I shook my head, releasing her from my grasp and whispering, “No, but that doesn't mean regular enemies don't reside here.”

She smiled, and the sight sent my heart racing. “I think we could take any other enemy.”

I swallowed, and before she could take the first step inside, I did.

And my shoulders slumped at the sight.

Clerics lay mangled and deceased, their blood splattered against the marble interiors. Black swirled against their flesh, and I knew instantly that the Lord of the Shadows was responsible.

The rest of my friends filtered in, all gasping, covering their noses. This battle had been brutal, and judging by the state of these bodies, it had to have occurred a few weeks ago. The smell was revolting enough to make your eyes water.

“Bloody hell,” Dani gasped. “What amess.”

Elowen gagged, and Edmund grasped her shoulders, leading her back outside.

“We should survey the space,” Lena said, wincing as she held her hand under her nose. “The necromancer must've been searching for the Weapon here…or looking for answers of some sort.”

“Or he is just a sick fuck and enjoys harming others,” Merrick replied.

“I agree with Lena,” Torrin interjected, eyes trailing upward. “The sanctuary is at the top of this building. I believe the stairs circling upward lead to it.” His eyes scanned the surroundings before noticing a set of double doors. “My guess is that leads downward—to the altar room.”

“I'll search the sanctuary,” Lena offered.

Before Torrin could offer, I said, “I'll go with you.”

Lena gave a simple nod, and I noted a feathering in Torrin's jaw. “Fine.” His eyes slid to his cousin. “Merrick, you come with me. We'll check out the altar room.”

“What about the rest of us?” Dani asked.

Lena turned to the Warlock. “I was thinking that you and Vi scout Wrendier. Considering it is only a day away, I figured you two could fly…see if the kingdom seems anything like Faltrun.” She swallowed, her fingers brushing her collarbones. I noticed she did that anytime she was nervous. “For all we know, Ulric could've joined forces with them, as well. I don't want to go through what we did again. We need the upper hand.”

Dani nodded. “In an eagle form, we could probably reach the kingdom in five hours and be back another five after that.” The Warlock glanced at Viola. “You up for that?”

Viola's full lips pulled into fake consideration. “Let me think, stay in this eerie temple, or soar the skies…” She grinned. “Of course, I'm up for it.”

I smiled at her. She was wearing the silver hair rings I purchased for her. They looked badass and beautiful at the same time wrapped around her braids.

“Hendry and Roland, you two keep watch with Elowen and Edmund.” I glanced at my wife and at the bow and quiver secured at her back. “You too. Stay close to Hendry.”

She nodded, and the men obeyed. As Torrin and Merrick headed for the altar room, Viola and Dani shifting and soaring into the sky, I followed Lena up the marble steps.

She was silent, eyes darting to and from each body that littered the steps. Blessedly, as we ascended, the smell grew less and less pungent.

“I have a question for you,” she asked, and my pulse picked up. She angled her head toward me as we continued up the steps. “What do you know of your mother's father, Ramiel?”

My brows lowered. I wasn't expecting that to be the topic of discussion. “Not much. I never met him.”

She sighed. “Damn.”

“Why do you ask? And how did you know his name?”

“Do you remember your favorite painting? The one in the art gallery in your castle?”

I nodded slowly, unsure where this conversation was going. “How do you know my favorite painting?”

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