Page 87 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

“They must be heading toward the king’s chambers!” a guard shouted.

We had been since I had weapons stowed there, but not any longer.

Our group took off again, and Lira squirmed against me. I let my aggravation leak through to her and mind-melded,Sprite, it’s clear that I’m carrying you. You’re in agony, and you can’t fly for long. You were already slowing us down. I need you to reserve your strength in case there’s no choice but for you to fly on your own.I’d do anything to ensure she got free. The Unseelie had done enough damage to her, mostly because of me. I’d do whatever was necessary to fix the huge list of mistakes I’d made against her.

I could feel her frustration brew between us, but before she could respond or fight me further, Eldrin snarled, “Let me through!”

I’d hoped that the chaos would’ve kept him occupied a little longer, but I should’ve realized that my wildling of a cousin would be more focused on locating me than checking onhispeople.

We pumped our wings harder to gain distance from the guards. They were moving cautiously, allowing us to move ahead undetected, but not for long.

Not with my cousin here to aid them.

Even though the guards couldn’t see us, Eldrin could keep them right on the cusp of our wings until I drained my magic enough not to be able to hide us. Allowing the sky to light up would conserve my magic, but then we’d be easier to locate.

“They’re almost at the turn in the hall,” Eldrin rasped.

Numerous wings flapped. Most of the guards that had been following Eldrin had made it through the window and were now chasing us.

My pulse raced. Time was of the essence. Thankfully, my adrenaline spiked, allowing my strength to return fully, if only temporarily.

Eiric glanced over her shoulder, and the castle walls began to quake like they did before a volcano erupted on the island. Chunks of wall began to crumble between us and the guards, and thick pieces of the ceiling and walls crashed down, separating us from them.

Guards screamed, and someone shouted, “The other Seelie must have earth magic!”

We turned the corner toward the king’s chambers as Eiric faced forward. She’d bought us more time, though the Unseelie would be on us shortly if we didn’t get out of here.

Ten guards appeared through the window that Finnian and Caelan had been leading us to, and I funneled more darkness between us. Eiric readied herself to use her magic again, but Finnian and Caelan flew close to the side of the hallway. The ten guards moved slowly and warily, knowing we could be anywhere.

I wanted to attack them, but the risk of Eldrin locating us if we didn’t leave the castle held me back.

Finnian darted in front of Caelan, preparing to attack.

No. That was the worst thing he could do.

Nightbane hunkered in front of me, but Caelan grabbed Finnian’s shoulder and yanked him back against the wall. Caelanshook his head as Finnian fought against him, and the first guard held his sword in front of him. The guard glanced around, searching for anything out of the ordinary, and continued forward, breathing hard.

The guards following him moved much faster, no doubt knowing if they ran into us, the lead guard would get attacked first.

Selfish idiots, but that was the fae way.

After five passed us, the sound of the rubble being pushed aside had us all moving again. We moved alongside the wall toward the window, and the ten guards stopped to listen to the commotion ahead.

“Those who can, fly over it!” Eldrin exclaimed in frustration. “Those trapped inside can get out on their own. Our kingdom is under attack.”

Disgust slithered through me, and Lira wrapped her arms around my neck. Our connection jolted where our skin touched.

He’ll get what’s coming to him,she vowed as Caelan darted out the window.

One by one, we took to the sky, and when I stepped onto the window ledge and readied to fly, Lira gasped.

Heart hammering against my ribs, I took flight.Is it Eldrin?Had he located us again so quickly? I braced myself for an attack, but I refused to spin around with Lira in my arms.

No. It’s Nightbane,Lira replied. She pulled back, her cobalt eyes wide and twinkling.He vanished.

I smiled, loving that even with all her memories back, I still got to enjoy her wonder at new things.We told you he could portal on the island.

Hearing and seeing are two different things.She arched a brow, but then her face strained once more.At least he’ll be okay.

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