Page 93 of Tower of Tempest
Driscoll groaned. “Don’t tell me I saved all our asses just for them to get us.”
“In the alleyway.” I pointed between two domed buildings, and we ducked into the alleyway, all of us running around the corner, then twisting through small streets. The guards’ shouts rang out in the distance, their calls to find us echoing through the air.
We had to find a hiding place. But where? I didn’t know this city well enough like I did my own home. Didn’t know the places you could disappear.
“Psst,” a voice said.
My head snapped up, and I looked at a carriage being pulled byhorses right at the end of the alley we stood in. “In here,” the woman said, beckoning for us, a thick, white fur coat cloaking her.
Poppy moved forward, but I held out an arm.
“Who are you?” I called.
Driscoll threw out his arms. “If she’s a serial killer, then you know what? I think at this point, our fate is just to die. I’m cold, I’m tired, and I desperately need a drink.”
“He’s getting hangry,” Leoni said out the side of her mouth.
Poppy grabbed my arm. “Emory!” She looked at me. “It’s okay. I know her. She’ll help us.”
“Hurry.” The woman beckoned again, and we wasted no time, all of us filing into her carriage, out of sight, and safe at last.
We’d broken out of the castle, defied death, and were safe with someone Poppy trusted. I should’ve been happy. Ecstatic. But as I stared at Poppy with her windblown hair, tear-streaked cheeks, and furrowed brows, I knew something in her was broken, and this time, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to fix it.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
LOCHLAN
We sat in a small parlor off to the side of the main entrance of Emory’s house, Driscoll, Leoni, Poppy, and I stuffed onto a couch, Poppy’s wings furled tight to her back while the rest of us shifted and adjusted to keep from touching them. Water dripped off of us onto the couch, a fire crackled in the hearth, the warmth seeping into me. Hopefully it would help dry our clothes faster.
Emory had been on her way home from an outing, riding in her carriage when she’d seen the commotion in the sky. Poppy had explained everything to Emory during the ride to her home, Emory silent the entire time. We’d arrived at her house, built straight into the side of the isle, like many of the nobles’ homes here, and she’d ushered us inside without a word. Thankfully her husband was currently out, but he’d be home soon.
Now Emory paced before us, muttering to herself, brows furrowed, and I wondered if we’d somehow broken part of her brain.
I sent a questioning look at the others, Driscoll just shrugging like he had no clue what to do.
The jagged stone walls and ceiling made it feel like we were sitting ina cave, yet there was warmth to it all with the flickering sconces on the walls, the plush rugs lying across the floor, and the maroon couch, thick and soft, where we sat. A window was built into the rough stone, letting in the final rays of sunlight as it disappeared over the horizon.
My leg grazed Poppy’s, and no matter how many times she moved hers away, it was impossible for some part of our bodies not to be touching with how close we were, bringing back memories of the night before. Blood and water, I couldn’t believe it was just last night I was kissing her on that balcony, feeling her warm body against mine, devouring her like a starved man. I was starved, and she was the only thing that could satiate me.
“You’re breathing loudly again,” Leoni said to Driscoll.
I massaged my temples. “Let’s play the quiet game,” I suggested like they were five.
“Well, I know who’d be winning,” Driscoll replied airily, and everyone’s gaze shifted to Poppy.
She fidgeted with her hands, that long brown hair cascading down her shoulders in loose curls.
“I have a lot on my mind,” Poppy finally said.
“Did something happen between you two?” Driscoll’s eyes shifted between us. “I’m sensing an energy.”
Poppy’s face flushed.
“Oh,” Driscoll said with interest. “Damn, I’m good.”
“Something happened between you?” Leoni asked, far too curious.
I glared at both of them and slashed a finger across my throat. This was not the place nor the time. To be fair, Emory didn’t seem to notice or hear us, but I’d be damned if they ferreted out what occurred between me and Poppy. That night was for us and us alone.
