Page 12 of A Reign of Malice
I snarl, the sound primal and resonant, but the walls absorb the noise, mocking me with their silence.
Please. Don’t turn away. Help me.
Her soul calls to mine, a tether forged by something greater than us both. I’ve sensed others close by before, but this is different. She’s not just passing by. It’s almost as if she’s searching.
I close my eyes, focusing on the feeble thread of her presence. It’s fragile, as though the magic binding me is trying to snuff it out. But even this darkness can’t hide her light, not when it calls to me so intensely.
You’re so close. I know you can find me.
The plea is silent, yet it ripples through the air, a desperate cry carried by whatever shred of power I have left. If she hears my words, if she feels me, then maybe—just maybe—there’s a chance at freedom. After all this time.
But doubt claws at me. Will she even care? I know nothing of this woman except that she’s my fated mate. She could be as despicable as the monster who trapped me here.
I slam my head back against the wall, the chains rattling. “No,” I growl, my voice a guttural rasp. “She won’t abandon me. She can’t.”
Because she’smine.
The thought burns, a fierce, unrelenting fire that refuses to be extinguished. My reason to fight for my freedom, harder than I ever have before.
I lift my head, scanning the runes as they fade once more. They might keep me trapped, their magic unyielding, but I have something now that they can’t take away.
Hope.
CHAPTER SEVEN
SLOANE
The rhythmic click of my shoes echoes through the stone halls of the castle as I make my way to the dining room, alone. I told Clara and Trey to give us some privacy. I thought that might allow Aeson to be more forthcoming, but even as I wonder if that was the right choice, I know it doesn’t really matter.
There’s a precision to my stride that I haven’t felt in weeks, a reminder of who I was before the haze of desperation settled over me. Of who I still am. I can do this, with or without them by my side.
The events of the evening cling to me, the pull of the runes and the voice that still lingers in the back of my mind.
Help. Find me.
My wolf had been desperate, drawn to something neither of us can fully explain. I expected to feel shame for being so easily lured into danger, but instead, there’s a fire burning inside me, a resolve that’s been missing for far too long.
I may not know what—or who—is trapped beneath this castle, but I refuse to be anyone’s fool. Aeson included. I’m going to figure this out.
As I arrive at the dining hall, Dasha is waiting near the door, her posture rigid and eyes carefully downcast. “His Majesty is running behind, Queen Sloane,” she says, her voice soft and polished but lacking warmth. “He asked that you please wait for him. He should be along shortly.”
Her tone is practiced, her manner almost mechanical. Her meekness makes my wolf stir with irritation. If she’s meant to be Aeson’s right hand, where’s her strength?
I offer her a polite smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “Thank you, Dasha. I actually need to speak to my advisor. I’ll return shortly.”
Her head dips in acknowledgment, her voice barely almost a whisper. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll inform King Aeson if he arrives before you.”
As I turn away, I can’t help feeling that something about her is off. But Dasha’s demeanor is the least of my worries right now.
“Where are you?”I reach out to Clara through our mental link, not wanting to waste time searching for her.
“My room,”she replies almost immediately. “But I can come to you if?—”
“I’ll be right there.”My stride lengthens, and I take the stairs three at a time, keeping my gaze focused.
Clara opens the door before I can knock, her expression already shifting to something between concern and vexation.
“What did he do now?” she asks, settling on annoyance. “Because if I need to cross a line, I’m ready. This kingdom doesn’t scare me.”
