Page 126 of The Spark that Ignites
“You should have let me stay dead. It would have saved you from all this. That was your biggest mistake.” Vesper stalked away, his back and shoulder stiff. As he reached the stairs he glanced over his shoulder. “I’ve failed you in so many ways. And for that, I’m eternally sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.” His whistle cracked through the air and his raven appeared on his shoulder. It surveyed her with four violet eyes, cocked its head, and returned to Vesper with a question in its avian expression. “Now, Quill. It’s time.”
Vesper left Emmery crumpled on the cold dungeon floor.
EMMERY PICKED THE LOCKfor hours before admitting defeat and tossing her hair pin against the wall, wishing it made a more satisfying sound. The cold ground seeped a chill through her clothes, and she shivered, her arms wrapping around her middle to fight it off.
She ground her teeth, her confusion warping into frustration. Why was Vesper doing this to her? And there was something wrong. Had someone done that to him? His eyes had beenblack.And Vesper had said he needed to get her to someone ... but who?
Emmery thumped her head against the wall, sifting through the night.
Oh gods, she had ruined everything. She couldn’t take this back, so she sat with her choices as the night dragged on. She really was a fool for letting Maela slip away from her again. That brief moment of selfishness could have given her everything she wanted, and she had squandered it. Or at least, what she thought she had wanted.
Images of Aera frantically scratching at the door plagued her mind. She had left her closed in her room to keep her safe from the spell should something go wrong. Would Vesper let her out? They never cared for one another and maybe Aera sensed something was wrong before Emmery ever could. Oh no, would he hurt her?
A chill ran down her spine at the muffled footsteps on the stairs. She jumped to her feet and gripped the bars. When no one appeared, she glanced anxiously around the room. “Hello?”
“Shhhh,” a voice hushed, far too close to her face.
Emmery squealed and leapt back, clapping a hand over her mouth.
“Be quiet, would you?” The voice hissed. The shadows dispersed and Briar’s face appeared, floating amongst the blanket of darkness. “Miss me?”
She nearly cried out in relief, but forced her voice to a whisper, “Bri, there’s something wrong with Vesper. He locked me down here and—”
“I know. I found him a few minutes ago.” Her hands fumbled beneath the shadows, the sound of keys clinking and the lock clattered to the floor. Briar winced before saying, “He sent Quill to deliver word to Destonne.”
Destonne?No. Emmery shivered, her thoughts and emotions tangling.
The cell door creaked open and Emmery grit her teeth. Briar’s shadows blanketed them, and they snuck to the castle walls. Why was she saving her? Vesper was one of Briar’s oldest friends and she’d gone against his wishes.
Briar retrieved Emmery’s cloak and pack from behind a bush and shoved them into her arms.
With numbed hands Emmery clasped the cloak around her neck and slung the pack over her shoulder. “Bri, what’s going on?”
“He’s under compulsion. That’s why his eyes are black.” She scanned the surroundings, adding, “But you have to get out of here.”
So, the King had done something to Vesper. Tricked or manipulated him or—
She didn’t know. But whatever it was, it wasn’t good.
Her stomach cinched as she scanned the woods beyond the gates. “Are you coming?”
Briar pressed her lips together. “I’m going to keep him busy while you get away. Don’t forget this.” She handed Emmery her enchanted cuff. She secured it around her upper arm, bringing her gaze to meet her friend’s. They shared a long look before Briar caged her in a suffocating hug. But this time Emmery gripped her back.
“What about Aera?” Emmery asked, her voice shrill. “She’s in my room. She’s in my room and I don’t know—”
Briar pulled back and squeezed her hands. “I’ll get her to you. I promise. Just go.”
A lump formed in Emmery’s throat. “I don’t know where to go.”
“You can do this.” Briar scarlet eyes bore into her. “Stay safe, Emmy. But if they do find you, Deimos forbid, tell my brotherI love him and that I miss him.” She pushed Emmery forward. “Get out of here.”
Briar waved her hand, now invisible to her elbow, and disappeared into a swirling shelter of shadows.
Chapter Forty-Five
Tears blurred Emmery’s vision as Juno thundered away from Castle Dusk. Blustering wind ripped her braid loose and silver strands clung to her sullen face. The undeniable ache in her chest, freshly carved by the hand of betrayal, wouldn’t ebb. But she’d done this to herself.
Her cloak did little to warm her in the morning air and her cold reality sank in. She tumbled back into that familiar loneliness as her heart froze over and unmendable fissures cracked. The black, gaping hole inside her swelled. Expanded.
