Page 71 of Of Spindles and Nightfall
Looking through her gaze, he noticed how her eyes darted around the space, how they settled on the seat of her father’s desk. Crimson still stained its wooden surface. She didn’t move. Her heart beat so wildly in her chest that he swore it might burst. Her breathing came even faster.
Gods, she was panicking.
Aryana, listen to me. Whatever you remember, it’s in the past.
If she remained here like this, someone was bound to notice the knocked out guards in the hall and sound the alarm. He had to get her moving.
The sword slipped from her fingers, and she dropped to her knees, her hands covering her ears. She moaned.
Zarathos cast around in his thoughts for something, anything that might break her from the trauma in her mind.
Aryana, you are safe. Do you hear me? You’re safe. You must get moving, now.
But she only sank closer to the floor as she gasped for breath. His heart dropped at the sounds of shouts in the hallway.
All right, fine. You want the truth, Vampress? Here it is. He used you. Your love for your father made you vulnerable and there are always those who are searching to take advantage of your vulnerabilities. That is simply life.
She stilled. Her breaths stalling for the briefest of moments. “I…am…not weak.”
Are you sure? He used you, Aryana. You let him use you. If you believe love is weak, then you should have seen it coming.
Her teeth grit. “How dare you…”
How dare I tell you what every royal child should know from birth? Maybe you wanted him to kill your father.
“You bastard,” she snarled. “Iavengedmy father. I stabbed Vallin in the heart until he died.”
And yet he defeats you here in this room each time you even think about him.
She rose to her feet, her heart still beating harshly, but for a completely different reason.
“He will not defeat me again. I shall not let him.”
Then show me.
She released a fast breath and snatched her sword off the ground. She took a small step toward the alcove. Her eyes flicked to her father’s desk.
The door to the office was flung open and guards charged in.
Show me you won’t be defeated by a mere memory.
Her fists clenched, and a small cry came from her lips as she sprinted for the entrance to the alcove. Once she was through, she sank to the floor. The guards paused right before passing the line that would mark their end. They turned, hurrying off, shouting the alarm. Relief slid light and rushed through Zarathos.
Gods, Vampress. You’re so muchwork.
A small sobbing laugh fell from her lips. “I hate you.”
Yes, well, your uncle could be here any moment.He tried to convey his urgency in his words.Release me.
She pulled the crystal ball from her pocket. “Zarathos, I need you. Return to me.”
Chapter 22
Aryana
After Aryana uttered the words to summon Zarathos, shadows spilled from the crystal orb in her pocket, blooming like dark smoke. They swirled and coalesced until the demon arch king stood before her. He looked down at her, his expression etched with grim resolve, then reached out and offered his hand. “Let’s finish this.”
She took it, and he pulled her to her feet. They both faced the scepter, and Zarathos delved into the pocket of her cloak and retrieved the Neutrolisis Potion. Its clear contents spun and swirled within the tiny vial.
