Page 72 of Of Serpents and Ruins
Hord guided us along a narrow strip of grassland into a tight, arched passage. We filed into the castle. I kept my hand on Buttercup’s golden frill. Excitement built within me, mirroring the storm outside. Soon, I would see Brandt again. Soon, we’d have an answer.
Attendants in blue robes and black leggings waited for us. They took our mounts without question. The red-haired girl who whisked up beside Buttercup slipped her a large red apple and led her away like they were good friends.
The air got much smokier and heavier the farther we went indoors. Hord and the attendants hurried us along, up an inner spiral staircase. The staircase wound higher and higher, the smooth stone steps worn down in the center from centuries of use. Torches in sconces along the curving walls cast flickering light as we climbed. My nerves escalated with each step.
At last, we reached a landing, and Hord led us down a long hallway, its walls hung with vivid tapestries depicting serpents and seascapes. Candles flickered in alcoves, filling the passage with warm, dancing light.
Hord stopped before an ornate black iron door. His gaze raked over me and then to Kine and Elias, a question in his eyes.
My hands bunched at my sides. "I’m ready," I said.
I had to see Brandt. The aching hollow within my chest intensified until I could scarcely bear it.
Hord gave a small nod then three sharp raps on the door. His hand gripped the great circular ring pull and tugged it open.
Part of me half expected Hord to announce us. Instead, we just walked in as if we were expected, as if this were nothing more than a social call.
Then again, maybe he had.
It wasn’t as if I heard or saw or felt anything except…Brandt.
STELLA
My entire world narrowed to a heartbeat. Brandt was lounging on a massive obsidian throne, elbow pressed on the armrest and his cheek resting against his fist. Then, in slow motion, his dark-ruby gaze lifted to mine. His breath hitched as his shoulders rolled back, and he straightened on the throne.
Ihlkit!
My mouth went dry.
Brandt's eyes smoldered, his chiseled features set in an intense expression that weakened my knees and heated my core.
A hand plucked at my elbow.
No, no.
Not now.
I resisted the call, eyes locked on Brandt.
Something sharp cut into my leg. My gaze snapped down. A little raptor stood at my feet, peering up at me with indignant eyes. Blood trickled down my shin where she’d nipped me. Just a tiny little cut. She tilted her head and squawked.
Crouching down, I stroked her delicate triangular head. "Little bitey princess," I murmured. A small laugh rose within me.
Other miniature raptors scampered up to me, none taller than my knee. They chirred and clicked their jaws, each one thrusting closer and demanding my attention.
They knew me, and I knew them, especially the largest one. All black and red with the attitude of royalty. Yes, I might be queen, but she was the empress.
Slowly, the rest of the throne room came into focus. This was my throne room. But it was a replacement for a place far grander and steeped in far more lore and history. The circular room was sculpted and carved from sleek black stone. Its size and craftsmanship were significant, the ceiling high and domed. The dais supported the enormous throne.
Actual lava coiled up from the floor in columns, moving into ventilation shafts. Volcano snails glided along the magical barrier and on the walls. The mini raptors and tiny pterosaurs added more sparks of color and movement.
Over a dozen council members or advisers or whatever they were stood in a semicircle fanning out from the dais, each one before a padded leather curved bastion chair. They stood in elegant, shining robes with their hands clasped before them, eyes fixed upon me.
One, a flame-haired man in pristine white and charcoal robes, spoke, his voice humming in my ears as the words took a moment to register. "Time is of the essence."
I straightened, fidgeting with the neckline of my blue and white dress. My fingers grazed the edge of the charm necklace, brushing the metal side, its cool surface grounding me even more firmly in the moment.
Kine now stood directly at my right, his manner protective. "Then I suggest that we skip the formalities and focus on the most essential matters. Eliminating the Gola Resh in the proper manner will eliminate her magic as well as all active curses."
