Page 36 of Sky of Thorns

I know this voice.

“Nero?” I question from the ground, my tear filled vision clearing. He glances in both directions, then back at me. Taking a key ring from his pocket, he slides it into the lock. The door opens with a click, groaning slightly as he pulls it open. “What’s going on? What are you doing down here?”

I remain stunned on the ground looking between him, the open cell door, and down the hall. He reaches out a hand.

This must be a hallucination or a trap. It must be, because why would he want to help me?

“We have nae time for questions. I’ll explain everything later.” Nero gently grips my forearm, but my body is too out of sync to make the progress to stand. Nero pulls me to my feet, steadying me. “We have nae time to linger, do ye understand? Come!” He throws a dark, thick cloak around my shoulders, quickly buttoning it around my throat and pulling the hood over my head.

“But. What—“ I quickly register what is happening and glance at the cell behind him. Two pairs of eyes blink at me from the darkness.

“Do ye want to escape, or stay here as Queen Tricella’s personal power reserve?” He hisses, tugging roughly at my hands in the opposite direction of the hall that he came from.

“You knew?” I glare directly in Nero’s eyes, pulling out of his grasp. “What about the other shifters? Did you know about them?” I cross my arms over my chest, resolute in my stance. I am not going anywhere until I have more answers.

“Sybil, this is nae the time to be stubborn! Of course, I know about them but we cannot help them at the moment. Ye are my priority right now.”

I raise my brows at him in disbelief. “Really!?”What a callous, son of a—

“I am working with the rebels tofreethem,“ Nero replies gently. Uncertainty crosses over his face as he watches my utter disregard and disbelief.

“The rebels don’t exist. The Queen made it all up. I don’t trust you, you are lying to me,” I say, frustration lacing my every word. How is it possible that every person in this kingdom is corrupt?

I take a step away from him, weighing my options. There is no way I’m trusting my life with him–no matter how friendly we’ve been with each other. His kindness to me could just lead me to a trap. I’m light on my feet and he doesn’t possess wind magic like Aramis does. If I get a head start, there is a chance I can outrun him. I have to try.

“Ugh. Stubborn females.” Nero grumbles under his breath. “That’s what ye are–ye keen that, right?” He roughly pushes back his hood. “Fine. Ye want to know why ye ken trust me? Take a look at this.” His eyes take on a glow of living flame, iridescent blue and purple scales manifesting up his neck and the skin of his face.

A fire drake.

A gasp leaves my lips. The sound of my breath echoes through the quiet room, the only noise breaking the silence. The sharpness of the moment is palpable, like a knife cutting through the stillness.

I knew it.

“You’re a—“ I gasp, leaning in to touch his forearm. “Nero—you’re-–”

“I ken what I am,” Nero grabs my wrist to guide me out of the dungeons. “Let’s go. Be quiet. We can nae afford questions now. If we run into anyone, act docile. Iftheyask questions, I’m escorting ye to the queen’s private chambers.“ Nero grabs a torch from his belt and lights it from the sconce on the wall before heading down the dark hallway.

***

As we make our way through multiple halls and stairways, each one guiding us deeper into the depths of the castle, we come across a chilling sight. The cells we pass by are completely empty, except for the presence of iron chains hanging from the walls and the floors covered in decaying bones. Continuing down another hall, we encounter wide metal doors, devoid of any adornments except for a small window near the floor, just large enough to slide a tray under. This raises an intriguing question: What kind of creatures could possibly necessitate the use of such formidable iron doors, reinforced with powerful spells to keep them securely locked inside?

We cross through another set of doors when Nero sweeps his arm out across my chest. The stone wall collides with my back, sending a jolt of pain through my body that knocks me breathless as he pins me. The flame of his torch extinguishes, leaving us in darkness. He pushes his warm body up against mine, covering us both with his cloak, and lifts a finger to my lips in warning. I hear the faint sounds of voices talking up the path ahead. Trembling, I force myself to take small, even breaths.

I can’t be caught again.

There is a tingle of magic in the air. My jaw drops as I slowly watch his body and my hands take on a translucent appearance. Panic grips my gut and I push towards his solid chest, a reassurance that he is still there. His steady heart beats under my palms, as real as my own.

What is this magic?

I’m torn between fascination and fear as I listen to the approaching guards. The light of their torches dances along the walls as they get closer, then turns down walking straight towards us and my eyes widen as I watch them approach.

Nero presses his body tighter against me, as if willing us both to melt into the wall. How is this even possible? I am in awe and incredibly scared of the magic I have witnessed since leaving my home. There is so much I’ve yet to discover, so much to live for. Before me, Nero shifts, raising his hand as I watch the guards’ torches flicker and dim, casting us further in darkness.

“Fuck Roy! What was that?” One of the guards shouts with a glance at his torch.

“I don’t know, but being down here near the catacombs always gives me the creeps,” Roy replies, visibly shivering. “I heard a rumor that the ghosts of the kings and queens of the past haunt these halls. I can’t wait until we aren’t on this shitty new recruit duty anymore. Let’s go.” They quicken their pace, passing by us without a second glance. Once they are out of earshot, Nero steps away. I exhale and rub my arms, attempting to vanquish the coldness that’s seeping into my skin.

“What was that?” I ask.

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