“I made this meal for Guy and his father, as a final farewell. They’ll be eating separately, but I need permission to take this second plate to the cells.”
Davio squeezed my shoulder. “Of course you have permission. You’ve been there before. I’ll let the guards know you’re on your way.”
“Thanks.”
After another wet hug from each of them, they flashed away.
I’d take Guy his meal first. Plates in hand, I brought the image of the stables into my mind. I made the jump, jolted down with a little wobble. Not bad. I’d get better.
I searched the interior, but all was clear. The scents of hay and dust permeated the air. The last time I’d been in here, Guy had kissed me. It had been right after my training session with Zayn on the beach. Boy, I shouldn’t think about Guy’s kisses. It wasn’t like— Yeah, I shouldn’t think about them at all. Hopefully this heartache would lesson with time, or it better. I crossed to Guy’s workbench and set one of the foiled plates down next to an opened notebook. Guy’s. It was filled with an almost illegible scrawl. Spells probably.
“Hey, Silvie.”
Hope strode into the room, slapping her Stetson against her leg.
“Hey.”
“I didn’t know you were up. I was coming by tonight” She squeezed me, nice and gentle.
“Thanks for visiting me while I was sick. I got the rose you dropped off from Vitaria. Well, that Guy had you drop off.”
“What rose?”
Hmm, maybe I hadn’t dreamt of Guy being there and kissing me in my sleep. Maybe he had dropped it off. Oh well, it didn’t matter if he had. It changed nothing. “Ah, never mind.”
“If you’re sure.” She eyed the covered plate, and then me with a smile. “Mm-mmm, is that a roast I smell?”
“Yes, but for Guy. Could you tell him it’s here? Let him know this is my way of leaving one last memory. Tell him to enjoy the meal, just as his father soon will.” I backed away, one of the dishes still in hand.
“Hold on. What do you mean just as his father soon—”
I ’ported before she could question me further. Best to get out of there, anyway.
Within the bleakness of the cells, I arrived. The first pull of air into my lungs was so rotten my stomach heaved. A single lantern on the wall cast a small glow over the passageway of gray bricks. Warrick stood on guard ahead, one of the protectors from within Davio’s inner circle. He was a giant of a man, his black hair plastered wetly to his scalp from the heat inside the dank chambers. The heat was good. I didn’t mind it at all.
I walked toward him, and he swung to look at me. “Davio said you were on your way.”
“I’ve brought a meal for Gerritt Moyer.”
“At least he’s one of the more civil prisoners we have. I’ll take you through.” He led the way down a stairwell and deeper into the lower recesses.
“Silvie?”
Guy’s voice rebounded inside my head and I stumbled to a stop. I’d not expected to hear from him, not like this. “Is it really you?”
“I’m staring at— Are you seriously giving my father the same?”
“That’s what I told Hope. I’m on my way to him now.” I slogged on.
“One last memory? Thank you.” His words sounded rough, as if he struggled to hold back his emotions.
We stopped outside a cell completely enclosed within steel. Such absolute construction was the only way we could contain our enemy, to prevent them from ’porting, ’pathing and anything else in between. “I’m going to lose this connection with you when I join him. Do you have any words you want me to pass along?”
“Yes, tell him you’re my mate, and that he’s not to harm you. Show him the ring otherwise he might. Tell him I love him, and that I’ll see him freed. Tell him—”
“Okay, I think I get it.”
“I want to hear how he is.”
“You ready?” Warrick eyed me as he slid the key into the lock then removed a set of handcuffs from his side belt.
“Yes.” To Guy, I said, “I wish we could keep chatting, but I’ve gotta go.”
“Just show him the ring.”
Warrick turned the key, and with a loud snick it unlocked. He pushed the door open and disappeared within.
“Did you hear me, Silvie? Show him the ring.”
“I heard. I will, but he can’t hurt me.”
“We’re enchanters, so don’t look into his eyes until he’s seen the ring.”
“Okay, I get it. Relax.” He couldn’t help himself. He’d always want to see to my care, not that the opportunity would arise anymore.
Low tones came from within then Warrick returned. “We keep then underfed, so he’s weak, but I’ve still restrained him for your protection. Keep your eyes averted from his at all times. Knock on the door once you’re done.”
“Okay.” My heart thumped as Warrick passed me a lantern. I stepped into the cell, and Warrick closed the heavy metal door with a clunk.