“Anything is better than nothing.” Zoelyn shot back and closed her eyes as she slowly pulled her gloves from her hands. She knew what she had to do and just the thought of it made her heart thunder painfully in her chest. Swallowing heavily she held her hands out before her and willed her curse to drain away the wards protecting her brother’s room. “Seth.” The name burst from her lips in such desperation that it rang like a war cry through the halls beyond.
The air before her darkened before her mouth had fully closed and the shadows coalesced into Seth’s lithe form in under a breath. His gold eyes were lit with interest as he studied her face and he raised an eyebrow at her in question. “You called?” he enquired sweetly. “Rather desperately too I might add, yet I don’t see a threat here.” He added as his gaze skimmed over Syrah and Cora then came to rest on her once more.
“Zoelyn what are you doing?” Cora demanded as she hesitantly took a step toward her daughter.
“Something rather than nothing.” Zoelyn replied quietly as she met Seth’s gaze fully and let out a long slow breath to steady herself. With effort she reined her curse back in before it could destroy all of the wards of protection on the house. She had only wanted to disable the ones preventing Seth from coming to her, and apparently she had succeeded. “You wanted a test from me.” She reminded him.
“I did.” Seth agreed and the interest in his face deepened. “I take it you have thought of an adequate way for me to prove myself then?”
“I want you to help me save my friends.” Zoelyn replied without hesitation and motioned toward the scry.
Seth glanced toward the scry then back at her before he walked slowly toward the table and stared down at the scene unfolding in Sanctuary. Absently he tapped his fingers across the polished table top as he studied the images for a long moment. “Jala, Neph, Valor, and Madren are the ones you are referring to?” he asked softly.
“Since I don’t know where Grim or Shade are presently yes. Those are the friends I am referring to.” Zoelyn agreed as she watched him closely for any sign of his feelings. It was of course possible that he would laugh at her and refuse her request, most rational people would, but she didn’t think Seth would.
“They won’t abandon the city to their enemies.” Seth observed thoughtfully and glanced back at her. “So you are essentially asking me to save the city as well.” He pointed out in a matter of fact voice.
Cringing slightly Zoelyn nodded sheepishly and felt her certainty fading quickly. “I suppose I am.” She admitted quietly.
“The city of Sanctuary is an extravagant bridal gift.” Seth mused then turned to face her fully forcing her to meet his eyes. “You do realize that this is what it will be correct? If I do this, if I save your friends and that city you are mine. Our little story will have reached its ending and you will truly be the Crow King’s wife. Is what you ask worth what you will pay?”
Swallowing heavily Zoelyn nodded firmly and took a step toward him still holding his gaze. “Help me save my brother and my friends and I will consider myself blessed by both sides of our bargain.” She said fervently.
“Zoelyn you can’t!” Cora objected loudly and started toward her as if she meant to pull her away from Seth before she could approach the demon any closer.
“She can and she has.” Seth announced with a wicked smile. He was at her side before Cora could take two steps and within a breath the halls of Delvay were fading from her vision as Seth’s magic enveloped them both. “Mine.” His breath was warm against her throat but it was the tone of his voice that brought the goosebumps to her arms. She had never heard anyone speak with such devotion and satisfaction in the same breath.
Chapter 21
Sanctuary
The streets of the city were in complete chaos as they emerged from the prison forcing Shade to struggle just to keep up with Grim as the Priest roughly cleared a path through the crowds. He could hear Lex laboring to keep up behind him and the Fionaveir’s rasping breath was a testament to how long he had been held captive. Shade had known Lex for years and he had never seen the man break a sweat aside for the rare times the Fionaveir had crossed blades with Finn Sovaesh at the Spring Games.
“Where to?” Grim demanded as he broke through the last of the escaping prisoners to the less chaotic side streets that led to the Market district.
Thinking quickly Shade scanned the chaos behind them then pointed toward the Academy. It would require them to cross a good portion of the inner city, but as far as Shade could tell it was their best option. “There. The school isn’t in session due to the war and the courtyards behind the main building will be big enough for my Spell hawk.” Shade said quickly and Grim was moving again before he had even finished speaking.
Charm’s weight was leaden in his arms and Shade had to fight to keep the pace Grim was setting. The Priest moved as though he had no burdens despite the fact that he held Ingrid braced with one arm while Ryvenken was bare and ready in his other hand. Shade could see him scanning every street as he moved, but he didn’t hesitate as he made a bee line toward the towering stone walls of the Academy.
“Shade.” Lex called from behind and Shade turned back expecting to see Lex faltering, but instead he found the man pointing toward the palace with a shocked look on his face. Frowning Shade followed the Fionaveir’s gaze and nearly tripped over his own feet as he caught sight of the High Lords assembled on the palace stairs. Panic rose in his chest as he recognized Jala and Neph amongst them. They were the last two people he wanted to bump into and they were less than a block away.