Shaking my head, I cleared that thought out. I’d worry later. Right now, I had to lose the familiar temple clothes.
Taking a real assessment of where I was, I immediately had an idea. I was less than a mile from Jallina’s sister’s house. She had always been a steady rock for Jalli, and she had always liked me.
I had to take a chance.
I looked down, and my outfit screamed ‘acolyte,’ and I had to fix that for even this short walk.
I finished tearing off the sleeves. The building had started that for me. I dug my hand into one of the holes in the skirt and pulled down. It tore away, taking the bottom half of the overskirt, leaving me with the underskirt showing.
That would do.
I traveled the length of the small alleyway and out the opposite end where I had entered.
I caught a reflection of myself.
I’d be lucky to make it the mile without a peace officer stopping me for questioning with the amount of dust and disaster on me.
I stayed in the shadows of the afternoon sun, and using a touch of magic, cleaned off most of the dust.
I needed a comb. I looked ghastly.
Jennila’s house came into view, and I could see her on the lawn with her two little ones. She sensed me coming and searched the area to find me.
She waited at the gate for me and opened it.
“Kimber. Gods and stars, what happened to you? Are you coming from the temple?”
The simple gestured of her opening her arms to welcome me destroyed what control I had mustered up. I sank into her welcoming, sobbing.
“What’s wrong?” She held me tight.
“The temple residences were attacked. Master Dorian sent me away for my own safety.”
With a gasp, she called the little ones to her and led us all into the house. The children were unaware of anything bad that had gone on, and it was better that way. They ran off into the house.
Jennila rushed into action once they were away from us.
“You need clothes, and you must wash your hair.” Studying me, she shook her head. “No, we must cut your hair. You have distinct locks, and if you’re trying to get to safety that isn’t nearby, you’ll need to be less recognizable.”
I didn’t want to lose my long hair, but she was right. It was distinct. People knew what I looked like.
“I’ll wash it out, and you can cut it off.”
“Good. I’ll get a few of Jallina’s outfits out of her closet here, and you pick the one that’s most unlike you. I’ll pack something for you to eat so you’re not too hungry.”
Grabbing my arm, she pulled me deeper into the house and led me to the wonderful bathroom they had.
“Quickly. There’s a robe on the door when you’re done, and I’ll have clothes for you in the spare room.”
I wanted to enjoy the shower, but there was no time.
I was just grateful for the warmth and the soap.
Jennila was waiting in the spare room with three outfits and a pair of sheers.
I took the chair in front of her, and without fanfare, she trimmed off nearly a foot of my thick, sandy brown hair. It was a utilitarian cut by necessity, and I was sure that Elex would miss the tickling of my hair as I rode him in bed.
What a terrible moment to think about sex.
All I wanted to do was to find Elex and spend the day fucking each other’s brains out.
Damn it.
“Pick an outfit, Kimber. One that’s not you. After you are done here, don’t walk. Get a carriage or horse and have them take you close to where you’re going. Don’t walk. That’s what acolytes do.”
I studied the outfits.
One was very much me. A simple white shift skirt and blouse. I wanted the comfort of it, but I couldn’t.
I was running for my life.
I picked a bright green outfit with pants and a shirt that had a crazy green, yellow, and black pattern on it.
Not anything I would ever wear.
I held the shirt against myself and turned to the mirror.
“I don’t think I can call myself an acolyte anymore.”
Jennila looked over my shoulder at the reflection and nodded her approval.
“Definitely not you. Good choice.”
I quickly doffed the robe and pulled on some undergarments and then the pants and shirt.
Studying me, Jennila nodded again. She hesitated on some words but finally got them out.
“What would you call yourself now, Lady Raven?”
With a glance at myself in the mirror, I let out a slow breath, taking in the wild-eyed, short-haired woman staring back at me.
It was time to admit my place in S’Kir.
“Breaker of the Spine.”
*
The horse was from a local livery, but I liked her.
Steady and strong, even some of the louder noises and utter insanity of the city didn’t faze her.
The news of the broken temple spread quickly. Almost on my heels.
So did the news that I was missing and Mistress Danai was dead.
I choked back the sorrow I felt.
She’d been the first of the temple masters to genuinely try to get to know me. She’d driven me hard with the etiquette and had worked to celebrate our world.
Now was not the time for mourning.
I’d have to do that later when Elex and I were once again together and safe.
I cantered the big bay mare into the Stadia district. There was no one around before supper, and probably wouldn’t have anyone around later, either.
The city would also mourn for Danai.
The mountains loomed above, cutting out half the sky above me. It was a threatening animal, poised to strike.
The Cave of the Breaking lay just ahead of me.
I dismounted, hoping to bring the horse into the cave with me. She’d be safer there, and I could have company while I waited for…
Well.
I didn’t know what I was waiting for.
Just like most of my life.
I stood in front of the mouth of the cave and looked up.
And up.
And up.
“I am here!” I yelled toward the massive mountain. “I am Lady Kimber Raven, the Breaker of the Spine! What do you need of me?”
The mountain shook.
It was not a meager tremble or a warning.
The ground rolled beneath me, and the rocks screamed above me.
I stood my ground at the mouth of the cave, waiting for the mountain’s tantrum to pass.
A single rock tore loose and hurtled through the air at me. My hand stretched out to catch it.
Lined with the crystals from the cave, the rock lit from within, pulsing in time with my heartbeat. Dozens of colors danced there, and I could hear the cacophony of sound again in my mind.
It was trying to speak to me.
I didn’t understand it yet.
My magic wasn’t ready.
Twisting back, looking at S’Kir laid out before me, I realized terrible truths.
Dorian was right.
“I have no idea what’s coming for us all.”
The ceremonial chamber was huge and filled with thousands of people.
My people.
I hadn’t realized that there were enough vampires in the stronghold to fill it.
After I asked, Lord Pippin told me there actually weren’t.
Half had come from other enclaves around the world to be there to see this.
“You are already a legend.” Lord Pippin lifted an eyebrow at me.
“Not exactly.”
He put a hand on my shoulder. “You are. The daughter of a former king has fought her way to the throne. It is the stuff of legends.”