Page 17 of The Lich's Leverage

“Okay, I think I know a way out. We need to get to the infirmary.”

Vedrac had said that too. I tried to pull up the memory of the area around the infirmary. It was near here, there weren’t any exits near it. But I trusted Vedrac.

“Why the infirmary?” asked Cospire.

“Look, just trust me. That’s a safe zone as long as we move now.”

Trent pushed the door open and checked the corridor in front of him.

“Follow me.”

We followed him out, and he turned left at the end of the corridor. I stopped and turned to Lyla, who still had tears streaming down her face. It was like a kick in the gut to have to leave her now, but I had to.

“I’m going to get Serena.”

She took a shuddering breath and squeezed my hand.

“Be safe.”

I turned right and ran straight for the staff rooms. It wasn’t far, but far enough that I felt the weight of what I was doing. Going in the opposite direction of safety. But I couldn’t live with just leaving Serena there. I skidded to a halt at her room and banged on the door frantically.

“Prisoners are escaping. There are fights everywhere.”

The door flew open and Serena stood there, her mouth hanging slightly open for a moment before she composed herself. She listened to the growing noise of chaos behind me.

“Okay. Get yourself out of the nearest exit. Now.”

“The others?”

“I’ve got no idea where they all are. Don’t get yourself killed on a wild goose chase.”

“My mate.”

I didn’t know where Vedrac was, and I couldn’t just leave him.

“If I know one thing about mates, it’s that he will find you and keep you safe. That will be his only priority right now. Get out and he will track you down. I promise. Go and head for the lake.”

I nodded, trying to push away the anxiety I felt.

“What about you? Are you coming?”

“I’ll be right behind you. I’m going to leave a note in case anyone comes down here, letting them know where to find us.”

As she said that, Billy appeared behind me.

“Are you okay?” he asked Serena, looking right past me.

“Yes. I’m okay.”

Serena waved a hand at me, and I turned and ran. She had a guard with her now at least. As I retraced my steps, the shouting got louder and louder. I was nearer to a back exit than to the infirmary now. I stopped and took a few deep breaths.

Calm. Be calm. You need to think clearly.

I knew logically that Vedrac could take care of himself. I knew that. I believed it. But, I couldn’t bring myself to leave without him. I had no idea where he was. But he had mentioned the infirmary. I knew he would come looking for me, and I had to be there. If I wasn’t, he wouldn’t leave without looking for me, and he’d be in more danger. I mustered all of the courage I had and began to walk towards the infirmary and all the noise I had been moments from escaping.

Chapter 12

Vedrac

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