Page 79 of Black Crown

All that practice, and my defenses had crumbled in a matter of minutes. I couldn’t let that happen again. Draedyn had attacked me, which meant he now knew where I was. He could be upon me any second. Actually, it was surprising he wasn’t here already with how fast Drae could move. Tears burned my eyes, and I hurried back the way I’d come.I don’t know how I dropped it.

But I did. We both knew I was still haunted by my time in the dungeons. We both were. I’d lost my concentration, and I was furious at myself.

Are you okay?I asked him, wrapping my arms around him when he suddenly appeared. I would never forgive myself if harm befell my mate, and that’s what I’d nearly caused.

I’m fine. I’m just relieved you’re okay.He kissed my head.Veil me?

I pulled the mossy net around him, clearly not thinking straight even now.I’m sorry.

Not all your fault. Now let’s get out of here.

Wait,I said, pulling him to a stop in the middle of the hall.What about . . . everyone else? What about the boats? What about getting the soldiers back? Tyrrik, we have to do something. If we leave them like this, the rebellion will lose.

Tyrrik closed his eyes, his shoulders sagging in defeat.We’ve already lost. The boats are gone. They left this morning.

My mind reeled again. How many more blows could we take?We have to go after them. We can fly—

But could I? If I went and Draedyn followed . . . would I be an asset or a liability?You should go. It’s the only way. You go take the rest of the team, and I’ll let Lani and Zakai know what happened here. Maybe they can hold their attack until you get back.

I was wrong.He dipped his forehead to mine.I should’ve never controlled you like that. I thought if you were unconscious with my power, we would be done here in Azule and gone before you awoke. It was a foolish, cowardly decision, my love. I’m so sorry.

My chest filled with love for him, and I pressed my lips to his, opening my heart so he could feel the truth of my words.I forgive you. Now, let’s get out of this mess.You go get . . . anyone left, and I’m going to—

I love you, Ryn. Be safe. He disappeared as quickly as he’d come.

His determination drove me forward, and I scurried down the next flight of stairs, slid out into the hall, and sprinted through the passageway.

I’ve got the assassins,Tyrrik said. How are you?

I’m good now. On the up and up.I turned my head right and left, searching for a way out.

Tyrrik’s power ebbed, slowly draining out of me and receding back into him.Are you out of the castle yet?

No. Almost. I turned the corner and frowned. Everything looked the same: smoky glass and arched doorways. I looked around for the courtesans, servants, or slaves, but the hallways here were empty, the loudest sounds of humanity coming from the other side of the castle.

Bad sign. I ducked into an arched doorway of a small bedroom, the bedding rumpled and unmade. I had no idea if and when the occupants would be back.

I felt Tyrrik gathering his black tendrils into himself and froze.Wait! Please . . . Please don’t totally withdraw again. I could feel his hesitation and wondered . . .Why don’t you trust me to be part of you right now?

My love, I do trust you.I also know you. Your time in Irdelron’s dungeons still affects you, and I don’t want what I’m seeing to hurt you. Or distract either of us from doing what needs to be done now.

Okay, that was kind of thoughtful—and maybe necessary considering I’d dropped my Phaetyn veil by accident for that very reason.But wherever he went, whatever trouble he got into, I wanted to be there by his side, to help in every way I could. If that meant the tendrils had to be connecting us, then I’d have to handle anything I saw through his eyes.You said we were stronger together.

Yes, we are. The bond is still there, Ryn. I can’t sever it. It actually takes effort to block you, but Draedyn isn’t done in Azule, and I want you out of here. I’ll leave a few more tendrils out so it’s easier to connect. But when we talk and feel each other, images can seep through.

The problem wasn’t whether he trusted me; it was if I was willing to trust him. Was I willing to not just give orders but take some too?

What about Dyter? Have you found him?I asked.

Not yet.

I thudded my head on the wall, inhaling slowly through my fear for Dyter. Where was he?

We’ll find him, Ryn. You know Dyter can handle himself.

I could feel Tyrrik talking with someone, but he was blocking me from whatever was happening. His weariness seeped through our bond, and I shoved a wave of energy toward him.

I need you out of here, he said. Probably for the thousandth time.

---