Page 71 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

Lennox needed me, nothing would stop me from getting to her.

I tore through the tunnels. When I came to the first divide in the paths I didn’t think twice before continuing—my body seemed to know where I was heading. It knew what to do. At least I hoped it did, otherwise I was fucked.

Delcan was already going to kill me for going alone. If I didn’t even make it to Lennox and I got myself lost here I’d never forgive myself. I’d gladly rot here in this cave.

The cave kept going on and on. I was starting to think I’d gotten lost.

I stopped when I came to another crossing. I panted, placing my hand against the wall.

I needed to find her. Who knew what was happening? She could be dead, torn to shreds by those monsters.

I shuddered.

I couldn’t think that way. I would find her.

I closed my eyes, straining for any remaining shred of the bond that would link me to her.

There.

It was a tiny pull, maybe I was making it up, but it was there. It was something. A tug urging me toward the left.

I pushed off the wall and jogged down the path.

Maybe I was delusional, but I was going to follow any inkling if it might lead me toward Lennox.

The sound of fighting traveled down the path.

It was them.

I picked up my pace, coming face to face with Kara and Luciana as they fought off the last of the creatures. There was an orb of flames in the corner, illuminating the space in a dim glow.

Five or six creatures were already slain, lying in heaps on the ground, pools of blood surrounding them. They were different from the ones outside. The creatures at the mouth of the cave were mutations of creatures, but they only had one head. These creatures—they were utterly disturbing.

Blood pooled on the ground, splashing up over my boots as I ran through it.

Kara’s eyes met mine over the three-headed monster, green blood was splattered over her face andpanic, there was panic in her eyes.

“She’s behind us.”

I continued through the wreckage, scanning for Lennox.

There, she was lying against the wall, eyes still closed.

“Lennox.”

I leapt over the bodies of the monsters, making my way toward her.

Her dagger lay in her open palm like she held onto it until the last moment.

I knelt beside her, my fingers instantly going to her neck.

Her pulse fluttered under my fingers.Alive. Her pulse was weak, but she was still alive.

For now.

“Lennox, wake up.” I shook her lightly, but still nothing. Not even a flutter of her eyes or a stir on her features.

I scanned her body for injuries. There were slashes through the fabric of her leathers on one arm, revealing four gashes that were starting to stitch themselves back together.Good. She’s healing. That’s good.My eyes roamed lower, snagging on the dark patch on her leg. Several puncture wounds oozed blood.Astria’s tits.

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