Page 31 of Song of the Shadow Prince
They didn’t need to be told twice. They gathered up their unconscious comrade and retreated into the night, their forms quickly swallowed by the shadows.
Breathing heavily, I looked in the direction Arya had run. I needed to find her before she got into more trouble. I set off, my footsteps echoing in the empty alley, determined to catch up with her and figure out what the hell she was doing in the Southern District at this time of night.
10
CAT
Gasping for air, I ran, limping and cradling my right arm, which I desperately hoped wasn’t dislocated. As I was painfully aware, this place lacked the caliber of professional doctors to which I’d become accustomed.
Since I told my guide Maeve to run, I had no clue where I was or how to get back to the Ryder residence, much less where the hell she’d run off to. The best thing I could do was find a well-lit area with lots of people. And I used the termpeopleloosely, because I was almost certain the “people” I’d just encountered in the alley were vampires.
I’d done some stunt work on supernatural shows before, so it took a lot not to laugh when encountering the real deal. Call it a nervous tick, I guess.
“But art? Seriously? What is this Arya chick involved in?” I said to myself as I limped through the streets, trying to find my way around the Southern District. After two fights tonight, the adrenaline had worn off and the aches and pains were starting to settle in.
I’d run far enough that I didn’t think I’d been followed, but I was so fuckin’ lost. If only I could find a landmark Iremembered, or even someone out and about who I could ask for directions. I didn’t even know how much time had passed since Maeve and I parted ways.
“Why are there no phones?” I groaned just as someone latched onto my shoulder. I winced from the pain and spun, ready to fight again. “Son of a bitch!” I shouted, coming face-to-face with a cloaked figure. I peered up at the tall guy hovering over me. “I’ve had enough fighting today, so can I get a pass?”
When he pulled off his hood and stepped under a gas lamp to reveal his face, I sagged in relief. “Thank the heavens,” I murmured. “David, right?” I asked, trying to remember his name.
His voice was a low growl. “Damien. What were you thinking, taking on those vampires back there?”
“You saw that?” My eyes widened. “And you didn’t bother to help?” I shrieked. “Oh, you’re a bastard, all right.”
His eyes grew wide and his jaw tightened. “What did you call me?”
“A bastard!” I yelled. “I was about to get… I don’t know, like,eatenby those things! And you couldn’t be bothered to help? Aren’t I a lady or something in this world? If there’s ever a time one should use their privilege, it’s times like these!”
He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “You’re something. But a lady, I’m not too sure.”
With my good hand, I punched his arm as hard as I could. Unfortunately, it felt like punching a wall. I held back my grimace with great effort.
“Did you just hit me?” he asked stonily.
“Yes. I did. You deserved it.”
He narrowed his dark gaze on me and looked like he was ready to hit me back. I was not one to cower, but it took a lot not to step back from his menacing gaze.
“Do you even know where you are?” he asked, changing the subject.
I sighed. “No I don’t. Care to help aladyout?” I said sarcastically.
He rolled his eyes again. “Do I have a choice?”
“We all have choices. You obviously have a problem making the right ones.” I started to massage my hurt shoulder and arm. “But by all means, Your Highness, lead the way.”
Damien grimaced and looked up and down the street as if searching for something. The quiet between us stretched and my annoyance reached a fever pitch. I just wanted to get back to the Ryder residence and lay on my hard-ass bed and sleep at least twelve hours.
“What the hell is taking you so long?” I shouted. “Take me home!”
He gritted his teeth. “I can’t.”
My eyes widened. “You can’t, or you won’t?”
“I can’t,” he reiterated. “The best I can do is give you directions back to the Northern District, but I’m afraid you’ll encounter trouble again before you reach the border.” He sent me an annoyed glare.
I scoffed. “Me? Dude, are you freakin’ serious right now? Why can’t you just take me back?”
