Page 133 of The Nightmare Bride
His expression tightened. “If the storm overwhelms you?—”
“Can’t you just hold me down?”
He shook his head. “Even I can’t pin a hellcat. Not for long. You’ll need something.”
“Okay.” I whirled, pawing through the drawer until I came up with my shackles. If nothing else, Ky could use them on Amryssa while I slipped away and offered my blood to Zephyrine. “Here.”
Kai took the restraints. “How long do we have?”
“Thirty minutes until Vick reaches the tree, probably. Maybe twenty-five, by now.”
“Not much time, then. Let’s go.”
I nodded and put my hand in his. We bolted from the room. Down in the great hall, the front doors stood open. Outside, the night hissed and heaved. Merron stood just inside, sweat-soaked and panting. He babbled to Olivian, who looked like he wanted to murder the first person who dared to come within reach.
The seneschal’s eyes blazed at our approach. “You had one job!One fucking job.”
“I know!” I launched straight into a shout. “And I’m going to go do it, right now. I’m going to get Amryssa back. With Kai’s help.”
The seneschal’s gaze skipped past me. He was practically frothing at the mouth, fury churning off him in waves, but he wasted no time on surprise. “You two are going out into the nightmare?”
“Yes.”
He growled. “You’ll die. Which won’t help a goddess-damned thing. Amryssa will be out there trying to get to Zephyrine, and you’ll be busy tearing your own eyeballs out.”
“No.” I gestured to the manacles. “I have these. And Kai can resist the nightmares.”
Olivian’s face contorted. “That’s impossible.”
“It’s not. I’ve seen him do it. More than once.”
Olivian and Merron surveyed my husband with palpable shock. Kai only shrugged, as if to say,What? I’m exceptional.
Outside, thunder cracked over the swamp. The floor trembled, the scent of char sharpening the air. Olivian and Merron grimaced as my knees wobbled.
But Kai just stood there, looking ready for a stroll in the park. Or maybe a restorative nap.
When everything stilled, Olivian raked his gaze over my husband with renewed interest. “You intend to save her?”
“I do.”
“Then I’m coming with you.”
“No,” I cut in. “You won’t get more than a half a mile before the storm crushes you. Amryssa already lost her mother that way. She can’t lose you, too. She needs you alive.”
“I can’t donothing.” Olivian’s shoulders strained, threatening to rupture his shirt at the seams.
“You won’t be,” Kai said smoothly. “You’ll be ensuring your survival, for the sake of your daughter. Go. Chain yourself. The moment the storm passes, come find us. We’ll have her. We’ll be waiting.”
Olivian’s mouth twisted, but Kai’s words seemed to compel him in a way mine couldn’t.
The power of bald-faced confidence, I supposed. Or maybe it was just a man thing.
“We’re wasting time,” Kai warned.
The seneschal swore. “Fine. Go get her. I’ll come the second I’m able.”
“Of course.”
