Page 117 of Cruelest Kiss and Fairest Blood
“I need to get you somewhere safe while I handle this.” Taking to the air, I fly us up and over the crumbling walls of Lenore’s small sanctuary. Memories of the replica in the in-between flash across Lenore’s haunted eyes.
“Don’t leave.” Her voice is quiet.
“This is not the in-between. I promise. You’re safe here.”
“I don’t want to feel like I’m helpless, but back in the castle, I couldn’t do anything. My training was useless.” Shame darkens her cheeks.
“Stop that. You were outmatched by not one, but two powerful beings and a demon. The fact you survived, escaped, and were smart enough to find a way around the wards proves you are far from useless. You’re resourceful, cunning, and if something happens again, you won’t be alone. Mytha?”
My faithful right-hand materializes in her human guise. “Yesss, sssire?”
“Stay with Lenore. Protect her at all costs. Keep her hidden and alert me at once if you sense any danger.”
Mytha’s eyes flick to Lenore and back. I can see the retaliatory,I’m not a babysittermanifesting in her glowing green glare.
“This is important, Mytha. Please.”
Her gaze softens. “It will be done.”
My fingers bury in Lenore’s thick hair as I drag her lips to mine. The kiss is one that speaks volumes in the small space between us where words are not enough. Our mouths mingle in a desperate language that’s all our own.
There are so many things I want to say, so many ways I wish to reassure her, but the right phrases won’t come. Only three words make it past my frenzied lips. “I love you.”
Lenore breaks again, a quiet sob spilling into my mouth as she kisses me with twice as much fervor. “I love you. I can’t lose you.”
Her words physically impact me. Something swells and tightens in my chest. Pulling away, I memorize the details of her face. “I’ll be back.”
She takes my hand, squeezing. “The mirror monster. Are you sure you can kill it? And Catreena. She’s too powerful.”
“I will finish this and return to you.” Taking off my amulet, I hang it over Lenore’s head. It drops down below her breasts, glowing brightly. “I’ll find my way back to you. No matter what.”
Her fair hand clutches the jewel. “Make her suffer.”
There’s my little raven. “Anything for you.”
The wards have vanished by the time I return to the castle. They were created to keep Lenore in. Now that she’s escaped, the magic serves no purpose.
Walking into the castle is completely unlike the last time. Dread and death fill every room and darkened hallway. Catreena must be trying to start her own underworld here in the mortal realm. From the energy stagnating in the shadowy corners, I would venture to guess no less than a hundred people have perished within these walls in the last few days. Their energy signatures are fresh. Catreena has barely sat the throne a week. She hasn’t wasted any time.
A soft whimpering reaches me from near the front door. A subtle light alerts me that something living is hiding in the darkness. I pull the shadows from the corner, revealing the figure. A large black dog cowers, ears down, tail tucked between its legs. I recognize the massive guard dog from its encounters with Lenore. “Heelin,” I call quietly. The frightened animal looks around. It can’t see me, but must sense me.
Opening the front door, I usher it outside. Heelin turns back to look the way he came, then darts off toward the tree line. Poor creature will be scarred for life. When I find Lenore, I know it will bring her comfort to know he escaped. I sense no others as I move through the castle.
The element of surprise is my best bet when dealing with those who are magically inclined. Visualizing the castle layout, I shadow into the queen’s quarters.
If I thought the essence of death was overpowering before, I was mistaken. The queen’s bedroom is a butcher’s playground.Bodies and parts are littered throughout. I don’t know what color the floors were before. They’ve been stained red beneath a layer of mist that hovers several inches above the wood.
Lenore’s scent still lingers in the room. Her blood was spilt here. The iron tang is potent.
Catreena is gazing in the mirror when she spies me. Her eyes double in size as she whips around. Energy crackles through the room.
“Who the hell are you?” She studies my wings. “Is it you, Harbinger of Death?”
“It is.”
“Hmm.” She sucks her teeth. “And are you the one who granted the princess the ability to cheat death?”
I don’t want our conversation coming close to Lenore. “Why have you come to Roseheart, Catreena, keeper of the mirror?”
