Page 54 of Hair, She Bears
“I’d like to say his cruelty surprises me…” Moira’s voice trailed off, her eyes glazed over. After a moment, she shook herself and leveled her gaze with them. “Do you have any of the Votras Alute left?”
“There’s a small bit on the floor.”
“I’m not going to ask why you used the floor,” Moira said, her tone amused. “Malik, take the remaining amount to Carlyle. It won’t be enough to heal him permanently, but it should allow his bones to mend. Help him escape the prison.”
“What about Zenna?” Malik asked. He hopped off her leg and walked toward the mirror.
Moira’s eyes flicked to Zenna. “Do you have anything you can shred into long strips?”
“Like the curtain?” Zenna frowned and glanced behind her.
“Perfect. Rip it apart and fasten the ends together. Once Malik returns from freeing Carlyle, climb down the tower.” Moira glanced at Malik. “You’ll need to create a distraction to give her time to escape.”
“Like an explosion?” Malik asked.
Moira’s mouth twitched. “What are you thinking?”
“The western tower stores all the vials of Votras Alute.” Malik turned toward Zenna. “Wait until you hear the siren, then climb down. All the men will be occupied with the tower.”
“Malik, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but how will you set it on fire? You are limited by your size,” Moira said.
“He can add licorice root. It has an explosive reaction when mixed with Votras Alute.” Zenna held her hand out, setting it on the floor in front of Malik. He hopped onto her palm, and she lifted him to her eyes. “You’ll only have a few minutes before the blast.”
“I thought you didn’t make mistakes.” Malik pecked her thumb in an affectionate gesture.
“Mother was experimenting. He wanted to increase the potency of Votras Alute. Instead, he nearly blew up the tower. Break a vial on the licorice root. As soon as the drug touches the plant, it will begin to smoke.”
“Will the explosion be large enough to destroy the entire shipment?” Moira asked.
“It will be if Malik sprinkles licorice root throughout the room.”
“Then, I shall expect you for dinner.” Moira smiled. “Your parents will be excited to see you. They haven’t stopped chirping since they arrived. Although I’m certain they would be happier to meet you in their human form, we’ll correct that issue after you are safe.”
“Who else was among the group I rescued?” Malik asked.
Moira’s mouth folded into a thin line, her eyes sliding to Zenna as if she didn’t want to reveal their names. “More than enough enemies to mount an attack against your father.”
“What good will that do when they are all still birds?” Malik leapt off Zenna’s hand and fluttered to the floor. “Are we going to peck him to death?”
“You will be human at sunset, as will the rest of them. I have enough powder to transform you all,” Moira replied and disappeared.
“After I free Carlyle, I’ll head straight for the west tower.” Malik hopped onto the back of the mirror and snapped it shut. “Is there anything you want to take with you?”
Zenna nodded, rising from the floor. Stepping over him, she leaned across the bed, digging under her pillow. Pulling the necklace free, she lifted her hand. “Only this.”
She tucked the necklace into her apron and walked to the curtain. Grasping the flimsy material with both hands, she yanked, ripping the curtain free of the thin rod running the length of the loft’s entryway. She wadded the curtain into a ball and flung it down the staircase. It bounced off the last step and rebounded into the armoire, unfurling.
Zenna turned toward Malik. “Should I take the mirror, too?”
“We need to destroy it.” He nudged the mirror forward. “Otherwise, my father can use it to find you.”
As she leaned over and plucked the mirror from the floor, Malik hopped onto her shoulder, his little talons dug into her skin.
“Tired of flying?” she said, straightening, her mouth crooked.
“It’s the only way I can touch you.”
The familiar warmth of embarrassment flooded her face. She turned her head away from him and descended the staircase. Leaping over the curtain, she dropped the mirror on the sofa and headed for the wall of empty vials.
