Page 99 of Wings of Lies
The frayed cloak hanging on its bony shoulders snapped in an unseen wind, skimming my boots, much too close for comfort.
“Are you talking about my mom?” I demanded.
The skeletal mask jerked down, sniffing.Mmmm. It smells as delectable as it tastes. Give me a few more drops, and I will answer a single question. But the forest whispers of the stolen prince’s approach, so hurry.
“What about two?” But even two wasn’t enough.
Let me taste the sunshine and the circles, and I’ll answer one.
I had no clue what it was talking about.
“You already had a taste. If you want another, I want two questions answered.”
It raised its robed arm, gesturing to the ear I pressed moss to.
Let me suck it, and we have a deal.
Suck my bloody ear?First, gross. Second, that didn’t seem like a good idea.
Hurry. Or you’ll have no answers.
“Fine!”
It bridged the gap to press against my side, robe traveling through my legs. My already wide eyes widened further.
It chuckled, plucked my hand away, and descended on my wound. Bumpy wetness slid over my cut, stinging. It groaned. I shuddered, wincing as its tongue lapped with more force.
What are your questions?
“How do I escape?” Nothing else mattered unless I escaped. Crossing that boundary line wasnotan option.
Hmmm, it hummed, tongue vibrating against my ear, gaining volume, gaining words. Hundreds of voices echoed in my mind: soft, loud, feminine, and masculine, a cacophony of noise and life. But the loudest of all said,The king in your mind. Follow his instructions.
“The man in my dreams? He’s a king?”
Male, not man. This isn’t Earth. Is that your next question?
“No! Where’s my mom?”
“You’ll find her when you find Magda.”
“So she’s at Magda’s?”
Was that Marcus’s new employer?
I didn’t say that. I said you’ll find her when you find Magda.
“I’m letting you suck the blood out of my ear, and that’s all you’re giving me? That’s not a location!” I yelled.
It gave one last long lap and pulled back.
Yes.
“No. That’s not good enough. You owe me a location!”
“I owe you nothing, child of the sun and circles. But I will give you something else in return. Advice. Beware of the greedy witch. And do not give her the emotions she seeks.”
With that, the Drune’s incorporeal robe gave one last snap before he walked into the large trunk at my back, fading into the surface as a flash of blue thunked into the wood. I stumbled back, tripping over a root.
