Page 14 of Curse of Thorns
Rev
When I wake in themorning, the sun is already bright and intrusive. Caelynn is nowhere to be found. But then again, maybe I just can’t see her.
I focus, casting my gaze around the room, testing to see if I could break through her shadow magic illusion. I don’t even know for sure if she’s still in the room—but it seems unlikely she’d take the chance of running about the grounds after nearly being caught last night.
I examine every corner of the room where there is even remote shade—nothing. Disappointed, I take in a big breath. “Caelynn?” I ask, defeat a bitter taste in my mouth.
No response.
I purse my lips. Maybe she isn’t here after all.
I roll out of bed and find a note sitting on the table by the window. I unfold the paper and read the few words scrawled on the parchment:
Meet me in the forest. Don’t forget the books.
I sigh and begin packing up immediately, wondering why she left before me. She could have woken me if she was eager to get moving. It’s strange to have her helping me, to be honest. I’m partially relieved to have an ally, someone to trust.
Another part of me knows I’m insane because that person is Caelynn from the Shadow Court.
I shake my head. She ruined her life to save mine a decade ago. She was forced into that bargain. There’s still a lot I don’t about the shadow fae, but I do believe her when she said she hates herself for what she did.
Over on my desk, I grab the three books I’d been scouring through most recently. There are another four in the library I’ll grab before leaving. I’d read through those thoroughly already, but maybe Caelynn will see something I hadn’t. Or Tyadin. Maybe we’ll get new information that paired with old, and we can come up with a plan.
I hold on to that vague hope.
Because right now, based on everything I know, I’m totally screwed.
