Page 153 of The Cerulean Sister
"Crixa was not there either. Something is wrong, I know it."
I round another hall, my arm brushing up against a rough pillar, anxiety making my vision blurry with each pounding heartbeat.
"Try to stay calm. Show me where you are."
When I round another corner, I look out the open-air balcony to as much of my surroundings as I can. I can sense his relief when he knows what wing of the Estate I am in.
"Alright, good. I alerted the Viathan guards in that area. I will meet you at that temple, Ferren."
"I cannot wait."My voice cracks even in my mind's eye.
"I would not ask you to. If your sister is in danger, do what you must."His tone is so stern and definitive, it scares me.
I can hear him speaking to others around him, giving them hurried instructions, his voice projecting like he is giving orders as they move through the Estate.
My calves burn with each step I take, my long, wispy sleeves snagging and ripping on pillars, the sound of the Viathan guards behind me barely noticeable.
When I see the courtyard of her temple, I push myself so hard that my lungs sting with each breath.
Intrusive flashes shoot themselves to the front of my mind that I am too late, that they have already moved her down into the birthing rooms below, that Leema is sprawled out on a slab while Crixa and the elders close in on her.
A Viathan guard walks toward me as I enter the courtyard. The way he has his helmet fixed on me lets me know every Viathan posted here knows who I am and what I am here to do. Their 99th Commander has quickly informed them, and they stand at the ready until he arrives.
"High Priestess Ferren, I am Commander Ives," he says as he reaches me, ushering me to the side to speak in private, but I continue walking past him, pulled by my now clear view of the temple entrance. "There are Estate guards inside and elder priestesses. The 99th Commander is en route. I will escort you inside if required."
"No." I glance around at the guards posted at each pillar in the courtyard. Every few feet, a black figure stands perfectly still. "Do not enter the temple."
"Yes, ma'am," he says to my surprise and steps back.
My last few steps feel weighted, as if I’m sticking to thick mud to slow and hold me back from storming inside.
"Leema!" I say before I even reach the archway of the entrance.
An elder jumps from her chaise lounge, knocking over a tray of fruit in shock at my sudden entry.
Estate guards with white capes step out from their posts, but it does not stop my search.
A few women in white gasp, holding their bellies and moving to the side as if I am the threat.
Another elder with dark undereyes grabs me by the wrists and yanks me back.
I snarl on reflex and loom over her, my teeth gritted so hard my head throbs. "Where is my sister?"
"She is here, calm yourself." Her flat words send a shiver down my spine.
"Elder Priestess, is all well?" a guard asks, resting his palm on the butt end of his sword.
The elder nods and holds a palm out to pacify. "Please take the rest of the women to the temple. There will be no birth today. Let them enjoy the temple service with the others."
"99, Estate guards are exiting. They are taking some of the women to the temple, but I don't see Leema."
I can vaguely hear the words he says into his forearm comm echo in his head, letting the Viathan guards know who is coming out, to let them pass and to remain at their posts until he arrives.
I twist my arm out of the tight grip, and the elder squints her eyes in suspicion, like she saw a tiny crack in my ward and knows I am using my gift.
An elder priestess with a fragile looking frame shuts the door behind the last of the guards and women. She looks me over and locks the door tightly.
The pressure in the air changes, like my feet are attaching to the ground, my arms as solid as stone.
