Page 132 of Of Stars and Lightning
But this one was more rancid, like the leftovers of a bloody battle had been left to rot in the sun for days.
And way, way closer.
“I was not referring to my people,” her father said with disdain. “I was referring to yours.”
The creature growled a laugh. “I told you they would be near the Gate—that’s no longer my turf.”
There were clacks of talons behind her. Behind the desk.
It groaned as a weight leaned on it.
“They are Jinn!” Semmena exclaimed. “You’re telling me they’re truly answering to a creature that isn’t?”
“Mavka is our Mother, Jinn or not. Most of them will continue in her service despite her insolence.”
Sawyer shuddered as the weight on the desk eased, then moved closer to her father. She pressed both hands over her mouth.
“I will not uphold my end of the deal if you do not do yours, Lorkin.” Her father sounded clearly impatient, an emotion he usually kept well concealed in public. Whatever was happening here, he had no fear of it getting out to harm his reputation.
“You do not give me orders, Semmena,” the creature boomed.
“I will do my part when I see fit.” Her father remained silent.
“I have only come to advise the remains of a body were found in the forest. Where your pathetic little games took place a fewdays ago.”
A slight pause transpired before her father spoke. “You found the boy? We retrieved Zeri of Ventry.”
“What was left of him, yes.” The creature neared the desk once more, forcing Sawyer to shut her eyes for a moment to collect herself. “It was tattered.”
The king laughed. “I have intel the Princess killed him. I highly doubt she is so skilled with blades.”
“It was tattered by Void magic. Sliced to the bone with the scent of our essence.”
Again, the King was speechless. He cleared his throat. “What are you suggesting?”
“That your little Yarrow bitch isn’t as helpless as she is fooling you to think.” The Mind Slayer rounded the desk, its massive legs sliding into Sawyer’s view. Its skin was orange and melting off in chunks, with claws so long they almost scraped Sawyer’s thigh.
A tear fell down her face.
“Continue your search, Arnold.” The creature stomped forward, coming to a stop before the window. “And I will continue mine.” It slid the window open, then without another word, jumped out of the castle.
Forty One
TO KEEP A SECRET
SAWYER
SAWYER RANDOWNthe castle corridors. Her blouse caught on every corner and her boots scraped the marble floors, but she didn’t care. Every inch of her body flared with urgency and adrenaline as she hurried down the spiral staircase, down to the foyer occupied by students and servants. Neither paid her much attention except for Francis who furrowed her brows as they passed each other.
Later.
Sawyer would fill her in later.
She catapulted into the gardens, shining blue and silver beneath the moonlight’s rays.
Nina.
Nina.
