Page 69 of In The Dark
“I told you your plan was flawed!” I say through clenched teeth, and he throws me a glare, clearly not in the mood to argue.
The ward most likely protects Elion’s precious archives against anyone with magic. Although I’m trying not to panic, we only have fifteen minutes before the next two guards arrive.
“We need to hurry,” he snaps, pulling me from my thoughts.
“I’m going to die here.” My words drip with sarcasm, but I move regardless.
Scurrying across the archives on silent feet, I stop at the wall holding every rolled parchment since the beginning of Elion’s rule. And it’s a lot.
Quickly thumbing through them, I sift over dozens of rolled papers, pulling on the corners for anything that resembles a map. Nothing.
Rydian follows closely behind, going through the other side at record speed. I comb through all of them, yet nothing comes close to resembling a castle map. Just plans for cities, local buildings, and whatever future projects he has planned.
I remain standing, thinking of where Elion could possibly keep the map, especially if he has any hidden locations within it. I realize that he would be actively using it.
With a quick turn, I hurry to Elion’s desk, pulling open drawers for hidden compartments. Finally, I flip through parchment sprawled over his desk, scattering papers to reveal anything.
The movement of my hand stalls when my eyes land on a few neatly stacked papers with the duke of Alvonia’s name written on it—Ekrin Highcrest, one of his council members.
Ekrin is the only Aetheri duke who hasn’t married—every female in Alvonia groveling at his feet because of it. He came into his position roughly ten years ago at the age of twenty-four, making him the youngest Duke in Elderheim. But what does the king want with Ekrin?
Unable to stifle the rising curiosity, I gently spread the papers, quickly scanning the documents when my brow lifts. Asmall grin tugs at my mouth as I read. Interesting, but not what I’m here for.
As soon as I neatly stack them again, the corner of a rolled parchment comes into view under a slew of disorganized papers, as if it was mindlessly tossed aside. My breath catches in my throat when I see the label written on the back corner—Castle Alvonia 112.
Is that the map? What does the number mean? Perhaps it’s the number documenting how many have been made over the centuries. I know sometimes they update the castle, so naturally, they’d need to update the map. I peel the corner back, confirming what I suspect.
A rush of relief washes over me before I glance over my shoulder. Rydian quietly rummages through the rolled parchment on the wall—occupied. Then I glance down at my hands as I’m suddenly met with a decision and swallow. Dread curls in my gut.
I have to make a decision.
Stealing this map will set in motion a future I’m not sure I want. Is it what I want? A future in a realm I know nothing of, heir of Aurelia—future queen? Or a king’s assassin, killing on demand whenever ordered?
This is myhome, isn’t it?
We have minutes before the guards arrive, and I chew my lip, stuck between the tug to stay in Elderheim or wanting something more in Aurelia.
Then something catches my attention out of the corner of my eye, forcing my gaze down. One of the drawers is cracked open, catching shiny sparkles whirling in the low light. My brows pinch when I lean in get a better look, as if it’s calling to me?—
“Did you find anything?” Rydian whispers, breaking my focus. His steps stride closer, leaving me to quickly fix the king’sdesk and turn to Rydian with a tight smile. And suddenly, I’ve made my decision.
“I found it. We need to go,” I get out.
He hurries to my side when we unroll the parchment, revealing the entire map of Castle Alvonia. Rydian pulls out a blank rolled-up parchment and lays it flat next to the map. He hovers his hand over it, but nothing happens.
“We’re going to have to take the original,” Rydian mumbles, and my eyes flare at the realization. “I can’t access my magic.”
My teeth grind. “We can’t take?—”
The archive doors begin to open, and we share the same panicked look before Rydian begins to roll the map. We silently rush to the doors, and with a sharp intake of breath, hide behind them the moment they swing toward us. My eyes squeeze shut, and I force my breathing to slow as I hone in on my training.
We wait until the guards walk through before stepping out, sliding past the double doors on silent feet. Orin has impeccable timing as I spot him standing across the courtyard, striding toward us, disguised as Ren. His eyes go wide, which means he sees us.
The two guards in the hall slowly begin to pivot our way when my breath hitches, but as soon as our feet touch the hallway, Rydian slams a hand over my mouth. We disappear into the Veil and remain in the hall. They can’t see us.
The guards face us when Orin calls out, catching their attention and accusing them of not doing their jobs correctly. Our backs slide against the stone as we calm our breathing.
“Hush, little fawn, we’re almost out.”Rydian slides into my mind. In a single beat, we’re standing in the middle of the loft with the castle’s map and breathing heavily, shock settling itself into my core. My frantic breaths heat Rydian’s palm as it remains over my mouth. His hand begins to slowly lower to my shoulders, both of us too stunned to speak.
