Page 60 of Detonation
Well, shit, a mage with bloodlust. This is definitely going to work in our favor.
I was worried he was going to have to be convinced to help us with our plan but luckily, that isn't the case.
Liviana throws a pair of cloth sandals at me. "Put those on."
"Yes, ma'am," I respond with a salute.
The mage eyes me and I cock a brow at him. "You remind me of someone I know," he says finally.
As I slip my feet into the shoes, I shake my head. "Well, damn, I feel sorry for the realms. I don't think this universe can handle two of me."
The mage stands, cracking his neck and rolling his shoulders to loosen himself. Taking in his appearance, I agree with the doc—people will notice the change in him. His cheeks aren't as hollow, he has a light to his eyes, and a subtle energy ripples over him as his powers are somewhat restored.
I lock eyes with Liviana. "This is our best chance, Livi. We have to do this now. I can’t let you or anyone else spend another day in this fucked up castle."
Her eyes narrow. "Lana, do not make me drag you by your ear out of this place with me. We can regroup and form a plan for whatever you need. You do not need to stay here and handle their wrath alone in our absence."
"She won't be alone,” the mage supplies. “I'm not leaving yet either."
The doctor splutters in disbelief. "I'm sorry but what is wrong with both of you? There is absolutelynothingthat needs your attention here right now, besides the thought of getting out of here with us."
The mage responds to Doc with his eyes on me. "It seems we have a few loose ends to tie before we can leave. I won't allow these monsters to continue to harm anyone else. If I leave, they’ll just find someone else to replace me and I won’t let that happen."
I nod at him, agreeing with his train of thought, my respect for him swelling. He’s endured so much for so long and yet his focus is on making sure no one else has to suffer the way he has. He has an opportunity to leave that he may well be sacrificing for the greater good.
The doctor shifts his gaze to me and opens his mouth but I cut him off. "There is someone I love trapped here and I won't leave until I have him back."
Liviana throws her hands in the air, accepting defeat. "Well, that's that. They've made their minds up. Who are we to tell them their personal issues aren't important?"
I smile at the enigmatic woman as Doc grimaces at his friend but nods, relenting and accepting our decision. "Alright then. Let's make our way down before Sebastian is due to collect him."
We all trade looks, confirming that everyone’s ready, before we head out of the door, Liviana leading the way. Walking on light feet so as not to be heard, the only sound I can make out is my heartbeat thumping as adrenaline courses through me.
Liviana throws her arm out and we flatten against the nearest wall as she peaks around the corner, looking back to us. "Two guards chatting, not on alert. Lana, come with me and limp like earlier. You'll need to knock them out when we pass."
I don't hesitate, knowing I don't have time to argue, and rush to her side, getting into the same position as this morning as we walk around the corner. I quickly take note of the two sconces on the wall, a flame burning in each.
Good, I can use the flames to my advantage if things get messy.
As they look up, I glare at them, daring them to say a word to me. If Anshar is as possessive as he seems, I would think they’d be afraid to talk to me in fear of retribution. I just hope they aren't one of the guards he's told to keep an eye on me.
One of them looks me up and down, pausing on my breasts, and I jump on that. "How dare you ogle Lord Anshar's bride-to-be? If you think he won't be hearing of this, you’re delusional."
His mouth flaps open and closed as the other guard slaps him in the arm. "Seriously, man?"
As we get closer, I spit, "Enjoy your last few hours of life, vermin."
A trail of piss darkens his pant leg as he drops to his knees, sobbing. "Your Highness, I’m so sorry. Please—"
Holy shit, that worked way better than I thought it would. Maybe magic won't be necessary.
As I pass by the groveling man, I dart my foot out and smash it into his temple and he slumps to the ground. The other guard stays silent, probably terrified of Anshar's wrath, and backs away from me, retreating down the hall that we came from with his hands held up to placate me.
The mage darts around the corner and grabs a fistful of the man's long hair, swinging his face into the wall. A loud crack sounds as his skull makes impact, making me cringe, while the mage smiles darkly at the man as he slumps to the ground, blood flowing down the side of his face.
Liviana whispers, "Hurry," and motions for us to follow her. We comply and as we travel towards the dungeon, I take a moment to reflect on what the mage just did.
Why did I cringe? These are all bad men, right?
