Page 102 of Beyond the Faerie Gate

There’s too much energy buzzing through my blood, and without meaning to, I bolt. Leaping over the balustrade at the edge of the patio and taking off into the trees beyond.

One shoe threatens to break my balance, so I chuck them away, followed by the crown, which is already trying to break free of my hair.

This was a mistake. An awful mistake.

I can hear footsteps following me, and my legs move faster in answer.

“Leave me alone!”

Maybe something in my voice gets their attention. Or perhaps they know like I do that there’s nowhere for me to really go. I’m surrounded by an immense wall, more guarded than I probably ever have been in my life. Whatever it is, my pursuers stop, but I keep going.

It only takes a few minutes for me to reach the wall. The stone structure dwarfs me completely, and I collapse against it, breathing heavily.

I may no longer be suffering from iron exposure, but I’m no great athlete. My lungs are burning, but my breath freezes in place as a thud sounds beside me.

I turn, dread pooling in my gut, and come face to face with a familiar pair of bright turquoise eyes in a cruel, blue face.

My mouth opens to scream, but before I can get a sound out, his huge hand is pressed over my mouth.

“Don’t,” he growls.

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