Fireblood (Fireblood 1)

There’s a long pause, and I hear Devlan’s footsteps pace again. His movements are shadows cast on the tunnel wall before me, shaky in the wavering torchlight. “I need to go to the camp. There’s something I need to discuss with Fallon.”

“That’s too dangerous,” the guy—Xander—says. “We have to be cautious.”

“I don’t care,” Devlan says. “It’s important to assess new information before I proceed.”

“I say we off her tonight,” Larkin says. I slap my hand over my mouth. “If what you say is true, Devlan, that will weigh heavily in our favor. That is the mission, remember?” He pauses. “To get closer, gain access to Excalibur. Or are you a coward now?”

“The mission, Larkin,” Devlan says, frustration lacing his voice, “was to wait until after the wedding.”

Oh, my God. No, no, no.

I stumble back, and my backside hits the stone steps hard.

“This meeting is over for now,” Xander says. “Before you get too carried away, Larkin, Devlan and I will find a way to meet with Fallon.”

Their footsteps quicken and I panic. They’re moving toward the tunnel. As quietly as I can, my limbs shaking, I climb the stairs. I reach the secret door but before I push through, I glance over my shoulder making sure I’m clear—

—and meet Devlan’s eyes.

We stare at each other, his eyes wide, my breath struggling past my lips. He turns toward the other knights. “You two take the back way,” he says. “We need to make sure both are clear.” Then he races up the steps.

I don’t think.

I run.

Whatever their plan, whatever reason I’m to be killed, doesn’t matter. He knows I know, and he’s coming for me.

He’s going to kill me.

“Zara!” Devlan calls out.

I barrel down the hallway and round the corner into the back hall. He’s fast. I know he is. He’s going to catch me.

I don’t stop, and I don’t look behind me. I have no idea where I’m going to go, but I need to get away. It comes to me quickly. My chamber. I turn into the hallway leading to my room and run faster, my legs pumping. My dress tangles between my legs and I grab it up, forcing it above my thighs as I ignore the aching burn in my calves.

His footfalls sound closer, but I don’t turn to look. As I come up on my room, his arms wrap around my waist and pull me to a stop. His hand clamps over my mouth, muffling the scream I barely work through my stinging throat. I kick and struggle as he hauls me inside my room.

“Stop,” he pants into my ear. “Please, Zara. Just listen.”

I twist and push against him, but his hold on me is solid. I could do this all night and he’d kill me eventually. I fall limp in his arms. I need him to release me so I can get away. I nod against his hand.

He takes in a deep breath. “I’m going to release you. Don’t scream.” He removes his hand from over my mouth, then drops his arms. “Sit down.”

The hell I will.

I quickly scan my room. My choice is made. I’m getting out of here. For all I know, Sebastian is part of this sadistic plan. I can’t trust any of them. My father was right. Something is very, very wrong here, and I have to get out.

I turn and knee him in the groin. Hard. He drops to his knees. “You really don’t know me, Devlan.”

I race over to my desk while Devlan is still holding himself and pick up my wooden chair. It’s heavy, but I’m able to lift it high enough to get leverage, then I drop it on his head. He hits the floor face first. I scramble to the ground, reach inside his vest pocket, and yank out his keychain. I stand and kick him in the head for good measure.

Cursing myself for not having packed a bag, I grab the only things of importance: a pair of sturdier shoes and my father’s dagger. I strap the leather sheath around my thigh, slam the dagger into it, and fly through the doorway.

I hurriedly move down the corridor toward the atrium. It’s the closest way out, and on the side of the castle nearest the stable. When I reach the glass door, I slide the giant rusted key into the lock, the same way I’ve seen Devlan do many times. I don’t have time to worry about the Eyes. I have to get out.

Dim lanterns sway in the breeze, barely lighting my way. Once I reach the stable fence, I climb over the railing and run toward the door. It’s eerily quiet. Fear prickles my skin, and my hand shakes as I bring the key ring out. I push the key into the lock and turn. The latch opens and I stare at the dial pad. Will Sebastian’s code work with Devlan’s key?

I close my eyes and bounce up and down, thinking. If I put in his code and it triggers some kind of alarm, I’m done. I’m seconds away from taking off on foot when I realize I don’t have anything to lose. Devlan has probably already gathered the Force to hunt me down.