Page 23 of Black Hearted
It was my worst nightmare, but I had no choice—I had to run through it to escape.
Breaking into a sprint, I aimed for what looked like hills in the distance. The raining ash was so thick it blurred the landscape, making it hard to pinpoint any landmarks.
I scanned the horizon desperately, trying to get my bearings. It was daytime, but the sun was hidden behind thick clouds, its rays muted and weak.
Behind me, the large estate loomed, crumbling and decrepit, with a dilapidated barn sagging off to the side.
Where was I? Which way was the Spring Court?
I felt a wave of helplessness as I ran, pulling the bodice of my loose dress up to cover my mouth from the ash trying to invade my lungs. My feet pounded over sharp rocks, a jagged edge splitting a gash between my toes, but I ignored the pain.
As I neared the hilly range, the clouds parted for a brief moment, and I could finally see the shapes and details of the rounded peaks. They resembled a row of turtles laid out in formation.
The Turtle Mountains!
I was on the desolate side of the Turtle Mountains in the Summer Court. That meant I was—
A bolt of light shot past my head, barely missing my ear. I spun around in shock.
Queen Liliana was stalking toward me, flanked by three armed guards.
She shook her head, clicking her tongue. Her face was eerily calm, but fury burned in her eyes. “I told you what I’d do if you defied me again.”
Before I could respond or move, a beam of light—so bright it instantly brought tears to my eyes—ripped through the air toward me.
Falling to my knees, I screamed as pain engulfed me. Clutching at my face, I cried out.
She’d blinded me.
Chapter Nine
Zane
Iwalked the entire town with Nellie. She followed me like a little duckling, never complaining about her feet hurting as she ate her bag of sweets. I had pre-negotiated a price for a nice mare to get us to the Spring Palace, along with some supplies, including new boots for Nellie. A fae named Jasper, at the east end of the city where his farm shop was located, was holding everything for me.
Now, I was waiting outside the sweets shop while Nellie swept and cleaned to pay back her debt to the owner. I rolled my neck, stretched my arms, and did some basic warm-ups in front of the shop as the sun began to set. A part of me wanted to fall asleep just so I could see Lorelei again. Even in my dream state, she was irresistible. Her full, red, heart-shaped mouth. Her soft, creamy skin that I was dying to press my lips against. Even her scent was enticing.
I had no idea how I could remember a fragrance from a dream, but I did. Even now, as I closed my eyes and drew in a deepbreath, I could almost smell the sweet notes of floral honeysuckle and vanilla carried on the wind.
But it wasn’t just Lorelei’s physical beauty that drew me to her. The way Isolde had talked about the Spring princess had made her seem delicate, almost fragile. Isolde hadn’t said it in so many words, but I got the distinct impression that she, along with the other princesses, thought Lorelei was too soft for this world. With her gentle demeanor and kind heart, I could understand why they thought that. But I’d seen the fire in Lorelei’s eyes when she came to me in my dream.
The way she protected Nellie against a room full of hostile males. How she didn’t just beg me to save her but cautioned me against coming until I had the support of her court to protect me. Even now, she was standing up to Queen Liliana and enduring who knows what kind of torture in order to do the right thing rather than the easy thing. She was fierce, with an inner strength that most overlooked. Sweet and kind didn’t mean weak.
Movement on my left caught my attention. A hulking male fae with short-cropped black hair approached, walking with purpose. He was tall but still at least three inches shorter than me and very muscular. I tensed as he stopped directly in front of me, but then he smiled, and I relaxed a little.
“Are you Zane? Mr. Donahue’s new champion fighter?” he asked, his voice gruff and low.
Maybe Donahue was looking for me. Was I late?
“Yes,” I answered.
He moved blindingly fast. Reaching behind him, he grabbedwhat looked like a metal rod and swung it at me. I lifted my arm to protect myself, and the rod connected with my wrist.
Hot, sharp pain exploded at the point of impact and reverberated down my arm. I buckled forward, dropping to my knees. I barely had time to process what had happened before the guy took off running, and the door to the shop flew open.
Nellie rushed out, wide-eyed, holding a broom and still wearing her apron.
“Zane,” she cried, hurrying over and peering down at me. “What happened?”
