Page 39 of Dust to Dust

I’m on my own. Same as always.

Except now I know someone’s trying to reach me. And that makes being alone so much worse.

I round the bend on the left and pause, forcing myself to slow down. It won’t do anyone any good if I face-plant or get caught stumbling around like prey.

Kestra’s quarters are on the opposite side of the castle from me. Which I’m convinced Moros did on purpose. For a moment exactly like this.

Shit.

I press myself into a hidden alcove, trying to think.

There’s no way I’m making it to Kestra without getting spotted. I’m in uncharted territory. This is the first time I’ve been out free, without a shadow following me.

In a shadow. That these beings can manipulate like breathing.

Kieran’s quarters are closer.

He’s not there. Exiled. Gone. But his rooms might have weapons. Supplies. A lock that actually holds.

And if I’m being honest with myself, which I try to avoid, I just want to be somewhere that smells like winter forests and cold metal. Somewhere that felt safe once.

Thirty seconds ago I was in his arms. His skin on mine. His voice in my ear promising they were coming.

Now I’m bleeding in a dark hallway, running toward a room he’s not in.

Pathetic, Morgan. Absolutely pathetic.

Holding my breath, I try to remember where Kestra said his quarters were.

“He’s always nearby,” she’d smiled like she was holding a secret I wasn’t allowed to know. Then she cleared her throat. “Two rights and a left.”

I slowly back up and peer around the bend again. Two rights and a left.

Just run across the hall, Ash. It’s easy.

I see no one. But that doesn’t mean no one’s there. I should have committed to Kestra or thought about this earlier.

Fuck it.

I run.

And immediately regret it when I hear a whoosh way too close.

A sting burns my thigh. Warmth spreads, blood, not a lot, but enough.

Tis but a scratch.

Don’t stop. Don’t stop.

Right. I nearly collide with the opposing wall as I keep running. My leg threatens to buckle, not deep, but the muscle’s unhappy about being asked to sprint. I grit my teeth and keep moving.

Bleed later. Run now.

I turn left and there’s only one door on this hall.

Even from here I catch it. Winter forests and cold metal. Him. Everywhere and nowhere.

He should be here. He should be stepping out of the shadows and putting this Fae through the wall.