Page 21 of Ruin of Revenants

“And now you must prepare for our meeting with the king.”

“He’ll see through our ruse immediately,” I protested.

Archer smirked as he strolled toward the door. “Then be convincing, Feathers.” I bristled at the nickname. “I’ll fetch you in an hour.”

Chapter Twelve

Isoria

My heart raced. An hour. I didn’t know if Archer had any enchantments in his quarters that could alert him when others entered or left or otherwise prevent me from leaving, but I had time to at least try.

And I had to try. Mama, Aunt Aurora, Zinnia, and countless others were running out of time, and any one of us could be next. Bren. Or even me, which would make it much more difficult for me to escape and return to Everhaven if I lost my ability to shift.

Whatever knowledge the castle library might hold, surely another in Rainsong would have something similar. I refused to trust that Archer wasn’t withholding information from me about this supposed blood bond or manipulating me somehow in his attempt to hunt down every last phoenix shifter. I had to believe he was capable of any sort of evil and trickery to get what he wanted—the absolute eradication of my kind.

Once I left the castle, it would be easier to lose myself in the capital and keep low, to do my research quietly and then get home. I had to escape Archer’s clutches.

I went back to the guest room, cursing the fact that I’d lost my pack in the tumult in the graveyard at Solea's temple. My spare clothes would have been useful now. I tugged on my leggings and tunic, dirty as they were, and prayed they wouldn’t draw too much unwanted attention.

With Archer returned to his bedroom in the rear of his quarters, it was easy enough to slip through the other empty rooms. Onyx was snuggled in an armchair in the sitting room nearest the exit, and the smallest tug of regret made me pause. He lifted his head at my approach, blinking lazily. “I’m sorry to leave you with a monster like the prince, but at least he seems to take care of you.” I patted his head in goodbye and padded toward the door.

I hesitated at the door, pressing my ear to strain for any noise. All I heard was the shifting of feet, likely from a posted guard. Unless Archer had told them not to permit anyone to leave while I’d been asleep, I couldn’t think of any reason why they’d stop me from exiting. They were there to keep intruders out.

Forcing myself to exude confidence, I opened the door with my chin lifted high. There were two guards, a male and female, and neither so much as glanced my way. I tried to walk as if I knew where I was going, but it didn’t take long before I found myself hopelessly lost in the twists and turns of endless halls.

When I caught the eye of a passing servant, I offered a sheepish smile that I realized a moment too late was a dead giveaway I didn’t belong.

Something in the gleam of his eye revealed his amusement, but he didn’t question me. Hopefully he was used to guests and didn’t find it suspicious I’d been unescorted. “Can I help you, miss?” he asked kindly.

“I’m afraid I should have waited for a guide, but I am searching for the exit.”

He chuckled. “Follow me.”

Built from rough-hewn stone, the castle itself was ancient and imposing, an old fortress that had been crafted for function rather than beauty. But generations of extravagance in the royal family had softened it through both magic and decor. Artfully arranged portraits that had been painted with enchantments to tell a story rather than show a single picture added entertainment and intrigue on numerous walls. I caught smatterings of conversation in dramatic exchanges, the noises of a full-blown battle, and the heartfelt whispers of lovers in a forbidden tryst as we passed various pictures in different halls. The plush carpet beneath our feet cushioned our steps, while the outdoors brought warmth inside as we passed through open courtyards full of fountains and citrus trees, jasmine and water lilies, sunning lizards and countless collections of colorful parrots and birds.

At last, we reached the main entrance, thankfully without anyone else stopping us.

Time had lost meaning while I’d wandered. How much of my hour was left? Had Archer summoned a servant to prepare me, one that would have already alerted him to my absence?

Thanking the male, I tried not to make the quickening of my steps obvious as I descended the steps and crossed the front courtyard. Beyond the gates, a narrow bridge spanned the Bluemist, separated the castle and its grounds from the rest of Rainsong.

And beyond was the full bustle of the city. Beneath the setting sun, it was a brilliant sight to behold. As far as the eye could see, crowds were moving from shop to shop, some preparing to end their day while others were readying to begin their nights. Inns offered cozy respite or an evening of entertainment and drinks while taverns were a rowdier, more exciting option for locals. The scents of food tempted me everywhere. Carts lined a few streets filled with the wares of sellers who moved about the city rather than luring the buyers to them.

“Charms!” one called. When he met my gaze, his eyes lit up with the hope of a purchaser. “All the way from Brytwilde across the ocean.”

I raised my eyebrows in spite of myself, scanning his cart. He had rows and rows of odd assortments, some that seemed hardly noteworthy at all. Discarded buttons, some tarnished and scratched, necklaces, bracelets, and plenty of other baubles all in varying conditions.

“On their continent, many fae store portions of their magic in charms, so when their reserves grow low, they have a way to replenish quickly no matter how exhausted they are,” the shop owner confided in me, his bushy brows and drooping mustache twitching with his excitement. He ran a finger along one particularly long, tufted ear before fiddling with his beard. “If a fae passes without anyone to claim their charm, it’s left for the taking. I trade for them when they arrive on shipments. Pick one up. You can feel the magic emanating from each!”

“Oh, thank you, but I don’t plan on purchasing anything today.” I offered him a quick smile and hastened onward before he could try to argue.

All I had were the few coins in Mama’s emergency stash back home, the ones from long ago when we’d fled Rainsong. I didn’t know if they’d be enough for a night in the dingiest inn, and I certainly wouldn’t be wasting them on baubles.

Each step further away from the castle buoyed me with hope. How many miles was I from Archer now? Two? Three?

The scents of food drew me toward an inn overlooking the Bluemist and the alligators dozing on its bank. I hadn’t eaten since hours before reaching Solea's temple last night, and now the sun was setting on another day. My aching stomach warned me I’d have to feed myself somehow, and soon.

But this one was too fine and a little too close to the castle for my comfort. I wanted one tucked away and unassuming, not this lovely building close to the gleaming river.