Page 143 of Nightshade

“Every feather carries a very powerful sensation, much like lightning. At times, I can control it well, and others, I cannot.”

“Lightning is said to be a strike from the heavens. The anger of ancient gods.”

He stroked a gentle hand down her hair. “Imagine thousands of thunderbolts trapped inside a single feather.”

“That sounds quite deadly.”

“Indeed. And so you understand why I fear myself more than the Pentacrux fears me.”

She pushed up on tiptoes to kiss him. “I do. But you are compelled toward goodness.”

“It is only you which compels me, Lustina. I do not care for this world enough to concern myself with its other creatures. I would wish them all away and keep you for myself.”

How wrong it was for her to find his proclamation so pleasing, given that she had been raised to love and care for all creatures. To find goodness in others--even those who did not deserve such compassion. That was her mother’s way, after all. But she found herself drawn to the baron’s unapologetic and selfish nature.

In some strange way, it endeared him to her.

“If you do this, if you murder the bishop, how will you go about it? As I said, he is not only adored by many, but protected, also.”

“In passing, he mentioned a trek to Rome two nights from now. That is why he asked me to pause the nuptials until his return. It is when he is on the road that I will strike, and make it appear as if he had been raided on his travels.”

A restless uncertainty gnawed at her. “He will be accompanied by members of Pentacrux. He would never make such a trek without some protection.”

“I am anticipating that, also.”

Perhaps. But Lustina knew the Pentacrux to be fierce and merciless soldiers--the kind who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy what they deemed an aberration, or insult, to their good faith. “And what should I do in all of this?”

“You will behave as if all is well, attending your chores, as usual. And when night falls, you will go into the forest, guided by the ravens.”

“Ravens?”

“They will lead you to a safe place and watch over you until my return.” He stroked a hand down her temple and kissed her forehead. “I will find you there, and we will leave this place together before the village receives word of their bishop.”

“Promise me you will return. That you will find me in the woods.”

“I will find you, Lustina. No matter what happens.”

Warmth and darkness settled over her, as his wings cocooned her inside. She rested her ear to his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

She felt safe.

She felt loved.

She felt everything.

45

Farryn

Standing at the edge of the cliff, I stared down over the treacherous drop. I’d been on my way to the kennel when the object had caught my eye, fluttering in the breeze, and I knelt to the ground and unlatched a small scrap of fabric from the sharp protrusion of rock. The pattern in the gray of it was unmistakable. The same pattern found on all the dresses worn by the staff at Blackwater. The same pattern on the dress I’d worn, the night I’d made a run for the cliff.

I held up the tiny remnant, which fought against the turbulent, sea breeze, and I recalled having lost my footing that night. The sound of tearing as I teetered over the edge.

I hadn’t dreamed that part, after all.

I really had fallen.

And there was no doubt in my mind that Van Croix really had caught me.