Chapter 48: Sena - Fated to the Night King

Alkan was sleeping, the deep rest that took him over as the sun rose. Linked the way we were, I could feel some of that same exhaustion. But the sun isn’t my enemy. Its light is reflected off the moon and whether I believed in the Goddess or not, I’ve never suffered because of her glow.

I heard it, just as I’d expected to. The sounds of someone trying to pick the lock on the door.

To no doubt kill the King.

And me.

I waited, hidden in the deep shadows of the room, the candles snuffed out long ago.

When the door cracked open, a small form slid in through the breach, I pulled the intruder off balance, swung them around and laced my arm under their chin. Ready to tighten that hold around their neck.

“Hello, Calla,” I said, my voice harsh and low. “I thought you might join us.”

She fought against me, her nails scratching at my skin, but I felt the lines itch as they started to heal. Not quite full shifter healing yet, but closer than I could ever remember being. My wolf wanted to howl, to tear out the throat of anyone who would dare threaten our mate, but I didn’t give in to that gut instinct.

I laid her down on the floor, tying her with the silken length of rope Alkan had used on me all those nights. It had come to represent safety, in its way, and it was no different now. I was protecting my mate. And giving Calla a chance to not be the killer Thalon had convinced her to become. Restraining her was simple, and soon enough, I heard the footsteps I’d known were coming.

Danvers’s face appeared, taking in the scene, and he exhaled heavily. “I’d hoped you were wrong.”

My note had been spare of details, but it made my chest warm to know he’d trusted me enough to come. I finished pulling the knot tight and tested the restraints. Not damaging. But not about to give if she started thrashing.

“Thalon is predictable. As soon as I saw her here, I knew what he’d sent her to do.” While most of us stuck together, there were always some who were convinced that they could earn their way to Wholeness if they just followed the law exactly as it was written. And the doctrine that had been used to train us, submit us, indebt us, was written by the Alpha himself.

I was beginning to doubt he actually believed in the Goddess. It seemed more likely he believed in himself, alone, and the Goddess had simply been his way of justifying power.

“Did you bring what I asked?” Danvers nodded, his hand sinking into the pocket of his coat and pulling out a leather pouch. He opened it, showing me the two shimmering vials, and the sharp syringes inside. Gratitude had my eyes filling, and I blinked the tears away before they could fall. “Thank you.”

“You’ll be careful, Sena.” He didn’t phrase it as a question. It was as close to an order as I think he would ever come.

I smiled but didn’t speak. Didn’t tell him what I feared.

There was no other choice for me. The path ahead wasn’t safe. It was likely I’d be discovered.

And that was fine. As long as I had the chance to do what needed done.

Gil and Chancel appeared, their sure-footed steps near enough to silent, but my more sensitive hearing picked up their movement.

“Thank you, both, for coming.” I pointed to Calla’s prostrate form on the floor. “Chancel, please carry her and follow Danvers. He’ll give you more instructions. Gil, you’re with me.”

I pulled on the coat that Alkan had ordered for me. Soft, supple leather, lined for warmth. Sturdy boots. I was as ready for what came next as I could be. The pouch Danvers had given me tucked easily into the inside pocket of the coat. I didn’t need anything else.

We filed out into the corridor, and I pulled the bedroom door shut behind us.

Chancel started off with Danvers beside him, hesitating when I grabbed the healer’s arm. “You’ll take care of him for me, won’t you?”

“If you’re coming back, that won’t be a problem.” He shook his head, sadness washing across his face. “If you’re not, I don’t think there are enough healers in the world that could help him.”

My heart broke a little hearing that. I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “I’ll do my best. I promise.”

He didn’t say anything, just turned away, and led Chancel into the maze of corridors.

“We should go, Miss.” Gil’s whisper pulled me back to the task at hand.

I had a job to do. And little time to do it.

“You’re right. Let’s go. Show me the way out.”