The Crow King's Wife (The Elder Blood Chronicles #5)(138)

“They won’t abandon the city to their enemies.” Seth observed thoughtfully and glanced back at her. “So you are essentially asking me to save the city as well.” He pointed out in a matter of fact voice.

Cringing slightly Zoelyn nodded sheepishly and felt her certainty fading quickly. “I suppose I am.” She admitted quietly.

“The city of Sanctuary is an extravagant bridal gift.” Seth mused then turned to face her fully forcing her to meet his eyes. “You do realize that this is what it will be correct? If I do this, if I save your friends and that city you are mine. Our little story will have reached its ending and you will truly be the Crow King’s wife. Is what you ask worth what you will pay?”

Swallowing heavily Zoelyn nodded firmly and took a step toward him still holding his gaze. “Help me save my brother and my friends and I will consider myself blessed by both sides of our bargain.” She said fervently.

“Zoelyn you can’t!” Cora objected loudly and started toward her as if she meant to pull her away from Seth before she could approach the demon any closer.

“She can and she has.” Seth announced with a wicked smile. He was at her side before Cora could take two steps and within a breath the halls of Delvay were fading from her vision as Seth’s magic enveloped them both. “Mine.” His breath was warm against her throat but it was the tone of his voice that brought the goosebumps to her arms. She had never heard anyone speak with such devotion and satisfaction in the same breath.





Chapter 21





Sanctuary





The streets of the city were in complete chaos as they emerged from the prison forcing Shade to struggle just to keep up with Grim as the Priest roughly cleared a path through the crowds. He could hear Lex laboring to keep up behind him and the Fionaveir’s rasping breath was a testament to how long he had been held captive. Shade had known Lex for years and he had never seen the man break a sweat aside for the rare times the Fionaveir had crossed blades with Finn Sovaesh at the Spring Games.

“Where to?” Grim demanded as he broke through the last of the escaping prisoners to the less chaotic side streets that led to the Market district.

Thinking quickly Shade scanned the chaos behind them then pointed toward the Academy. It would require them to cross a good portion of the inner city, but as far as Shade could tell it was their best option. “There. The school isn’t in session due to the war and the courtyards behind the main building will be big enough for my Spell hawk.” Shade said quickly and Grim was moving again before he had even finished speaking.

Charm’s weight was leaden in his arms and Shade had to fight to keep the pace Grim was setting. The Priest moved as though he had no burdens despite the fact that he held Ingrid braced with one arm while Ryvenken was bare and ready in his other hand. Shade could see him scanning every street as he moved, but he didn’t hesitate as he made a bee line toward the towering stone walls of the Academy.

“Shade.” Lex called from behind and Shade turned back expecting to see Lex faltering, but instead he found the man pointing toward the palace with a shocked look on his face. Frowning Shade followed the Fionaveir’s gaze and nearly tripped over his own feet as he caught sight of the High Lords assembled on the palace stairs. Panic rose in his chest as he recognized Jala and Neph amongst them. They were the last two people he wanted to bump into and they were less than a block away.

“What?” Grim demanded and Shade glanced back to see the Priest staring at him with more concern than he would have thought possible. Wordlessly Shade pointed and watched as Grim spotted the High Lords but his gaze didn’t stop there. If anything Grim only glanced at the High Lords before his attention moved past them and his face paled. “Move, Get to the school now.” It wasn’t fear that fueled Grim’s voice as he spoke, but it was close and Shade felt the hairs on his arms rise in response.

Glancing back he stared past the High Lords and noticed the dark forms in the sky that had caught Grim’s attention. “Dragons?” he gasped in confusion.

“Dragons and Spell Hawks and a hell of a lot more of them than I want to face today.” Grim agreed as he moved swiftly back to Shade’s side and shoved him roughly toward the school. “Let’s go. This is not our business. That fight belongs to the High Lords.” He added sternly.

“Shouldn’t it also belong to her?” Lex observed coldly and Shade frowned as he stared at the two retreating figures emerging from the back of the palace that Lex was pointing toward. It only took Shade a breath to recognize who he was seeing and his pulse quickened in response. Symphony was in the lead followed by several guards, but it was the last figure that caught his attention and held it, Faramir.

“Guard him with your life and do not harm him. Follow Grim and I will meet you at the Academy.” Shade ordered hoarsely as he pushed Charm into Lex’s unwilling arms. “Do not leave him behind!” Shade added furiously as he wheeled toward the fleeing Empress. He could feel his pulse pounding loudly in his ears and his pace quickened as the rage he had felt at the sight of Charm’s broken body returned with a vengeance.

“Shade! No! We need to leave the city now, Shade!” Grim called loudly after him, but Shade ignored his friend’s logic. There was too much anger in his mind for logic to find space in his thoughts. “Bloody hell. Here hold her, don’t drop either of them. Just stand there and wait for us!” Grim snarled behind him and Shade could hear the grunt of effort from Lex as he was saddled with Ingrid as well.