Chapter 41

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Ryker

Ellery’s fingers dug into my arm as the woman giggled and the doorknob rattled. I stepped back as I prepared to ambush them after they entered, but a bloodcurdling scream froze my movement.

My head snapped up, and my gaze shifted to the wall of hedges. The castle was beyond them, but I couldn’t see it from here.

More shouts of pain and surprise quickly joined the first scream. What the fuck?

My attention returned to the door handle, but it had stopped moving. Samael remained on the other side, blocking my chance to leave so I could see what was happening as the yells intensified.

I had no idea what was happening, but it was coming from the party, and I needed to find out. It sounded like amsirah were being slaughtered, but how was that possible?

Ellery stepped closer and rose on her toes to whisper. “My mother.”

From the other side of the door, Samael shouted, “We have to go!”

Leaning toward the door, I strained to hear more from them over the screams and loud bangs accompanying whatever was happening. I couldn’t hear any more from them, but it would have been difficult over the increasing cacophony of suffering from the castle.

“I have to find my mother,” Ellery whispered.

“You have to stay here. I’ll see what’s happening, but we can’t emerge from here simultaneously. Samael and others could still be out there. I’m sure some guests are trying to flee whatever’s happening. They’ll come to the gardens when they do.”

“I can’t stay here. Plus, I’m trapped in this garden. What if someone finds me?”

“Without me here, that will be okay.”

“What if whatever’s happening out there finds me?”

I couldn’t think about that. If I did, I wouldn’t leave, and I had to find her mother and figure out what was happening.

“Few amsirah know about this place. You’re safer here than out there. I’ll find your mother.” I pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “Stay here.”

“You know I can’t.”

Closing my eyes, I gritted my teeth over her stubborn nature. I loved who she was, but for once, I wished she’d put herself ahead of everyone else… including her mother.

“You’re needed for the rebellion,” I reminded her.

“So are you.”

“I have training you don’t have, and I don’t have the abilities you do. The amsirah will rally around you when they learn the truth about you.”

And as much as I hated the idea of others learning her secrets, it was inevitable. When it happened, those abilities could be the key to saving Tempest.

“You’ve been training me for months,” she said.

I didn’t miss that she didn’t acknowledge the second part of my argument. “Ellery?—”

“You’re wasting time, Ryker. I won’t change my mind, but I’ll let you go first. If not, then I’m leaving now .”

When I met her gaze again, I knew she wouldn’t stay, and the terror in her eyes had me ready to kill everyone creating such chaos. One day, she’d know only safety and security; until then, I’d slaughter everyone necessary to ensure her survival.

Ellery was strong, smart, and fast. I had to trust in the skills I’d helped give her and her inherent abilities. I had to have faith that she wouldn’t be reckless and would think through her actions.

“Find your mother and get out. If you can make it somewhere safe and open a portal, do so. I’ll meet you in the Revenant Woods later,” I promised.

“You want me to leave without you?”

“You have to leave as soon as you can. I don’t know what’s happening, but it’s not good. Don’t worry about me; focus on finding your mother and getting out. If I find your mother first, I will get her to you.”

“Ryker—”

“You have to leave, Ellery. As soon as you get the chance, go . I need to know you’ll escape as soon as you can.”

She closed her mouth and sighed before speaking again. “I will.”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes, but you better stay safe too.”

Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pulled her close and kissed her again. “Always. Wait at least a minute before leaving here.”

I could tell she wanted to argue with me, but she closed her eyes before bowing her head. I studied her for a minute more; I hated leaving her, but I couldn’t stand here and listen to the screams anymore without knowing what was happening. If I could get Ellery out of these gardens, I would, but it was impossible to open a portal in them, and the fifty-foot-high stone wall surrounding them ensured no one got in or out.

“I love you,” I told her.

“I love you too.”

I gave her one last look before opening the door. Peeking out of the opening, I assured myself no one was there before slipping out and leaving her behind.