57. Declan

Chapter 57

Declan

A tikus and I appeared on the balcony above the ceremonial chamber. It was just as Keelan had described: well above the central hall with a banister that obscured the view of those below. I was relieved we hadn’t Traveled ourselves into one of the pillars or walls since neither of us had ever seen the inside of the place.

A man shouted below, sounding arrogant and angry.

I snuck a peek over the railing.

“There are three people down there. One on a throne wearing a crown and two kneeling in front of him. The two on the floor are wearing robes and masks,” I whispered in Atikus’s mind.

Before Atikus could respond, a bright flare lit up the far end of the hall. We watched as the echo of its light streaked the length of the aisle, then struck something.

Sounds erupted a heartbeat after the light blazed.

The sickening sound like a melon splattering against a wall.

A blood-chilling scream that lingered before dwindling to nothing.

The maddened screech of a woman in the throes of her own wrath.

Atikus and I braved another glance and stared, transfixed.

Blood and gore splattered across the polished marble before the dais.

Smoke curled from what must have been a body moments earlier.

A man in a black coat held a crown, his eyes fixed on a point at the far end of the chamber. I followed his gaze, and my throat clenched.

“Irina’s down there. She just ducked behind a column,” I said without turning.

“What the—” Atikus startled as he ducked behind the banister.

Another battle erupted below.

I was at once sickened and fascinated.

“Should we attack now while he’s distracting her?” I asked.

“No, let him wear her down. Whoever survives will be weaker when they face us.”

When the man fell and Irina stood with the crown in her hand, Atikus rose to a crouch. “Now it’s time. You go to the right side; I’ll take the left. Hit her with everything you’ve got.”