Chapter Eight

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Raisi

Kozzanth and I make our way through the trees to the very edge of Niles' land.

"This is where we part," Koz says.

I nod, and say, "Be safe. I will see you in the house."

"If something goes wrong, you remember what to do?"

"Flame in the sky. I remember." I roll my eyes as I walk away.

I appreciate being purchased alongside Kozzanth. He is a fierce warrior. He is loyal and protective. We have known each other since the beginning and have trained together for years. But he can be bossy and condescending. Just because he is slightly larger than me in height and build does not mean I am ill-equipped to handle this situation—or any other. I went through the same training he did. Was placed at the same facility he was, and was also considered special.

We both, along with Theo, come from the best of the best. We are on equal footing. I try not to take offense to Kozzanth, as I don't think he does it on purpose. It's just that his social skills lack. Perhaps he didn't do as well in that class as I did. Though, the same goes for Theo. But each of us has something we excel in, which is helpful to our queen, and that is all that matters. The skills we struggle with can be worked on when we are in a safe space.

Carefully, I make my way along the trees' edge, keeping an eye on the house as I go. The plan is that Koz will take out the guards in the back, while I will handle the front. We'd expected there would be four to fix guards here, so when we found ten, we were surprised. Still, ten guards are not too many for Koz and me to handle. One of us could take them all out without issue, but to be on the safe side, we decided two were best. Besides, we already know our queen well and do not think she'd have agreed to only one taking on this task. She hardly agreed to Koz and me coming here without her.

The cottage is large with a lot of windows and set in the middle of the land. Meaning there will not be any cover when I move from my safety in the trees toward the house. I must be quick and careful.

When I reach the front of the house, I scan the area, spotting three guards on the outside. Pulling my knife from its sheath on my belt, I quietly rush from the trees, through the open area, and to the first man. His back is to me as he paces. All in one motion, I put my hand around his mouth and slice his throat. He jerks, hands flailing, and I carefully lower him to the ground, so he doesn't make a sound. Once he is down, I drag him close to the house, so he isn't out in the open to be seen. I press my back to the cool stone of the cottage and stare down at the man as he bleeds out. When his blood stops running, I know I am safe to move on to the next.

The second one will be the trickiest as he is standing by the front door. Had I more time, I'd go back into the woods, take out the guard on the other edge of the house as I'm less likely to be seen, but with the number of guards here, time is not on my side. I'm better off taking my chances.

Peeking around the corner, I find the guard standing with his back to the house, facing the dirt trail that leads through the trees, away from the property and to the main road. I take cover around the corner again, glancing along the ground for a stone. When I find one, I pick it up and peer back around the house, tossing it so it lands about halfway from him to me. I wait and listen; sure I hear his feet moving this way. Hopefully once he realizes there is nothing there, he will turn and head back, not come this way. Either way, I am ready for him.

His footsteps sound for a few seconds before they stop. I really focus now, because when he moves next, I need to know if he is retreating or coming toward me. Lowering myself to the ground, I sneak another glance around the corner as quickly as possible, noting his back is to me. There is a grumbling of words, and then he moves, which is when I go. I'm not as quiet this time, and he turns toward me just as I'm about to reach him. He raises a hand, no doubt to throw magic at me, but I grip him around the throat tightly, and jab my knife into his side and twist. His mouth opens to shout in pain, but the grip on his throat will not allow noise to come out. I pull my knife from his side and stab it into his neck, immediately pulling it out to allow the blood free and him to bleed out quicker. His warm blood sprays over my face as he stumbles backwards. Cutting a throat is messy, but it's effective.

Knowing I am running out of time, I lower him to the ground quietly and make my way along the house to the other side. There is another guard here, and he turns the corner before I reach it. Spotting me, he raises both hands, but I am not close enough to grab him. He shoots magic at me, the heat of the flame brushing over my back as I drop to the ground, diving toward his feet. I grasp his ankle and pull while I roll to my back, getting him off balance. He falls as I hop to my feet and stomp on his throat to crush his windpipe. Then I stab him there just to be safe.

I do wish I'd have gotten this done a minute or two quicker, but at least I wasn't caught. I'm sure Kozzanth is doing just fine, so I move to the front door, press my ear to it and listen for anyone inside, but hear nothing. Using my magic, I unlock the door and slip inside.

The house is quiet. Dark. I see no movement down here, and with my knife gripped firmly in my hand, I make my way through the downstairs, prepared to kill anyone I come across.

When I move toward the back of the house, unsure of where Koz is, I know he's already made it inside when I find a body on the ground, the guard's neck broken so badly his head is facing the wrong way.

Kozzanth is ruthless. Though, as Dravens, we are all protectors and are taught to kill. Going for the neck is the easiest and quickest way to end a life. The techniques we were taught are helpful. I finish clearing the downstairs and find no one alive but another dead body, so make I my way upstairs.

Five down in total, I think, as I make my way up the stairs. There is another dead body at the top of the stairs, another in the hall, and one by a window in what looks like a library.

I am never going to live this down.

Though I am certain Kozzanth has taken out the rest of the guards, I can't be sure, so I keep my eyes sharp as I continue through the house, looking for Niles. Eventually, I come across a set of large double doors and assume this is where I will find him. Pressing my ear to the door, I listen but hear nothing, so I push one open and pop my head inside.

"Took you long enough."

I blow out a breath when I spot Kozzanth standing beside who I assume is Niles. He's dressed in sleep clothes, sitting in a high-back red velvet chair, looking more annoyed than scared.

"Yes, well… I'm here now."

"And considering you took so long, you can go back and get our queen." Koz smirks at me, and I almost want to argue. The man enjoys a little competition, and that's fine. He can have this win, but I will be prepared to work harder next time.

I force a smile and say, "My pleasure," bowing dramatically. I keep my eyes on him and straighten. "The more time I spend with her, the better."

Koz narrows his eyes, his jaw clenching.

"Be back soon," I say, raising my hand in a wave.

He may be better at killing, but I am better at charming. And honestly, I prefer it this way.

The walk back to where I am meeting Theo and our queen doesn't take long. Theo did not give exact coordinates, but general directions. They should be around this spot somewhere, yet I do not see them.

Dravens are exceptional trackers. It's just another skill we have. Getting lost in the woods is not an option for us. We have a keen sense of direction, and though it may take time to get out of a bind, such as being lost in the woods, it would not take forever.

Worry does not take over as I search for them. Not until I spot our packs on the ground by a large tree structure, and Theo and our queen are nowhere to be found.

Perhaps they went for a walk? Maybe she was hungry? Theo knows better than to leave our things behind as they carry our scent and would assist in others finding us, but I still don't allow panic to take over.

I go to the packs and pick them up, noting they are all full. Seems nothing is missing. I look around, not finding anything out of the ordinary, so I close my eyes and listen.

I have to make a decision.

Stay here and wait for them to return.

Look for them.

Go back to Koz and let him know what is going on.

All options have pros and cons, but I decide going back to Koz is the best. If someone has taken Theo and our queen, it's best he knows immediately. Two of us looking for them are better than one. The more time I waste, the more time someone has to do awful things to them.

I pick up our three packs, put one on my back and one on each shoulder, and search for a stick. When I find one strong enough, I make a mark in the dirt where they were. I mark the symbol for my name, to which Theo will understand if he returns.

As quickly as I can, I run back to Koz to let him know what I've found. Or should I say, didn't find?

The instant I walk into the room alone, he knows something is wrong.

"What is it? Where is our queen?" He steps toward me, hands bunched to fists.

I shake my head. "They were not where they were supposed to be. All I found were our packs. You must return with me to help find them."

Determination crosses Kozzanth's eyes. He grits his teeth and glares at Niles. He opens his mouth to say something, but Kozzanth storms back that way, snaps his neck, and barges past me and out of the room. I follow him.

We must find our queen.

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