“Kellan.” Mina finished for her.
Rayna nodded as she accepted the glass from Katrine. “That fog covered everything worse than ever. I don’t understand what I did to lose control like this.”
“You don't know it's something you did,” Katrine said.
Rayna sighed. “All I know is that the only image I clearly see every time is Kellan Kemar, imprisoned. Maybe, if I free him, other things will become clear.” It was a fragile hope.
Mina’s face reflected Rayna’s doubt. “We don’t know why your dreams are being disturbed. We’ll do everything we can to free Kellan and the others, but I don’t know if that will solve your malady, Wolfie.”
“I know, but right now it’s all we have.”
“And your eyes?” Katrine said. “They always flash silver like that?”
“No,” said Rayna. “That’s a new development. It’s all connected somehow—my visions, the headaches, that fog, and my eyes. I know it. I just can’t see how.”
Rayna stood. Pain still throbbed behind her temples and wound down her neck, but she could bear it. There was no point in trying to sleep again.
A knock sounded from the door. Before any of them could respond, they heard the click of it unlocking.
Lord Alec Swann entered, dressed in all black. “Ladies, forgive the intrusion.”
“Lord Swann.” Rayna approached him. “Have my countrymen arrived?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. I suspect it won't be long, though.”
“Then why are you here?” Katrine asked from beside her.
“Strictly speaking, I’m not.” A smile hid in his brown eyes. “That is to say, our Regent is unaware of my presence here, and the fact that I’ve given your guards spiked wine. They should be falling into a deep sleep any moment now.”
“You drugged them?” Mina asked.
Rayna could not decide if she was outraged, or impressed.
“Nothing long-lasting. We haven’t much time. I trust you're packed?”
“We are,” Rayna said. “But why are you doing this?”
“Seperun explained your reasons for going to Halmstead. You wish to save your friends from slavery. I can think of no worse fate than a life in chains. Your cause is just. I have the means to assist you—namely, a ship. That is what matters to me.”
“But won’t Seperun be angry when he finds out?” Katrine asked.
“Indeed, but that is a risk I am willing to take.” He turned toward the door. “We must hurry.”
There was no time to discuss options. Rayna grabbed her pack and the others followed. “How are we going to escape the castle?”
“Very carefully.” Swann started down the stairs. They reached the door below and Swann inched it open.
Two guards lay on either side of the entrance. Their chests rose and fell in sleep’s steady rhythm.
“You’re sure they’ll be all right?” Mina whispered.
Swann nodded before slipping down the corridor.
With one last guilty look at Seperun’s sleeping men, Rayna followed.
Candles burned along the wall, providing spots of light in the otherwise dark halls. They passed several more sets of unconscious guards. How many men had Swann drugged?
Rayna swallowed. It was better this way. No one would be hurt, and they'd be gone before Channon and the others arrived. As they prepared to round another corner, a strong floral perfume overwhelmed Rayna’s senses. She grasped Swann, pulling him into an alcove as Katrine and Mina crowded in beside them.
A woman, elegantly attired despite the late hour, crossed the hall they'd been about to enter. Had she turned and peered into the alcove, she may have seen them, but she walked deliberately in the opposite direction.
Rayna recognized Lady Emoril from the state dinner.
“What is she doing out this late?” Katrine whispered to Swann.
He shook his head. “Not our concern. Come.” He glided into the darkness and continued toward the castle’s western wing.
They soon reached a wooden door leading down a flight of stairs.
As they descended into the near-darkness, Swann explained, “These are servant’s quarters, but Seperun keeps a much smaller staff than his predecessor. These rooms should be empty, and they have an exit leading to the stream where the washerwomen do their work. We can go through the western gate from there.”
When they reached the room below, it was indeed unoccupied. Several cots covered in white sheets were pushed against the walls. Moonlight filtered in from a small window in the door leading outside. It felt almost too easy, but then Seperun hadn’t expected them to make it out of their tower.
Swann pushed open the door, cringing as its hinges creaked. They walked onto a rock-lined path leading to a narrow stream. With its scattered fruit trees, it would have been a pleasant place in the daylight. They stepped over the water, moving toward the dark walls surrounding Anhorde.
Rayna and Katrine took their wolf forms, darting from cover to cover with Swann and Mina. They formed human when they reached the closest gate.
Swann produced a key, reminding Rayna of another Maenoren who had disobeyed his lord to help her escape Anhorde.
The gate swung open and Swann took the lead. “My men are waiting with horses a league west. Follow me!” He sprinted into the night.
Rayna and Katrine shifted. Katrine kept pace with Swann as Rayna took up the last position. They covered a league quickly, meeting Swann’s men in the shadow of a blossoming apple tree. Two Maenorens greeted them from astride a pair of horses. Two more mounts grazed beside them. The horses nickered and stamped at the sight of Katrine and Rayna.
Swann offered Mina a hand, guiding her onto a chestnut mare, before mounting his own dappled gray horse. “Don’t worry, my horses are used to hunting hounds. Stay clear of their back legs, and you should have no problems with them in your wolf form. Now, to Teros where my ship awaits.” He kicked his horse to speed and they pounded down the trail.
A night of hard riding later, Rayna’s party arrived in the harbor town of Teros. She and Katrine shifted human as they walked alongside the riders.
The village reminded Rayna of Vanuuk, the Kyrean village where she’d last seen Kellan and Lonian. Like Vanuuk, Teros was almost a ghost town. There were dozens of buildings—far more than Vanuuk and in much better repair—but Rayna could scent many were abandoned. As they trotted along the cobblestones, a handful of morning vendors—fishmongers, bakers, and a florist—took the streets. But still, it seemed too quiet.
Swann glanced down at her from his gelding. “Not long ago, Teros was thriving. But with an economy based on trade with the Kyreans, the Regent’s new embargo hit hard.”
Rayna bit her lip. Seperun was kind, a powerful leader, and a good man. His recent betrayal did not lower him in her regard—after all, he’d deceived Rayna for her aunt. But his economic actions, right as they were, had harmed innocents. Nothing was simple when it came to leadership.
“Are you from here?” she asked Swann to shift her own attentions.
“I’m from the west, yes. My familial estate, Elkenford, is about five leagues south. I keep a ship here.”
“Why?” Katrine asked.
“As I said, Teros used to be thriving. I kept my fastest vessel here to do trade, primarily with the Ketosi Islanders.”
“You mean Corsairs?” Rayna asked, shocked. Such men were known for kidnapping Peninsulars—they were the primary intermediary in the Kyrean slave-trade.
“Gods, no!” Swann shook his head. “Not all Ketosi are Corsairs, my dear. Why I have Ketosi blood in my family line. That’s like suggesting all Fenearens are savages.”
Rayna’s cheeks burned. “I apologize.”
He waved her off. “I must admit, I was not always diligent in ensuring all my trading partners participated in honest business alone. The Regent’s new laws ensure I will not be so lax again.”
Swann dismounted as they neared the docks. His men and Mina did the same, be
fore his men led the horses to a nearby stable.
“This way, ladies. If we hurry, we'll catch the morning tides.” Swann strode down the docks, passing a handful of smaller fishing skiffs.
A few merchants hocked their wares, seabirds circled and cawed, and salt tickled Rayna's nose. They soon reached the largest ship in the harbor: A galley with a swan carved into its bow. Rayna recalled seeing it before in one of her fractured dreams. Did that mean they were on the right path?
A crewman saluted Swann from the deck and lowered a plank for them.
Swann gestured for Rayna and the others to precede him before following them aboard.
“Welcome to the Cygnet, ladies.” He smiled broadly as several more crewmen flooded in from below deck. They were rougher than Rayna expected based on Swann’s clean-cut appearance. But then, he was a lord and they were sailors. Several of the men’s appraising gazes settled on them. Rayna swallowed her discomfort.
“I will be entertaining my guests in my cabin,” Swann explained. “As soon as Yuri and Aaron return, we'll set sail for Halmstead.”
If the crew were surprised by their destination, they did not show it. They gave the Maenoren salute and set about their duties to prepare the Cygnet for her voyage.
Swann led Rayna, Mina, and Katrine to the captain’s quarters on the ship’s back end.
They entered the well-appointed cabin. A desk and ledger overlooked a porthole with three chairs in front of it. A ruby-red curtain cordoned off the back half of the quarters.
Swann sat behind his desk and Rayna, Mina, and Katrine each took one of the remaining chairs.
“Now,” Swann said as he ducked down, rummaging in a cabinet, “we have much to discuss. Namely, plans on how to assist your friends once we reach the capital. But first.” He reappeared with an amber-liquid-filled bottle. “Some refreshment.” He ducked again, before placing four glasses on the desk.
“Lord Swann—” Rayna began.
“Rayna my dear, I realize Fenearens do not share our nation’s propensity for libations, but I’m afraid it’s rather a tradition.” He poured a finger’s worth of the drink into each glass. “Please, indulge in a sip of Ketosi brandy with me just this once, to toast our voyage, so the gods might grant us good fortune.”
Mina took hers immediately, and Rayna and Katrine picked up their glasses with wrinkled noses.
“Thank you.” Swann raised his glass. “To the bond of friendship, between people and nations alike. And,” he added with a slight frown, “to forgiveness, for we all shall need it from the Regent soon enough.” He drained his portion.
Mina took a hearty swig.
Katrine sipped, unable to conceal her disgust.
Rayna forced herself to choke down a few drops of the burning liquid. It was thicker and sweeter than the wine she'd tried before, but no less rancid. As she swallowed, a warming sensation unfurled in her belly. She was familiar with this effect, though it did seem rather strong for such a small taste.
As she considered the drink’s potency, the sensation grew, spreading from her core to her chest and limbs. She exhaled in surprise. She felt heavy, as if weighed down by rocks. She slipped down in her chair. Painfully, she craned her neck.
Beside her, Mina had slumped over, eyes closed.
Katrine was gasping and sliding as Rayna was.
The heaviness spread up Rayna's neck, reaching her temples. Her skull filled with a fuzzy weight. Rayna forced her gaze forward. Her vision spun, but Swann was there, smiling.
He leaned back in his chair and propped his boots on the desk. “It doesn’t take much Siren’s Breath to produce a deep sleep.” He swirled his drink. “Unless you’ve built up a tolerance.”
It took all of Rayna’s strength to roll toward him. Instead of grasping Swann as intended, she collapsed on top of his desk.
Lord Swann unwound his legs and stood. He stroked her hair and Rayna could do nothing to escape his touch.
“Sleep now, Rayna Myana. We’ll see each other soon.” He lifted her off the desk, placing her on the cabin floor.
Rayna’s head lolled to the side, and she lost all feeling. A black tunnel closed on her vision. She fell into the beckoning darkness.
Chapter Fifteen
Channon raced down the road to Anhorde. He ignored the Maenorens he passed—many of whom turned and ran at the sight of a large, golden wolf barreling down the road to the capital.
Roxen, Pike, and Gar followed, howling at him to slow his pace.
He relented, taking his human form at Roxen’s insistence.
“Channon,” Roxen said. “You need to calm yourself. You’re frightening people.”
“We’re here. There’s no time to waste.” He started forward again, but Roxen pulled him back.
“I’m not asking. As your Beta, I’m ordering you to compose yourself.”
Channon nodded stiffly. “As you say, Beta.”
“Thank you.” He looked to Gar and Pike where they stood at attention. We’ll be entering Anhorde soon. Seperun should be expecting us since Silver sent a falcon. He should have Rayna, Mina, and Katrine safely in custody. But it’s important we represent Fenear in the best light.
No eating the locals, we understand, said Gar with a playful ear flick.
Roxen rolled his eyes.
They walked until they reached a bustling gate. Two guards stood at either side, checking papers and ushering various farmers and traders into Anhorde. Several more men and women patrolled the walls.
Channon and Roxen fell into line, with the Trues pressed close.
The Maenorens near them gave them a wide berth, but none commented on the presence of Fenearens. It was for the best. It was all Channon could do to maintain his composure in such a foreign place; a misplaced insult might have sent him over the edge.
When it was their turn, Roxen stepped forward.
The guards exchanged a nervous glance, but did not appear surprised.
“Beta Roxen Dament?” asked the first man.
“Aye. I believe the Regent is expecting us.”
The guard nodded. “He is.” He swallowed. “Are you all planning on entering the city?” His gaze lingered on the enormous Pike.
Channon growled.
Roxen spoke with perfect calm. “Yes. This is Alpha Gar and Pike of the southern True Wolf pack. They mean you no harm, I assure you.”
“And…” the other guard stammered, “th—they can talk?”
“Not to you,” said Channon.
Roxen grasped Channon’s elbow. “They speak Wolven, but only Fenearens can learn this language.”
The Maenorens stepped aside. “Go straight ahead to the palace’s main entrance. One of the palace guards will meet you and take you to the regent.”
“To Rayna, you mean,” said Channon.
“I can’t speak to that. You must meet the regent.”
Roxen nodded his thanks and shepherded them through the gate. They proceeded down the central, stall-lined path. It was still early, but already the market was busy. Sweet scents of flowers and baked goods filled the currents. It was difficult to focus in the haze.
Soon they reached the black walls of Anhorde castle. Channon imagined how miserable Rayna must have been the first time she came to this strange place. His stomach clenched and he bit his cheek to fight back a tear.
He missed her.
They would be reunited soon, he hoped, but she would not be happy to see him. She thought his protectiveness was controlling. The idea of the woman he loved greeting him with anger—or worse—coldness, terrified him. How could he regain her trust after this?
Channon’s thoughts took a darker turn as another guard met them and led them within the palace. How would she regain his?
Rayna had lied to him, and abandoned him. She’d chosen heroism over him—again. Rayna would not be the only one angry when they reunited. She possessed an inexhaustible ability to discover new ways to frustrate him.
Loving her was like loving the moon. There
was nothing more beautiful, or precious. But she was changeable. Channon never knew which face she’d present, or when she’d disappear.
No matter how hard Channon tried, he could no more reach her than he could touch the moon.
Roxen’s hand never left Channon's shoulder as they followed the guard down a series of poorly-lit corridors.
Anhorde had a smoky scent, but not the bracing woodsmoke Channon knew. The Maenorens lined their fortress with wax candles that threw off cloying, greasy scents. Channon snorted his distaste.
Their guard led them to a vestibule where a tall, dark-skinned man waited.
“Regent, I've brought the Fenearens.”
“Thank you, Errol.” Seperun dismissed the guard before extending his hand to Roxen. “Beta Roxen, I am glad you've come.”
Roxen gripped Seperun’s forearm. “Thank you for your assistance, Regent. Alphena Silver is grateful for your aid and discretion in this matter.”
“Yes, well, that might soon change.” He frowned.
“What do you mean?” Channon pulled free of Roxen’s hold.
“Channon Lyallt, I presume?” Seperun offered his hand.
Channon ignored it. “There isn’t time to waste on pleasantries. Take us to Rayna and the others.”
Roxen yanked him back. “Regent, please excuse Channon’s impertinence.”
What’s going on? Pike barked.
“Peace, please.” Seperun shook his head. “I’m afraid you're correct, Channon. There isn’t time to waste. Rayna and her companions escaped my custody late last night.”
“What?”
Roxen’s surprise irritated Channon. Of course the Maenorens had failed them.
“It seems one of my nobles, Lord Alec Swann, decided to break them out of their quarters. I was preparing to go after them when I heard you’d arrived, but I am troubled.”
“You’re troubled?” Channon growled, his claws extending. “You let them slip away, to continue on their suicidal mission, and you’re troubled?”
“Channon, calm down!” Roxen commanded.
“No, he’s right to be angry with me.” Seperun sighed. “I'm more than troubled over Rayna’s safety. But Lord Swann’s interference in particular has me worried.”
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