by Shannon Lamb
“What are we going to do?” Chrystina broke down. The overwhelming pain and steady blood loss devoured the fading vestiges of strength and hope as her energy waned.
Cerin clutched Johanna’s hand as if it were a lifeline. He rummaged through his satchel with his free hand, scouring for anything that might save them. He’d managed to pilfer a few useful items from Aemilius’ cabinets before they’d left the lab, but none of them did him any good now.
He tore through his mental faculties in an exerted effort as he mindlessly thumbed through the useless half-empty vials. The three of them were corralled in by massive walls of burning steel. One touch had melted the skin of his palm down to raw nerves. Simply climbing out would be impossible.
He stared into the growing flames as if they offered a solution, but the only thing he could foresee was their tragic end. He instinctively flung his arm out to shield the girls as blue-hot embers coalesced into a raging inferno, setting fire to the fragile infrastructure of hollow ash. They shielded themselves from the sudden downpour of flaming debris as the towering scaffolds creaked and moaned in protest.
For a glimpse of a moment, he’d thought he’d glanced a silhouette amidst the endless smoke, limned with firelight. Sure he’d been seeing things, he violently shook his head to rid it of nonsense and pave the way for rationale.
“We’re going to die, aren’t we?” Chrystina said listlessly, forgetting for just a moment the blinding pain that hazed her vision and stole her breath.
“No! Not like this!” Johanna answered sharply as her face screwed up in determination. “Cerin has a plan. Don’t you, Cerin?” she couldn’t keep the uncertainty from her voice, but pressed on with her ruthless inquiry. “Don’t you!”
Cerin responded with a catatonic look of desperation. He fell victim to his rampant thoughts, none of which were helpful. Chrystina fell in stride alongside Johanna, crumpling into a hunched, shapeless form as she jerked forward and retched endlessly. Unable to stave off the smoke any longer, Chrystina’s eyes rolled into the back of her head as her body went limp.
She collapsed against Johanna, dragging her down into the depths of her despair. Johanna cradled Chrystina’s head close to her heart, crying softly into her hair as if to hide her shame. Cerin brusquely turned away, unable to face the truth of what was happening to them. He had nothing. They were going to die.
As if summoned by his dour thoughts, a beast suddenly appeared before them, not far in the distance. Perhaps Ipsimus himself, straight from the gates of the Jikon No Mon, come to drag them down to the depths of Vilhant, he thought warily. The obscure figure moved swiftly through tendrils of smoke, becoming shockingly clear as it edged closer and positioned itself beneath the dissipating black clouds.
“Aruzhan?” Cerin took off at lightning speed and disappeared into the flames. Johanna lost her nerve with every passing moment she didn’t see his face, and struggled to come to terms with the fact that she might die here.
“Not like this,” she repeated hysterically to herself, rocking back and forth as she mindlessly stroked Chrystina’s frizzled hair. Moments later, Cerin brilliantly emerged from the flames on the back of a towering beast. Aruzhan! She felt all the fear and worry drain from her body in an explosion of shaky gasps. Her face streamed with joy as she took in the Umbra’s magnificent form. They were going to live.
“We’re going to be alright,” Cerin reassured her as he dismounted the massive Umbra. She didn’t need such reassurances, but she was glad to hear them. “We’ll wedge Chrystina between the two of us. Come, help me get her onto Aruzhan’s back.”
Just outside of the maze, throngs of guards rushed toward the billowing smoke, adrenaline-fueled and battle-ready. Too distracted by the growing flames and prospect of bloodshed, they hadn’t even taken notice of Cerin and the girls flying overhead by Umbrack, making a beeline for the shadows as they mentally counted their blessings.
“This isn’t going to work,” said Johanna, chipping away at Cerin’s burst of elation.
“What do you mean?” he asked irritably.
“Chrystina’s visibility is making us vulnerable. Cailene knows we’re here now. We can’t afford to take things slow.”
“What would you suggest?” Cerin snorted.
“Chrys and I will make our own way back to Slave Quarters on our own. You and Aruzhan go on ahead.”
“Chrystina needs immediate medical attention! You’re willing to let your friend die?”
“It won’t come to that. I won’t let it! Look,” she sighed. “We’ll each get to where we need to go faster on our own. Not that I’m leaning toward this option, but what are two lives compared to millions?”
“You’re definitely the daughter of a rebel,” Cerin laughed cruelly, shaking his head in disapproval.
“You’re definitely a pigheaded royal!” Cerin chuckled at that, causing Johanna to eventually join in with frenzied bursts of awkward laughter.
“What if you get caught? They’ll hold you and Chrystina responsible for the fire,” he said grimly, crushing the rare lighthearted moment.
“Those arrogant fiends don’t know one slave from the next. Besides, Cailene’s reign of terror is coming to an end, is it not?”
“That it is,” Cerin agreed with strengthened determination.
Now that they were unencumbered and Aruzhan could move freely, they made haste. Aruzhan whisked through the corridors as she read the wind and road the currents. She breezed through the dungeon and the showers with astounding speed. She’d heard enough tortured screams over the past few weeks, bitterly reminded that they’d been her own as a shudder of pain ran through her. The Umbra healed fast, but she’d been half dead and half wishing she was when she finally came to.
They’d been received in Slave Quarters with overwhelming alacrity. Aruzhan’s presence heralded a light at the end of the tunnel, at a time when circumstances were bleak. Alex was the first to scramble to his feet in startled salutations. With furrowed brows and red, glistening eyes, he gathered her up in his arms and murmured various sentiments in a foreign tongue as she collapsed into his embrace.
The rest of their siblings quickly followed suit, huddling around the two of them as they solemnly inclined their heads and shared in a silent prayer of gratitude to a faceless deity. The Umbra harbored no such delusions of a higher power, but seeing as they’d suspended their disbelief in order to beg their sister’s return, it seemed only right to pay thanks to someone, miracle or not.
Marie hid herself away in a corner, bitterly hugging her knees to her chest as she watched their blatant display of familial love. She was filled with envy and equal parts shame. She’d come so far, but still lacked what she desired most, and coveted the Umbra in secret.
“Me too.” Laylia’s voice dragged her away from her self-effacing thoughts. “I want what you want. What they have.” Laylia casually gestured toward Aruzhan and the others. “Funny thing is,” she slid down the wall, settling herself on the floor next to Marie. “We can have that, but we deny each other, and ourselves.”
“I suppose,” Marie said politely, but was inclined to disagree.
“You’re being nice. You don’t think us capable,” Laylia said with a hint of a smile in her voice.
“What are you, a mind reader?” Marie quirked a brow, unable to keep herself from grinning.
“I can read people very well, but I don’t have to try with you. Your emotions are written on your face as clearly as Fallon wears her heart on her sleeve. When you’re upset, your face goes blank. It’s a Tell.”
“Well, that’s good to know.” Marie scoffed, suddenly remembering the reason she’d been so angry with Laylia and the others.
“Marie?”
“Yeah?” Marie heaved an irritated sigh.
“I’m sorry no one told you about our mother. I had no idea the others had been keeping you in the dark.” When Marie didn’t say anything, she pressed on nervously. “Had you of asked me, I would’ve told you anything you wa
nted to know.”
They sat in silence for a disquieting moment, happy to have their attention stolen away by a sudden commotion.
“Alright, alright! Let the poor gal breathe!” Agatha came bustling through the drawing crowd with a stack of warm towels. “We’re all happy Aruzhan’s back, but she still needs mendin’. Can’t ya see the poor gal’s injured?” Agatha huffed. “Great Lucidus! And in need of some clothes, too! Come with me, dear.” Agatha clucked her tongue and gingerly hoisted Aruzhan to her feet. She hastily led her off into a private room, hissing away any salacious glances lingering on her naked form. Laylia and Marie burst out laughing.
“Laylia?”
“Yeah?”
“I believe you.” And she did.
“Where’s Chrystina?” Anne was the first of the Singing Sisters to break. She was unable to refrain from inquiring about her sister’s welfare any longer.
“And Johanna? Are they together? Why aren’t they with you?” Cayden asked, unable to keep the growing hysteria from his voice. If his daughter died today, he would never forgive Cerin or himself. She was all he had left.
“Are they okay?” Kirsten asked warily.
“Did something happen to them?” Anya cried out.
“They’re alive,” Cerin assured them, “but Chrystina was hurt.”
“Hurt?” The three sisters gasped in unison.
“She’ll be okay. It’s a long story, but we had to part ways. She and Johanna should be arriving shortly.” Cerin masked his own worry with a disingenuous smile and flippant shrug.
“For your sake, you better hope so,” Cayden muttered angrily out of earshot.
“Chrystina will need medical attention, and she’ll definitely need her sisters. Why don’t you alert Agatha and prepare for their return?” The three girls disappeared in a waltzing line before Cerin had finished his suggestion, humming somberly as if enacting a Death March.
Cerin and Marie shared a brief look of dark amusement at the girls’ synchronization from across the room. They appreciated the short break from their thoughts before moving onto more grim matters.
“As you can see, we managed to turn the gas off,” Cerin prefaced proudly.
“I can feel it!” Alex said graciously, raking a shaky hand through his hair.
“But?” Fallon fixed Cerin with a baleful eye as she anxiously tapped her foot on the dense wood paneling.
“But,” he sighed. “I destroyed the maze. Our presence is no longer secret. However!” he quickly followed up enthusiastically.
“Cailene knows we’re here?” Alex flared his nostrils as threw his hands on his hips. He tried to stay calm, but his body gave him away.
“Yes, but,” Cerin went on, forcing a smile, “all the guards are currently occupied. The time is ripe to seize Marcel!” Laylia quivered at the mention of their brother. She’d known she needed to face him eventually, but she preferred later, rather than sooner.
“You fool!” Roused to her feet in seething agitation, Fallon angrily lunged at Cerin, only to be stopped short by Bria’s towering form, suddenly poised behind her.
“You’re all so negative!” Bria sneered. “We made it inside the castle, the gas is off, and the girls are – presumably – safe. Give the kid a break.”
“Bria’s right,” Alex agreed. “Great Lucidus, you brought Aruzhan back! I can think of nothing greater,” he smiled wide, flashing perfect white teeth. “How’d you do it, man?” his eyes sparkled with keen interest.
“Um...” Cerin laughed nervously, reluctant to admit that he had absolutely no idea how he’d done it.
“It was a happy accident, I imagine.” Aruzhan emerged from the adjoining room, smothered in foul salves and soothing aloes. “I can see by Cerin’s look of bewilderment that I’m right in my assumptions,” she teased, bringing forth a reluctant rise of laughter that laced through the room as gently as an ebbing tide.
Aruzhan’s physical appearance, as well as the powerful elegance with which she carried herself, demanded the attention of the room. Well over six feet tall, her muscular form dwarfed Fallon in comparison, though she possessed far greater femininity and grace.
Her radiant chocolate skin stretched tightly over the fine bones of her face and accentuated her full mouth, marred only by the delicate lines tracing the crease of her cheeks; a result of being Cerin’s Umbra for so many years, no doubt.
Looking into her eyes was like looking into a blazing fire. Flecks of orange, yellow and violet merrily cavorted about her pupils, warming her fat cheeks to a deep shade of plum that was softened by a crown of close cropped ebony curls.
“My strength was contained in the Clamans ring. As strong as Canticum Dormientum is, I am stronger,” Aruzhan said, unflinching. Her confidence paralleled even Cerin’s. “Cerin must’ve broken it with his usual sense of abandon. Once my strength was freed from the bonds of the ring, I was able to overcome my infliction.” She jutted her hip toward Cerin, smirking. “I was hoping you would’ve figured that out by now, but it’s obvious by your surprise that you had not,” she said dryly, flashing him an amused sidelong glance.
“To happy accidents!” Cerin gleamed, affectionately nestling his head into Aruzhan’s side.
“To happy accidents!” the Umbra cheered.
Marie and Laylia remained hidden in the shadows, comforted by their mutual understanding. They silently watched the Umbra with rapt fascination and an ironic camaraderie. Thinking themselves invisible, they were mortified when Aruzhan turned toward them, leveling them with a beatific stare.
“Mariella.” Marie clumsily rose to her feet, flinching beneath the weight of Aruzhan’s looming shadow. “All of this is possible because of you,” Aruzhan smiled warmly.
“I wouldn’t go that far. I’m actually pretty useless, especially compared to these guys,” Marie snorted, feeling a sudden flush rise in her cheeks.
“Nonsense! Cerin has told me much of you over our journey here. You took a chance on a stranger and left everything you know behind, all for the good of your people. If that isn’t the makings of a Queen, I don’t know what is.” Little did Aruzhan know, Marie’s intentions hadn’t been quite so altruistic.
“Queen? Ha!” Before Marie could protest, Aruzhan gathered her in a bear hug, hoisting her off the ground. She couldn’t help but be reminded of Isabel and her vivacious Southern charm. She felt a twinge of grief at the sudden memory.
“I’m glad you’re back, Aruzhan.” Fallon placed a firm hand on Aruzhan’s shoulder and flashed an obligatory smile. “I hate to be indelicate, but,” Marie stifled a snort at that. “As I’m sure Cerin has informed you, our presence is no longer secret. Time is a leisure we simply don’t have. We need to make you abreast of our plans immediately, and locate Marcel at once.”
“Marcel was in the throne room when I came to,” Aruzhan smiled apologetically, as if she was to blame. Her gracious nature was extremely humbling. “He managed to slither away, though I’ve no idea where he’s gone to.”
“I believe I can be of assistance,” Gustav harrumphed. His voluminous robes undulated around him in ripples as he glided across the room. “Marcel has a panic room, you see. That is most undoubtedly where he is.”
“He has a panic room? That’s ironic.” Laylia glowered. Her dark gaze reflected a maelstrom of private thoughts and morose reflection.
“Only one other has the key, and it just so happens to be me,” Gustav bowed formally. “I can take you there.”
“What about the guards? The fire will only distract them for so long,” Marie said anxiously.
“Fires aren’t as simple as most people seem to think, especially electrical ones. Still, you’ve a fair point, sweetheart.” Raeph stood tall and proud in the doorway, his prominent cords of muscle and devil-may-care grin limned with shadow. Marie faltered at the first flash of dimples, causing Alex to look away in apparent irritation.
“What are you doing here?” Marie exclaimed, stirred by the comforting familiarity Raeph’s rugged pr
esence denoted.
“Nice to see you too,” he grinned at Marie while maintaining steady eye contact with Alex. “Fallon contacted me a while ago. Told me to head to the castle on the sure chance Cerin would screw things up.”
“Real nice,” Cerin said dryly.
“Was I wrong?” Fallon rebuked.
“I’ll take care of the guards,” Raeph offered, his words seething with arrogance.
“Just how do you plan to do that, young man?” Gustav pursed his lips to show his dissatisfaction.
“We came prepared,” Raeph scoffed, dismissing his question with a roll of his eyes. “I’ve a massive ship brimming with armaments and rations. I plan to rally the prisoners and slaves, and give them what they’ve always wanted: A chance to fight for their freedom.”
BLOOD BONDS
Laylia’s breathing hitched as she pressed her clammy back to the bare wall. The cool surface of the wood penetrated her crumbling psyche by keeping her cognizant. Familiarizing herself with her surroundings and forcing herself to become physically aware of them helped her to maintain a safe distance from the place she dreaded most; a place where Marcel was King.
The mere mention of him erected a stairway of dark thoughts, leading her down to a dreadful place hidden in the murky depths of desolation where she timidly stumbled through the dark, consumed by fear as she lost sight of herself and the path before her.
The nightmare was no longer just in her head. She could no longer retreat to the here and now, cultivating such fallacies as the disillusion of safety, not when she was walking straight into a living nightmare.
She jerked upright as Marie firmly grasped her hand, startled by the sudden gesture. Her younger sister watched her with a gimlet eye, forcing Laylia to assimilate herself with the present.
“Remember what I said?” Marie asked sweetly. She and Marie seemed to share a natural kinship that transcended her own abhorrent nature. It meant more to Laylia than all the shiny baubles and words of empty adoration, but she’d never divulge that truth. It’d be as foolish as exposing a gaping wound. “I won’t leave your side.” Laylia returned Marie’s promise with a reluctant smile. She tersely looked away to conceal the warmth flooding her cheeks. It comforted her to know she wasn’t alone. For the first time since they’d left Milités, she could breathe again.