The blur moved along the wall and out the entrance.
* * *
Walking out of that cave, and leaving Lucas in it, was the hardest thing Nikolai had ever done.
If there had been any other way—but the Morph had spoken the truth. So long as the runes remained in existence, he was helpless against his father. Galeran could rip Lucas to pieces right in front of him, and there wouldn’t be a thing Nikolai could do.
If Cara could disable the last runes, however...
He would be back for Lucas.
The rage roiling within him made it an oath that he chanted to himself. He would be back.
He’d never heard of Basilisk dust, but it could do nothing for hoofbeats. Lucas made enough racket dancing about that Nikolai managed to slip out of the cave, so long as he placed his feet with care. As he entered the main cavern, however, he braced himself. It was full of Bellatis, standing in small groups, talking. Someone was bound to sound the alarm.
But no one even glanced his way. There were enough in equine form, so his stray hoofbeats didn’t attract any attention.
Stay close to the walls,Lucas coached. They may see movement, but your outline will remain blurred.
Have you finished baiting the guards?
They lost interest. So did I.
If Galeran comes—
If your dear father comes, I will do a full-on baby boy pout. You guys aren’t exactly on cuddle terms.
He speaks in my head, Lucas.
Ignoring is ignoring. I’ll be fine. Just get your ass to Cara.
Nikolai stood frozen against the wall. If he only had access to his power—he could wipe out every Bellati in this room. Despite the fact he knew it was pointless, that the runes stood in his way, the anger within him urged him to try.
Get moving, Nikolai.
Nikolai gritted his teeth and moved. No one sounded the alarm. No one even glanced his way.
But he wasn’t the only one hugging the wall. A small group of Bellatis stood close, forcing him to pass within feet.
“. . . I didn’t sign up for genocide.”
Nikolai caught the whisper as he passed. His ears twitched, and he paused close enough that he could catch the reply.
“We don’t have much choice. Galeran isn’t open to suggestions. He’s on a mission, and he doesn’t care about the collateral damage.”
Nikolai put his head down and continued, passing the group, and then slipping through the entrance to the main tunnel. His heart hammered, but his mind raced.
Some Bellatis might not be on board with Galeran’s scheme.
Nikolai hadn’t considered that doubters might be among the Bellatis. They had all seemed so driven to support Galeran. But even if his father had been honest with them, seeing the devastation first hand was a lot different from hearing about it.
The Bellatis were, after all, Liberis. If the life energy had taught him anything, it was that they believed in a natural progression of birth through to death. And there was nothing natural about what Galeran was doing.
The wind whistled from up ahead. Rather than a single door, the entrance consisted of a series of partitions that blocked the wind but permitted fresh air exchange and the easy passage of four-legged forms. The Bellatis guarding the entrance were in equine form and stood within special wooden shelters that allowed them to see outside without being exposed to the howling winds.
Nikolai paused to assess. He’d have to pass right by them, and unlike the ones in the main cavern, these guys were alert. His breath steamed in the cold air, and it alone would give him away if he wasn’t careful.
Then he got an idea.
