“Lena—”
“No! I will not leave without seeing him!” I cried. “One last time.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Itwaspast11:00p.m. when I finally snuck to see Silas, an invisibility elixir coursing through my body. Torrin was not at his usual post, but I knew he was gathering things for our trip.
Guards were swarming around, but I was confident in this elixir’s ability. I executed the recipe perfectly, as my last failing was unacceptable.
I climbed the ledges carefully, and when I reached his window and peeked inside, he wasn’t there.
Shit.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
Torrin? Torrin, can you hear me?
I waited a few moments before I heard a reply.
“Yes, what is going on? Are you all packed?”
Yes, I am packed. I am trying to see Silas, but he isn’t in his room.
“You are at the castle?!”
Even in my head, I could hear the anger in Torrin’s voice. I clenched my fists. How does no one understand? I felt my eyes burning.
I cannot just leave him without holding him one more time. I can’t.
There was a delay in Torrin’s response.
“I understand…”he said softly.“The King and Otacia’s favored generals are in a meeting. Silas is there, too.”
I rested my back against the cold stone of the castle, looking out into the starry night sky before my eyes trailed downward. Most people were sleeping now, but the few lights illuminated in the homes below glimmered like stars from this high up. This was my last night here…I still couldn’t fathom it.
What are they preparing?
Another pause.
“Nothing good, Lena. Nothing good. It’s been hours, so I assume it will be done within the hour.”
I buried my face in my hands.I am so scared, Torrin.
“I know,” his voice was laced with compassion.“I will keep you and your mother safe as we make our way to Ames. I promise.”
I was startled when I caught movement on my left, and when my eyes darted over, I saw Torrin standing next to me with a bag slung around his shoulder.
He looked around, and I knew he couldn’t see me.
“I assume you’re here. Your voice sounds louder here.”
I am.
I fished into my bag and sipped on the reversal elixir I packed to make myself visible again. When Torrin’s eyes met mine, I knew it worked. I glimpsed back at the sky, and he sat down beside me.
You should go. The last thing I want is for you to get caught.
“Come with me,” he said out loud softly. “We can go right now.”
