“I know!” I launched straight into a shout. “And I’m going to go do it, right now. I’m going to get Amryssa back. With Kai’s help.”
The seneschal’s gaze skipped past me. He was practically frothing at the mouth, fury churning off him in waves, but he wasted no time on surprise. “You two are going out into the nightmare?”
“Yes.”
He growled. “You’ll die. Which won’t help a goddess-damned thing. Amryssa will be out there trying to get to Zephyrine, and you’ll be busy tearing your own eyeballs out.”
“No.” I gestured to the manacles. “I have these. And Kai can resist the nightmares.”
Olivian’s face contorted. “That’s impossible.”
“It’s not. I’ve seen him do it. More than once.”
Olivian and Merron surveyed my husband with palpable shock. Kai only shrugged, as if to say,What? I’m exceptional.
Outside, thunder cracked over the swamp. The floor trembled, the scent of char sharpening the air. Olivian and Merron grimaced as my knees wobbled.
But Kai just stood there, looking ready for a stroll in the park. Or maybe a restorative nap.
When everything stilled, Olivian raked his gaze over my husband with renewed interest. “You intend to save her?”
“I do.”
“Then I’m coming with you.”
“No,” I cut in. “You won’t get more than a half a mile before the storm crushes you. Amryssa already lost her mother that way. She can’t lose you, too. She needs you alive.”
“I can’t donothing.” Olivian’s shoulders strained, threatening to rupture his shirt at the seams.
“You won’t be,” Kai said smoothly. “You’ll be ensuring your survival, for the sake of your daughter. Go. Chain yourself. The moment the storm passes, come find us. We’ll have her. We’ll be waiting.”
Olivian’s mouth twisted, but Kai’s words seemed to compel him in a way mine couldn’t.
The power of bald-faced confidence, I supposed. Or maybe it was just a man thing.
“We’re wasting time,” Kai warned.
The seneschal swore. “Fine. Go get her. I’ll come the second I’m able.”
“Of course.”
Olivian found my gaze and held it. So many things simmered in his eyes—terror, fury, agonized helplessness—and I tried to communicate my intent with a look. To assure him I’d give my life for Amryssa’s. Maybe I was successful, because he gave me a bare nod.
“Please, Harlowe.” His plea was soft. Gentle, even.
“I’ll save her,” I said.
Kai made for the door. I hesitated, then bade Olivian and Merron goodbye. I tried not to make it sound like the permanent kind, even though it was.
Merron looked stricken, but I stepped into the angry night and shut the doors.
Out in the drive, clouds piled above the trees, staining the sky purple. Kai scanned the swamp. “Which way?”
I flung out a finger. “There.” In the far distance, below the storm’s epicenter, the overgrown oak swayed in the wind.
My skin tightened. I’d try my best not to fall apart out there, but I couldn’t be sure I’d succeed. “Whatever happens”—I caught at Ky’s wrist—“just...know that I love you, all right?”
He froze, his eyes wide, his nostrils flared.
