“I just did a patrol of the grounds,” says Finley, slightly irritated.
“Yes, but we have to double our rounds,” says Tala. “Since the vampires are all going to ground for the day. And Tudor Thornblade is insisting we have extra shifters on the dungeons during the day, to protect their coffins. I don’t think he completely trusts father.”
“I can do your round.” I turn to Finley. “You must be tired, you should take some time to rest. I’ll guard the dungeons.”
“Oh,” Finley frowns slightly. “You don’t have to…”
“I’d like to,” I stand, slipping the amulet into the pocket of my jeans. “Let me be of some use.”
“Well, if you insist.”
“I do.”
THEY WOULD DO THE SAME TO US
Rae
The first rays of sun peak over the horizon, but it’s still dark and grim inside the academy. I suppose I won’t see any light today. Tala exits out the front doors to patrol of the grounds with Kaenan and Rory. I turn down to the dungeon.
As I make my way closer to Maggie, I let down a wall inside myself and reach out, like looking through a keyhole. With relief, I can sense her. It’s dark and damp and she’s hurt. I can feel her racing heart, her eyes squinting in the dim light.
I reach into my pocket for the amulet. Why did she give it to me? She should have had it. I should have given it back right away. Maybe then she would have been safe.
I hurry down the stone staircase, taking the steps two at a time. The vampires will all be in their crypt now, snug in their coffins. Maybe…
“Rafaela!” a jovial voice from out of the darkness. It’s Uncle Leander, wearing his long fur cloak and holding a lit torch.
“Uncle…I…came down to guard the dungeons for the day shift.”
“Excellent,” he beams, clapping me on the shoulder. “I’ve been meaning to spend some time with my favourite niece.”
“You must be exhausted after your escape,” I reply. “I would understand if you need some rest. I can take the guard shift on my own.”
“Nonsense, my dear. My time in the Cave may have aged me, but I’ve still got some spring in my step. And between you and I, I’d like to stay down here while the vampires are in their crypt. Without them as allies, we’d never have been able to come rescue you and take the castle.”
We descend into the chilly dungeon. Even I can’t help being spooked by the skeletons chained to the walls. In the torchlight, it looks like they’re shivering.
There’s a bench close to the entryway. We sit down. I can tell Leander doesn’t want to go too close to the cells, so the prisoners can’t hear what we’re talking about.
Ourprisoners.
“Uncle,” I turn to him earnestly. His face makes me feel warm and safe, but it has new lines on it. I want to believe that this is for the best, that we’re going to be ok, but there’s a horrible fear in my stomach that I can’t shake. “Why did you come to the academy? Professor Hall and the others are powerful witches, can’t we-”
“Rae, pup,” he says, leaning in. “This is only thebeginning. The witches have always looked down on us, always seen us as just wild animals. They don’t respect our ways, our knowledge, or our strength. They think they can beat us down and take what’s our’s.”
“But uncle,” I whisper, looking down the dungeon hall. I think about Maggie, about her mother…what cell are they in? “We attended the academy for a whole term. I went to classes. The professors, I mean, some of them were biased, but not all of them hated shifters. They actually taught us some witch magic…”
My uncle slaps his thigh with a loud bellow. “What are you going to do with witch magic, pup? Wave your hands around to make some colourful puffs of smoke? It’s ridiculous. You’re awolf, Rae. Those witches stole you from us! You belong with your pack, not riding a broomstick like an old hag.”
I bite my lip. “Uncle…I have to tell you something.”
“What is it, pup?”
“I…I know I’m betrothed to Finley, but-”
“Aaaaah!” wails a shrill voice. It echoes through the dungeon, chilling me to the core.
“Wait here,” my uncle says, standing. He goes to investigate.
