Chapter Twenty-Four
The Bound
The palace is silent as we near the wall. The trip across The Delaquar was quick and uneventful, mostly due to Enzo’s ability to shift into a sturgeon and drag the boat across. I wanted to fly us, but it would only draw attention.
We crossed under the half-demolished bridge to Chatis, docking on the other side.
There wasn’t a single guard manning the lake, watching for intruders.
I silently thank Tobias for his stupidity and ego.
We looked across the bridge once we were on land.
We stared at the barren rubble that used to be Chatis. Used to be Elaenor’s home.
All we could see was stone in large piles and trees knocked over, their leaves burned to a crisp.
Smoke still lay heavy above the remains, as if it is forever burning.
I don’t allow myself to think about the bodies underneath the wreckage.
All the people who will be forgotten by the world as time moves on.
By the time we reach the wall, the su n has set. We are both out of breath, exhausted, but we push on.
“Where did Scarlett say to enter?” I whisper as we lean against the stone wall.
“She said the stables have an entry point into the palace, we just need to get through without being seen.” I nod and push off the wall. He’s silent behind me as we follow the wall along.
I think we are both in disbelief. Disbelief that we are here, in Noterra, planning to rescue a queen that has always been a figment of my imagination. Not an actual woman. I knew she was here, all these months, but she wasn’t real until today.
Until right now.
We find the stables and enter. It’s dark, with only a small bit of moonlight to guide us. The moon has risen, and I silently plead for it not to be too late.
“What if we are too late?” I whisper as we slowly cross through the door leading to the horses. Each wall is lined with stalls, hay crunching under our feet. Only soft huffing and chewing fills our ears as we keep moving.
“We can’t be. We didn’t come all the way here for her to die. This can’t be for nothing—” A sharp squeal causes me to gasp as I run straight into someone. My dagger is out and poised, ready to strike, but I freeze as I take in the pale face in front of me.
Hair that reminds me flames, of burning embers. Green eyes so bright they could rival Enzo’s, shine in the moonlight. Her cloak is tattered, her skin sullen and dirty.
“Who are you?” She whispers, her voice hoarse.
“Who are you ?” Enzo counters, stepping up beside me.
“Are you here for her?” She asks, tilting her head to the side as she glances back and forth between us.
I hesitate, but nod once and her face relaxes.
“You have to hurry. She’s unlocked, but she refuses to leave.
I unchained her, but she said she can’t leave until he’s dead.
She’s weak, she won’t survive.” Her voice comes out in a rushed panic, as if she’s genuinely worried about her.
“Why are you telling us this?” I ask, skepticism coating my tongue.
“She saved my son, and in a way, she saved me from a life she is currently enduring. She needs help.” She stares at me, her emerald eyes burning through mine.
“Go through the double doors, there are no guards. The first room on your left is the council room. You can access the dungeon through there.” She pushes between us, walking towards one of the horses.
It’s black, its coat glowing against the moonlight.
“Where are you going?” Enzo asks as she pats the horse’s head.
“To live a better life.” She unlatches the stall and pulls the giant mare out. “Tell her thank you. And tell her I took her horse, that I will give her a good life.” She gives us a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes as she leads the horse out through the back, leaving us.