Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
EMORY
“ W atch out for staircases that don’t lead anywhere. Doors that open to odd locations,” Aron said as we crossed the glass drawbridge that stretched over a sparkling blue river, all of us staring up at the tall silver walls of the castle that shimmered and glittered under the twilight sky.
Maverick’s arm was still wrapped around Annalee, drawing her into him as if he was afraid to let her go.
Aron reached the sleek silver double doors and opened one, allowing us all through in a single-file line. We entered into the foyer, black dust covering the floor that looked like the surface of a pristine lake—or at least it would have without all the dust. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, filled with stubby candles, dried wax dripping down the sides. A hallway sat to our left, doors stood in front of us, and a bridge stretched out to our right, leading to another part of the castle.
I gasped when I saw a room beyond the foyer, the entire floor painted to resemble a huge chess board. Life-sized pieces stood on the floor, moving of their own accord.
“I do not recommend playing with them,” Aron said from beside me. “They tend to crush anyone who loses.” He shot a glance at El. “The queen of hearts plays regularly, but that’s only because she’s never lost.”
El studied her nails, flicking a piece of dust from her dress.
Long scratches dragged down the walls, fissures and cracks spread everywhere. The castle might’ve looked impeccable from the outside, but on the inside, it was a mess.
“I’m afraid the castle has fallen into disrepair,” Aron said, turning to look at our group. “We haven’t had the proper supplies to restore it.”
El made a series of signs with both hands.
“Or the interest,” Aron added, and it was clear that was El’s words. Aron cleared his throat. “Let me show you to your rooms. They’re not much, but we do have hot water, beds, and food.”
“You had me at hot water,” Driscoll said.
El disappeared through the doors in front of us, and I thought I saw a flash of water, a glimpse of white feathers, but the doors closed so quickly I couldn’t be sure. Maybe it was more of the odd creatures that populated the Wilds or the swans the star king obsessed over. Could they still be alive? Or were they warped like everything else?
I shuddered at the thought of swans with long, sharp teeth who wanted to eat me.
Aron led us to the right, over the bridge. The railings were cracked, tree roots jutting up in random spots. We picked our way across and into the other part of the castle. Stairs greeted us, spiraling upward in a narrow tower. This place must’ve been a marvel to behold before the Shadow War.
We silently made our way up as I looked at the glimmering silver stone walls. I could just imagine how much this stone would go for if Shiraeth still existed. The wealthy would pay premium gold to have it in their homes. Kings and queens would travel from the human lands to procure it for their castles. I traced a finger down the rough brick, and it came away with the black dust that I was growing so sick of. If I ever got out of here, I feared I’d find dust in various places on my body ’til the end of time.
Finally we arrived at a hallway filled with doors on the right and left sides. Worn gray rugs lay on the glassy floor .
Aron spread his arms out. “There’s only a few functioning rooms on this floor, but you can take them. Our residents reside in the floor above this one.”
Boards creaked overhead, and I thought I heard a growl. I wondered exactly what kind of residents they’d invited to live here. If Aron could shift into a wolf, what other types of creatures had been borne of this curse?
I tilted my head. “How did you choose who to invite to the castle?”
Aron frowned. “Anyone is welcome. But many do not want to come here, feeling more comfortable staying out in the Wilds, living amongst nature, in environments that better suited them. Not everyone wants to be confined to the walls of the castle. Not everyone remembers their old lives or wants to. And we do have rules. Some have been kicked out for not abiding by them.”
“Rules?” Driscoll echoed.
“No killing.” Aron ticked off his fingers. “No stealing. No lying. No conspiring. If any of those rules are broken, they face the red queen.”
Annalee gasped. “I’ve always wanted to meet the queen of hearts. I’ve heard so much about her.”
“You already met her,” Maverick said drily.
“El,” Annalee guessed. “That makes perfect sense.” She studied Aron. “Though I have a feeling you’re the one who keeps things running around here.”
Aron gave a sharp shake of his head. “I simply follow orders.”
Annalee made a face like she disagreed but didn’t say anything.
Driscoll was already striding toward a door, opening it, and slipping inside. “No offense,” he said, “but I’d rather take a bath than stand here talking with you all.” He paused. “Actually, I really don’t care if I offended you.” With that, his door slammed shut, and he was gone.
Annalee followed suit, picking the room next to Driscoll’s and almost disappearing inside before Maverick surged forward and grabbed her arm.
She gave him a look full of exasperation. “I’m just taking a bath, Mav. Promise I won’t go anywhere, okay? I just need a break from your hovering.”
“I’m not hovering,” he said calmly .
She raised a brow.
He rolled his eyes
Aron scratched his head. “I assume you two will take the final room left?” He nodded to the one across the hall. “All the others are in disrepair.”
Of course they were.
Maverick shifted from foot to foot, and I tried my best to look anywhere but at him.
“Emory can stay with me,” Annalee chirped.
Before I had a chance to respond, she reached for my arm and pulled me toward her door.
Maverick glared at her, and she just smiled wide, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “We’re just going to have some girl time.” She shooed him away. “Go take a bath and maybe a nap because you’ve been a little grumpy ever since you interrupted my tea party.”
Aron looked between all of us. “Does this mean you’ve chosen your rooms? I have other matters to attend to, but I will check on all of you in a little bit.”
“Yep,” Annalee said quickly, then yanked me inside the room and shut the door in Maverick’s face before he could say another word.
I turned and gave her my best smile. I could use some girl time. Relaxing, bathing, napping, but Annalee clearly had other ideas.
“We need to talk,” she said.