Chapter 34 Anastasius
I screwed up. He wouldn’t let me help him. Perhaps this was the wrong approach. Maybe his father could help him in ways I had been unable to. I pursed my lips, pacing my room. The idea made my stomach clench with nerves. What if revealing my friendship with Ercan ruined things between us? But what if it made things better? I had to take the risk. Ercan could show him the truth; I just had to hope my Selected would believe him.
I groaned, washing my salve-coated hands in a basin of water. The cool air made my hair stand on end. I forced my body through the motions, forgoing a meal in favor of pacing. I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I didn’t notice Rohit’s presence at first. “Stas!” My head jerked up to see my friend standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. The impatient way he spoke my name indicated it wasn’t the first time he had said it. He held a platter of food, which he set to the side. My hunger made itself known at the sight of food. Instead of picking up a croissant, however, I continued to pace. Rohit placed himself in my path and gripped my shoulders.
“Get out of my way, Ro.” I tried to push past him, but he blocked my way again and again, making me scowl.
“By the gods, what has gotten into you, Stas?” He shook me gently. My eyes snapped to his, my fear likely evident.
“I failed him, Ro!” I nearly shouted. “I thought he left me, but he hadn’t. He stayed for me and was tortured for it!”
Rohit’s eyes widened, the realization that Claeg had stayed behind just as shocking to him as it had been for me. He gulped, his eyes closing as he pressed his hands together and took a shaky breath.
“Stas . . . we have a problem.” I raised an eyebrow at my friend. “A fledgling did stay behind, and he knows about Claeg.” Blood coated my tongue, and I punched the wall, making the shelves of tinctures rattle. A couple fell to the floor and shattered. I swore. The fledgling knew Claeg. He could attempt to use the information to garner favor for himself.
“Where are they?” I growled.
“They haven't left their cell,” Rohit answered. I nodded and took off in that direction.