Chapter 33
Alora
The Nightmare stands too closely as we wind our way through the labyrinth of hallways as he leads me back towards my room.
The floral papered walls are littered with ornate picture frames with canvases depicting various scenes from battles, portraits, and landscapes from around Noxia.
One could spend hours among these and never tire from the artistry.
It reveals more about the king’s lust for treasured items than perhaps he even understands. The capital city of Ezmelir, with its decadence and ornate architecture, is nothing compared to these hidden riches.
As we pass yet another carved doorframe, I can’t help but notice the window obscured by velvety curtains. The golden fabric is a stark comparison to the darkened sky riddled with navy and indigo hues melting into soft purples.
My breath hitches. It’s almost sunrise. Gods I hope Jessamine and Rune have found the leirunes because we’re quickly running out of time.
My nape beads with sweat, just in my hairline.
“Lady Orlah,” The Nightmare’s voice startles me, causing me to jump slightly.
I glance at him, the pallor of his skin even more noticeable in this lighting. He continues to look forward as he leads us closer to the end of the hall where a tee forms.
He finally asks after a few steps, “What do you know of your magic?”
Cautious to not reveal more than I should, I let the question linger before answering.
“Honestly, my Lord, I’m not very adept at controlling it yet.” I drop my eyes to the carpet. The blue swirls mixed with rosettes blur as we eat the distance of the hallway with each step.
“How unfortunate for you,” he says flatly, “that you would possess such a rarity but lack the talent to harness true light bending.”
He’s revolting. Everything about him—the way his arrogance bleeds into constant condescension.
I can’t help when my words unleash with quiet fury, “And you believe your magic to be superior?”
Without hesitation he answers coolly, “Yes. I know it to be true.”
My steps slow in an attempt to put more distance between me and him.
We make our way to the end of the hall, as he stops and turns to face me.
“We both have the capability to create, you see,” his scratchy words needle against my skin, “but yet, you only conjure up winged creatures whereas I sculpt new worlds within someone’s mind.”
I stay silent, for once knowing when my words would cause me more trouble than it’s worth.
Flattery. That’s what Leeson told me to cling to when surrounded by these monsters.
Sighing, I reply, “You are correct in that observation, my Lord.”
I would rather have swallowed venom from a fyre serpent than placate this man. It’s possible the lie burns in my throat more than that would have.
I resume the demure pose and make myself small. It’s convincing enough that The Nightmare moves towards the passageway to the left of where we stand, pushing past me.
My eyes threaten to roll out of my head as I stare at the red floral arrangement of roses on the marble pedestal in front of me, a nod to the revelries from last night.
“Hurry, little mouse.” The Nightmares voice trails back to me as he puts more distance between us.
I twist on the heel of my foot and begin down the hall towards him, wishing I could unleash my dagger into his back.
Behave Alora. I chide myself and quicken my steps to meet up with him.
The soft padding of footfalls on the carpet stretch in the silence between us and I’m glad for the lack of conversation.
In a matter of moments, we’re finally in front of my carved door. I reach into my hidden pocket and pull out the brass key and move to insert it into the keyhole. The Nightmare steps in front of the door, blocking me, and holds his hand out.
“I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t unlock your door.” He scowls at me, annoyance dripping off his tongue.
“I’m more than capable, thank you though.”
My answer causes him to roll his eyes exaggeratedly.
I push by him and insert the key into the lock. A soft click sounds as I turn it and with a twist of the knob, the door opens smoothly.
Leaving the barrier between my room and the hall slightly ajar, I turn slightly towards The Nightmare and give him a dismissive goodbye.
“No need to stick around. I’m sure King Euron will come fetch me.”
He doesn’t wait as he grunts before turning sharply on his heel, leaving me to enter the doorway.
I wait until his footfalls get farther away before recalling my magic and let the mask fall.
Stepping into the room, I turn quickly and latch the door closed. I press my forehead to the cool wood and twist the key, locking it behind me.
A sigh of relief escapes and I stay there a moment with my head still on the door.
With a heave, I quickly move to undress from the thick fabrics. Sliding to the edge of the wall and opening the dresser drawers, I notice a knit long sleeve and black fitted trousers. A smirk forms on my lips as it registers who’s likely responsible for the clothing.
Kassiel.
He must have remembered how much I enjoyed getting back to Rivers End and putting on the stretchy material after our journey through the woods.
I quickly undress and remove the layers that make up the gossamer gown. Throwing the silver pieces onto the bed, I almost regret that I won’t be taking it with me when we leave. I unstrap my dagger from my thigh and the light catches on the opal hilt before tossing it on the bed with the dress.
Reaching for the knit top, I almost laugh with how soft the fibers are. Pulling the tunic on and slipping into the pants, I decide to quickly plait my hair, the long locks feeling too heavy and intrusive.
As I braid the ends, I find myself reminiscing on the dinner, the way Kassiel looked. His facade was convincing, too convincing if I’m honest. The hurtful words he threw around crash inside my mind like a furious echo.
“Is she foolish?”
“When we haven’t even tested her abilities?”
“I’m still questioning how sharp her wits may be.”
The last one stings more severely.
In an effort to silence the onslaught of unease, I whisper, “He did what he had to in the moment. He didn’t mean those things and you know this.”
My mind continues to lie, sewing seeds of doubt.
I bring my palms to my eyes and rub them until little black dots form in my vision.
Trying to end my torrent of self sabotaging thoughts I bite my lip until a small bead of copper tinged blood wells along the inside of my mouth.
I sigh, shakily and then crack my knuckles
Looking around the room before strapping my dagger back on, my eyes set on the small windowframe. Any trace of the Blood Moons is gone.
“Gods we need to hurry,” I mumble to myself.
I quickly locate my boots that are hidden under the bed and take stock of the rest of the belongings that are laid neatly along the side table.
After lacing the shoes, I make my way to where the blank notepaper lays. Grasping the nearby quill I scribble a note along the parchment.
It reads,
Leeson,
Distraction seems to have worked with King Euron… Send word to Jessamine and Rune that we need to be leaving. I’ll wait for Kassiel to meet me.
— A
I fold the note into a tiny triangle, tucking the last corner into itself to keep the page contained and walk to the window.
The latch falls open with a swipe of my hand and I push the panels until a gap, big enough for a bird, is formed.
Cupping my hands around my mouth, a low whistle for Oak reverberates from my lips.
I wait a few moments before repeating the sound.
The balmy breeze floats across my face, drying the sweat that’s formed in my hairline.
A sudden soft caw has me bringing my face back inside to allow enough room for Oak to enter.
Her white feathers match the moons' light.
She turns her head to me as I swiftly tie the note to the leather band around her leg.
I run my fingers through her silky feathers and scratch the top of her head affectionately.
She lets me preen her feathers for a few moments before I whistle again at her, signaling her to leave and find the rest of The Hidden.
Now, there’s nothing to do but wait. I walk to the bed and sit down on it, letting the soft cushion of the mattress settle with my weight on the corner.
I close my eyes, ready to be back somewhere that doesn’t feel like I am in a serpent's nest waiting to be struck.
I’m not sure how long I sit there, but eventually I lay down onto a pillow trying to get more comfortable as I wait for Kassiel’s knock on the door that will signal our departure.
I begin to doze off with the exhaustion from the trip to Ezmelir, and the facade of Lady Orlah, wearing on me.
It’s not long before I fall asleep, waiting for Kassiel’s signal as apprehension begins to coil in my heart.
I startle awake with a sudden crash. Sitting up, I instinctively draw my dagger. Oak sits on the makeshift desk, staring at me with her beady black eyes.
“Damnit Oak, you scared me,” the whisper tears from my throat.
I sheath my dagger as my other hand grabs my chest. Beneath my palm my heart slams against my ribcage.
She simply lets out a low chittering sound and cocks her head.
Scooching to the edge of the bed and setting my feet on the cool stone floor, I nearly gasp when I see that sunrise has passed. The sky is a pale yellow of dawn, too bright for the sun to have just risen.
Gods we’re late.
I groan as I see a tiny folded piece of parchment attached to Oak’s leg. Removing it quickly, I try my best to unravel the note without ripping it.
Two words are scribbled hastily, the writing so obscure it’s obvious it was written in a panic.
Get out.
The world tilts and I reach for the bed to stop me from swaying. The note drops from my hand and it floats to the floor.
“Oak, uireyvre!” Fly home.
My yell slices through the air, sending her skittering out the window in a hurry just as heavy footfalls quicken down the hallway. There’s multiple people from the sounds of the rushed steps.