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A stunned silence permeates the air as Imryll and Connak stare at the three of us. Rinya, Madigan, and I simply stare back, waiting for them to get their thoughts in order. I wish I could say it doesn’t take them long, but I swear ten minutes pass before they acknowledge us.
Madi rocks back on her heels. “So, this is awkward.”
“Is everyone okay?” Imy asks, snapping to attention.
“My headache is gone,” Connak mumbles, leaning against the wall like he’s suddenly dizzy from the relief.
“Not you,” Imryll growls. He kneels to check the two guards who were stationed at the door. “They’re dead.”
Rinya sighs. “There was nothing we could do to help them.”
“This isn’t our fault, Rin,” I reassure her, tipping my head toward the pile of ashes. “It’s his. Cotear did this.”
Imryll stops in front of her. “Are you okay?”
“I’ve acquired Nook’s headache,” she teases halfheartedly. “I’m just a bit sore.”
“I’ll take you to the clinic,” Madigan murmurs. “You need to have your head looked at.”
“Go with them, Connak,” Imryll instructs. “We’ll be right behind you after we find someone to move these men and locate their families.”
Connak nods, ushering Rin and Madi out of the meeting room and disappearing from my sight. Only a breath passes before Imryll’s concerned green eyes fill my vision.
“Are you okay?” he inquires, though he gives me no time to answer before he touches me.
His hands roam over my shoulders and arms as he checks for nonexistent injuries. I don’t say a word to stop him. He knows I heal faster than the average Mongrel, and he knows I’m the water goddess.
My body—and the lack of wounds—is no longer a concern of mine.
It’s my mind that worries me, frightens me… Why am I not feeling guilt or remorse after killing Cotear? It’s the way my hands don’t shake that bothers me, nor do tears bloom in the corners of my eyes anymore.
Why is killing them so much easier than simply punishing them? Perhaps that’s my version of mercy. A quick death without all the bullshit.
Imryll takes my hand and pulls me from the meeting room. He must have heard the guards walking down the corridor, because as soon as we round the doorway, we’re face-to-face with them.
“There’s been an incident,” Imy informs them. “I need you to stay at this door until Prince Ecaeris or Talodus gets here. Do not let anyone else in.”
The first guard frowns at us. “We have shift change in—”
“Two of your own are dead because there was an intruder in the catacombs,” Imy snaps.
I step up, drawing their attention to me. “Your general won’t be mad that you were late when he sees you were guarding our heroic fallen. I will explain as much to him.”
“Of course,” the second guard agrees, elbowing his partner. “We would be honored to watch over them.”
“Thank you,” I sincerely reply as Imy drags me away from them.
We walk down one corridor before a quick turn puts us in another, heading toward the palace entrance. But I can’t handle his emotions any longer. He’s frustrated. I get it, though right now, it feels more like hostility.
“Is something bothering you?” I ask, tugging him to a stop.
“No.” He shakes his head. “Yes,” he then corrects.
I wait patiently for him to reveal what I already know.
“I’m frustrated. We were trying to protect you, but we’re always late.”
“You weren’t late,” I tell him. “You got there before I needed you.”
