Page 95 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

The moment I rounded the intersection of hallways, I sent the servant ahead to reassure Donavyn that I was on my way. Then I slipped into an alcove to press a hand to my pounding heart and assess my options.

Ruin had been heading back to his room where Voski had entered to search. If Ruin discovered him…

But what more could I do? I’d given Ruin reason to send a message, and delivered my warning. If I went back now…

I shook my head. I had to trust that Voski was sly enough to have hidden, or escaped. Get shit done. That order was for all of us, right?

I stayed a short time in that alcove, breathing deeply, praying for Voski’s safety, and making sure I could think straight. Then I started towards the ballroom as if nothing had happened.

Walking down the brightly lit corridor that led to the banquet hall was surreal. The space was wide enough to drive a carriage through. Servants passed in and out in droves, noblewomen returned in clusters from powder rooms. Men smoked or retreated together for cards. So much activity. So much normalcy. Did they really have no idea what was happening around them?

Lights sparkled at the edge of my vision. My skin hummed with unspent fear, and my body insisted danger lurked somewhere nearby.

And it did, of course. But it was back in its bedchamber right now, hopefully not executing my squad brother and Shadowfang Wing Leader. I sent up yet another hurried prayer for Voski’s safety and picked up my pace towards the first set of large, double-doors that opened into the hall—only to see a large, dark, grim form on the other side of the corridor talking to a very familiar looking, hooded servant.

Voski? How had he gotten here so quickly?

I felt the rush of relief in Donavyn when he looked at me over Voski’s shoulder and I turned to join them, fighting to keep my face straight.

I hadn’t even taken a pace before Donavyn stepped aside to move in my direction and Voski turned, trotting towards the main lobby where he could leave the castle. I didn’t watch him leave, didn’t draw attention to the servant merely informing Donavyn of a message. But I couldn’t wait to find out how he’d gotten out, and down here before me.

“My Love, there are you are…” Donavyn said through his teeth, barely sketching a vow before taking my elbow and leading me slowly, back along the wide corridor.

‘What the fuck, Bren?’

“Apologies for my late arrival. Is everything well?” I asked timidly, as if his anger worried me, nervously eyeing the servants passing us on both sides.

‘I ran into Voski in the halls, and we saw Grace, then Voski saw Ruin leave… it all happened too fast to let you know. I couldn’t reach you and Grace said she’d let you know I was safe.’

“I have received a missive by the king’s own hand. Good news from home, actually. Just a few details to discuss before we return to the celebrations.”

‘Grace did tell me, but… dear God. Voski said you confronted Ruin?!’

I grimaced, because that entire exchange had passed in a blur. I’d moved and spoken on instinct, and now I realized… I’d given a lot away. But it was for a purpose!

‘You need to get Benji into the city. I gave Ruin reason to send another message. Soon. Tomorrow morning at the latest. I think I got under his skin.’

‘Shit. Are you harmed? Did he—’

‘We only spoke—though I was forced to touch him, to make him think I wasn’t scared of him.’

Neither of us put words to it, but I knew my insides coiled with revulsion, and he could feel that. Donavyn’s grip on my arm tightened.

‘Curse this fucking banquet. We can’t disappear, Bren. The queen already commented that you were late.’

‘She’s waiting to see my gown, I think.’

Donavyn frowned, then looked down at me, and his eyes widened. A moment later, he stepped back, taking my hand and drawing me into the nearest alcove, tugging me to the corner, behind the sweep of the curtain.

There was no true privacy here with all the foot traffic in the hallway, but he put himself between me and them, and held my hand, extending my arms, and staring at me.

“He saw you in this?” he growled.

I put a hand to his chest and sighed. “I wished it had been you,” I said honestly. ‘But in the end… well, it served our purpose. He hasn’t taken me as a true threat before this, but I think he will now.’

Donavyn’s throat bobbed, but his eyes rose from my body to meet mine. ‘What did you tell him?’

Shit, I hoped I hadn’t fucked everything up. ‘I gave him proof that I was a true Furyknight and Shadowfang and that he hadn’t been trusted with as much information as he believed. He was… off-balance. He’ll check with his sources, I’m sure.’