Page 163 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

A scream reaches my ears. I jump. It’s so loud, so pained… Renewed fear grips my chest.

A chuckle sounds from the other side of the cell. I whip my head to the side. Silas leans against the stone wall, grinning, arms crossed, and one shackled foot propped up on the wall behind him.

“What in The Mother are you smiling about?” Juniper snaps.

I gasp at the blasphemous use of the Fae Goddess’s name, but Silas’s smile simply grows.

“Freedom, dear brownie.” Shadows flow down his arms and legs, their excitement and anticipation reminding me of an excited child moments away from receiving a surprise. “It seems like he couldn’t wait.”

The foreboding sensation, the one that wreaked havoc on my mind before the celebration last night, stirs to life once more.

My lungs cannot seem to get enough air. The sound of fighting grows louder, coming closer. Screams of pain begin to outnumber the alarmed shouts.

“Juniper,” I croak.

My adoptive mother looks at me.

I tighten my hold on her hand. “Please don’t do anything foolish. Whatever comes through that door, please…take care.”

Wrinkled eyes soften. She reaches up and cups my cheek. “My dear girl, The Mother knows that nothing about protecting you could ever be considered foolish.”

Emotion thickens my throat. The screams increase.

“Are you certain Ferria is okay?”

“I swear it.”

I wipe the sweat from my forehead with a stilted nod.

“Brace yourselves,” Silas calls out, still leaning against the stone wall like he’s waiting on a post delivery and not for whoever is eliciting those terrified screams.

BOOM.

The ground shakes. Dirt and stone fall from the ceiling. I grab Juniper and lean over her to shield her from the debris.

A heavy mass strikes my back. A cry flies from my mouth.

“Elara!” Juniper tries to straighten, but my grip tightens.

“I’m fine.” I cough, clearing away the dust flying into my throat. “I’m fine.”

Crack. Crack.

My eyes dart up.

Oh Gods…

A thick crack spreads through the ceiling. And it’s growing wider. The roof… It’s going to come down.

I glance at my ankles—at the manacles holding me hostage.

I meet Juniper’s fierce stare. “You have to get out of here.”

“My dear, I was there the day you first drew breath, and I will not live a day longer than the moment you take your last.”

The morbid vow roots itself in my soul.

Arthritic fingers reach for my hand. I take them and squeeze. Tears burn my eyes from the gathering debris and the unending love I see in her gaze.