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Chapter 27

Roksana

We didn’t make it to dawn. Siras burst in as I was bent over the basin, calling the water spirit. Breathing hard, he barricaded the door, then turned to me.

‘He was faster than I expected. Now the whole town’s looking for the Queen of Dagome.’ He braced the door when the heavy pounding started.

Our time was running short, and the only escape route was a window too small for Siras to squeeze through. I rolled my shoulders with a sigh.

‘So, we fight.’

‘No. I fight. I’ll hold them off for as long as I can while you run. You’re an assassin. Get to the roof, find your friends, and keep your promise. Save my home, Roksana,’ he said through gritted teeth.

We were so close. To the Hierophant, to ending this war before it began. I dug my nails into my palm, partly because I wanted to beat someone bloody but also because I hated that I didn’t want to leave him to certain death. Why did you tell me about your mother’s tree and try to act so fucking noble?

‘Fuck! Tell them I controlled you, that I cast some vile spell. I’ll come back for you. Just… stay alive.’ I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around his torso in a brief hug. ‘Stay alive, Siras. That’s an order.’

His eyes widened. In their depths, I saw the warrior he could have been if tragedy hadn’t shaped him into a Prefect of Tangra. Yet shreds of decency remained, reminding me of Irsha or Reynard… or me.

My throat tightened, and I turned, blasting the window with a burst of energy. It exploded into shards, sending the glass raining onto the street below.

Splinters scraped my palm, sending waves of pain up my forearms as I pulled myself up. A narrow ledge overlooked a significant drop that would, at a minimum, break my ankles if I jumped. The archers scrambling to avoid the falling debris were another danger.

The gutter was close enough to grab hold of and haul me towards the roof. I reached for the downpipe, praying to the gods above and below it would hold my weight. Climbing was rough, but I was too afraid my wings would reflect the light and make me a target.

The house was like most Lumivitae buildings, and I used the décor and reliefs as handholds, trying to shut out the sounds of fighting in the bathing chamber.

‘You can’t help him if they capture you. You won’t help anyone if you become a bargaining chip,’ I muttered, pulling myself higher until I swung one leg onto the roof.

The slate was cold under my cheek. I flattened on the roof, breathing hard. The moon was full, its light flooding the city. I had no chance to escape through the streets. They were swarming with Tangrian soldiers, but the roofs were still clear.

‘I can do this. I can do this,’ I repeated, biting my nails. I would kill for a dragon to pull me from this wretched place.

Cin, my lovely, can you hear me? I’m in trouble. Cinared?

My thoughts went unanswered, but the centre of my chest warmed. Maybe I was close enough he could sense me.

The first fat raindrop landed on my face; more followed. I cursed as I ran, slipping on the slate roof tiles. The shortest route to the town walls was too obvious, so I switched direction, heading for the one place they wouldn’t expect.

One I could control.

The trees on the edge of Piran’s Swamp grew tall, promising shelter. I could warp them, shaping the surrounding flora to hide me from my pursuers. If only I could fly over the city wall without being seen. I wiped the rain from my eyes, squinting into the darkness.

‘Sana… you stupid woman, they won’t see them in the rain.’ The laughter bubbled in my throat. I could escape undetected if I stayed high enough.

The wings emerged from my skin, their opalescent membranes shining silver in the moonlight. Other than fighting the rusalki, I hadn’t flown, so I would keep it simple.

I tensed the muscles on my back. Last time I acted on instinct. This time it was a conscious effort, and I barely knew where to start. Still, after a few attempts, my wings beat like a dragonfly’s.

The sensation was so strange, like giant fingers were pinching my back, lifting me. Now, what should I do with my arms and legs?

I shrugged, running forward and leaping to the next roof. The distance was safe enough even if flying didn’t work, but I didn’t fall.

I was flying. Laughter bubbled in my throat, and I continued, jumping from building to building until I reached the wall.

‘Off you go,’ I said, launching myself upward, a helpful gust of wind propelling me. I could barely control my direction and wasn’t exactly stealthy. The guards on the wall saw me coming without even having to look up.

The first arrow whizzed past my head before I even registered what was happening. Then more followed.