A Sword from the Embers by C. C. Peñaranda

Author:C. C. Peñaranda [Peñaranda, C. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lumarias Press
Published: 2023-01-23T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 49

Tauria

Tauria couldn’t tear her eyes from the note she held. The fire she stood before beckoned to claim it.

“Nik,” she breathed.

He pressed into her from behind, planting soft lips to her shoulder. “Love.”

“He wants me by week’s end, or it’s over.”

Nik stiffened, his hands on her waist circling around her tightly. “We knew this was coming,” he said, but the calmness of his voice released a shadowy threat.

She did, though it did nothing for the panic that tried to seize her. It tightened in her throat, convincing her she couldn’t go through with it, couldn’t lose…

He spun her around, palm slipping across her cheek to steady her rapid breaths. “We make sacrifices in order to advance. Lead him into the gambit we set. But no matter what he believes, you are mine, love.” Nik kissed her firmly, passionately.

Tauria gripped him, pulled him, gave him everything she was now their days were numbered. It terrified her what could change. That they could change.

A knock on the door of the underground room drew them apart. Despite expecting them, it was an instant relief when Lycus slipped inside escorting Samara.

Tauria eyed Samara with an edge of caution. She couldn’t quite figure out the complexity of the former lady’s mind. She didn’t trust her fully, but she was their only hope. “How are you?” she forced herself to ask, unable to let go of the small kernel of sympathy she held for Samara over her resentment.

“I’m well, Your Majesty.” Samara shifted, casting her eyes to Lycus as if he were the only one she trusted.

“You put on an excellent performance last week,” Tauria commended, watching her every flicker of emotion. “You know the kiss was not necessary, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Yet that part you played excellently, I must say.”

“I-I did what I thought would get his attention.”

“It worked,” Tauria announced, holding up the small parchment. “We leave in a few days.”

“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” Lycus interjected.

Tauria slipped a look to Nik, whose eyes were saddened in agreement.

“It’s the only way to gain his trust and get him to take us right to the ruin,” Nik said.

“And if he doesn’t? What if he takes her somewhere else entirely?”

Tauria answered. “Then we’d better hope Samara continues to be an excellent actress to coax the information from him.”

Samara stood a little straighter as though the prospect excited her. Tauria couldn’t comprehend it when she’d fully expected to feel regret for using her.

“You two are willing to go into this no matter what could happen?” Lycus looked between her and Nik, who gravitated toward her.

“We don’t need to be reminded,” Nik warned, his hand slipping around Tauria’s waist as if he wasn’t even aware of it.

“I’m coming with you.”

“I won’t stop you.”

The two of them shared a nod of respect, though Tauria was riddled with unease to have them both in potential danger.

“Zarrius is heading for Rhyenelle. The timing is exactly in our favor, and they don’t even know it.”

“Where are you hoping he’ll lead you?”

“To wherever they’re holding the ruin,” Nik said.

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