Sorcery and Stagecraft by Kristin L. Hamblin

Author:Kristin L. Hamblin [Hamblin, Kristin L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crown of Laurel Press
Published: 2024-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

Oren took Lela’s hand and led her out of the room. The hall was dark and empty. He dropped her hand.

Lela’s lips thinned.

On silent feet, they made their way down the dim hall. Ahead of them, a guard turned the corner into their hall. Oren and Lela jumped into a darkened doorway, her heart skittering. The guard’s head turned toward them as he passed. She pulled Oren to her, his body flush against hers, stone digging into her back. The guard passed without slowing.

“Quick thinking,” Oren whispered. “It’s best we aren’t seen by too many people.”

“Uh-huh.” Lela’s heart drummed to a new rhythm, his nearness claiming her.

“Let’s go.” He stepped away.

They wound through another maze of hallways and endless staircases, following their plan of pretending to make out in dark corners whenever they encountered any guards. If only they didn’t have to pretend.

Eventually, he pulled her through a curtain and into an alcove so dark she couldn’t see a thing. Oren stiffened at her side. A rustling sounded in front of them.

“How many guards are waiting to imprison me?” Lady Sarafine said, just a voice in the darkness.

“We’re alone,” Lela replied, finding her courage. “Are you?”

A jangle of a key ring. “Yes, but the human won’t be for much longer. Hurry.”

Oren grabbed it. “Thank you. Wait, there’s only one.” He tensed.

Lela grabbed his arm, tugging him back a step. “It’s a trap.” Her heart thundered in her ears.

“Shh, wait.” Lady Sarafine stepped out of the shadows, hands up. Her thin, red dress pooled at her ankles, complimenting her elegant updo. “I couldn’t get the key to her cell. It wasn’t with the gold key. I tried, I promise.”

Oren examined the gold key in his hand. “This is the real one.”

“How much time do we have?” Lela asked. It would be faster to use the energies to pick the lock.

“Not enough to find a key to the girl’s cell,” Lady Sarafine said. “But I can help you.” She glanced around nervously.

Lela watched her. “We don’t need your help. And how would you get the key now if you couldn’t before?” She narrowed her eyes. “Why are you really helping us?” This female would be the next queen. Why would she risk everything, unless she wasn’t risking anything?

Lady Sarafine raised her chin. “I can’t get the key, but I can portal you into Ricci’s cell.”

Oren and Lela gasped.

She was a portal opener.

“How is that possible?” Lela couldn’t believe it. They’d been hunted into extinction since the prophecy.

“I’m done denying my gift.” Lady Sarafine set her shoulders. “We don’t have much time.”

Relief and gratitude prickled Lela’s eyes.

“She’s right.” Oren’s voice rang hollow. Lela couldn’t imagine what he was thinking.

“Can you portal us from here?” Lela asked.

Lady Sarafine shifted her stance. “I don’t know how strong I’ll be.”

“Then we’ll go to her.” Oren led them from the alcove, and no guards waited with crossbows. They set off, hurrying. They left the more decorated part of the castle and crossed through a simple courtyard, empty of any shrubbery or statues, and entered a new door.

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