Scarlet Forest by Jennifer Ann Reed

Author:Jennifer Ann Reed [Reed, Jennifer Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-20T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Kitra

T HE IMPOSING GRAY CASTLE with its menacing gargoyles standing as sentries rose in the distance. The last time I’d seen this building, I was under arrest for treason and sentenced to life in prison. My hands twisted in my lap as the tires crunched over the seashell drive. Most of the Council members hadn’t believed me when I pleaded not guilty against Josiah’s accusations. Would they believe me now? Would they believe Josiah had only wanted me for himself?

I didn’t open the Gate of Aramath. I had helped to close it after Jessie Danvers cracked it open for Aelfric. If it wasn’t for our sacrifice, the Destroyer would be raising havoc against the world. I knew coming here was risky, but I had to plead our case. We couldn’t stop what was coming on our own.

The Range Rover stopped behind Brannon’s truck. I took a deep breath and put a hand on the door handle.

“We won’t let them imprison you again.” Uncle Kalen stared at me through the rearview mirror. His jaw ground together as he looked at the entrance to the Council’s Estate.

“I know.” I nodded once and pulled the handle. “If it comes down to it, I’ll teleport us back to Moon Stone Ranch.” I had managed to unlock a lot of my hybrid magic, but my scalp prickled with self-doubt when I thought about all the times I had lost control of it. In my mind, I knew I’d only scratched the surface of my power. Too many people had gotten hurt because I lacked the full discipline over my abilities, and I shivered as fear raced to my toes.

Soldiers dressed in black fatigues stormed from the front entrance and interrupted my train of thought. The ground rumbled as the coppery tang of magic filled the air when Spell Dancers joined them. Each of us raised our hands above our heads.

“We’re here to speak to Aerolynn and the Council.” Brannon grasped my arm and pushed me forward. “Kitra is turning herself in. I’ll take her to the trial room.” The line of soldiers parted to allow us to walk through them.

Inside we passed the double staircase and continued to the oak door at the end of the hall. The stone stairs on the other side led into the cold wet bowels of the estate. Two guards stood between us and our entry into the trial room. Once again, Brannon made a show of shoving me around while he told them of my surrender. Steely stares morphed into leers when we were searched. Once we passed their inspections, we entered into the circular room which was constructed of marble and sandstone. Grecian columns outlined the area where the round table surrounded by nine chairs sat. I paused next to one of the columns and took a deep breath. Then, Brannon led us to the gap between the sections and told us to stand on the dais. I warned the others in time for them to brace for its movement.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.