I rise, heading towards my wardrobe. Inside I pull out two cloaks, donning one and laying the other out over my bed. I fill it with long-lasting cookies my friends hid inside my suitcase before sending me off. It’s the only food I have and I don’t know where the kitchens are to pillage them. I add as many clothes as I think I may need on the journey to the nearest portal to the mortal world. Portals are scattered across the Underworld, inaccessible by anyone other than mortals. Undead creatures cannot pass through. I’ve often wondered by Kane even kept the portals open and maintained, but now I’m grateful for it.
The closest one is perhaps a day’s walk outside the city. I’ll be back with my family by tomorrow morning. The thought eases the tightness in my chest and fills me with anticipation. I feel light for the first time in weeks. I tie my supplies up tightly and hide them beneath my cloak. I sneak out of my room and down the hall. A servant girl passes by, carrying fresh laundry, but she doesn’t even glance at me. I loose a sigh of relief and slip down an empty staircase.
My thoughts drift to Kane as I make my way to the main floor. I wonder how he’ll respond to find me missing again—but this time of my own accord. He’ll be furious. I push out of the castle into the sunlight. My father won’t be thrilled to see me when he discovers my failure. But I would rather risk his anger than death by remaining in the Underworld. No one here can protect me; not even Kane.
Chapter 16
Kane
I stalk through the castle gates, shoulders hunched with fatigue and frustration. The sun is nearly setting overhead, the perpetually red sky is becoming a deep shade of purple. I throw my head back and roll it from side to side. The castle gates close heavily behind me, rattling. The main doors open for me and I sigh when I step into my home. At last.
When I sensed that Briar was so heavily asleep she wouldn’t notice if I left, I crept out of the room and sealed it with more wards so not even Willem could enter. The city wasn’t even stirring when I crept into it to hunt the Nephilim that kidnapped my bride. I haven’t slept for thirty-six hours, and the heightened emotions of the incident and the party have drained me. I trudge to my room, wondering if Briar will still be there. I feel a prick of excitement in my heart at the prospect. I squash it quickly and frown. It would be best if she was gone, I remind myself. I need rest, not a distraction.
The city guards have worked in tandem with the castle guards to scour the city. We found the house where Briar was held, but the owners were dead inside. No leads there. I followed its strange, unfamiliar scent through the city but the trail led to the House of Carrion and died there. Madame Edma knew nothing of the Nephilim, despite Briar’s description. I have no doubt the Nephilim is hiding in the Moarte District. It’s a seedy den of criminals and it would be simple for the Nephilim to blend there with a simple disguise. But nevertheless, he managed to evade me and my men.
I open the door to my room. I know Briar is gone without even having looked inside. I can’t sense her presence there or her scent. I feel a shred of disappointment but gratitude at the same time. I don’t know what I would tell her. That I failed? I can already picture the way her full, pouty lips would tremble with fear to know the Nephilim who attacked her is still out there and likely won’t stop until he’s consumed all of her soul. But I have time until I have to confront Briar. Perhaps I’ll invite her to a late night dinner or for drinks in my salon. I pause, frowning. It’s been some time since I took care in planning to meet a woman.
I ease down into a plush armchair, the very same I pushed Briar into on the night of her Claiming. A sigh escapes my lips as I rest my head back. My muscles are heavy and tired, I can feel it deep in my bones. My eyes slip half-closed and I stare emotionlessly at the purple sky outside. Slowly, dark, midnight blue seeps into the lilac stain on the clouds. Briar must have opened my curtains before she left and I’m grateful she did. It’s a beautiful sight, one I haven’t cared to appreciate in some time.
The door clicks open and my heart lurches, thinking perhaps its Briar. “You look like you’ve been dragged through Yolnheim by your ear,” Willem says good naturedly from behind me. He strides around the chair, blocking the sunset from view.
I purse, but I’m too tired to make him move. “Hello, Willem. Have you finished briefing the guards on the new protocol?”
“Of course,” Willem says, rolling his eyes. “But I have news for you.”
“Good or bad?” I groan. I’m not sure I can handle another crisis tonight.
"Both first, your mother has elected to depart early. She said she came to visit her son, not be forgotten in Briar's drama." Willem's eyes glint with humor.
I sigh, rubbing my temples. “Night, I wish she wasn’t so melodramatic. I can’t say I’m not looking forward to things returning to normal.”
“You may have to wait for normal.” Willem’s voice loses its humorous edge.
“What is it?” I frown, preparing for the worst.
“Briar is missing.”
Silence stretches between us and I stare at him, searching for any sign of humor. But his lips are pulled into a disapproving frown, hands clasped behind his wings. “What?” The simple word is more of a statement than a question.
“Briar has left
