Chapter 17
Briar
The guards barely glanced at me when I strode through the gates earlier. I could feel their cold, dead eyes on me, but they made no move to stop me. If anything, I wasn’t anymore interesting than another resident of the Underworld. It was a relief when I stepped out of the castle walls and into the world beyond. I know I should feel frightened, but I’m more curious and excited than anything else. By this time tomorrow, I’ll be home safe and with Laurel and Sera. My heart clenches tightly at the thought of my two best friends.
I spared only a short glance at the castle walls as the sun was setting. The black walls were absorbing the light, making it even darker. I walk through a forest now, moving a leisurely pace. Kane might have discovered my absence by now, but I hope he’s more distracted by other things. If he has noticed, then hopefully it will take him some time to catch up to me. After all, he doesn’t know exactly how I left the city or where I’m going.
I nod to myself, feeling assured by this. Heavy shadows lay across the cobblestone highway as the dim light from the moon and stars fights to slip through the thick foliage above. Tall, intricate lamps with bright flames light the highway, making up for the darkness. At first, I spent some time looking into the forest, admiring it. But the farther I walk from the city the more I feel that the forest is not as peaceful as it seems. Now, I feel queasy when I try to pierce its shadows, and I keep my eyes on the stones of the highway.
To pass the time, I rehearse what I know about the Underworld. If things had been different, I would have asked him to show me Yolnheim or Zculuth. The ancient ruins have always fascinated me; the last remnants of a long-past civilization that rivaled even the most advanced mortal realms, like Ryrn. I wonder if Kane has ever studied them, or if he was there during their golden ages before they disappeared.
Stop thinking about him, I chastise myself. It makes my heart thrum with guilt and something else I don't want to think about; regret, perhaps. I turn my eyes towards the forest to distract myself from thoughts of Kane with fear. My blood goes cold when I see a pitch-black fog rolling towards me through the trees. And eyes. Three pairs of yellow eyes glow out of the fog, locked on me. I freeze, heart beating so fast I feel light-headed. Sweat beads on my forehead as fear lances through me. My hands' tingle as I realize I have no weapon to defend myself. I can fight with my fists, but against three opponents, I don't know how much of a chance I stand.
Slowly, I back into the light underneath one of the lamp posts. I back away from the creatures, towards the city, without taking my eyes from the creatures in the fog. They don’t move, their eyes simply following me. I swallow hard, throat dry with fear. I’ll go back to the city and hire a mercenary—anyone—to escort me to the portal. I don’t have much money now that I’m Kane’s bride, but I at least can offer any jewelry on me. Everything except my mother’s ring anyway.
When the eyes disappear as I round a corner, I turn around, ready to run back to the city. But I’m halted in my tracks by a figure in the middle of the highway. The figure is tall, lean, and robed with the hood drawn up. Their face is hidden in the shadows and I feel a thrill of warning in the back of my mind. Somehow, I fear this person more than the fog or creatures in the forest. It takes a single step towards me my heart stops. Even my soul is trembling. I know this stance, the light gait. It’s the Nephilim.
I throw myself into the forest, a scream lodged in my throat. He found me, I think disbelievingly. I feel pure, infinite fear fill my veins and it’s like I could run forever with this much energy. I lift my arms in front of my face to block the branches slapping against my face as I run blindly through the dark forest. Behind me, the Nephilim’s footsteps are loud and gaining. I hear him crashing through the forest with as much abandon as me, his footsteps crushing twigs and leaves underfoot.
Darting to the side, I dodge a tree rearing up in front of me. I’ve already lost the way to the highway. New fear trickles into me; born of the thought that I might not be able to find my way out of this dark, dangerous forest. If the Nephilim doesn’t kill me first. I hear him behind me, but he’s fallen back a little. The realization brings me hope and my thoughts run wild, a million possibilities streaking through it. I can’t run forever. I spot the light of a lamp wavering through the thick fog and heavy foliage. I feel a wave of relief so intense, tears prick at my eyes. Hide, I decide.
Quietly, I drop to my knees and crawl into a tangle of thick roots. I hold my breath, staring, wide-eyed out at the dark forest. Worms and centipedes crawl over my fingers and I fight the urge to recoil. I must stay completely still. I hold my breath as
