Page 43 of Lethal Souls
TWENTY-SIX
WILLOW
For a second, I think I’m losing it.
I know I’m swelling with emotion and my heart aches, but there’s a panic rising in me as well.
This feeling doesn’t belong to me.
There’s a lurch in my chest.
My heart is racing.
I’m fearing for my own life.
Oh no. Something’s wrong with Caz.
I smash my lips together as I follow Sylvie through the corridors. Killian stands only a step or two behind me, keeping watch of our surroundings.
The corridors are massive, the dark areas between the columns providing ample opportunity for anyone or anything to hide.
I have no idea who all resides in this castle other than The Council and their servants, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were things lurking in these hallways, slithering across the roof, or hiding in empty rooms.
“I can still feel Caz,” I whisper to Killian before Sylvie can reach a set of doors.
“Feel him?” Killian steps to my side. “How? I thought your connection to him was blocked.”
“I think our thoughts are, but I can feel him. Something isn’t right. He feels worried, panicked.” I glance into Killian’s brown eyes. “I think he’s made it to Inferno.”
Killian responds with a thick swallow, facing ahead again. “I should be there with him. He’ll never survive it.”
“We can’t think that way,” I murmur as we pass through another corridor. At the end of it, a warm, gold glow pours out from one of the openings. “Caz is smart. I’m sure he wouldn’t have gone without a plan.”
“Bet Rowan’s with him.” Killian scratches his eyebrow. “Hopefully Juniper isn’t. Nah. Caz wouldn’t let her join, no matter how much she begged.”
We’re bathed in the gold light as we pass through the opening. Ahead is a dining hall with a lengthy table and enough chairs for at least thirty people. Crystal chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, surrounded by floating candles.
The walls are bordered with silver and gold, and shockingly, there is no roof, only sky and low hanging clouds. The clouds are puffy and so close I feel like I can reach up and touch them. I probably could if I climbed on top of the table…and maybe stood on Killian’s shoulders.
Already seated at the table are two of The Council members, Callista and Arie. Both are dressed in silver cloaks and expensive clothing beneath.
They sit right next to each other at the center of the table, eyeing me and Killian when Sylvie steps out of our way.
With a quick bow, Sylvie takes off and disappears around a corner.
“Please,” Callista says, swaying her hand and guiding two empty chairs backwards. “Join us. The feast will be lovely tonight.”
Of course, the chairs she’s pulled out for us are directly across from them. I would’ve preferred to sit at the end of the table, huddled with the only person in this castle I can trust.
Killian moves first. I follow his lead. When he sits, I lower into my chair, avoiding all their eyes. Their gazes are heavy. I swear it feels like they’re touching me with looks alone.
“You look beautiful, Willow,” Callista croons.
I shift my gaze up to her.
She’s smiling, the red on her lips looking more like blood.
“Thank you,” I return. I was hoping not to look beautiful. Sylvie even picked out a colorless dress with a half turtleneck. I guess it doesn’t matter though because Vassilis isn’t around. With him not around, it’s the first time I’ve felt true relief since waking up in this damn castle.