Page 85 of Secrets of Avalon
“Not your fault, little one,” Boaz says, stepping forward and putting a hand on Fen’s furry shoulder. The wolf snarls and looks back at the knight, but doesn’t eat Boaz’s face like I’m expecting. “Ares, I’ll take some of that ambrosia after you’ve had some.”
Ares takes a gulp from his flask and hands it to Boaz.
“Hawke, drop your shield to cover just you and Domina and I’ll let more of my guardians out. They’ll block the way long enough for you to get out of Camelot.”
My heart pounds against my ribs, and sweat slicks my palms. I glance frantically between Hawke and the chaotic crowd on the other side of the shimmering shield.
“You ready, love?” Hawke whispers into my ear.
His warm breath sends a shiver down my spine, contrasting sharply with the dread pooling in my stomach. My throat constricts, making it hard to breathe. I want to match Hawke's bravery, but terror claws at my insides. “No,” I finally say.
Hawke's arm tightens around me. “I’ve got you. You trust me?” His eyes lock onto mine, fierce and determined.
I swallow hard and nod. “Yes.” The word comes out a hoarse whisper.
He grips my hand, his calloused palm rough against mine. “We’re going to run. Do not let go of me. Not for anything.”
My heart’s in my throat. I want to puke, but I’m ready to run. Whatever he needs me to do. I’ll do it.
CHAPTER 32
And Now We Run
Melinda Mayweather
A melodic voice slices through the tower's chaos, silencing the crowd mid-shout. I whip my head toward the sound. A petite woman glides through the doorway, her mermaid-colored hair shimmering in the light. Nimue, Queen of the Sirens, follows, they’re both wearing dresses that look like they’re sculpted from mother of pearl.
The siren's song ripples through the air, slamming into each person like an invisible wave. Eyes widen in panic before glazing over. A knight near me drops his sword with a clatter, his arm freezing in place. To my left, a woman in elaborate robes opens her mouth, her face contorting in a silent scream of defiance.
Hawke's grip loosens. I clutch his fingers tighter, my heart hammering. Then I realize the song isn’t affecting me.
Hawke's shield flickers and disappears. Even Kellan's guardian wings fade into nothingness. The kings, queens, and council members fall silent, their calls for my execution all silenced.
“Siren. Not fair,” Darkwood says, struggling to get each word out.
Nimue smiles, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Keep singing, Daphne." She turns to face Darkwood. "But you starting a lynching for Hawke Stormblood's soulmate is fair?"
Gasps ripple through the room.
A Drakonii councilman steps forward slowly, like he’s pushing through a vat of peanut butter. "H-how are you suuuuure?"
Nimue's gaze never wavers. "Because I found her on earth. Yggdrasil itself gave the Prince a vision of her before she arrived in Avalon."
Nimue steps forward, approaching us with certainty in her stride. She reaches toward my neck and my heart leaps into my throat. I jerk backward, my free hand coming up in a defensive gesture.
Hawke snarls and tries to push Nimue away, but his movements are sluggish. It’s like he's fighting an invisible force. His usual quick reflexes are gone, replaced by a slow-motion struggle.
I tug harder on Hawke's arm, my eyes darting between him and Nimue. "Let him go!" I plead to the Siren, but his glazed expression doesn't change.
“Let me see it,” she says, still completely calm.
“See what?”
“Your neck.” She points at the collar of my robe. “He bit you didn’t he?”
Show her. She won’t let us go until she does. Hawke whispers through our bond.
I pull the collar back, exposing Hawke’s bite mark and heat creeps up into my cheeks.