Page 71 of A Vow of Shadows
I shook my head. “A fool’s plan. Besides, we’ve already done that.”
“Yes, but now we have a lead.”
“And what if we still find nothing?”
“Then we seek out other libraries, hunt down forgotten scrolls of wisdom or whatever is necessary to see it undone.”
“There are other reapers who would oppose Behryn.” Sam’s voice was soft, a contrast to his usually boisterous self. “I’ll putout feelers for aid. Surely, there are some who would answer the call, if only for a little excitement from the monotony of reaping.”
I buried my face in my hands as if I could hide from this destiny laid out before me. Suddenly, this selfish quest to free myself from an early grave had become something that felt insurmountable. “Why does this feel like we are declaring war?”
Silence answered, and I knew the two men were exchanging more glances, holding private conversations through looks alone. “Out with it,” I said. I didn’t want to be kept in the dark anymore.
“If Behryn learns that you are the wife he so desperately seeks and knows that we have been actively keeping you from him…” Evander hesitated. “He will see it as an act of war already, regardless of what we do from here.”
A new fear blossomed in my chest, and I looked up sharply. “What will he do to you for aiding me?”
Sam opened his mouth to answer, but Evander silenced him with a sharp look, capturing my hand between his. “It doesn’t matter. We knew the risk when we agreed to help.”
“You couldn’t have known why he wanted me.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Sam echoed. “Going against Death in any capacity would result in the same consequences.”
His expression told me I didn’t want to know, but my imagination had no trouble filling in the gaps between their words. If I’d known trying to save myself would put others at risk, would I have done it?
I couldn’t answer for the woman I’d been at the crossroads that night. I no longer knew her. The woman I was now couldn’t stomach the thought of any harm coming to the reapers.
I had barely enough time to lift the window covering before my stew and ale made an unpleasant return.
“Lovely.” Sam’s tone was dry as I spat, but I refrained from glaring at him as the carriage bounced over the uneven road.
Swiping my sleeve across my lips, I closed my eyes and sank to the floor. There I knelt in a puddle of gray and laid my head upon the seat cushion until the carriage slowed to a stop.
The mortal footman, unable—or perhaps unwilling—to pass into the Corridor, had promised to take us to yet another entry point. Though I could discern nothing of the hidden Corridor beyond, I wondered at his knowledge of their locations. Perhaps his Sight, which allowed him to see departed souls and those of other worlds, also gave him the ability to sense what lay beyond. Or maybe he had Fate to thank for that information.
Evander stepped from the carriage first, scanning the area for any threats before reaching back to help me down. I felt immediate relief at having the firm ground beneath my feet. Though the ride had been short, I couldn’t stomach another minute within the cramped space.
Evander kept a firm hold of my hand as we walked. His touch radiated comfort and safety. Part of me balked at the surety I felt at his side, knowing it was only temporary, only fulfilling his end of the bargain. The rest of me reveled in the confidence of standing with someone as powerful as he. I was strong by proxy. How would I have expected to return to life as I’d known it? How could the life I’d known be anything but mundane by comparison?
Sam followed close behind as he stewed. The three of us stepped off the road to make room for the carriage to depart. After a farewell dip of his chin, the footman urged the horses into motion.
I watched in silence as they continued down the mortal road, half expecting them to disappear into The Between as we would. Eventually, the coach’s lanterns faded from view, and I turned toface Evander and Sam, twin expressions of determination upon their faces.
“We should have borrowed a lantern,” Sam said.
Evander nodded in agreement.
“I can see just fine,” I said, and I could. Though full darkness had descended and the moon was absent from the night’s sky, I saw everything with perfect clarity.
“You don’t have to prove anything,” said Evander. “I can guide you until we reach my carriage.”
“But I can see.” Pulling my hand from Evander’s, I marched toward the road with all the confidence of someone walking in full daylight.
I laughed as Sam and Evander stumbled after me, waiting for them to catch up.
Evander did not share my humor. Upon reaching me, he captured my chin with his hand, tilting it up until my gaze met his. His eyes roved over my face, brows drawn and mouth a harsh line. His other hand came up to cover my eye. My good eye, or so I thought.
I stared up at Evander, unblinking.