Page 27 of Shadow Kissed
“Do you know…oh, it’s you,” I say as I swing open the door to find Raegal standing before me.
“Good morning to you too,” he says, his signature frown wrinkling his forehead. How does this man look so good, even at this unholy hour of the morning?
“It’s early and I’m tired. Can this wait?” I ask him, suddenly self-conscious that I am in nothing but one of Arkynn’s old shirts. I watch him as his eyes move along the shirt to my bare legs.
“You wear his shirts to bed?” he asks in an icy tone.
I do a double blink when I swear I see his eyes flash pure black for a moment. I should have thrown this shirt away, but I’d worn it ever since he left it here one hot afternoon after we’d finished sparring. It is comfy though and as much as a part of mehates Arkynn for what he did, wearing it brings me comfort. It’s familiar, and right now I need familiar things.
“What I wear to bed is none of your business shadow man,” I snipe, arching a brow and leaning against the door frame. “Did you just call round to comment on my choice of bed clothing, or is there another reason for you to drag me from my bed?”
I swear I see his lip twitch as if he’s fighting a smile. He clears his throat and places his hands behind his back. “We’re leaving today,” he tells me, looking over my shoulder at our humble home.
I nod my head. “Okay, well, safe journey.” I move to shut the door, but he places his foot in the way.
“I wasn’t finished,” he growls, glaring at me.
“That’s a shame,” I mutter under my breath, pulling the door wide again and leaning against it.
“I have orders to take you with us to Shadow Valley for your own safety.”
I shake my head; unsure I heard him right. “Wait, what?”
He clears his throat and arches a brow in irritation. “You’re not safe here. The mutts may not have tried to breach the walls again, but they’re gathering in large numbers outside the town walls.”
“And you think they are there for me?” I cross my arms defensively across my waist as I voice my fear.
“It’s a possibility, and if that’s the case, then this town may be better off without you here.”
I flinch as if he has physically slapped me. He’s certainly not one for mincing his words. “Wow, okay. But it’s three months until I’m expected there. What will I do? Where will I stay?”
“You’ll stay at the shadow mansion. You can start your preparations for the reaping early and gain an advantage over your fellow tributes.”
I scoff, and this earns me a frown. “You forget, Commander, that I have no desire to be the star pupil. I have no desire to be reaped.”
He arches a brow. “So, you don’t want to ensure the safety of your people and this town, especially after recent events?” I can hear the criticism in his words.
“You have no right to judge me, Shadow Blood.” I don’t miss how his jaw tenses at my choice of address. “I didn’t choose this. I was born to this fate. I have no say.”
He steps into my personal space, and I attempt to retreat, but there is nowhere for me to go. “The gods selected you because they considered you worthy. None of us choose the life we are born into, or the burdens that come with that life.”
I snicker, folding my arms across myself in protection. “What would you know about sacrifice?”
“More than you’ll ever understand, Ascien.”
It’s my turn to bristle at the words he uses to address me. Ascien is the Shadow Borne nickname for my kind. It means shadowless. “No. I won’t come with you now. My brothers need me. They’re grieving.”
He sighs, tilting his head to study me. “I’m afraid you don’t have a choice. This order is a royal decree. If I have to throw you over my shoulder and take you kicking and screaming, I will.”
“The King? And why would someone of royalty be interested in the likes of a lowly Asen like me?”
His frown deepens. Someone clearly doesn’t like his royal ruler being criticised, especially by someone like me. He clearly isn’t used to people not doing as he orders. “The royal household values all the Shadow Kissed females. You will leave with us, miss Lockwood. Your soldier will also be leaving with us.” His eyes fall upon Arkynn’s shirt again and a look of distaste crosses his face. “The two of you are close, yes?”
I bristle under his scrutiny. “Who Arkynn is to me is none of your business, Commander. I am more concerned that I will have to say goodbye to my recently orphaned brothers three months earlier than expected. You realise that no Shadow Kissed ever sees their family again once they leave for the valley? We have to leave everything we know and love behind. They have already lost so much.”
He continues to frown at me, seemingly uncomfortable at my words. “I am sorry for that, but I have my orders. Be at the square at ten and ready to leave. Oh, and pack light, Miss Lockwood. We have quite a journey ahead of us.”
I narrow my eyes at him and his assumptions that I’m some frivolous female who will want to bring a wardrobe of pretty dresses with me. “Not happening. Tell your king that if he wants me at Shadow Valley, then my brothers come with me.”