Page 62 of Ruthless Royals
My fingers balled into fists. “Astor must have told Salenia.”
“Go, brother. I’ll come once…”
I swallowed hard. “She’ll be okay,” I said, although I wasn’t certain. I stared at Anna for a few seconds, knowing if she didn’t make it, Zach would lose his mind. He’d need me more than ever. A part of me wanted to say, to ensure Anna woke up, but Olivia was kidnapped, and right now, she needed me more. Erianna could take care of herself and would probably laugh at the idea of me saving her, but with Salvor around, she was in danger, too.
***
My wings were a blur, beating against the air with desperation as I rose higher above the Black Mountain Retreat. Gusts of wind ripped around me as I rapidly ascended, my sights set on the castle in the distance. The sky lightened, and through the clouds I could make out the jagged icy peaks of the mountains below. As the sun crested the horizon, it bathed the forest in a dewy yellow.
The icy winds whipped around me, flinging snowflakes against my face and wings. The air grew thinner the higher I flew, heavy gasps leaving my lips as fatigue threatened to overpower me. My vision blurred, but I refused to stop until Olivia was safe.
I soared around the highest peak, the expanse of the mountainous terrain reaching out below in a spectacular view. A frosty chill gathering on my hands and face as I fought back the urge to swoop down lower, but I didn't want to risk being spotted. Still, I dared myself further with each passing moment. The aniccipere didn’t fly, but I didn’t doubt there would be eyes on the skies.
As I passed through the mountains, the castle loomed into view, the forest stretching out into the horizon. While I flew amongst the trees, I noticed movement and beat my wings in a frenzy, until the air became so thin I could hardly breathe.
Each ragged breath was a struggle as I squinted, pushing ahead until I could make out the gray silhouettes of the trees below me. Silently, I descended, fighting to keep my eyes open as white spots filled my vision. The wind howled in my ears, and the smell of pine filled my nostrils as I readied myself to land, looking around to make sure I was alone.
I descended, landing through the thick canopy, branches whipping against my wings, snagging on my clothes. I let out a foggy breath as my feet touched the mossy mattress of the forest floor. Kneeling, I felt the dampness of the earth beneath my hands and took in a deep breath to center myself.
I could barely make out the skittering of the aniccipere as they fled the morning sun, which would soon burn their thin skin. I whipped my head around, spotting a flash of black in the corner of my eye, and noticed a long, thin tail disappearing into the undergrowth. Adrenaline coursed through my body, and I sped forward through the trees, dodging wide trunks and thick foliage while focusing on any sound that seemed out of place.
I halted as a hiss sounded from nearby. My fangs elongated, my veins bulging in anticipation of an attack. I curled my fingers into my fists and readied myself to fight.
An aniccipere appeared from behind a tree, its needle-like teeth glinting as it opened its lipless mouth and let out a screech, alerting the others. Its gaunt body was hidden beneath a guard’s uniform, and I realized how integrated they had become in the castle.
I pivoted, my muscles flexing in anticipation as I launched myself into the air just as the creature lunged at me. My foot connected with its chest, and it stumbled back, clutching its shattered ribs while I took advantage of the distraction to launch another attack, this time at its head. My ears filled with the sound of approaching footsteps; there was no way I could take on all of them.
I latched onto the top of its leathery head, and its mouth opened in a deafening screech. Its talons dug into my arms as I used the force of my wings to lift me up behind it. Blood pooled beneath the creature’s claws, but I secured my grip, one arm around its neck and legs on either side of its body. I yanked harder, the pressure of its teeth sinking deeper into flesh. I heaved back until, with a loud crack, the head tore from its body.
Before the others reached me, I flapped my wings, lifting myself through the canopy. They already knew I was here.
I soared upwards, propelling myself out of reach of the aniccipere racing towards me below. The chorus of their high-pitched screeches sent a chill down my spine, and I could feel the sticky warmth of fresh blood caked on my skin and clothes from the fight. With one last push of my wings, I flew toward the castle.
The sharp thud of arrows sounded in my ears as they flew and landed in the mud of the forest floor. My heart raced as I glanced up to see two guards eyeing me from atop the drawbridge, their bows ready for another shot.
I spun as another two whistling arrows swished past my ear. I screamed as pain shot through my left wing.
A second arrow pierced the same wing, sending me spiraling towards the ground. I glared up at the men that were supposed to be protecting me, the Sangaree guards who used to serve the true monarchy faithfully. Fury replaced the pain with adrenaline pumping through my veins. Slowly, my wings healed, but another arrow grazed my stomach.
Fuckers.
My vision blurred by sweat and blood as I maneuvered myself, kicking my legs out in front of me as the window of the royal chambers came into view. My blood created a wet trail between my chest and navel as I angled myself toward the window, then closed my eyes as my feet landed through the glass. The window cracked, then shattered around my legs, slicing through my shirt and skin as I fell through. I crashed against the carpet, sending a wave of dust into the air. Groaning, I lifted myself off the ground, using what little energy I had left to reach for the windowsill.
My gaze fell on a guard, his jaw slacked as he stared at me from Salenia’s closed door. She wasn’t here.
“Move. Now,” I ordered, and he stepped aside. As I passed her wardrobe, I glimpsed my reflection, realizing why he didn’t fight me. I looked like I’d stepped out of a bloodbath, the crazed look in my eye staring back at me. I threw open the door, then stormed out of it.
She was in here somewhere, and I didn’t give a fuck who I had to kill to find her. “Salenia!” I bellowed, my voice bouncing down the corridor. “Salenia!” I yelled again as nobles opened their doors. I sped down the corridor, then pushed a guard who tried to lunge at me from a doorway. He fell back against the wall, and I didn’t care to check him as I heard the skull-crunching thud. “Move the fuck out of the way,” I shouted as people gathered. “Or I will kill you all!”
Panicked whispers filled the air as I raced to the end corridor, finding the start of the staircase. “Salenia,” I screamed. “Come face me, you fucking bitch.”
Niall emerged from behind me, with a mortal tucked away behind him. “Vangard,” he said, breathing relief.
“Where are Olivia and Erianna?”
“They’re here?”
“Yes, they fucking are!” I shouted. “Where are they?”