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I head out of the main building, cross the courtyard with Fury trotting beside me. I wave at Zayne where he’s drilling with a group of soldiers. They’re Thanouq’s elite guard—the best of the best. Therion is nowhere in sight.

Should I walk or should I ride? I suppose I could shift, but I don’t want the attention.

I have all day; I think I will walk. The city isn’t huge, maybe three miles across each way. I can easily cover that on foot. We pass under the arched gateway, and I hesitate for a moment, then head north in the opposite direction from the main gate to the city which is the only road I’ve travelled. We walk in silence because obviously Fury is even less of a conversationalist than Khaos. But it’s a comfortable silence. We pass a few people, and I nod and do my best to ignore their strange, worshipful, looks.

Thanouq has told me that there are now more than ten thousand people living in the city and more arriving each day. Mostly soldiers. They’ve heard war is coming and want to fight. Which is good. But also a bit of a logistic nightmare for the person who has to make sure there is enough food and water for everyone.

I wonder how many soldiers my father has at his command—shadowguard, but also men. I hadn’t realized it before, but I’ve been learning a lot and this area of Valandria really is an island. To the north and south, Lucifer rules. In absentia, of course, because he’s still stuck in Hell. But how long will that last?

The sun is warm and it’s quite pleasant. But as we get farther from the palace, the city becomes more derelict. The buildings are mostly ruins with piles of rubble lining the increasingly narrow streets. We walk for what seems like hours. I let my mind run free, not thinking about magic or sex—okay, maybe a little about sex—just enjoying the illusion of freedom.

To be honest, it’s not very exciting, just ruined street after ruined street. I suspect we’re in the oldest part of the city. The streets are narrow, the buildings—those still standing—are tall with small windows.

After a couple of hours, I take out one of the rolls from my pocket, brush off the straw and munch it as we walk. Fury turns his head and watches me—I swear he raises an eyebrow.

“What?” I mutter. “All this stimulating conversation is giving me an appetite.”

He snorts and we walk on.

We haven’t seen any people for a long while. I guess they all live in the rehabilitated areas.

Then I stop walking, as up ahead, I spot a figure I recognize.

Chapter 28

When Winter Opens Up

Iput a hand on Fury’s shoulder, and he pauses.

“There’s Winter,” I say pointing up ahead, but she’s disappeared around a corner of the narrow street. I feel a shiver of magic in the air and Khaosti is back.

“What’s she doing out here?” he asks, his tone suspicious. But then, he has a suspicious nature.

“Maybe the same as us?” But I don’t really believe that.

Khaosti frowns. “I doubt that.” His eyes narrow.

“Why don’t we catch her up and ask?” I suggest. I admit I’m curious. Winter has always been a bit of a mystery. I like her but she keeps a barrier up. I get it; she’s had a tough life. All her family were killed or taken by slavers. She has one brotherwho might be still alive. I know she was hoping to find some news of him here—Thanouq’s people keep records of the slave trains they attack—but I don’t think she’s discovered anything yet. We speed up, and as we turn the corner, I catch sight of her up ahead. “Winter!” I call out and she hesitates, then stops and turns around. Her eyes widen—she probably hadn’t expected to see anyone here. Maybe she thinks we followed her?

But she waits and when we come to a halt in front of her, she gives a small smile. “Hello.”

“Hi.” I grin. “Hecate gave me a day off and I’m exploring. And Khaosti came along because he’s totally infatuated with me and can’t bear to let me out of his sight.”

She gives a little giggle and then presses her lips together.

“What are you doing out here?” Khaosti asks. He’s very rude.

She casts him a nervous glance; Winter for all her quiet ways is clearly very bright, and she knows Khaosti doesn’t trust her. Hopefully, she doesn’t take it personally—he doesn’t trust anyone. For a minute I think she’s not going to answer, then she shrugs. “I’m looking for a place.”

Hmm—as far as I’m aware, Winter has never been to Zandar Aurion before. “What sort of place? Is this about your brother? Maybe we can help.”

Sadness flashes across her face. “No, not my brother.” She glances away for a moment and then looks between the two of us, as if trying to decide something. “A place that was once important to my people. A house where they all lived before they left Zandar Aurion when it was destroyed. At least most of them left. Some were killed and others captured, but many got away.”

If she’s talking about the battle that destroyed the city, then that was over a thousand years ago. Intrigued, I ask, “And you know where this place is?”

“I think so. The information was passed down among our people.”

“Wow. That’s much more interesting than wandering aimlessly around, however fascinating Fury’s conversational skills are.” Khaos growls. I ignore him. “Can we come along?” She looks a little uncertain. Maybe this is something she feels she has to do alone. “I understand if you’d rather be by yourself.”