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“Good. Now let's go.”

Within two minutes, we were at the entrance of the dungeon. The guards that normally guarded the tunnels were gone, all called to defend the walls of Rewyth.

“Stay hidden,” I said to her. “Wait for me to come get you.”

I didn’t wait to see if she kept moving. I turned on my heels and ran as fast as I could to defend the walls of my castle.

CHAPTER14

Jade

Malachi truly did not know me at all if he thought I was going to sit quietly in the dungeons while he fought to defend this castle.

As soon as he was out of sight, I ran in the direction of the servants’ quarters, where I knew Tessa would be hiding.

At least Ihopedshe was still there.

I bursted through Malachi’s personal dining room, remembering which door led to the secret hallway.

I had no problem finding it this time, fueled by adrenaline and a desperate need to find my sister.

“Tessa?” I yelled as I slowly pushed the door open. “Tessa, are you in here?”

“Jade!” she answered, slamming herself into my chest. I hugged her back, thanking the Saints that she was still here. “What’s happening?” she asked. “We heard the siren, but I–”

“We’re being attacked,” I answered quickly.

“What?” she asked, eyes wild. “By who?”

“It’s not exactly awho,” I started explaining before I realized that Tessa would have no idea what a deadling was. People back home… they didn't know about those things. I had only recently found out what a deadling was.

And that was when I had beenattackedby one.

“It doesn't matter,” I quickly recovered. “I just want to know that you’re safe. Is father here?”

Tessa stepped aside, motioning to our father who was still somehow passed out on the bed.

No surprise there.

I gripped Tessa’s shoulders and bent down so that I was looking directly into her eyes. “I need you to stay here, Tessa. No matter what happens, I need you to stay in this room until I come get you. Do you understand?”

“Where are you going?”

“I have to take care of something,” I answered. “I’ll be safe. I just need to know you’re safe, too. Do you promise you won’t leave?”

Tessa nodded frantically.

“Good,” I said. “It will be over soon.” I kissed her forehead and was gone, the small wooden door closing behind me.

And then I was moving.

I had been trained for war personally by Malachi himself.

I could handle a few deadlings.

The knife I always wore was strapped tightly to my thigh, ready to be wielded. Adrenaline pulsed through my veins, but it was a calm rush. I knew what I needed to do.

I was focused. I was ready.