Page 40 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin (The Nightfire Quartet #4)

THIRTY-NINE

Once Zarya had rested and filled her stomach, she carefully approached the window. It had been quiet for hours. Rabin could likely see everything from above, including how far the city stretched, giving him a distinct advantage.

She had to get to the temple, and the only way to do so was to venture out. She pushed every thought out of her mind except Rabin and the seal. She’d deal with the consequences of what came next later.

Steeling herself, she stepped out onto the street and peered left and right past the chalky-white buildings. She took a step, grateful when the material absorbed her footfalls rather than echoing them. Maybe if she was quiet enough, she could do this. She ventured towards the temple and surveyed the collapsed roof, praying a pile of debris hadn’t blocked the pool.

Her heart thudded painfully as she scrambled up the steps and quickly ducked inside. Light flooded in from the roof’s missing section, but thankfully, the glowing pool remained accessible.

Still keeping her movements quiet, she prowled over the wreckage and peered into the water. The surface was still, giving her a view of the bottom. She leaned over and squinted, but it was too far away to read clearly.

She had no choice but to swim. After slipping off her boots and socks, she placed them on the edge. Next came her sweater, leaving her only in a black top and fur-lined leathers. None of it was ideal.

She scanned the temple one more time before sinking her hand into the water’s surface. It was icy cold, but she inhaled a deep breath before dipping her feet, the chill instantly creeping up her limbs.

She scooted off the edge and plunged, sinking under the water, willing her arms and legs to move. With her eyes open, she flipped over and fluttered towards the bottom. All those years living by the sea were proving useful.

She kicked as hard as she could, consciously aware of the depleting oxygen in her lungs. Thankfully, it took less time than she expected before she touched the floor. It turned out to be a map.

Tracing the lines, she tried to memorize every detail—a tunnel led from this building into mountains, twisting to the left and right before it opened to a valley, a fortress, and then a door.

She counted the turns in her head—left, left, right, left, right…1, 2, 3. Her fingers caught on something sticking out of the bottom. A small bump on the surface. Instinctively, she pressed it, and she almost blew out the last of her air when the water started churning.

Swept up in the current, she kicked for the surface. The pool continued twisting as she kicked harder and harder. When she finally emerged into the crisp air, she realized it was draining out, and she was about to be left trapped at the bottom.

She grabbed the wall, clinging to the rocks and trying to haul herself up. The force battered against her, shoving her to the side as she attempted to cling on.

Finally, the water level dropped past her, and she dug in with wet toes and fingers until it completely drained away. She blinked, staring down.

Realizing she would have to climb, she jammed her toes into the shallow holds and slowly inched herself up one hand over the other while her muscles quivered with effort. As she ascended, she repeated the instructions on the map to herself over and over. Maybe she could find something to write them down. Her lips moved as she whispered to herself and made her slow ascent.

Sweat dripped into her eyes from the effort, and the rough stone scraped the tips of her fingers and toes raw. She inched slowly up, and it felt like it was taking forever. Just as she was about to reach the edge, a shadow darkened the room.

She gasped as it swept past, and the telltale flap of Rabin’s wings beat against the soundless atmosphere. Had he seen her, or was he only searching? She debated on her next move. Try to climb out and run? Or fall to the bottom where she’d be trapped? Could he reach her?

She heaved again, trying not to moan or grunt despite the ache in every bone of her body. Finally, she snagged the ledge and almost sobbed in relief. Slowly, she eased herself up, and just as she was about to pull herself over, the shadow returned.

She watched in horror as Rabin dropped through the ceiling, landing on the floor with a heavy thump. His red eyes glowed as he stared at her, unblinking.

“Rabin,” she whispered, and his lips pulled back to reveal his sharp, deadly teeth. “Rabin! Can you hear me? It’s me! Zarya! It’s your wife!”

Even as she screamed, her words felt dull and muted. They should have echoed off the temple’s high corners, but they dissipated into nothing. She’d never get through to him like this.

“Rabin, please!” she shouted, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Please hear me!”

She choked as he took a slow step and then another. His red eyes brightened, his mouth opening wider. This wasn’t working.

She looked down at the pool, her gaze skirting over the map before noticing a dark sliver in the side of the wall. An opening? Was that the tunnel? The water had to go somewhere.

When she turned back to face Rabin, his feral expression was wholly focused, still in the hold of Kishore’s twisted magic.

So, she made a decision.

With one hand, she knocked her boots over the ledge. As they thunked to the bottom, it seemed to awaken something in Rabin. He roared and lunged , snapping his teeth, barely missing her shoulder as she dropped off the ledge. She felt the heat of his breath and the pressure as it tugged her hair. She tumbled to the bottom, landing in a crouch and then rolling, ignoring the pain shooting up her legs.

Rabin roared as he thrust his massive head into the pool. Rocks and stone sheared from the edges, crashing down. He snapped, just barely missing her again. She scrambled to the wall and pressed her back against it, inching along the edge as Rabin tried to root her out.

Thankfully, the space was too tight for him to turn or get much leverage. He snapped again, the edge of a tooth grazing her arm and tearing a long, bloody gash. She choked on a sob and then nearly collapsed in relief as he pulled out of the well.

She lunged for her boots and dashed for the tunnel.

As she reached it, she turned for one last look at the map.

A second later, Rabin attacked again, his jaws spread wide. She leaped into the tunnel, crashing to the floor as his entire jaw smashed into the bottom of the pool, destroying the map.

She lay on the ground, breathing heavily as she watched him continue to sniff around, searching her out. His large nostrils flared. He could smell her, but he couldn’t reach her. At least for now.

But she’d finally caught a lucky break. She stood on shaky legs and tugged on her socks and boots.

Rabin retreated and smashed into the floor again, aiming for the tunnel. Rocks fell around her as she tried to keep her balance. He couldn’t fit down here, but given enough time, he might find a way through.

She had to keep moving and find the seal.

Rabin snarled and let out a roar that shook everything around her.

Gods, how she wished she could reach him.

She wiped at the tears coating her cheeks and blew him a kiss.

She knew he wouldn’t understand, and maybe he would never know.

“I love you,” she whispered. “I’m sorry we might never get to say goodbye.”

Then she turned around and ran.