Page 85 of The Call of Crimson (The Crimson & Shadows #2)

OPHELIA

T he light glints off the blade as I twirl it between my fingers. I had grown quite nimble with it since Cillian first gave it to me.

The castle is unnervingly quiet. And I’m bored.

Breyla had been sent away with Darian on some urgent mission, and I hadn’t heard a word in days.

I was in town when Aurelius attacked Ayden, his mother, and half the palace guards. Everything I knew was learned second-hand from gossiping staff.

Some things never change at court, it seems.

That incident happened two days ago. The only familiar face still in the palace is Rowina, and I barely know her.

I just wish someone would tell me what the hell is going on.

I consider heading back to town. Maybe find a new target to watch. But the blood lust hasn’t stirred since my… encounter with Cillian. And damn him for being right about it. His solution, infuriatingly, had worked.

Just as I decide to leave the palace, Ayden and Cillian appear in front of me. Looking utterly depleted and sleep-deprived, they pant hard, falling into me. Somehow, I manage to keep us all upright.

After several heartbeats, their breathing evens out and they straighten themselves.

Crossing my arms, I arch a brow. “Did you remember I still exist?”

“Breyla and Aurelius are gone,” Ayden says, voice ragged.

“W-what?” I stammer.

“Kidnapped by the Fae,” Cillian explains.

“I think,” Ayden starts. “Aurelius might be dead.”

I stumble, one hand reaching for the nearest wall to steady myself. “What are we going to do?”

Cillian grins as if the thought of imminent danger excites him. “We’re going to get them back, of course.”