Page 39

Annalise

F or the first time in a week, I have been allowed within the beast camp. And it isn’t because their leader had a change of heart. It’s because we’re leaving. And although Joan remains by my side as she always has as we make our way through the camp, a new kind of fear washes over me as I take in the beasts who share traits with Cyrus and Ciel.

There are only eight in total. Eight that managed to wipe out Elias’s war camp. But after seeing what only one can do, I understand how they were able to mange such a feat. I’m sure it was no struggle for them.

I shift my attention across the camp to find Cyrus speaking to Felix. His face is determined as he relays to him what needs to be done in his absence. He looks much better than he did a few days ago, and well rested. The bruising has completely cleared up and he is no longer disheveled as he is dressed in clothing similar to the beasts from the foreign regions.

Cyrus’s words to me have plagued my mind over the past week, embedding a more profound fear in me. He is angry with me, angry at my betrayal, and yet he can do nothing about it because if he shows even an inkling of his disapproval, these beasts will use it as an excuse to execute me.

“Ah, the infamous Annalise.” Joan steps in front of me as a beast approaches, a mischievous grin on his lips as he looks me up and down. It’s unnerving to see more beasts who are like Cyrus.

He eyes Joan in irritation as he speaks.

“Calm yourself. Cyprian has ordered she not be touched, and unlike you rebels, we follow our ruler’s word,” he says, forcing me to flinch as he refers to the beasts who accompanied me.

“Your reputation precedes you. Everyone is curious about the hybrid who caused the extermination of an entire kingdom… who awakened the beast inside of our dear reserved Cyrus,” he chuckles.

He’s obviously someone who likes stirring the pot. But his choice of words catches my attention.

“Awakened the beast.”

He steps past Joan, his hand reaching for my face when she lashes out, gripping his arm.

“Do not touch her,” she growls out.

The beast’s initial shock wears off and he lashes out, gripping Joan by her throat.

“Or what?” he asks.

My eyes widen as black smoke slowly manifests over his skin as he studies Joan. I instinctually step forward, calling on Cyrus’s seal as I reach for the beast, but my arm immediately falls, hanging limp at my side as nothing comes.

Cyrus’s words play in my mind.

“Your life is in your own hands now, Anna. Whether you take care of it or not is solely your decision. I hope you will think before you act from now on.”

This is one of those moments. I can no longer act without thinking, so I stand helplessly as Joan struggles with this beast to protect me.

“Jorah.”

We all turn to see the beast who attacked us in the caves, Cyprian, approaching. My heart involuntarily speeds up as Jorah steps away from Joan, immediately releasing her with only the sound of this beast calling his name.

Cyprian’s eyes roam over each of us in irritation, lingering on Joan before falling to me. He and Cyrus not only share the rare traits afforded to him and his mother, but their features are similar. This beast looks identical to the portrait of Cyrus’s mother.

“So much loyalty for a creature who doesn’t belong,” he says in disgust.

I don’t respond, not after Cyrus’s warning to me. I am weak now and can only depend on Joan to defend me. And I’ve already caused her enough trouble for a lifetime. As Cyprian shifts closer to me, Joan doesn’t bother moving this time. I force my breathing to remain steady as he leans into my personal space, his presence stifling.

“You reek of displacement. But Cyrus sees something in you… something he would put his life on the line for. I do hope you continue to disappoint him in the future.” I flinch as his nails elongate into smoke-covered talons, the edge scraping the bottom of my chin as his eyes sharpen into the threatening state I’ve accustomed to these beasts. “I look forward to finishing what I started.”

My ears ring, and my vision blurs as the familiar feeling of his poisonous attack rushes through me, and I find myself gasping like a fish as he torments me in the middle of the camp.

Suddenly, he is wrenched away from me, and Cyrus has me in his arms before I can hit the ground.

“You said you would not touch her,” Cyrus snaps.

Cyprian smiles, and it is as chilling as before as his attention darts between the two of us.

“I did, didn’t I?” he smiles.

His gaze shifts to Joan one last time before he turns his back to us.

“We are leaving within the hour. I suggest you bring her up to speed on the rules of this trip,” he calls to Cyrus.

“Is this how you protect her?” Cyrus snaps to Joan.

She quickly lowers her head. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I tried, I—”

“I don’t want your excuses,” he interrupts.

“It’s…not…her fault,” I wheeze as the pain slowly dissipates from my system.

Cyrus heaves a deep breath, and I feel the familiar warmth of him attempting to heal me.

“You must avoid Cyprian, Annalise. Try to remain clear of his sight at all times,” he says.

I fight the urge to tell him Cyprian approached us. I don’t think actively avoiding him will work in the future.

“He has allowed Joan and the twins to accompany you as your swords now that you have been deprived of my seal. But you cannot wield them carelessly, Annalise. You must put them ahead of yourself. You are all they have now,” he says.

Cyrus helps me to my feet, his expression of controlled focus as he watches me.

“Cyprian has ordered Ciel come with us. We are departing ahead of him. Felix will bring him to their territory. One of Cyprian’s beasts will accompany them as well,” he says.

My chest constricts as I think of Ciel being dragged into this as well. But there is nothing I can do. There’s nothing I can say. I am at their mercy. I feel Cyrus’s finger under my chin as he lifts my gaze to meet his.

“We are walking into the lion’s den. And they are holding your life over me. I need you to be smart,“ he says.

My eyes widen as it dawns on me. Cyrus isn’t afraid of these beasts. He isn’t afraid of leaving. He’s afraid for me. My life depends on his cooperation. It makes sense why Cyprian openly loathes me, controlling himself to ensure Cyrus’s cooperation. Cyrus is leaving with them because if he doesn’t, they will kill me. And if we are separated, he has no proof that they won’t double back to end me.

Even in his anger, he’s protecting me... even when I don’t deserve it.

“I will be,” I say. “I swear.”

Cyrus nods, the determined look in his eyes making all the more sense. We are embarking into foreign territory. A territory that his mother was all too eager to leave behind. And these beasts, whatever their reasons, are adamant on Cyrus returning with them to right his mother’s wrongs.

I can only imagine the challenges that lie ahead. But as Cyrus gently squeezes my hand in comfort, I know that no matter the challenge, we will face them together.

We have no choice in the matter.