Page 19 of Wolfsbane (Deadly Duet #2)

NINETEEN

HESPER

My hands pulled the straps on Morel’s armor, tightening them as he shoved his hands into a pair of leather gloves. He looked deadly and beautiful in his pitch black armor, his hair once again pulled high as a few loose strands hung in front of his face.

“Are you ready?” I asked. He smiled, pulling me close.

“With you by my side, I am perfect.”

We kissed for a moment, heavy knocking on our door interrupting the moment as Orion stepped into the room.

“Morel, Dr. Altair wishes to speak with you.” Morel nodded, kissing my forehead.

“Ride ahead with our army, Orion will shadow you, and as soon as I finish speaking with Dr. Altair, I shall join you.” My heart stung. I didn’t want to leave without him, but I knew time was working against us. Boletus and his army were spotted not far from the fields surrounding the kingdom late last night.

“Do not keep me waiting,” I warned.

“If I am late, you may punish me however you see fit.” Morel winked, leaving the room.

Orion approached my side, dressed in black armor, his horse snorting as he stopped. I was steadied my own horse, dressed the same, my hair braided back, my face smeared in black and white paint resembling a skull. Our army had been patiently waiting in the surrounding field, no sign of Boletus or his forces. Morel was also running late, nowhere to be seen. Something felt off. He should have arrived by now, riding steadily at my side, but he was not.

“Orion.” He trotted in front of me, bowing slightly. “Something is wrong.” My gut twisted and sank as I became uneasy and anxious. “Boletus should have arrived by now, and Morel is not here. No, something is off.” I scanned the horizon, searching for a sign of the opposing army. Nothing. “Boletus is not here. He must have changed his plans. Orion, we must return to Grisset!”

I kicked my horse as it rose and neighed, rushing past him to address the army.

“Your king needs you! Army of the night, follow me!” As I rode past, the soldiers shifted in unison, marching behind as we stormed back toward the castle.

The wind burned my face as I pushed my horse, forcing it to run as fast as possible, fear growing in my core as my breath fogged my face. Please be okay, Morel. I kicked the horse, groaning as I clenched my teeth. Fear and dread swallowed me whole as I spied the castle in the distance.

Do not leave me alone on this Earth, Morel!

“Morel!” I screamed, lunging from my horse as we reached the palace steps.

The kingdom seemed unharmed, with no sign of attack, but the doors of the castle were left open. An eerie feeling fell over me as I stepped inside, retrieving my sword. Orion was panting, running after me with his sword in hand. Our eyes met as we moved with stealth, communicating with our hands. We moved from the entryway, making our way through the castle, searching the rooms. The smell of blood stopped us as we approached the throne room.

Orion pushed past me, guarding me with his body as he slowly opened the door, the smell hitting us in the face as we stepped into the room. Laying in the center of the room, surrounded by a puddle of fresh blood, was Dr. Altair.

“No!” I dropped my sword and rushed to him, falling to his side as I searched his body. “Dr. Altair?” He groaned, barely conscious. “What happened?” I noticed a whip mark across his face, similar to Morel’s, answering my own question. Blood continued to pour from a wound on his shoulder, as if he had been stabbed. I ripped part of my armor, pressing it against the wound to stop the bleeding. “He needs help, Orion!”

Orion rushed to us, replacing my hands with his as he pushed against the hole to stop the bleeding.

“S-she took him-m—” the old man mumbled.

“What?” I looked at him, fearful of what he was saying.

“H-hystrix.” My hands balled into fists at my sides, realizing what he was saying. “F-forgive me—” I leaned down, kissing his forehead gently.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” He slowly faded away as my eyes met Orion’s. “Take care of him.” I stood, snatching my sword.

“My queen! You cannot face them alone!” I shoved the doors open, raging as darkness befell me.

“I’m not.”

I was greeted by my army as I rushed from the castle and mounted my horse. My nostrils flared as I galloped to the frontline, raising my sword as they listened.

“Army of the night, shadow me as we ride to Hellbore!” They slammed their shields in response to my command. “Let us rain darkness upon Boletus and his men! Let us show the world how mighty Grisset is!” They pounded their shields, shifting into position. “A symphony of stars!”

“A symphony of stars!” the army chanted back as we galloped from Grisset toward Hellbore, a strength unlike any other fueling us.

Prepare for darkness, Boletus. You stole my kingdom, killed my parents, and now, you have taken my husband. I am coming for you.