Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 57184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Alwar adds, “But you do not have much to worry about. I will be with you the entire way.”
“You think I’m going to bring you?” He’s the last person I want looking over my shoulder while I do my research. First, I want to know what prior rulers said in this “address” everyone’s fussing over. Second, I want to dig as deep as I can into the history of these doorways to my world.
“I am your sworn guardian and your husband. There is no other choice.”
I’m not so quick to agree. “You can’t even fit in there.”
“I already have. Once. As I said, I never left the temple during my studies.”
I bend over and look down the hole again, my stomach knotting with fear. I really don’t want to go in there alone, but bringing Alwar isn’t a smart choice. He’ll just get in the way.
“Has anyone traveling with us gone in more than once?” I ask.
Alwar’s blue-blue eyes narrow.
“Answer me,” I say. “And remember, you made a—”
“A vow to be honest. Yes, I know. Tiago has entered three times. But this is because he failed his exams and had to repeat his studies.”
I frown. “Why did he fail?” And how the hell did I not know Tiago is traveling with us? I would have sent him home.
“I did not fail.” Tiago appears from the shadows of the surrounding forest like a bad omen. “I was ejected for disobedience.”
I shake my head. “Why am I not surprised?”
Tiago shrugs.
“Is there anyone else who’s done this multiple times? Anyone at all?” I cross my fingers.
“The Scholar People are very selective about who they teach or allow inside. Their priority is making their records. Master would be welcome, of course, regardless of whom you choose.”
I won’t ask why, for reasons I’ve already explained.
Master trots up and barks at me.
I look at Alwar to decipher it.
“He says he is coming with you.”
Great.
“As will I,” Alwar adds. “I have entered, and I will not fail you, Lake.” Alwar straightens his back.
So my choices are Alwar or Tiago the Treacherous Traitor.
“I’ll go alone with Master,” I say.
Alwar and Tiago stare, the red moonlight beaming across their stern, masculine features and high cheekbones. They’re not budging.
“Lake, you do not know the scholars or their ways,” Alwar protests. “They are not like the college professors from your world or—”
“It’s fine. I can handle myself. No more debate. We’re wasting time.” I have to remember that showing weakness here is not acceptable. I need to be firm and authoritative, especially because the soldiers and War People are all listening. “I want you two to make sure there are no issues. Keep the peace. That’s an order.”
Alwar is about to say something and push back. Neither he nor Tiago is the sort of man to take orders from me. My only leverage is that they want me to remain the ruler for the time being until I’ve served my purpose. It’s not in their best interest to undermine my authority in front of everyone.
“Don’t even think about arguing,” I warn. “I’ll be back in a while.”
Tiago chuckles. “Or not.” He’s enjoying the thought of me going down that dark hole and being torn to pieces by something.
“Shut up, stupid idiot.”
I sit down at the edge of the hole, letting my legs dangle over. You’re a vampire now, Lake. Not human. Nothing to be afraid of. I’m faster and stronger than I used to be. Hell, maybe I’ll even find a snack down there.
I wince. I can’t believe I just thought that. I look over my shoulder at Alwar, who actually looks proud. He probably thinks I’m being brave when I’m really being reckless.
“All right, here goes.” I push myself off the ledge and fall into the darkness.
I must’ve hit my head on something during the horrific blind fall to the bottom, because my head instantly hurts, and I feel dizzy.
“Lake, are you all right?” Alwar’s booming voice echoes from above. From here, I can make out his silhouette—or silhouettes? My vision is blurry.
I lie on my back in the moist dirt, trying to blink myself right.
“Lake, you must move quickly. Follow Master,” Alwar yells.
Suddenly, I feel a prick on the back of my leg.
“Fuck!” I jump up, and something stabs the bottom of my foot through my leather boot. The scent of my own blood fills the air. Then some other creature pierces my leather pants and latches on to my lower back.
“Ow!” I twist and reach. “What the fuck is that?” It’s biting that tender part of flesh above my ass cheek.
“You must pull out the thorns! And do not allow the leeches to latch on,” Alwar yells again.
My blood trickles down inside my pants. That thing is trying to dig under my skin. Oh God. Oh God.
I reach behind me, my fingertips settling on something slimy and cold. Colder than me. I wrap my hand around what feels like a wriggling earthworm the width of a melon. “Get off me!” I dig my razor-sharp nails into the rubbery, slimy skin and yank hard. I hear a pop! and more blood flows down my ass from a gaping wound.