How had everything gone so fucking wrong?
A long, long moment passed before Nikhail nodded. “I believe you. I’ve seen you and Ryker together. You love him.”
Brynleigh exhaled, and she released her grip on her shadows. “With all my heart.”
A high-pitched screech came from the stage as Valentina begged her mother to do something. Anything.
Brynleigh turned her attention back to Nikhail. “I’ve been to the rebels’ meeting place. I don’t think they’re keeping them there, but we might find something useful.” She drew shadows into her palms. “I’m going.”
Nikhail’s grip tightened on Brynleigh’s arm. “Take us with you.”
On one hand, Brynleigh liked to work alone. On the other, she’d do anything for Ryker.
Brynleigh frowned, glancing at Nikhail’s companion. “Who is she?”
“This is Indira.” Nikhail dipped his chin toward the mysterious woman. “She works with me and may be able to help.”
At another time, Brynleigh would probably ask more questions, like what did Nikhail and Indira do, and what did they think was happening? But this wasn’t the time for questions, so she bottled them up inside.
Every second they spent talking was one where Ryker was suffering. “Okay. I’ll do it, but first…”
Her gaze snagged on a knife sitting nearby. She grabbed it and tore away the bottom third of her gown with a few quick slashes. Destroying such a beautiful dress didn’t feel great, but there was no way she would’ve been able to walk, let alone run or fight,in the tight material.
Now, the dress fell to mid-thigh, and Brynleigh could move freely.
Dropping the blade back where she’d found it, she extended her hands to the other two.
“I’ll shadow us out of here.” She glanced back at the stage and frowned, remembering the others. “Should we?—”
“Don’t worry about them.” Nikhail waved his phone in the air. “We need to stop this. I’ve already informed the officers that we’re leaving.”
“Understood,” she said. “Let’s go.”
As soon as they put their hands in hers, Brynleigh pulled on her shadows and stepped into the Void. She prayed to Isvana that they wouldn’t be too late.
CHAPTER 33
This was Wrong
Brynleigh’s skin crawled without Ryker, and the urge to find him filled every part of her.
She needed him.
They stepped out of the darkness, her two companions releasing her hands as she kept shadows cloaked around them. The alley across from Horizon looked exactly as it had before, save for the crimson moon shining overhead.
But Brynleigh could feel in her bones that something was wrong.
It wasn’t just from what they’d witnessed at the Hall of Choice, nor was it simply from having her husband stolen from her. The very air seemed to vibrate with… something.
Brynleigh raised her hand and gestured for her companions to be quiet and follow her. They complied, and the shadow-cloaked trio snuck around the building. A breeze tickled her cheek, and she glanced over to see Nikhail wielding wind. Even their footsteps were silent.
She sent him a small smile in thanks, her heart thundering as she led them around the corner. She curled her fists, expecting to encounter the burly guard at the door.
Except…
The back lot was empty. The guard wasn’t there.
Brynleigh’s brows furrowed, and she stopped in front of the door.