From The Ashes

Chapter Nineteen

Artemis was practically dragging me down the hallways as fast as she could while Aislinn was graciously helping Aunt Maddie behind us.

"You could slow down, you know," I panted to her.

"I could, but I won't. I think I'm more excited to know who your mate is than you are."

With that said, she continued with her stampede. Just before we were about to take a step into to the outdoor courtyard, Artemis yanked me roughly to the right and into a closet. It was very dark, and smelled vaguely of cleaning supplies.

"Uh, is there a particular reason why we're in here?" I asked her.

She put her hand over my mouth, as we heard the muffled voices of Aislinn and Aunt Maddie pass by. She breathed a sigh of relief before lowering her hand.

"I've needed to tell you something all day, but I can only tell you alone." She flipped her curls over her shoulder and her expression became serious.

"Indigo, something big is happening in Moonlight pack. I don't know what King Alistair has planned, but I know it's not good. He's working the warriors to the bone; constantly repeating drills and running the territory line for hours on end. He's killed people in cold-blood for even questioning him." She paused and the color drained from my face.

"A while back, I saw Beta Alexander, Marc, and some others around the perimeter of DarkBlood. Could this be related to what's going on there?" She nodded her head.

"I think so. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but I do think there will be an attack, and soon. If that happens, I need you to cut me with this," she said while withdrawing a small, pure silver dagger from the cleavage of her dress.

She pressed it into my hands, careful not to let the blade touch my skin.

"Be careful with the tip, it's coated in wolfsbane."

"Artemis, I can't just cut you with a silver dagger," I began to protest, but she put her hand over my mouth again.

"You can, and you will. It's a matter of life or death. If he gives out a royal command, this is the only way you'll be able to break me out of it."

She was right. When an alpha king gave a royal command, it was damn near impossible to resist and very painful to even try to do so.

"I won't kill you, will I?" Tears pricked the corners of my eyes at the thought. She smirked at me.

"Of course not, I'm not that dumb. It'll hurt like a bitch, but it should be enough to bring me out of it. Then I can sever ties with Moonlight. But I can't do that until the attack happens without raising suspicion and risking being killed." I nodded my head in understanding.

"I have to tell King Ruben. This isn't just about me anymore. DarkBlood is my home."

She thought for a moment before sighing.

"Fine, whichever one of us can get to him first will tell him. But you have to make sure no one else can hear you." I nodded as I wrapped the dagger in a cloth I found on one of the shelves, then strapped it to my leg.

I knew I always kept knives on me for a reason.

"All set," I told her when I was done.

She painted a smile on her face and opened the door, before leading me to the courtyard. I tried to emulate her seemingly carefree attitude, but it was a lot harder than she made it look.

I decided to just smile a little and hope no one noticed if I was a little off. Aislinn approached me, Aunt Maddie still on her arm.

"Are you okay?" she asked.