A Queen's Sacrifice (Book #5)

Chapter Seven

The trek back to the temple was a much easier feat with Avery. He knew where the lookout posts were, and where Inferum cantivat would likely be patrolling. He said he'd spent hours studying the map Aaron had marked for him and had even walked the trails on his own when it was safe.

"You are more than prepared, then," Henry said as they approached the town wall.

Avery pressed his back against it and took a deep breath. "For Alaina."

"Do you have any idea where she is?"

"Aaron believes she is trapped with her father in his home. It might be heavily guarded."

Henry sighed. "Why would they do that to her?"

"Because she is Elouise's family. Aaron knows for certain Lady Fayre is trapped at the Montgomery estate."

"Fayre?"

"Unfortunately. Anyone Elouise cares about has been threatened one way or another."

"We need to save them."

"Alaina's home is in the east. Once we rejoin everyone, I plan to make my way there." Avery pulled away from the wall and glanced toward the gate.

Henry blinked slowly and knitted his brows. "Alone?"

"The soldiers are there for a particular mission, and that is to protect areas that are suspected of being attacked next. It would be selfish of me to ask for their assistance in my own personal mission."

"How is it selfish? You want to rescue your wife. Elouise would understand that. She would be more than willing—"

"I know." The corners of Avery's lips rose. "That is why I chose to do this alone. Now come along. The guards are switching for the night. This gives us our opportunity to sneak inside." He kept low and ran to the gate.

Henry frowned and hurried after him. They ran through before the gate was shut and ducked behind the nearby lemon trees. One of the guards whirled around. Henry held his breath when the man glanced in their direction. He didn't look like any of the royal guards. A member of Inferum cantivat, surely. Or perhaps even an Interloper.

"What's going on?" another asked.

"I thought I heard something."

"There's nothing there. Let's go."

Then they left.

Avery straightened up and stepped out of the trees first. "We are in the clear for now. Let us move quickly."

They reached the temple without much trouble. Avery knew when to duck and hide and where the guards would be headed next. He certainly hadn't been exaggerating when he said he'd studied.

"Go on inside and gather what you need," Avery said. "I will stand out here to keep watch. Should I sense any danger coming, I will run inside, and we can escape through the back."

Henry nodded. "Thank you. I shouldn't be long." He went on his way and waited until he closed the door behind him to call for Ashton.

Ashton emerged in the middle of the temple, his eyes wide and brighter than usual. Without much light, especially sunlight, he looked more solid. Henry could almost fool himself into believing he was, and that he was also very much alive.

"What happened?" Ashton asked. "Is everyone alright? Why are you alone?"

"Elouise and Haven are safe with Aaron's group in Solis. We met with Prince Avery halfway there."

"Prince Avery?" Ashton quirked an eyebrow.

"Yes... it seems Alaina came here when she heard the news, and now she is in trouble. He returned to assist in hopes of rescuing her." Henry stepped closer to Ashton and took a deep breath. "Anyway, Avery is waiting outside now. I have come back for our belongings and for you." He quickly walked around, grabbing everything he could.