Soul Bound

Chapter 50

Eva ripped her gaze away from the gate to see why Grayson had stopped them. Her breath caught in her throat.

A large pole jutted up in the dead centre of the fort. Jacob sat tied with his hands behind his back. Thankfully, he didn't appear to be too harmed; the most blaring injury she saw was the wound on his head. His clothes were wet and muddy from being forced to weather the rain--which was more frequent at this time of year.

He lifted his head, eyes locking with hers in an instant. Rage filled what used to be warm, loving eyes. His lip curled up at her in disgust, having no idea it was his little sister here to rescue him.

She released the breath she had been holding in.

He was whole. Alive.

Eva wanted to run to him, tell him that everything would be okay, but Grayson tugged her across the muddy courtyard, not even giving him a second glance.

They passed the stables and armoury for the main building opposite the gate. The door was wide open, spilling its warmth out into the cool, Fall air. Gentle flames and merry chatter filled the space inside.

Grayson released her, having no need to fake an injury anymore, then motioned her to follow him in. Tables dotted the large room, hosting ample food and beer for the men sitting around them.

Eva's stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten a proper meal since she left the Desert Lands.

The scent of stew and fresh bread slammed into her.

Lorelus give me strength. . . . It had been months since she had a good beef stew and her mouth watered.

Grayson scanned the room, taking stock of every man, the armour they wore, and the many weapons glinting on their person. His eyes fell on an empty table in the corner. "Let's sit for a minute."

Nodding because she didn't trust herself to sound manly enough to blend in with the soldiers, she followed him to the table.

As soon as they sat down, Eva let out a breath of relief. They'd made it this far without being caught. Grayson appeared less tense too--or at least relaxed enough to stop reaching for the personal armoury strapped on every inch of his person. He continued to scan the mess hall, a hard line set on his mouth, waiting for someone to recognise them, but with their helmets on, Eva wasn't worried about it.

Her worry was how they were going to rescue Jacob with all of these soldiers around. She had gotten better with her magic, but unless they had a storm, she could only stun them, which would be useful if it wasn't a single target attack.

"Gunthar!" a familiar voice boomed. Eva jumped and nearly fell out of her seat in the process. "Fred!"

Prince Darius made his way over to them with a fat grin on his face. He wore riding pants and black chainmail, looking as casual as any other man in the hall; only his crown stood him out from the rest of them. And the aura that extruded power and malice. His men gave him his fair share of space as he crossed the room.

Grayson gripped the dinner knife in his hand, knuckles going white. Unfortunately, Eva had nothing to grip to help control her anger as he slapped his hands on their backs.

"How did the patrol go? Did you see her? Well? Speak up! You know I'm dying for good news." He made it sound like that if they didn't give him good news, he wouldn't be the one dying.

"Nothing to report," Grayson responded thickly with a perfect Esturian accent.

Darius' grip tightened on both of their uniforms, sucking in a deep, seething breath. His face twisted into something dark and merciless.