Chapter 24 · The Dead King Is Still Breathing

The throne room smelled like old blood and wet stone. I was already running before Ronan grabbed my wrist.

"Mara, stop."

"Nia's down there." I yanked my arm but his grip didn't budge. "Let go."

He pulled me back from the pit entrance where stone steps disappeared into black. "Drake's men are waiting for exactly this."

"I don't care." My voice cracked. "She's been down there for two days and you want me to stand here and—"

"I want you alive." His eyes flashed gold. "Use your head."

I used my elbow instead. Caught him in the ribs hard enough that he grunted and his hand loosened. I was on the stairs before he could grab me again.

"Mara!"

I didn't look back. The steps were slick under my boots and the walls pressed in close. No torches. Just dark and that blood smell getting stronger. My chest was too tight and my hands were shaking but I kept going because Nia was down here and I'd already failed her once.

Footsteps behind me. Heavy.