Blood of Two Crowns (Hallowed Fates #2)

Chapter 44

Chapter

Forty-Four

NAKOA

“ I know Mareina.” My heart stilled as I took in the imprisoned nephilim male. I wasn’t sure whether to consider him an enemy or ally, but my initial instinct was a protective one. Rumiel stepped forward, his jaw slack. “Asterion?”

Both males appeared equally shocked to see the other. Rumiel made quick introductions, skipping the part about being buried alive and exhumed 120 years later. After a brief discussion and Asterion’s retelling of the recent events regarding Mareina, Malekai wielded his drakonati fire to melt the palladium bars of the cell.

By the time the door to the male’s cell swung open, the prisoners in the other cells were all rioting to be freed. Val, Roderick, and Pomona took the liberty of removing Asterion’s palladium collar, following those worn by a group of females sharing his cell. They stuck close to his side as he approached me. “Is it safe for them? On the other side of that portal?”

My gaze fell on the females’ dirt and blood-crusted faces. Dark circles lined their eyes, their hair was matted and clothes torn.

Still, I saw no rats. At least there was that.

I exchanged a look with Malekai. Creepy as the isles of Nissi Tiss Pillis may be, they weren’t dangerous.

“Yes. They’ll be safe there so long as they don’t try to swim in the sea.”

Akash only knew when we’d be back. If we’d even make it back. But Nissi Tiss Pillis was a far safer place than any hell. Even if worse came to worst, none of us survived, and the females were all stranded there.

“Yes, they’ll be safe there… I just can’t make any promises about when we’ll return.”

If we return, the fear in my mind whispered. Much to my dismay, my Knowingness often remained silent when I had adrenaline pumping through my veins.

Asterion gave me a nod of gratitude, ushering the females, who were all staring at the portal with wary, nervous eyes. I couldn’t help but stare as he murmured words of reassurance to them. One of them appeared reluctant to leave him, but eventually, all of the females took hold of each other’s hands and disappeared through the portal together.

The rioting of the prisoners peaked when they saw the females disappear, all bellowing for their turn to be released. “How long do we have before one of Azrael’s guards comes to investigate all the noise?” I asked, shouting to be heard.

Asterion huffed his derision. “They won’t be. Even the food is willed into their cells, and their refuse is willed out. Whoever enters this prison dies in this prison.”

“So how do we get out?”

Asterion frowns. “I have a way, but it’s not ideal.”

Malekai shifts impatiently on his feet. “So long as we survive. I don’t care what it is.”

Asterion's frown deepens, and he and my father exchange a knowing look, but he eventually nods. As if it were a cue, Rumiel stepped forward. “If the layout of the prison hasn’t changed since I was last in Vassileo, the entrance should be some distance in that direction.”

Mine and Malekai’s brows pinched as my olana kah’hei shift nervously beside us. “That still doesn’t explain how we’re going to escape this prison…”

The foreboding look in Asterion’s eyes has unease winding through me.

“There won’t be a prison after I unleash my magic.”