Page 47 of Eternal Craving

“Red.”

I pretended to find joy in this moment, even though disconcerting memories were stirred by remembering the scent of roses. I studied the twigs and considered the wisdom of staying here to see them grow.

“There’s plenty of sun here.” I knelt to examine one of the buds. My fingertip caught on a thorn, and the puncture went deep. I sucked on the oozing drop of blood, quietly alarmed that the sharp sting I felt was a terrible omen.

Chapter Twenty

On this August evening, a warm breeze carried the scent of jasmine and the faint chirping of cicadas.

Taking my usual seat on the front porch, I topped up my glass of white wine, made with the fermented grapes cultivated on this very land.

A brilliant sunset flooded the landscape.

The years had unfolded, seamlessly shifting from one glorious month to another. My relief from the suffering sustained during my former years bestowed on me a visceral gratitude not easily forgotten, as it seeped into the present.

But as I glanced up at the horizon, I was gripped with a wave of terror that the peace I’d come to cherish was about to end.

Salvador’s father galloped toward the estate. I put down my drink and leaped to my feet.

Señor Moran dismounted, his face ashen. “He has them. He’s keeping them prisoner at his home.”

“Dear God.” My heart felt like it would stop beating.

“I don’t know how he found them. They were in Italy.” His eyes revealed his fear. “By the time I receive an appointment with His Highness, it will be too late.”

“Ready my best horse,” I shouted to the stable boys. “Now!”

Moran was visibly shaking. “He has accused Alicia of witchcraft.”

No.The ground became unsteady beneath my feet.

Miguel quickly joined us.

“I’m going to Vigo,” I blurted out, my mouth dry.

Miguel grabbed the horse’s harness from the stable boy. “Felipe?”

I nodded and quickly mounted the stallion. “Tell Annabelle…”

“I know.” Miguel tightened the reins. “Godspeed, my friend.”

Chapter Twenty-One

I tethered my horse to a tree outside the property, feeling a sense of urgency to get my sister and Salvador away from Felipe. I willed myself to find the courage to face his guardsagain.

Once inside, I strolled through the kitchen, looking like I belonged, nodding a greeting to servants who were scurrying about, busy with their chores. Carrying a tray of food, I walked through the doorway that led into the foyer.

Three guards stood talking nearby and glanced my way, but I kept going, ready to reach for my concealed knife. With a confidence I didn’t feel, I headed for the cellar.

I’d half-listened as Ferring had explained long ago that it was typical to keep supplies in the cold vaults, and apparently it was the best place for the prisoners.

A maid believed my story that I was new and guided me to the top of the stairwell, pointing down to the basement. As I descended, the dank prison smell brought back stark memories, and I tried to push the dark nostalgia away.

Alicia lay asleep in the corner of a squalid chamber, incarcerated in terrible conditions. But after checking a fewother cells, I only found her. I was surprised to find the door to her cell unlocked. Careful not to startle her, I knelt close.

Alicia opened her eyes and sighed when she saw me.

“I’m going to get you out,” I whispered.