Page 121 of These Fractured Bonds

Yarelithumbedthehiltof her dagger on her hip as they ran through Andhar’s streets. The fighting had not yet reached the innermost depths of the city, and they had made theirway across without meeting another soul until they reached the eastern outskirts, where Tonio’s villa was. A steady line of citizens flowed into it, and Yareli had to admire both their efficiency and organization. They were silent, awaiting their turn with a calm patience she couldn't replicate.

Instead of lining up, Augrys directed them toward the gate where a lone figure stood on guard. Tonio’s features became clear as they neared; he dropped to the ground, greeting Augrys and ignoring the rest of them, which suited her fine. He certainly wasn’t on Yareli’s friend’s list.

“Allyah sent word. Take the back entrance; you’ll find a cellar door under the cook’s table. Take the stairs down and skip the line,” Tonio informed them.

Augrys thanked him, and they moved past him.

He called after them. “Consider us an official ally of the Keepers.”

Yareli whispered to Augrys, “How does he know?”

“I’m sure Allyah informed him.”

She glanced at Tonio’s back. “Is he the only one defending?”

“Seems like it,” Augrys replied. “He sent his troops outward to meet the encroaching army to buy more time.”

She wondered how he knew, but they had arrived at the back entrance. Leo made quick work of the door, kicking it down and entering. He had already moved the cook’s table and opened the cellar door by the time she entered. He held his hand out to her.

“You go first.”

She jumped down, sneezing as she landed on a staircase with stale air. Erick landed next to her, his blue eyes worried but determined.

“Ready?”

“Never, but let’s go,” she replied. Erick led the way; his conjured light orb floated above, lighting the stairs. She held her nose as she walked down; the layers of dust suggested thestairway hadn’t been used in centuries. Heck, maybe since its inception. When she heard Leo and Augrys catch up to them, she relaxed. It was wrong to run away when Andhar was under attack, but if the festival had been a testament to anything, it was their military prowess. She thought of Vanessa, Erbert, and Dre. They were probably on the frontlines, defending their home, and she prayed they would be okay.

Erick slowed as they reached the rusted metal door at the bottom; it refused to budge at first, but after a few more attempts, it creaked open. An expansive underground chamber awaited them; the giant runegate, buzzing with energy, stood in the middle. Evacuees waited their turn to pass through its blue portal; they moved steadily forward, but the line’s end was nowhere in sight. She fretted they weren’t moving fast enough, but she held her tongue. Inciting panic would lead to chaos, further inhibiting evacuation.

She stepped forward, stumbling when the ceiling above them rumbled, and she looked at Augrys in concern.

He gave her a nod of confirmation. The nox had arrived.

Chapter 47

Thefewsoldiersinthe atrium rushed to organize the line, creating a zigzag and allowing more Fae to squeeze in. Yareli, once again, had to admire their self-control. No one screamed, pushed, or rushed forward despite the anxiety in the air; their restraint told her they trusted Tonio, and although she disliked the egotistical, bloodthirsty general, she had a newfound respect for his dedication to his people. Augrys took the lead, Leo followed behind him, and Erick matched Yareli’s pace.

As they walked by, growing shame at skipping the line slowed her steps. She whispered to Erick, “Do we really have to cut?”

He glanced at the crowd and nodded. “We can’t let you fall into Tuom’s hands.” Then, he added, “Augrys will never allow it.”

The ceiling shuddered, and dirt rained down on them, coating them in grime. She stared at it worriedly, wondering if all the evacuees had made it inside. By the way the soldiers were rushing everyone, it seemed like the answer was no. She caught up with Augrys and asked him if they could wait until everyone else went.

He shook his head and beckoned to the soldier manning the front of the runegate. The soldier rushed over, and they exchanged words in hushed tones. The soldier nodded and gestured at Leo to follow him. Yareli gave Leo a questioning look.

“Coordinates for our destination,” was his answer.

She watched him walk to the side of the runegate where a pedestal with buttons was erected, then she turned back to Augrys.

“Why not? We can help defend them if it comes to it.”

Augrys scanned the atrium, pausing at the end of the line by the doorway; it was still flooding with evacuees. The crinkle in his forehead told her he was worried.

“We can fight,” she insisted. “Youcan fight.”

He was the ultimate weapon against the nox. With him, they could repel any nox that made it past Tonio, ensure the evacuees’ safety, and Yareli would be secure by his side.

He looked at her then. “My priority isyou. The Fire Court is capable of handling this attack. I am not needed here.”