Page 34 of Infernal Bonds

Amra got up and walked over to the map, pointing to a spot close to the edge of one of the thick lines I assumed were the walls around Elyrdin. “We’re here in the sanctum.”

“Sanctum?”

“The sanctum is the gated core of Alonia and comprises the palace, administration buildings, and the homes of those who work in and for the palace.”

“Because Alonia is a large city near the western wall into Feranzis, you shouldn’t need to leave for any reason,” Rinlora said. “But we’ll still teach you what is beyond the main city.”

“Wait. I can’t leave the city at all?”

I wasn’t sure I liked the idea of being stuck in one city for the rest of my life. Even I enjoyed a good vacation. Did Elyrdin have vacation spots if they had to hide behind protective walls? It sure didn’t look like they had a beach or ocean on the map.

“Of course,” Amra said, joining us again. “You’re not a prisoner, Raelynn.”

“I’ve never traveled too far from Alonia.” Rinlora picked up her glass, taking a sip.

“Never? But you’ve left the city?”

“Yes. Not far, though. Roandra doesn’t like to travel, and Ranthus stays close to the palace at all times since he’s Master Kilnejar’s assistant.”

“Ezra?”

“That’s the young master.”

I nodded. I didn’t think I could ever call either of them master of anything.

“You will be able to travel beyond Alonia, but I would request you stay close to home while you are still learning our ways.”

She didn’t have to say more. I wasn’t confident enough to leave the sanctum and go into Alonia, much less venture farther into Elyrdin. I couldn’t defend myself against other infernals.

Even if Quinfina said I wasn’t human, I still felt very much human. I didn’t even know how to shapeshift. And that put me in a very vulnerable position.

Amra frowned. “I believe our time here is up.”

I followed her gaze out the large window to see several people dressed in all black crossing the field on the other side of the gardens.

“I’ll take you out front to meet the heirs so they can escort you home,” Rinlora said.

“Remember,” Amra said, standing. “Cornaith is not to know of our meeting.”

I wouldn’t argue with her. Cornaith already made me uncomfortable, so I wasn’t about to disregard his wife’s warnings if she believed we should keep him in the dark.

But I noticed that two mothers on the council now wanted to share information they hadn’t shared in front of the council. I wondered how much happened behind the scenes without Cornaith’s knowledge and if I’d get other allies along the way.

10

ADAPTATION

ASH

As I unloaded the groceries delivered to the house by palace staff, Rae walked into the kitchen, scrolling on her phone.

“Hey, Little Blackbird.”

She glanced up and smiled as she crossed over to me, shoving the phone Ezra had given her into her pocket. “What are you up to?”

“Putting all this away before I need to get ready for wall patrol.”

She pulled open one of the crates, inspecting the ingredients, her nose wrinkling when she picked up a bulbous green vegetable with yellow spots.