Chapter 55

“Wait. If I get captured, I want you to go on without me. Don’t turn back. You won’t be able to help me, anyway.”

“Okay, Rosamond. We promise,” said Reginald who was beginning to sound impatient.

Rosamond swallowed and nodded, gesturing for me to go on.

All her talk had made me nervous. I followed Reginald so closely I could have been his shadow, but only because I knew he’d protect me, whatever happened. As we neared the outside world I began to see movement in the shadows above. I caught snatches of sound—of claw on rock and low growls. Something black, something denser than the night, hung down just to one side of us. I could hear it sniffing us. I grabbed Reginald’s hand.

“Duchess,” Reginald called as loudly and as calmly as he could.

Duchess materialised.

I heard more growls, more movement, all around us this time.

Duchess was skittish and kept moving about while we were trying to climb into the saddle. After we were safely atop her back, I was struck by a thought.