Defy the Sun (Beware the Night #2) - Jessika Fleck Page 0,107
likely fill with liquid fire. “Please seek shelter immediately.”
There’s another tremor, another enormous belch from the volcano, and a second pop of lava thrown up into the clouds. Bright-orange liquid fire streams thinly down the Crag’s east side.
Veda … All I can think is Veda …
But then I force myself to pull it together.
I’m about to explain how we must help the Night, that they might be trapped underground when my mother of all people comes running down from the Hill. She’s followed by a slew of Dogio all seemingly fleeing something.
“Nico!” Mother screams. “The lava! It’s reached the house—the whole Dogio village!”
“Is everyone out?”
She nods. “We think so, but, Nico, our home!”
We can’t save the Dogio homes right now. My mother’s garden and antique crystal will have to wait.
Instead, I direct all soldiers and anyone physically capable to help the Night.
They stare back at me like I’ve gone mad.
Because no one knows how to get to them, do they?
I’m about to point them in the direction of the den Dorian sent me up the day I escaped when I spot several people running toward me. They’re carrying a body, and each one of them is wearing black from head to toe.
The Night.
But no Veda.
I jump down from the fountain and run toward them. I recognize Xavier, who’s helping carry a badly injured Dorian. Bronwyn and another girl follow close behind.
“Dorian!” His eyes are closed but they flicker when I say his name, and I see his injury isn’t lava burns but a gaping wound in his shoulder. Looking to the others, I ask, “What happened?”
“The Sindaco stabbed him—” Xavier says, his hands and shirt stained in Dorian’s blood. Xavier swears just as Salazar runs up to him. They share a quick moment and then Salazar takes over where Imi was helping carry Dorian.
“He was going after the Lunalette,” the teenage girl, now holding Bronwyn’s hand, finishes Xavier’s sentence. “Can we get him to a doctor?” she pleads.
“Yes, of course.” I call a few Imperi soldiers over who are standing by. The rest have headed in the direction the Night members came from. “Get this soldier to a doctor.”
And I see it in their eyes. But he’s a member of the Night. “Now!” I demand. “There are no sides right now. None, do you understand me?”
“Yes, my lord,” they say in unison.
I look to Bronwyn. “Where’s Veda?”
“Still down there, trapped. She demanded we go without her.” Her voice cracks and tears stream from her eyes.
“We’ve got Dorian—” Xavier says to Bronwyn and the girl. “You and Imi show Nico the way. Help Veda!”
I place my hand on Dorian’s non-injured shoulder. Lean down. “We’ll find her.”
I’m not sure if he hears me or not …
There’s one moment when I’m not quite sure what to do.
I’m frozen.
Veda could be dead.
The Lower could be collapsing.
And where the hell is Raevald when his island is literally burning?
I take a deep breath.
I think of what Raevald would do.
And I do the opposite.
Several others and I—Basso, Imperi, and Dogio—follow Imi toward the den.
Black smoke steadily billows from the Crag, encasing the island in a dark cloud, completely hiding the Sun from view.
The air is thick. Still chilly but much warmer than usual. And everything smells of charcoal and sulfur.
If this is what it looks like up here, what the Sun is going on down there?
* * *
I FOLLOW ALONG with Bronwyn and Imi in a full sprint to the den they came out of, but everything is in chaos.
I glance around … search face to face, strain to find even a glimpse of her because she has to be here. I know she’s here somewhere.
A low, gravelly voice I know far too well is billowing not far from where I stand. I’m about to turn around and face Raevald when—
“Nico?” The sound rings out behind me like a song on the wind, drowning out the High Regent and the disaster that’s closing in on me.
I take a deep breath and turn around.
Veda.
Without a word, I stride toward her. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I lift her up into me. “My Veda,” I say into her neck, which smells of fire and ash. “I thought you were…” I will not say it.
She’s shaking her head no. “I’m here … I’m here…”
I hold her closer, and she holds me closer. So close I vow here and now that I will never let go.
That is, until I hear, clear as day: “Blessed be the light.”