I ran for the windows. But as I launched myself into the air, something wound around my legs and yanked me backward. I hit the floor with a grunt, but reached for the Aedh within me. Felt her surge, felt the power rush through my body, eager to fling me from one form to another.
Then another force hit me and suddenly the power was gone, leaving me fully fleshed and gasping in pain. And all too aware of the danger I was in.
I twisted, grabbed at the bolas wrapped around my legs, and quickly untangled them. Even as I did, the kitchen doors crashed open and two men entered. Both of them smelled human, and both of them obviously weren't. Their eyes held the luminosity of the Aedh.
So much for Lucian saying it was rare for half-Aedh to become Razan.
I jumped to my feet and twisted around, kicking the first hard in the gut and knocking him back into the second. Then I bolted for the window again.
I was midair when it hit me. I have no idea what it actually was, but it was hot and it was heavy and it crushed me back to the floor, all but smothering me with its fierce, blanketing heat.
Aedh, I thought.
It was the last thing I did think for a very long time.
Chapter Twelve
WAKING WAS AN EXPERIENCE IN PAIN.
Everything hurt. My head, my body, my soul.
Even groaning hurt—and I was aware enough to realize the sound seemed oddly flat, as if something was stifling it. I forced my eyes open.
To be greeted by darkness. Complete and utter blackness.
The air was warm but slightly stale, and it smelled of damp earth. There was little in the way of noise—no rain, no creak of roofing, no wind. I was lying on what felt like ice but was more than likely concrete, and my feet were bare. Which was odd given they'd left the rest of my clothes on.
I pushed upright, but the movement was too quick and my stomach and head rebelled in unison, leaving me dry-retching and dizzy.