Free Unearthed by Rachael Wade Page B

plan. We don’t actually have to go through with it. Maybe tossing around the threat will be enough.”
    I shook my head adamantly. Peace was priority. I wouldn’t let what these rebels were doing ruin all we’d worked so hard for. “No. I still say we go out there and call a meeting. Go to the Haven. Tell everyone the truth. Once everyone knows we’re about to be set free, maybe this whole thing will blow over.”
    “That’s still a risk,” Gavin said quietly.
    “But it’s a risk we can live with. The alternative is too messy. I won’t agree to that.”
    What felt like an eternity passed as Gavin thought, his brow wrinkled in concentration. “Okay.” He pulled his hands from his pockets. “If that’s really what you think is best, I won’t push you. Anastasia?” He shot her an earnest look, one full of need. “We’ll need all the protection we can get. Can we count on you to do your best to keep us safe from those rebels? You can teach Camille and me how to work some spells. We know some basics, but we’re limited at best.”
    Anastasia smiled sympathetically. “I will do all I can, Gavin. You have my word. But I cannot guarantee anyone’s safety. I may be an original, but I am only one witch.”
    “I understand. Fair enough.”
    My whole body sagged in relief. The very last thing we needed in this situation was the return of the frozen soul curse. The mere idea of it sent fine shivers down my spine, and the fact that Anastasia was privy to such dangerous information didn’t sit well with me, either.
    The three of us sat on the dusty bunker floor surrounded by our low-lit lanterns. I felt calmer knowing that Ava was snuggled safely behind the nearby boxes. Her soft breathing whispered to me from just around the corner, putting me even more at ease.
    I tucked my legs underneath me and was beginning to feel that I could rest easy for a while when Anastasia thrust her hand forward to grab me. I could feel her thumping pulse beat through her palm, and saw a matching flicker of alarm in her eyes. They focused distantly over Gavin’s shoulder.
    “What is it?” I asked, flinching as her fingers pinched my skin.
    “It’s happening.”
    Gavin bristled, then froze on the spot. “What’s happening?”
    “I don’t know how…there’s no crescent moon.”
    “Anastasia,” I pressed, placing my hand over hers. “Tell us what’s happening.”
    “Samira. Your friends.” She finally blinked, turning to me with a dazed look. “They’re here.”
    Red-hot adrenaline zipped up my arms and straight to my head, the blood pounding deafeningly in my neck and chest. Gavin was on his feet, and then so was I, turning for Ava to lift her from her slumber. “You’re sure,” I said to Anastasia.
    “Positive.” She nodded quickly, her expression shifting between joy and sadness, as if it couldn’t settle on an emotion.
    “Well, let’s move,” Gavin said, a blinding smile spreading across his lips. “Come on!”
    Hastily concealed in our black cloaks, we ran off into the night. Ava clung tightly to me and Anastasia kept a protective arm around us as we headed straight for the place I’d never thought I’d visit again.
    The portal entry.
    ***
    Our trip down into the village’s valley and up the hill to the castle had never felt longer than it did right then. I didn’t have time to worry about the villagers who’d attacked us earlier, if they’d see us or what they’d do if they did, because all my brain could process was what we were running toward and what it would mean for my life and Gavin’s. For Ava’s, and for the Amaranthians we’d lived with, who hadn’t been lucky enough to escape the realm before I drove that dagger into Gérard’s heart.
    Passing the castle, our feet pounded the grass. The dirt kicked up around us as we hightailed it over the verdant green grounds. Ava was wide awake and giggling, amused by our joyful marathon and the bouncy ride she was receiving in my arms. She