Free To Kill a Wizard: Rose's Story (The Protectors of Tarak Book 1) by Lisa Morrow Page B

realized. I was on the other side of a fireplace.
    Could this be another way out of the dark passageways?
    With one finger I touched the brick, then jerked back at the flash of pain. It was blazing hot. Using my skirt, I pushed and shoved at the wall separating me from the fireplace until it started to slide free in one direction. Pushing harder, a huge wall of brick rolled soundlessly out of the way.
    At the same time, I leapt back from the fire, burning dangerously close to me. This was a way out, but not one I could exit without help.
    “I always hoped I’d be Chosen, since I am the prettiest girl in town and all,” Bethenny said, followed by a loud burp.
    Rolling my eyes, I shouted, “Yara, it’s Rose! I’m behind the fire.”
    “Rose,” I heard Yara stammer.
    I wiped sweat from my forehead. “Yeah, I’ll explain later. But can you just put the fire out?”
    Seconds ticked by, and I moved back into the coolness of the passageway. I wasn’t sure if the aching in my head was from using magic, or from the dust and smoke I’d been inhaling. More time passed, and I started worrying that the girls had passed out drunkenly somewhere when I heard the sound of water splashing. The light from the fire was snuffed out, leaving me in near-darkness. Smoke filled the passageway.
    Coughing, I tried to wave the smoke away from my face.
    “The fire’s out!” Yara shouted.
    Making a quick prayer to the goddesses that the drunks hadn’t left a few embers simmering, I ducked down and ran through the huge fireplace, doing my best to lift my dress as I stepped over the sopping logs. When I got to the other side, I held onto a chair, coughing until my lungs felt clearer.
    “You all right?” Yara asked, putting a comforting hand on my back.
    I nodded and straightened, brushing soot off my sleeves.
    Then, I looked back at the fireplace. I’d need to slide the brick back into place, or else someone would know I’d been back there. Holding my breath and using my skirt, I trampled back through the fireplace, nearly stumbling over the half-burned logs. With great difficulty, I managed to slide the bricks back into place.
    Again, I emerged into the great open space.
    My head cleared slowly as the details of the bedroom came into focus. It was lit by candles in delicate scones made of colored glass hanging from the walls. From the roof, chains made of silver held more colored glass hanging in glass scones, and light flickered from these as well, giving the impression of stars.
    “Wow,” I murmured. “Beautiful!”
    “Forget the room,” Bethenny said, wine sloshing from a goblet in her hand. “What in Hadia were you doing spying on us?”
    I shrugged. “I got lost.”
    Betheny looked as if she might argue, but stared off blankly instead.
    “Thanks for helping me,” I said, weaving toward escape. “But maybe… eat something.”
    “I couldn’t eat another bite! That food was to die for!” Bethenny belted after me.
    Turning, the words tumbled out before I could stop them. “Maybe drink a little less then.”
    My words hung awkwardly between all of us.
    “Oh come on,” Bethenny said, rolling her eyes. “You heard The Protectors. They said tonight we’re supposed to have a little too much fun . I know you didn’t fit in back home, but you’ve got a chance at fitting in here. Don’t you even care?”
    “I can fit in without drinking.”
    “Really?” she grinned stupidly. “Have you even tasted this wine? It’s the best thing I’ve ever had. It makes me feel… free… amazing.”
    Her complete sincerity unnerved me. “Maybe it’s drugged.”
    Yara took a step towards me. “Rose. You can’t be serious.”
    My cheeks heated. “Just maybe get some sleep.”
    I opened the door and stepped out into the hall, trailing soot as I moved. Sirena’s room was directly across from Bethenny’s, and it had a stunning carving of a deer on the dark wood. I tapped lightly on the door, then opened it.
    The brightly lit room