(Skeleton Key) Princess of the Damned (21 page)

The big wolf stood with her back to Kazia, breathing heavily, but
alive
. "Nakomi, come!" Kazia sobbed, pulling her into the armoire and tugging the door shut behind them. She wished for a lock and knew, somewhere in a part of her mind that was still rational, that there was no sense whatsoever hiding in a closet, but she buried her face against Nakomi's sticky fur and stifled her sobs. "Are you hurt? Please tell me you're not hurt." She felt for tender spots as she whispered over and over, but her wolf, of course, didn't respond. She had ceased growling and now sat silently, as tangled in the dresses as Kazia was.

More footsteps, lots of them as the room was invaded and light flooded under the closet door. "There's smoke coming from the east wing!"

The armoire door flung open and light blinded Kazia. She buried her face in Nakomi's fur until the light faded a bit, and then she looked up, shielding her eyes. "Luke," she cried.

"Kazia, are you hurt? Where are you hurt?" He pulled her out and she tumbled into his arms. The room was full of guards.

"I was calling for help, but no one came and, Luke, Brodi is… they're all—" She sobbed again and he pulled her against him, his hands stroking her hair.

"I know. I know." He gently pushed her away so he could peer into her face. "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, biting her lip to stifle her sobs.

"Then where is the blood—?" He paused as Nakomi limped to their side, finally ridding herself of the silk and satin, and Kazia looked down.

Nakomi was covered in blood.

"Nakomi, no," Kazia whimpered as the room began to spin and tip sideways.

"Captain, the castle is on fire! We have to leave immediately!"

She didn't fight it; the blackness that overtook her was safe and welcome.

About the Author

W
ENDY
K
NIGHT
is the award-winning, bestselling author of the young adult series Fate on Fire and Riders of Paradesos. She was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call…). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big: her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S.

You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heels for whatever the occasion may be. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing.

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Also by Wendy Knight

Fate on Fire Series

Feudlings

Feudlings in Flames

Feudlings in Sight