52. A Mark

ROYCE.

It isn’t hard to find where Aleric is being held.

The power that I can feel radiating from the northern side is intense and when I burst through the entrance of a hallway similar to the one where I was held, I can smell him.

Past the witches that are watching him, and despite the commotion, as some try to stop me and others on edge at the sound of Raihana’s scream that travels through the halls, the emotions and nerves are heightening.

I come to an abrupt halt, raising my hand to show them I’m not here to fight, but what truly gets to me is the fact that nothing is out of place.

Nothing is going on here.

Aleric is simply sitting there, past the barriers that hold him hostage, with his head in his hands.

“Royce Arden, surrender!” Magdalene’s voice comes from behind me. Even the sound of her approaching was silent.

I glance back at the woman that stands in the entrance but doesn’t respond, before looking back at Aleric, who now raises his head.

Curiosity in his eyes.

Wha