‘I’m going to jump with you.’

‘But I cannot swim.’

Hodge emerged from the turret and frantically looked around, eyes landing on Isabel.

‘Trust me,’ Blackmane whispered.

Hodge took a tentative step in her direction. ‘My beloved. Get down. I beg of you.’

She looked out at the pitch-black water below. Blackmane was worried she would climb back down, but then Margery appeared out of the dark, hovering in front of Isabel for a moment, as though extending an invitation to join her on that side of the wall.

While Isabel was distracted by the eagle, Hodge made his move, rushing forwards to stop her. But he was not fast enough.

Isabel closed her eyes and leapt from the embrasure.

Chapter 38

CHAPTER 38

The falling part felt eternal. Every time she thought she was going to hit the water, she fell a little farther. Actually hitting the water was even more terrifying. The cold, the lack of visibility, the roaring in her ears. The realisation that she was going to drown. She could not even tell which way was up, and she swallowed copious amounts of putrid water as she flailed about. Then an arm caught her waist, dragging her to the surface. She emerged with a gasp.

‘You’re all right,’ Blackmane whispered as he swam her to the edge.

Tolly was there, waiting for them. He grabbed hold of Isabel the second she was within reach, lifting her out of the water. ‘We need to go—now.’

Blackmane exited the moat and scooped her up, carrying her over to the waiting horses. They were galloping towards the trees a moment later.

Isabel was well aware that they were being pursued but could do nothing to help other than hang on. At one point, Tolly fell back and disappeared from sight. Just when she was starting to worry, he reappeared from the side, his horse falling into stride with theirs.

‘How are you doing?’ Blackmane asked over his shoulder.

The cold air whipping her wet body was unbearable. ‘Good.’ He had come for her and by some miracle gotten her out, so she did not dare complain.

Movement in her peripheral vision had Isabel turning her head. And there was Margery, flying alongside them. Isabel reached out a shaky hand, fingers stretching for her. The eagle glided closer until fingers met feathers.

‘Did you see me fly?’ Isabel asked the bird.

The eagle continued alongside them for another minute before lifting into the air again and disappearing amid the conifers.

The horses began to tire, so they were forced to slow down. Thankfully, they had lost the guards pursuing them.