Tatum nodded towards Isabel. ‘Our generous host is tearing the castle apart looking for her. I suggest you take her straight inside.’

Blackmane nodded. ‘I’ll meet you on the wall.’

Tatum took off at a jog, disappearing into the smoke-filled turret.

Another arrow landed on the ground nearby, sending Isabel scampering sideways. Luckily, Blackmane still had hold of her.

‘Close your eyes.’ It was better if she did not see the fireballs raining down on them.

Isabel pressed her eyes shut and held tightly to his hand as they ran along the path towards the castle. At least her legs were working again.

‘Almost there,’ he said, guiding her up the front steps.

A moment later they were through the door. He slammed it shut behind them. The only sound inside was Isabel’s fast breaths.

‘You all right?’ he asked.

She looked around before focusing on him. ‘Yes.’

‘I need you to slow your breathing for me.’ He gave her a moment.

‘I am sorry,’ she said. ‘I am not usually that useless in a crisis.’

He nodded. ‘Fear can be a fickle beast.’

‘Isabel!’

She jumped at the sound of her name thundering down the corridor. Blackmane stepped back from her right before Hodge entered the hall.

‘I am here,’ she said, her voice barely carrying.

Lord Hodge jogged over to her, his face distraught. ‘Praise God. Where were you?’

She looked past him. ‘Where are Mother and Everard?’

‘Safely in their quarters, no doubt worried sick about you.’ He took hold of both her arms, looking her up and down. ‘You are unharmed?’

She shook her head. ‘Yes.’

Hodge turned to Blackmane. ‘Where did you find her?’

There was something in his demeanour that made him uneasy. ‘Hiding from the arrows’ was all he said. She could craft the rest of the story however she needed to. His gaze flicked to Isabel, who was kneading the skirt of her dress between her fingers. ‘I need to return to the wall.’

Hodge looked back at Isabel. ‘Are you going to thank the defender for returning you safely?’

Isabel let go of her skirt and looked between them. ‘Of course. Thank you for escorting me, defender. It was fortunate that you came across me during my walk.’

Hodge sniffed. ‘Very fortunate—especially given you had both retired for the evening.’ He paused. ‘We are both grateful.’

Blackmane nodded once, then exited the hall without a backwards glance.

CHAPTER 6

Isabel’s tongue moved in her mouth, tasting smoke. She lay on her back, still in yesterday’s clothes, staring up at the ceiling, while five-year-old memories pummelled her.

‘Ita! Wake up! Get up and open the door!’

She could still feel the unbearable heat coming from the flames licking the bottom of the door, heating the handle to skin-melting temperatures. She winced at the memory of taking hold of it, the creak and groan of the roof above her. Then Hodge had arrived, throwing a woollen blanket over her head and pulling her away from the door and out of the house.