Astrid bit her lip as she looked up at the towering castle, its ebony spires glinting in the moonlight. After she'd cared for the kitten and given him a spot on her bed to nestle into, the sun had set far too early, the darkness sweeping through the city as if it had been summoned.
"Steady," Raiden murmured. "We can't show any fear going in. The Queen feeds on it and will manipulate it if we aren't careful." He rapped on the gate, then stepped back and took a deep breath. "Let's get this over with."
Astrid moved closer to him, anxiety twisting its cruel vines around her heart. Can I handle this? she wondered silently. I don't want to fail.
Raiden's hand closed around hers and squeezed lightly, seeming to understand her thoughts. She looked up at him, but he was focused on the gate, whic
