Unbound Enchantment (Unbreakable Force Book 1) by Kara Jaynes Page B

survival took over. I threw my hands up and summoned my magic, and a force of energy exploded from my fingertips, slamming into Kingsley and throwing him against the wall by the door. He shook his head, momentarily stunned.
    I bolted toward the door, leaping over him as I ran. I landed on my hands and feet in a crouch, narrowly missing a white-hot stream of fire that shot where my head had been a moment before. Ember. I didn't give her a second thought. I couldn't help her now.
    I leaped to my feet and threw myself down the hallway and hurtled down the stairs, two steps at a time. I heard someone running up above me as Kingsley shouted out. His voice filled me with fear, spurring me on. I catapulted down the small dank hallway and outside. I ran toward the gate, not caring if anyone saw me.
    A thrill of terror shot through me at the sound of barking. So Kingsley did have dogs. Within moments, I heard the scrabble of claws on stone and growling. I turned and leaped to the side as a huge black dog lunged at my throat. Another one was on its heels. Summoning an enchantment of fire, I hurtled it at the dog. It turned into a flaming torch, howling and screaming with pain. I continued running and threw myself through the gate opening, slamming it shut as the other dog snapped at me through the bars. I heard voices calling out to each other, and lights were beginning to flare up in the mansion windows. Kingsley had his whole house in an uproar.
    I fled, running like a wild creature through the streets, sobbing with fear and anger. It was over. I was over. Kingsley would have me killed or collared, I was sure of it. I ran, heedless of anyone who might see me, losing my way half the time. Time. I had precious little left to me. I desperately wished for Bran, but he wasn't here. My thoughts were tumbling over each other in my head as I half-ran, half-slid through the rain-slicked streets toward my home. There was only one person who might help me now.

 
    24
    Aaric
     
    W hat was keeping Adaryn? Aaric thought with a frown. She had been gone for over two hours, and it was getting quite dark. He shrugged. She wouldn't be long now, he suspected. She wouldn't risk running into the Night Watch. He continued sketching some concept drawings of a new idea he had.
    More time passed. Aaric stood and stretched before starting to pace the study. The city lamps were lit. “Hang it all,” he grumbled. “I'm going to go find her.”
    He went down to the kitchen and was headed toward the entry when Adaryn burst through the door. She was soaked and muddy, her clothing torn, her hair in even more wild disarray than usual.
    “I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Aaric,” she was crying hysterically.
    Aaric quickly stepped forward, taking her by the arms. “Are you all right? Are you hurt?” He peered worriedly at her.
    Adaryn shook her head. “He's coming! It's all my fault, but please, help me! I don't want to be killed or taken away!”
    “What?” Aaric frowned, confused by her distress. “Slow down, Adaryn. Who is coming to take you?”
    “Kingsley!” she practically screamed, a wild light in her eyes. Aaric felt the blood drain from his face. He didn't know what she did or why, but he knew there was little time left for her.
    He never hesitated in making his choice. He reached over and grabbed a couple of coats off the coat stand. He donned one himself and threw another around Adaryn's shoulders. “Pack some food, and hurry,” he said urgently.
    Adaryn didn't need to be told twice. She grabbed a linen sack from the cupboard, packing bread and cheese at a frantic speed. Aaric sprinted up the stairs and into his study, snatching up his glider and a few essentials as well as some money. He thundered downstairs, finding Adaryn in the kitchen with the linen bag bulging with food. She had stopped crying, but her bright blue eyes were still large with worry.
    “It's going to be fine,” Aaric said in what he hoped was a comforting manner. He took her by