The Guardians Crown (The Guardians Book 5) by Wendy Owens Read Free Book Online Page B

Uri’s heart sank at the thought of her; he’d been searching for her since the day she had disappeared from Iron Gate without a word. Her dark, raven-like hair, the soft touch of her flesh against his, even her smell, there wasn’t a thing about her he didn’t long for. Turning to his mentor Uri nodded. He understood.
    Michael rushed from the room and out into the throngs of people. He made his way to where the tombs were, but today the memories of Raimie’s tragic demise in those tombs were not on his mind. If it was true that the council had discovered Mirada was in fact still alive, and if they had somehow tracked her down, they would most certainly lock her away, never to be heard from again.
    He could barely control the fury that was growing inside him. Long ago, Michael had reconciled himself to the fact that he couldn’t have both Mirada and be on the side that would help save the world. A sacrifice would have to be made, and as long as he knew Mirada was secretly safe, it was a decision he could live with. But this new information changed everything. He didn’t know what he would be walking into, but for her he would gladly give up his position with the council, even leave the order if he had to. He would do whatever he had to do if it would keep her safe.
    His heart racing, he transported without hesitation to a familiar mountaintop, then in another blink of the eye to a valley with a crystal-like brook running through it. Pausing, he looked around to ensure he was alone, then transported again to the mouth of a cave in some distant land, so barren that few visited it. Since the war began the council had begun to move around quite frequently. As a member of the council, Michael was given a tracking stone that would always lead him to them, but precautions needed to be taken. A minimum of three random transports was required before actually arriving at the exact location.
    With a deep breath, Michael closed his eyes and made his last transport. The most recent location, an abandoned monastery, had been one of the longest residences for the group in some time. When Michael reappeared, he paused. A chicken scurried across his path as he looked around, searching for any sign of his comrades. There was no movement by anything except a few animals and some trees swaying in the cool mountain air.
    He listened for a moment, searching for any sound that might indicate something out of the norm. Much to his surprise, he heard nothing except the things in his immediate vicinity.
    Taking a step closer to the main hall, a new feeling flooded over him. It was as though all of the blood had been drained from his body, he felt weak, lightheaded, ill, all at the same time. He stumbled, trying to regain his composure. Something was wrong; he was confident the overwhelming empty feeling within him was some sort of warning. He trembled at the idea something horrible might have happened to his beloved.
    For a brief moment he considered transporting, fleeing until he could gather more information, but then he thought better of the idea. If there was a chance Mirada were here, he could not risk any harm coming to her. He had to be sure.
    Wiggling his limbs, he attempted to shake off the sinking feeling. With a few more steps he reached the main door of the largest hall. Looking down he stared at the dirt floors inside the opening. Something about this new meeting place brought him comfort in a way. For the longest time, before the war fully erupted, the council resided in a grand palace that had marble floors and the decadence of the location had always made him feel uncomfortable. The humbleness of the recent places they had found themselves in made Michael feel more at ease.
    Cautiously he stepped one foot inside, then another, peering around the entryway as he entered. He knew the place well, considering his presence was required at most of the planning meetings. Once inside, all he would need to do is round one corner, pass