Knight Avenged Read Online Free PDF Page B

and returning home would be easier. Safer too, but she’d never been a quitter. Duty called. The goddess had been clear. So instead of backtracking to the nearest exit, Cosmina lifted her head and squared her shoulders. Her boot heels pressed against her bottom, she drew a deep breath, filling her lungs to capacity, and started to count. On e . . . the horror of her stupid gift. Tw o . . . ridiculous quest. Thre e . . . just kill her now and call it a night. Fou r . . .
    She released the air on a shaky exhale, then nodded. Better. Much, much better. The handsome hazel-eyed warrior was fading along with the excruciating pain. As he disappeared, draining from her mind like grains of sand through open fingertips, her focus returned. Her gaze narrowed on her target: the towering wall beyond the golden altar at the front of the rotunda.
    Almost there. A hop, skip, and a jump away. A mere stone’s throw from the secret entrance into the Chamber of Whispers.
    Adjusting her heavy satchel, Cosmina secured the strap against her shoulder and pushed to her feet. As her weight settled back on her frame, she shifted onto the balls of her feet. Strength infused her muscles. With a burst of speed, she charted a course and sprinted past the next column. Her gaze skipped around the space, landing on the dome rising above the rotunda. Moonlight shone through the stained-glass windows ringing the base of the cupola. Color exploded across the floor, painting the pale marble with strange patterns, revealing the hour. Almost midnight. It wouldn’t be long now. Within minutes, the winter solstice would commence and her duties would begin.
    Which meant she must hurry. Before she lost all possibility of redemption.
    A second chance. The opportunity to belong once more. Cosmina’s heart throbbed a little harder. ’Twas a gift, one presented to her by the Goddess of All Things mere days ago. Even while on the run, the dreamscape visit still haunted her, hanging on edge of conscious thought, urging her toward what the goddess wanted. The deity worked that way, invading dreams to convey a message. Or present one of her subjects with a new path.
    Sprinting past another column, the exchange expanded between her temples, making her recall the unexpected conversation.
    “Cosmin a . . . ”
    The warm whisper drifted on a stream of power a moment before an image formed in her mind’s eye. Glorious to behold, the goddess reached across time and space, enfolding her in majesty. And as the soft web of welcome embraced her, Cosmina knew she’d come home. That all the years of struggle had been worth it. That the powerful being who held her close needed her help and could not be denied.
    Aware but still lost to sleep, Cosmina bowed her head and sank to her knees inside the dream. “Majest y . . . you honor me with your presence. Thank you for your protection and grace through dark days and lost years.”
    “Naught has been lost, child,” the goddess murmured, a smile in her voice. “You have thrived outside the Order of Orm, and I am proud to call you mine own.”
    The praise tightened Cosmina’s throat. “How may I serve you, Majesty?”
    The goddess laughed, the tinkling sound one of delight. “You always were keen of mind, Cosmina. Quick to comprehend.”
    “I had a good teacher in my mother.”
    “Indeed.” Sorrow in her eyes, the goddess’ expression turned solemn. “I am sorry for her loss and your hurt.”
    “All things happen for a reason,” Cosmina whispered with lingering sadness. The goddess’ concern—and obvious grief—did naught to soothe her. Five years had come and gone since her mother’s murder, and yet the pain persisted. Now Cosmina missed her more than ever. Wished for so many things, but most of all, to have her back. A foolish longing. Naught could bring her mother back. She knew that. Accepting the facts, however, didn’t help. Her heart still ached, and the loss still hurt. “Is that not what you