Nothing Is Eternal (Book One)

II

If Will took off alone, it would be an easier escape. Will was good at evading guards and watchers. He was invisible in a crowd.

Acolytes stood out.

Trying to get Mitsuko out could get him killed. Leaving her would get her killed. There wasn't a good option.

But he could give her a choice.

Mitsuko remained frozen before she gave a barely perceivable nod. Will tensed, aware that every second counted.

"Don't panic." Will took a deep breath, fingers fumbling to unbutton his coat. "As soon as you hear a loud crash, take your robes off."

Mitsuko looked at him as if he had gone mad. "What?"

"I promise I'll get you out of here. But I'm going to need you to trust me. Can you trust me?"

Terror twisted her face, but she didn't object. A thundering crash echoed through the sanctuary, followed by a loud splash.

The guard had dropped some of his books right in a sacred pool.

Will swiftly stood in front of Mitsuko, blocking her from any stray gaze. He slipped off his coat, handing it to her while endeavoring to avoid peeking at her disrobed body. One glimpse brief glimpse showed she was left in a flimsy tunic.

As soon as Mitsuko shrugged on his coat, Will pulled her up by the sleeve and began escorting her away from the prayer pool. Her hair had come undone in her haste to disrobe, the long dark locks tumbling past her shoulders. The commotion concealed Mitsuko's quick change, but her makeshift disguise wouldn't hold up under the laziest of scrutiny. Going out into the cold weather while barefoot and wearing an ill-fitting coat was barely a disguise. There was just no other option.

Being near an open door, it was easy enough to slip out. A shudder tore from Mitsuko as soon as they were outside—Will couldn't tell if it was from cold or fear. Mitsuko was taking an irrevocable step since female acolytes were strictly forbidden to leave their sanctuaries. Will wondered how long it had been since she was outside the walls of this sanctuary.

He needed to let go of her sleeve, but still tried urging her forward. "Come now. Just follow me. We don't want to attract attention for indecent contact."

Mitsuko let out a noise that was either fear or an incredulous giggle. It would be wildly ironic if they were apprehended by vigilant guards for the public indecency of a man holding a woman's hand.

As they slowly made their way down the steps, the sanctuary's smothering spell was broken by the lively atmosphere of Dragonfly Square. Many were still abroad, making it easy for Will and Mitsuko to get lost in the crowd. Will kept Mitsuko close as they jostled past skilled laborers heading home from a hard day, patrons doing last-minute shopping, and university students heading to their lodgings. Laughter and chatter surrounded them, the comforting illusion of safety.

But the illusion didn't fool Will. At least three guards were starting to break through the crowd and one plainclothes watcher was approaching.

"Shit!" Will hissed.

Will grabbed Mitsuko's hand. A gasp escaped her. She likely hadn't been willingly touched by a man since dedicating her life, soul, and virginity to the Eternal. Her shaking hand seemed instinctively to tug away, but Will tightened his grip. He increased their pace until they were practically running.

"Stop!" an eager guard shouted.

Will couldn't believe the guard was stupid enough to alert them, giving them a chance to escape. Of course, it had the detrimental effect of alerting the whole crowd. Any devout person would be required to prevent them from escaping.