Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
He runs his fingers over his blade, as if testing its edge. “I used the knowledge of his plans to my advantage. I was going to ruin the very thing he was after, so one night, I took my blades and killed the general. Then I killed the other superiors. And then I killed thirty-seven of the assassins they’d trained and recruited. Right after that, I ran away again and took the Sunderstone with me.”
“Thane,” I breathe, heart pounding and aching for him at the same time. Now I understand completely why Maliek and The Shadow Guild were coming after him so hard. “Why didn’t you tell me all of this before? I—I don’t even know what to say right now.”
“There isn’t much you can say,” he replies.
“So…if he’s looking for you, why were you in Meriva that day? At the Tilted Crystal? So many people are a part of the Grim there.”
“Because I was visiting Koa’s grave.” He lowers his dagger to his thigh. “And I wanted to see Helena.”
“Oh.”
“I also wanted to get a lead on Seferin because I want to kill him. I’ve been in hiding for the past year. I was tired of hiding. I wanted him to know that I was looking for him. I knew he’d catch wind of my appearance.”
“But you’ll die if he catches you.”
“I didn’t care… I was ready to leave this world so long as it meant taking him out with me…but then I walked into that tavern and met you.”
His eyes meet mine, and warmth floods through my chest.
“With you,” he continues, “I saw how much hurt he’s caused beyond me. With you, it all became clear. I knew exactly what to do in order to end his worthless life. The plan came so suddenly. I couldn’t let it slip through my fingers.”
My hearts sinks, and a wave of sadness rinses through me. With that comment, he makes me feel like I’m simply a means to an end. Nothing more. It’s disheartening. Once he kills Seferin, what comes next? I know I shouldn’t wonder this, as we’re not supposed to get too invested in each other, but what will I become to him when it’s all said and done?
My mind circles back to Analla. She’s why I’m in this temple, and I’m not leaving until I get what I came for. I can’t let my emotions get in the way when I’m this close.
I lift my chin and take a deep breath. If I make the tome his, he’ll be able to help me get the prosperity stones and maybe even kill Seferin. Both are massive wins…but this doesn’t make his confession hurt any less.
This thing between us is not supposed to be deep, I remind myself.
But it feels like it.
“Well, we should get this over with, then.” I gesture to the tome. “You need my blood, right?”
He nods. “Just a drop or two will do. Hopefully, it works.”
“Okay.” I start to walk his way but pause when his eyes spark and his shoulders tense.
“Zaira, look out!” he shouts as he runs toward me.
Out of thin air, someone grabs me from behind and wrangles me into their arms. The sharp, cold edge of a blade presses to my throat. When I see the glowing blue hands, I know exactly who it is we’re dealing with.
Maliek.
He’s back.
Chapter 55
“You’re supposed to be dead,” Thane snarls as he swiftly draws one of his swords.
“Look at me,” Maliek shoots back. “I am dead.” The blue light fades from his hands, bringing emphasis to his gray, pallid skin. It was pale before, but not this pale.
Shuffling footsteps gather around us. My heart sinks in my chest as a handful of assassins surrounds us with their weapons drawn and eyes pinned on Thane.
“Let me guess.” Thane levels his sword at Maliek. I grunt as Maliek lugs me backward. “Seferin used the blackest magic he could conjure to bring you back to life. Tell me, how many lives has he stolen in order to restore your body?”
Maliek doesn’t answer. Instead, he presses the blade deeper into my throat. It stings as he holds it close, and I fight a whimper. One yank of his arm and I’ll be dead.
Just like Koa.
Thane doesn’t want to show it, but I’m certain I see his eyes flare as he focuses on the knife at my throat. “Let her go.”
“Now why would I do that?” Maliek wraps his arm tighter around my chest. “She’s your noble one, no?”
Thane lifts the sword as the other assassins close in.
“It’s amazing how far you’re willing to go for your selfish needs, Valkor.” Maliek chuckles darkly. “We barely had a problem crossing the island because you and your strange little crew did most of the work for us. And the hounds? Thank you for taking care of those for us as well. There were only two around the temple when we arrived, and despite losing four men, they were quite easy to take down, considering how distracted they were by the mess you made.”