Total pages in book: 146
Estimated words: 137226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
“So what they say about you is true,” she says.
“And what’s that?”
“All the syndikats use suen.” She says this derisively, as if she doesn’t partake in the magic herself. “I hadn’t seen a thief in action before.”
“And suen doesn’t do that for you?” I counter, pulling her forward until we’re over the bony ridge and out of sight of the dragon. Everyone who ingests the suen from dragon eggs has their natural abilities amplified. I was born with a natural strength and agility, and suen in turn gives me preternatural strength. My youngest brother, who was nothing short of a genius as a child, now has a brain unlike anyone I know. Sometimes I hear of people who get brand-new abilities that come from nowhere, but those people are few and far between. Brynla, I would assume, also has natural strength that suen must magnify, even though she acts like she’s above its usage.
She doesn’t say anything, her fingers twitching at her sides. I know she wants to grab her swords. I’m half-inclined to let her. See what she’s made of. See if she knows how to listen.
I come to a stop, forcing her to halt too, my grip a vise around her elbow.
“Now that I’ve saved your life for a second time,” I tell her, leaning in, “perhaps you can do me the honor of listening to what I have to say.”
Her gaze goes over the wild shore where waves lap against the rock. The illumination from the volcanoes doesn’t extend as far here, and the dark horizon is swallowed by low charcoal clouds. Somewhere beyond that is Tromson on his boat and hopefully the dog.
“What do you want?” she asks stiffly, not looking at me.
“I need your help,” I tell her. “Most importantly, House Kolbeck needs your help. Your expertise.”
She frowns at me, her guard dropping for a moment. “Me? Who am I to you?”
“You’re Brynla Aihr,” I say, watching as her pupils shrink in surprise. “Daughter of rebel leaders Branne and Sonja Aihr, now deceased. You reside with your aunt Ellestra Doon in the Dark City, living as a fugitive from the Black Guard and the Daughters of Silence, from which you escaped nearly a decade ago. And you’re one of the best thieves in the business.” I pause. “Only problem is, you’re working for the wrong side.”
Her throat bobs as she swallows. “How…how do you know all that?”
“I’ve been watching you,” I admit. “Ever since the blue moon.”
She calculates how long that’s been. “That’s half a year,” she whispers, licking her lips. Then she gives her head a shake. “I don’t understand.”
“Yes, you do,” I say, taking my hand off her arm. “You and your dog are worth a lot of money, which is why the Sjef of House Dalgaard hired you. Don’t play dumb, I know your dog is what helps you find the eggs.” She opens her mouth to say something, and I continue. “I said I was watching you, didn’t I? House Kolbeck is no different than House Dalgaard in that aspect. We have spies everywhere.”
I might be exaggerating, just a little. Our spies consist of a white raven that Steiner knows how to communicate with, and Dagruna Bjarr, a woman with shape-shifting abilities who works for the king of Norland.
Brynla’s gaze turns hard as she meets my eyes. I can sense her muscles twitching, her fight-or-flight instincts rising. “What do you want?”
“I want you to work for House Kolbeck. We’ll pay you handsomely.”
She thinks that over for a moment. “You do know what would happen to me if I switched sides. Sjef Ruunon wouldn’t let me go easily, and if he learned I was working for House Kolbeck…”
“He’d kill you and your dog and your aunt,” I supply. “Or possibly keep your dog and kill the rest of you. I’m aware.”
“So then you understand why I won’t be working for you.”
I breathe in sharply, my adrenaline spiking in anticipation of what’s to come. I had prepared for this, but despite the chaos that seems to follow me wherever I go, I prefer it when things go smoothly.
“You’re declining?”
“I’m saying no,” she says with a raise of her chin.
“Then I have to insist.” I can’t help but smile at her defiance. “After all, you owe me for saving your life, twice now, and for saving the life of your dog.”
Brynla stiffens at that. “I owe you something in return, yes, but not this.”
“What is this?”
“My freedom,” she says, her tone hard and final.
“Then I’m afraid you leave me no choice,” I tell her. I reach into my cloak and pull out a syclesaw, the polished dragon claw reflecting the dull light.
Her movements are fast. Both of the swords from her back are drawn and she’s in a warrior’s pose, her jaw set as sharp as the blades, her gaze focused.