“I’m not from here, but I will get a job and start my life here.”
It’s the truth. That is my plan, but only after I avenge mymother.
He’s silent for a moment, and I stir my noodles before I slurp some up. The hot liquid burns my throat, the spice making my eyes sting. I’m not used to spicy food.
“Not from here… so which realm are you from? You didn’t have anything on you, so how did you get through the barrier?”
“I ran,” I admit truthfully.
“You can’t just run. Every entrance to this world is guarded. To pass through a barrier, you need identification, which you weren’t carrying. Do you even have money to use here?”
“I’ll make money.”
“So, which world are you from?” he repeats.
He’s not just making casual conversation; he’s questioning me. I have seen that sharp glint in many eyes before him. It’s another trick. This state only has portals to one realm… “Varindor.”
He tilts his head, and I try not to pay attention to the way his shirt stretches over his chest. “Varindor…”
There’s a change in his eyes, a deadly glint that sends a shiver down my spine, and I have no appetite left.
“Overall, that’s quite a reckless move. Varkhazan still has soldiers in Varindor, even after Morcant won the war. Have you thought of approaching someone from his army for help, or on the other hand, calling for the council of King Morcant?”
I look into his eyes. They are a gorgeous molten shade, one that reminds me of gold and amber combined. Is he trying to see which side I favour?
I may not get on with my father, but he is the one I will, or should I say,wouldhave chosen. With the wave weaverswanting me dead, I’m not so sure anymore.
I sigh and shake my head. The delicious taste of the noodles suddenly tastes bitter.
“I don’t know if any of them can help me. Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve never been one to delve into the political power of the country.”
He nods slowly. “I see, well, right now the veils are guarded by fae working alongside Morcant.”
“Not all… There was an entrance that only I knew of, but today, when I tried to get there, I found it was guarded by sky sirens.”
“You do know that hiding a crack in the veil from the authorities is a federal crime?”
The more we talk, the more my mind is telling me to run.
“Oh? Seems like you know the laws pretty well. Or should I say Varkhazan’s laws,” I say quietly. I need to get out of here. My heart is thundering as his eyes narrow, glinting cunningly.
The moment a cold, humourless smirk crosses his lips, I dart from the couch, knocking my pot of noodles over in the process as I jump over his long legs and make a run for the door, but the split second I need to unlock it, he’s behind me, grabbing hold of my arm, yanking me back and pinning me against the wall like a weightless ragdoll.
“Who are you?” he snarls, this time his voice menacing.
“Who are you?” I shoot back instead, trying to calm my emotions. I can’t let any of my true form show through or he’ll figure it out! My stomach twists with nerves as I try to stay in control.
“None of your business,” he answers. “Why did you run?”
I clench my mouth. “I’m not going to dine with a Varkhazan supporter!” I snarl, bringing my knee up ready to do some damage, but he traps my thigh between his legs, making me gasp. He’s strong.
“And here we have a Morcant follower. Any supporter of Morcant is commanded to be executed on the spot,” he whispers huskily as he leans in, his voice chilling, yet seductive at the same time. One hand holds my wrists above my head, the other now wraps around my neck. “But you’re such a pretty little thing… Maybe I’ll keep you as my plaything for a while.”
My eyes flash, and I know he saw the glow as his eyes now narrow. “I’d rather die than let you touch me!” I snarl.
“Are you sure? Because I’m sure I can have you spreading your legs for me willingly…” He raises an eyebrow in mock challenge, and then I’m being pulled away from the wall and dragged into the bedroom, where he tosses me onto the bed. My top rides up, and I reach to yank it down when he roughly turns me, pinning me face down on my stomach.
He straddles me, and my heart hammers.
