“We’re all here,” Mar responds from down the way.
“You’re all okay?”
“We’re all fine,” Eaton answers.
“Except my head is pounding,” Mar mutters. “I think we’ve been drugged. My magic feels dulled.”
“Same.”
It will wear off, and there will be hell to pay, Furi threatens.
You are in a very murderous mood lately, if I do say so myself.
I’m growing tired of people trying to end you. It’s slightly stressful.
Huh. You don’t say.
“What in hell happened to you two last night?” I can barely make out Dover’s pale blue eyes shifting between me and Zadyn—the only light coming from the two hanging lanterns framing the pitch black stairwell. “One second you were right behind us, and then?—”
“Mal showed up,” I answer. “Again.”
“Yes, after you ran back into a burning building. Which wewillbe having words about once we get out of here.” Zadyn’s stern threat sets off a flutter in my belly.
Shrugging it off, I ask, “Do you think Kylian is behind this?”
Zadyn shakes his head. “If it was Kylian, he’d have us all in blood ore chains by now.”
Tell me who I must flay,Furi demands.
I’ll let you know when we get to the bottom of it, Buffalo Bill.
I do not understand your reference,she mutters, her tone making it clear that nor does she want to.
The sound of stomping boots draws our gazes upward, dust coming loose from the boards overhead. Heavy footfalls trample down the creaking stairs as three looming shadows appear, stopping outside our pens.
A tall, brawny fae with tattoos and a multitude of gold piercings steps into view looking like Khal Drogo.
“Bring them,” he commands his lackeys.
Something about them feels so familiar. Their rugged builds, the dark kohl lining their light eyes, their worn leather vests, the smell of spices and salt water. Strapped across each of their broad chests is a bandolier filled with knives—as if their fists alone aren’t weapon enough.
They burst into Kai’s cell first, hauling him to his feet with a blade pressed to his throat.
“Careful, this hair takes hours to perfect.”
“Shut your mouth,” barks the male now deliberately holding him by said hair. He shoves Kai into the chest of the hulking one giving the orders.
A snarling grin twists up his pierced lip. “We meet again, princeling.”
“I’m sorry, do I—” Recognition takes over Kai’s face as he squints up at the giant. “Oh, it’s you! How are you, old friend?”
Meaty hands grip the collar of Kai’s jacket, forcing him onto his tiptoes. “Save it for the Pirate King.”
Pirtate King.
Pirates!
That’s why they look so familiar! Zadyn and I lock eyes, piecing it together.
