“What do you know of that, human?” the mythological asked, his voice sharp and cutting.
“I know you hate humans, that you wouldn’t follow one around like some stray pet he adopted unless there was a very good reason,” Shea retorted. “I’m pretty sure you have no choice but to listen because of what he wears around his neck.”
She rubbed her own neck, conscious of how sore it still was. There would definitely be a bruise, but at least he hadn’t crushed her trachea. If he had, she’d be choking to death right about now.
Shea took her time climbing to her feet, brushing her hands off as she stood and looked over at him. She carefully kept her gaze from the boulders that hid her father.
The mythological hadn’t reacted to her statement yet, giving her no clue if she was getting to him or not.
“Covath sent me, because I’m willing to bet he couldn’t come himself,” Shea said, making a guess, one that had been brewing since she’d witnessed the scene earlier that day. “I’m guessing whatever keeps you and the others under control affects him too.”
The creature’s face remained expressionless.
That was fine by Shea. She knew she was right. The confirmation would have just been nice.
“You could help me,” she offered.
That garnered a reaction as he scoffed. “And how would you suggest I do that?”
That was a good question, one she’d given a lot of thought to. She suspected he couldn’t act against Griffin directly, whether because of fear of pain or whether whatever Griffin wore around his neck literally controlled him. That didn’t matter. If he could keep the beasts off her, even for a moment, she could turn this to their advantage. Trenton and the rest could act, giving her the chance to deal with Griffin.
“Keep the beasts from killing me. At least long enough for me to get the item he’s using to control you,” she said, her voice serious. She wasn’t quite willing to reveal her companions yet, not knowing what side he planned to come down on.
If the worst happened and he killed her, they would at least still have a chance.
“And trade one master for another? I don’t think so.” His voice was hard and implacable.
He reached for her again and Shea jerked back.
“I don’t want to be your master,” she snapped. “I just want what Griffin stole from us. Your help is the only way to get it.”
“Humans always lie,” he said flatly.
“And mythologicals are a slave to their baser instincts, only good at killing,” Shea returned. She’d believed that once. Now she was beginning to see that things might be a bit different than she’d assumed.
He let out a vicious sounding rumble. Her heart jumped, but she didn’t allow herself to show fear, meeting his gaze with a stubborn one of her own.
“We both hold a belief about the other that may or may not be based on fact. Only time will truly tell, but I’ll say this, Covath was the one who sent me—he must have had a reason considering how much you all dislike humans,” Shea said.
He waited in silence, considering her statement. She held her breath, hoping something she’d said had gotten through. She didn’t have a lot of other options. If he didn’t go for it, she was probably dead.
“What is it that you would ask of me, little mouse?” he asked, his voice silken.
Shea took the opportunity. “I just need a window. Distract the other beasts and I’ll free you from this.”
He scoffed. “You ask the impossible.”
“It’s not that much,” Shea started.
He cut her off with a sharp gesture. “You have no idea what he’ll do to us.” He shook his head. “No, little mouse, I’m afraid you took a few too many chances and now you’re in over your head. Your plan won’t work.”
Shea’s lips parted as she prepared to argue.
“What won’t work?” a sly voice said from nowhere.
Both of them went stock still. A hot feeling crawled up the back of her neck as Griffin moved into sight. The jagged lines of the rocks had hidden him until now.
Shea’s voice caught in her throat as she stared at him, envisioning all her plans come to naught.
