“Hi, Violet,” I whisper, ensuring no one spots us. “Where’s your sister?”
“In the tent.” She frowns.
“When she comes out, come get me, okay?” I tell her. “Is your dad there?”
Violet nods.
“Does he hurt you?”
She nods again.
“I’m going to help you.” I try to give her a reassuring smile. “Now go before your father spots me.” I gently guide her back to the street. Violet runs off, and I hear her father yelling at her, his voice echoing down the narrow street.
I dig through my bag and unsheathe my dagger. Their father had run off once before in the wake of my weapon; I’m sure I can get him to do so again. Aurelia and Violet must carry the letter to the castle to break free from his clutches. The sky darkens further to the warm hues of sunset, the day fading rapidly. Violet is making me wait a long time, and a part of me hopes she won’t forget. I stay, hoping I can make my move soon.
Violet turns the corner. “Sissy is back.”
“Okay.” I nod. “Tell Aurelia that when I come around the corner, she needs to take this letter from me.” I show her the letter. “Then, you two need to run to the castle. Don’t stop for any reason, okay? Run as fast as you can. Do you understand?”
Violet nods along as she listens to me. “What ‘bout you?”
“Don’t worry about me.” I smile. “Now go tell your sister without your dad hearing.”
The child runs back out onto the open street. Standing, I lean around the corner and watch as she approaches Aurelia and whispers in her ear. Aurelia’s expression turns to confusion, but Violet points in my direction. Her gaze follows the path until she sees me. I nod at Aurelia, hoping she understands the plan. Aurelia nods, wrapping her fingers around Violet’s wrist as she stands.
“Where do y’all think you goin’?” their father asks.
I dash out of the alley toward the girls. When she sees me, Aurelia takes off, dragging Violet behind her. “Take this!” I shout, holding out the letter for her to take. She snatches it from my grasp, the paper crinkling in her fist as she takes off down the street.
“Hey!” her father calls out, quickly standing from his seat. “You best tell me right now where you be takin’ my daughters!”
I turn on my heel to follow the girls, when I bump directly into a broad chest. A hand clasps my shoulder, and I look up to see a burly Elvarran sneering down at me.
“Get that halfling girl!” Their father points at me.
Shit.
I quickly move around the burly man. I only get about two steps away before the Elvarran closes a hand around the strap of my satchel, yanking me back. He reaches to grab me, and I swipe my dagger in an arc at him, causing him to step back.
“Don’t come any closer!” I yell, hoping someone nearby will hear the commotion.
The two men laugh. A hand hits my cheek, knocking me into some crates on the side of the street. My heart pounds furiously as I try to think of a way out. I am not a fighter, anddo not know how to use the blade I am holding. Even if I did, I am not strong enough to take on a man three times my size. There has to be a diversion somewhere.
The burly Elvarran closes a fist around my scalp, yanking me toward him. I swing the blade, but he grabs my wrist, grip tightening as he twists. Pain shoots through me, bones cracking from the force as I cry out. The dagger tumbles from my grip, clattering to the ground beneath us.
“I ain’t never had halfling pussy,” the man sneers. “Wonder what it feels like.”
A strong gust of wind blows through the street, knocking the man off his feet. I stumble from the gale, my hair whipping wildly around. Turning, I see a silhouette of a man running toward us in the dark.
“Sebastian?” I catch sight of him in the faint light.
“Quite the trouble you’re in,” he says, rushing to my side.
The burly Elvarran has my dagger in his hand as he rushes toward Sebastian. I back away quickly. “That’s my dagger!” I call out as the two spar in a blur of fast-paced movement.
Aurelia’s father reaches me, his wilting hands closing around the front of my dress. “You tell me where my daughters are!” His breath smells of alcohol.
“Get off me!” I shove him back.
