The smokey voice resounds around me. It’s everywhere at once and I stand, frantically searching for who said it.
“Alora…”
It takes everything I have to stay put. There’s an intruder in my haven and who would dare find me here?
“Alora.” A voice floats to my consciousness, appealing to me to wake from whatever dream I’m consumed by.
The sudden slip of thick scratchy fabric over my face has me jerking awake. Hands grab at my ankles and tug, pulling me along the hard surface. Panic blooms and I’m kicking and thrashing at whatever holds me.
“Damnit!” The curse reaches me, revealing where my assailant stands. Thrusting my foot again, I make contact with something solid and sharp. The blow can be heard with the thud.
“Well now you’ve done it.” Rune’s voice can be heard on my right and I slap towards where I think he is.
“Alora. Be still.”
I’m still thrashing, I can’t see and whatever is on my head makes everything feel too close, too constricting. I’m certain that I’ll suffocate.
Hands grab under my shoulders in an attempt to lift my arms as another pair snakes around my legs.
A scream bubbles up. It’s all too much. The claustrophobic bag, the unwanted hands. My body riots and I feel like I’m going to be sick.
Get off. Get off. Get off.Hot tears well up in my eyes, making my vision even worse.
I can’t help it when the shrill scream escapes from my lips. My feet coil up to my chest and I kick as hard as I can and they meet something solid and unmoving.
Whatever is on my face is ripped off in an instant. He’s there, frantic and searching my eyes. Him. The Devourer.
I’m bewildered, my fear melts into something more. Condemnation. He’s doing this to me.
“I’ll leave the sack off,” The stern whisper leaves his lips in a rush, “damnit I’ll leave it off if it means you’ll quit screaming because I cannot take it.” His voice cracks, steeped in desperation.
“Kassiel… Gods.” Rune’s words are stiff and forced, unhappy.
He lowers his voice so only I can hear.
“Alora.” I narrow my eyes on him as he continues, “It’s easier to walk to the noose when you don’t see it coming.”
“I’d prefer to make that choice myself.” The words are said cooly, barely audible.
I study him, counting my breaths until they level out as the moments pass. He’s disheveled, his hair out of his leather strap and unruly. He’s frantic looking, his brows nearly reaching his hairline. He looks like a god, terrifying and beautiful.
“Allow me this one favor,” I begin quietly, a request waiting on my lips. I’m not sure how my captors will take this next part.
I continue after I release a shaky exhale, hesitation lingering, “I’d sooner have you slit my throat before that forsaken sack covers my head again. Give me my dignity as I meet the Goddess.”
I lower my chin as I stare at The Devourer, unblinking as our eyes lock.
“I’ll allow this, but the moment I feel like you’re going to pull something, it’ll have to go back on. Truly.” His concession is quick and his eyes shine with the promise.
I nod and acceptance washes over me, relaxing my limbs into the hard floor of the cart I’d fallen asleep in.
The Devourer turns to Rune, suspicion seeping off of the man as he stares at the emerald green eyes..
“Miss, we need to get you moving or I fear the king himself will come out here and drag you by your hair.” I snap my neck toward him, assessing if he’s serious. If King Euron would have really come this far to watch me hang.
“He speaks the truth. The King is not a patient man, and worse, he feels no remorse. However you die, he’s indifferent. The only thing he cares about is ensuring you’re no longer part of the problem.” The Devourer’s words settle over me.
I lean forward and scooch my way to the edge of the cart.
