It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask if his not-so-little brother is okay, but I’m not that far gone. I’m also still trying to convince my stupid brain that it doesn’t care. I don’t think I’m winning the argument though; my brain is a real stubborn bitch.
I smile at that and then wince as it pulls on the split in my lip. Lorn’s brow furrows and he steps closer to the barrier, eyes piercing the dark interior of my cell to study my visage more intently.
“You’re hurt,” he states, surprised, like it’s the last thing he expected.
“You should see the other guy,” I joke. My head starts to pound harder, and I close my eyes. “Listen, Heir, the Tainted at least gave me some time to heal between my beatings. Can we reschedule this interrogation for tomorrow? I promise I’ll be more fun then.”
Lorn’s eyes zero in on mine, and anger blooms in his cheeks. Suddenly he’s striding forward, his features furious as he passes through the shimmering wall of my cage like it’s nothing more than decorative air.
I stare, shocked.
Fuck me.
I should have tested these walls. If I could have just walked through them at any time, I’m going to kick my own ass.
The smell of my blood must hit Lorn as soon as he breaches the cell, because his pupils dilate and his lip lifts in an enraged snarl. “Get Zainab in here now!” he shouts over his shoulder before crouching down and reaching for me.
“Don’t touch me,” I growl, the sound filled simultaneously with threat and panic. I attempt to scoot away from him, but I don’t get far, too stiff and cold to successfully scuttle.
He hesitates, looking pained and then pissed, but he thankfully drops his hands and maintains some distance. “Why are her arms still bound?” he seethes, head snapping in the direction of the two guards in the hallway. He calls for them, but I miss what he shouts because the cuffs on my wrists are suddenly released, and the numbness in my arms and shoulders gives way to a needle-stabbing twinge that pulls an involuntary groan from my throat.
I roll forward, pressing my forehead to the floor as the feeling painfully returns to my mistreated limbs. A keen ache pulses through me, and I pant it out until the intensity starts to abate.
I’m lifted off the ground, and a fresh wave of pain washes over me at the unexpected and unwelcome movement. I turn to eviscerate Lorn for ignoring my direct warning not to touch me, but it’s Aeson who’s staring back at me, his face filled with rage.
“You,” I puff in surprise.
“Me,” he rumbles in agreement, repositioning me in his arms until he has me pressed firmly against his chest, one arm at my back and the other under my knees.
“What happened?” he demands as the walls of my cage fall like water from the ceiling and disappear back into the floor. He hastily strides toward the hallway, which is now sans guards.
This time, I do roll my eyes. Just as I suspected, I immediately regret it. My vision goes wavy and my head feels like it was dropped into a compactor, but my eyes don’t get stuck.
“Did you just high-five yourself?” Aeson asks.
“It’s for my eyes. I’m proud of them,” I explain, but he looks even more confused.
“Aes, Zainab is already on her way. Where are you going?” Lorn calls to his brother’s back as we practically race off.
“I’m taking her to Jori. He’s closer,” Aeson grunts, completely ignoring the censure in Lorn’s tone.
“She’s not clear to leave until we figure out what the fuck is going on,” Lorn points out as he catches up to us, his cape billowing out behind him, which forces the other drakes following us to keep their distance.
Something about that makes me want to laugh, but I get a grip and stay quiet.
Why do I feel so warm…and weird?
I didn’t pee myself, did I?
“We’re not leaving, we’re changing rooms. And you can just as easily ask her whatever you want in the infirmary. She’ll be good, won’t you, Claws?”
“I wouldn’t count on it,” I chirp honestly and then giggle.
Aeson looks down at me, concern floating in his gaze. I’m right there with him because something is wrong with me, and it’s not because I’m injured or in pain.
Pain, I know.
Pain, I can deal with.
