“I’ll help you run away,” the man said. “Where is he now? I’m sure we still have time.”
“At the teahouse. Drinking before the wedding tomorrow.” The woman wailed into her hands. “I’ve been praying to the gods. I just want him gone.”
Yue left without a sound, steering herself in the direction of the teahouse in question. She was no god, but in many ways, she was far more merciful.
45Sonam
Ifollow the sound of hersorrowful song all the way across Longhao, bounding from rooftop to rooftop to avoid the roads full of fleeing civilians and ravenous monsters. It doesn’t occur to me until I’m nearly halfway there that this could be a trick the Maskmaker is playing.
But I have to know. Ihaveto.
I leap over a particularly wide canal, spotting a blur of white surrounded by a small group of demons. The sweep of the creature’s nine long tails leaves me momentarily confounded, the violent swipe of her claws even more so. From her six obsidian eyes to the burns upon the right sight of her face… Her fur may be matted with black blood, whether her own or that of her enemies, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind: it’s her.
One of the demons, disguised as a hefty young man, lunges at Yue, releasing a sharp hiss. Before he has a chance to unhinge his jaw and sink his teeth into her, I pounce, crushing him beneath my front paws. I tear his throat out, throwing away his limp body without a second glance. Our remaining enemies are smart enough to flee. They might have been able to take on a lone fox, but two of us together?
Yue snarls at me, her hackles raised. She doesn’t recognize me. That is, until she sniffs the air. “Sonam?” she rasps.
I approach, ripping off my mask to confirm her suspicions. Wrapping my arms around her neck, I hug her as tight as I dare in lightheaded elation. A soft laugh escapes me. “You’realive,” I say breathlessly. “I was so sure you were…”
She drapes her chin over my shoulder, nuzzling her cheek against my own. “I’m here,” she whispers, as if it’s a secret meant only for us.
I take a step back, disturbed that my hands come away covered in black. Now that I’m close, I see the full extent of her injuries. She’s covered not just in surface-level scratches, but deep, seeping wounds. It’s a miracle that she’s here, but even more so that she’s standing. Yue is pushing herself well beyond her limit, battle-worn and well over the brink of collapse.
“We need to get you somewhere safe,” I say hastily. “You can’t fight in this state.”
“I’m fine—”
“Don’t be stubborn.”
“You can’t win this alone.”
I set my jaw, fear piercing through my chest. “And I can’t lose you,” I say plainly. Honestly. Not only because we don’t have time to waste, but because Yue deserves to know the truth. The words come rushing out. Everything I’ve wanted to say.
“I see you,” I tell her desperately. “I accept you. I not only want, but Ineedyou.” I pull her closer, tighter. “You don’t have to fight anymore, Yue. I have strength for the both of us. So please, just rest.”
She breathes deeply, the warmth of her breath tickling my cheeks. I find myself leaning in, anxious to hear what she has to say now that I’ve laid my intentions bare.
“Are you sure it’s wise?” she asks after a moment. “To choose someone like me.”
“I have no doubts.”
“It will be difficult,” she insists.
“I’ve survived the trials of Hell. Loving you will be the easiest thing I ever do.”
“You’re not thinking, Sonam. What happens when the people learn the truth? That the Hunter of Jian holds a demon so close? Think of your reputation—”
“Screw my reputation.”
“And what of your honor?”
“Back to Hell with it.”
“And when I must eat?”
“For you, I will scour the lands for the cruelest souls and feed them to you on a platter. We’ll rid the world of evil together.” I stroke her old burns with the pad of my thumb. “I’ve already made up my mind. Whatever it takes, I will do it. For you.”
Yue huffs a soft laugh, nuzzling my cheek with the tip of her nose. “You’re right. I’m tired of fighting.”
