“Do I go?” I asked shakily, glancing at Harthon, trusting his judgement. Because I sure as shit didn’t understand what was happening or whether this was some sort of trap.
Harthon regarded the wolf and said, “Yes.”
The wolf mirrored my movements, latching to my side as I walked forward. Its presence was all that gave me the courage to take the leader’s hand when they offered it to me.
Their grip was delicate. Remarkably so, for someone who’d nearly dislocated my knee moments ago. Another Horrad emerged from the tent with a wooden stool, which they placed beside me. A soft tug on my hand indicated I should sit.
I did, the wolf perching at my feet.
The Horrad holding the cup and platter came over, extending both to me. Again, I looked to Harthon for direction. His chin dipped.
I gingerly took the cup, which was filled with water, and a small piece of bread from the wooden tray.
Everyone bowed to me again.
“Why haven’t they freed you?” I asked quietly, glancing from Harthon to the rest of my companions.
Aric’s expression was flat, face tilting up in grim resolve.
He didn’t need to speak.
“No,” I breathed.
The Horrads straightened, and the leader spun away from me, quick steps bringing them right back to Stefano. A blade appeared again, and someone grabbed Stefano’s head.
“Wait—” I shouted, shifting forward.
When no one stopped me, I jumped to my feet, throwing the bread and cup aside. “I said towait!”
They froze, the weight of a hundred hidden gazes on me.
These people had spared me. They’dbowedto me, given me an offering, and gazed into my eyes like they meant something. LikeImeant something—like I wasabovethem.
Maybe I was overreaching. I didn’t know a damn thing about their beliefs or what occurred beneath those burlap sacks. I was making a wild, unbelievable assumption. But I would not stand here and watch Stefano be slaughtered, with Harthon and Joris and Aric next.
I would rather die.
“Etarla, do not anger them.” Harthon’s plea came quietly, though his eyes were fierce with worry.
He wanted to protect me. He’dalwaysprotected me.
I would protect him.
The wolf sprung to its feet as I took a menacing step forward. “You will not kill them,” I demanded.
Silence was the only response. Did they even understand my language?
“You,” I pointed at the one with the dagger and shook my head, “will not,” I slashed my hand, “kill them.” I pointed to Stefano, and then to Harthon and the others.
The leader made a slashing motion with their hand in response.
Well, okay then.
I took another step forward, repeating my words and my actions with more force.
Again, they answered with a denial.
My mind desperately searched for another approach, something that could leverage whatever it was that had put me in this position.
