The boy pressed Xaydin’s finger against the point until a drop of blood ran down, across the medallion.
Then, he turned to Gisela. “Now repeat your vow.”
“I promise not to intentionally kill Masakage.”
He pressed her finger against the point.
“Ow!” she hissed as pain went through her entire body.
The boy didn’t react as he watched.
Once their blood mingled on the medallion, it turned a deep, dark purple. As it did so, the blood rushed from the medallion to his finger and then words began to appear on the boy’s flesh.
He hissed in pain, but a slow, delighted smile curved his lips. Elated, he touched the words on his forearm. “Finally!” His eyes shining, he all but jumped in his bliss. “Thank you! Both of you!”
Gisela started to remind him that he’d bargained for another contract from them, but he was so excited that she didn’t want to dampen it with details. Let him bask in this moment. Happiness like that was all too rare in the world.
And sadly, too many enjoyed stealing it from others. She wasn’t one of them. If she could, she’d preserve that happiness and make sure everyone had as much of it as they could tolerate for the whole of their lives.
Xaydin cocked his head. “Are you all right?”
“Light-headed from the blood loss,” she quipped. “You?”
He turned back to theiraþaswere. “I still want information. Where’s Saress?”
“Not far. On the north shore. For one more contract, I’ll show you to his home, personally.”
Masakage leaned toward Xaydin so that he could whisper loudly in his ear. “We have the tracking potion. Do we really need him?”
Xaydin seemed to consider it. Until his gaze went to the boy. “We’ll use ouraþaswereguide.”
“You’re too soft-hearted. I hope we don’t regret this.”
She caught the glint in Xaydin’s eyes that said he agreed, and yet he ignored his brother’s warning.
“What’s your name, lad?” Xaydin asked.
“Fenrys.”
“Then lead us to the North Shore. But be warned. If this is a trap…”
“Understood.” Humming to himself, Fenrys spread his wings, then took flight. He circled above them before he headed off in what she assumed was the correct direction.
Gisela wanted to change into her preferred mode of transportation, until she remembered that Xaydin hated shifters and if he ever saw her true form…
Who knew how he’d react?
They walked in silence for a couple of minutes with Fenrys flying just above them. In her mind, she considered what it would take to look like anaþaswere. It wouldn’t be hard. She even had the power to mimic the contract words written on their flesh.
A grand illusion.
One that made her curious about Xaydin.
“Why do you hate shape shifters so much?” The question was out before she could stop it.
His face emotionless, Xaydin slowed to ride beside her. “What?”
“I was just wondering what you have against…” She barely caught herself before she saidme. “Shape shifters.”
