‘What?’ he says. ‘I’ve tasted your blood. Why don’t you try mine?’
The coldness spreading through me turns to heat as I recall once more that night in the dungeon – the press of his body, my own dagger held to my throat, how I’d struggled so much that the blade had nicked my skin, drawing forth a bead of blood. Fox had leaned in close enough for me to feel his warm breath on my neck and licked it away.
I shake my head and cross my arms over my chest.
‘Pity,’ he says, throwing a bloodied berry up and catching it in his mouth.
‘You’re repulsive,’ I tell him.
With a snap of my fingers, a second icicle begins to fall. But Fox is faster this time, catching it in his hand and squeezing until it splinters into pieces. Seconds later something thick and green snakes round my leg. I shriek as my foot is pulled out from under me, but rather than go crashing to the ground, I’m hoisted into the air by my ankle.
Blood rushes to my head as I dangle upside down from the vine wrapped round the icy branch above.
Fox prowls closer until our faces are level. He looks as though he’s trying not to laugh. The vine grows tighter, then tighter still, causing me to yelp.
‘Let me down,’ I snarl.
Fox brushes a stray curl from my face. ‘Has anyone ever told you that you’re beautiful when you’re angry?’
I clench my jaw. ‘Nope. Just you.’
‘You know, Haldyn and I have always been a little competitive,’ he continues. ‘I imagine most brothers are. And so I’ve often wondered …’ He’s so close that I can see the small smear of blood on his lower lip. ‘Which one of us was the better kisser?’
I forget how to breathe. His words are flames that devour me, scorching my skin.
‘Let. Me. Down.’
Fox chuckles softly. ‘As you wish.’
The vine releases me and I hit the forest floor with an agonizing thud. Pain barks along my joints, jarring and hot.
Then Fox is there, bent over me, pinning me to the ground, and I’m enveloped by the scent of him – pine and fresh mint and triumph. His eyes graze my face, glittering, ravenous.
‘What do you think, Storm Weaver?’ he whispers. ‘You said I enjoy inflicting pain. Am Ienjoyingmyself now?’
I gaze up at him, breathless. My stomach tumbles as something burning and treacherous takes root, clawing at my insides. For a moment I forget which it is I’m supposed to be fighting – him, or that feeling.
Fox has gone very still. I wait until his gaze drops to my lips. Then I bring my forehead up and crack it hard against his.
White light blinds me, then recedes to a dull throb. Fox rolls off me with a grunt and I scramble to my feet, ignoring the ache of protest from my limbs.
‘I’ve had enough,’ I spit.
‘Enough?’ Fox repeats, sounding almost sulky as he pulls himself up. ‘But this is the most fun I’ve had in weeks.’
I take a small step back, then another.
Power still hums through my chest, pulsating and eager, like a muscle longing to be worked. But I meant what I said. I’m done.
Drawing myself up to full height, I say, ‘You know, I might not always agree with Hal, but it seems there’s one matter upon which he and I see eye to eye.’
Fox takes a step closer. ‘Oh really? And what’s that?’
I don’t hesitate. ‘Wanting yougone.’
With that, I turn on my heel and stride away from the Earth Cleaver.
‘Do give Haldyn my regards once all this is over,’ he calls after me. ‘Make sure to tell him that if he’s playing at being emperor even half as convincingly as he played at being in love with you, no doubt the people will soon be throwing themselves at his feet.’
