Page 139 of Ravenrose

Ayer.

He’s only a few feet away on the ground, propped up rather uncomfortably against a half-rotted log.

Slowly, I push myself to my feet, keeping my eyes locked on the Kovari captain. He holds his sword in one hand while the other is pressed into his side. Though it’s doing little to stop the dark blood that continues to spill out between his fingers.

The blade did indeed run him through, just like I thought it did.

His normally tanned skin is now ghostly white, his breaths shallow. And it grows increasingly labored the longer I stand here.

He’s dying.

Ayer knows it too.

My heart thumps faster.

I’m alone.

Ayer’s men, including Theo and Hayes, are still preoccupied with the dwindling battle just beyond the trees. I’m armed. I have the bow Ayer gave me and Theo’s knife. Not to mention Ayer’s bow, his sword, and his bag all lay strewn around him, ripe for the taking.

My fist tightens on Theo’s knife.

I can’t kill him. Not with his rune still carved into my arm, but I can run. I might even reach the border of the Iron Kingdom before any of them even realize I’m gone, and quietly disappear in the chaos.

I could just leave Ayer to die.

And when he does, the rune will break, and I will be free.

A cool breeze stirs my hair, blowing in from the east, as if beckoning me toward the mountains. I look up, peering through the thick shadows to the sunlight peeking overhead.

I can marry Kane and fulfill my duty to Sitara. Skye will send troops to aid my father and brothers to end this war and future border skirmishes.

It’s all within my grasp.

I don’t even need to kill him myself… All I have to do is walk away.

And do it now before any of Ayer’s men come looking.

For some reason, my feet won’t move. My gaze drops back to Ayer, watching his chest rise and fall. He’s close. His breathing has become more labored in the time I’ve been standing here. His eyes remain closed. I’m not even sure he’s conscious.

I eye the bag by his side, inching closer until I’m close enough to grab it with shaky hands. Ayer’s nostrils flare, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Rose Princess,” he murmurs so low I barely hear him.

I freeze, refusing to breathe as I stare down at him. His eyes flicker open. He says nothing, and neither do I, as he reads the intent in my eyes. Blood continues to pour from his wound, but yet here he is, smirking at me.

“Run, sunshine,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine. “Run fast.”

His eyes fall closed, his breathing more labored than ever. The rune on my wrist burns so hot I gasp, yanking up my sleeve to stare at it. It glows bright and hot for another few beats before it starts to—fade.

My eyes shoot up, going back to Ayer.

Leave, Rowan. Walk away.

I can’t. I can’t move. I just stare at him.

He destroyed my home, took me prisoner, plans to use me as bait or revenge against my brothers—I still don’t know which. And yet, despite everything, he himself has never hurt me.

And when Riggs…