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As though Lyra could feel my damn thoughts, she took hold of the woman’s hand. “Nivek treasured your bond so fiercely, he saved me so his brother could have the same. I am so thankful to him, and we know who took him from you both. They will die for it.”
Sindri’s mouth tightened. “Let me do it. It is my duty as his son to avenge him.”
“Sindri,” his mother warned.
“What?” His fists were trembling. “They took him before I could even know him.”
You will. I did not think before gesturing the words, knowing he would not understand. You will know him because you both have a place in Dravenmoor. You are a prince and the heir of your father’s kingdom.
Sindri’s golden eyes were not as bright as mine, not as fierce as Nivek’s once were, but they gleamed when Lyra explained my words.
“Roark.” Gunter leaned in to whisper. “The firstborn heir.”
Shit. My lips parted. Nivek’s bone would not hold the Wanderer’s power because…there was already a new firstborn of soul craft when he died.
“What?” Jordis said, a groove between her brows. “Why do you look distressed?”
How could I tell her that my nephew would be hunted, the same as the rest of the heirs?
Gunter did not wait for me to respond. He spoke for Dravenmoor. “You and your son are part of the royal house. You will have the protection of the Dark Watch, and, lady, if I may say so, you may need it in coming days.”
Jordis paled. “They want him. I knew it. I’ve always felt something would come for my son.”
Nivek’s fears would still be felt through your bond, I told her.
She rubbed a palm over her heart after Lyra explained my theory.
“You will come with us.” Lyra took her hand. “Nothing will happen to you or Sindri.”
“Don’t know who you think you are, coming here and speaking out against our laws, woman.” Fifteen paces away the burly man who’d shouted at Jordis earlier stood on the path, a pungent paper smoke between his teeth. “They’re not going anywhere. I own them.”
“Own them? Unfettered are not owned, I thought.” Lyra looked to Jordis.
She studied the soil. “After Nivek’s death, I petitioned for help protecting my son. I did not know what was happening. My father and mother had met Salur a season before. Our laws allow protection through debts to be paid.”
“That’s right.” The sod strode closer, blowing a puff of smoke between us. “And lovely Jordis has not paid her debt for her bastard. I’ve told her ways to see it done swifter.”
“And I will forever refuse.”
Does he touch you? I spoke briskly, and Lyra recited the question with a dark heat in her tone.
“Ah, I would, but Jordis refuses. I’d wipe her debt clean if she’d spread her thighs a bit.”
Sindri made a move for the man. I gripped his shoulder, pulling him back, and shook my head. Where I thought the boy might protest, he steadied.
It was possible he saw the flash of ill intent in my own countenance.
“Her debt is vast,” said the man. “Protection for the boy his entire life. Not a small request. She’ll be mine until she meets the gods.”
I took Lyra’s palm, writing my words.
She lifted her chin when I finished. “The Draven prince has an interest in them.”
“Oh?” The man tilted his head. “What sort of interest?”
“It doesn’t concern you.” Lyra spoke like a damn queen. “We’ll pay the debt. What is your name so we know who to call upon?”
“Brokk the Sly.” Brokk blinked. “You’ll pay? For them?”
