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I force myself up on shaking legs and run.

“There she is!” a guard shouts from somewhere behind me. Heavy boots pound the wooden planks, the vibrations traveling through the soles of my feet.

I barrel forward, weaving between stacked cargo and startled dockworkers. My lungs burn, my legs protest, but fear gives me speed I didn’t know I possessed. More guards ahead are moving to intercept me with weapons drawn.

I veer toward a stack of crates piled high from a nearby ship. With all my strength, I shove them, sending them crashing to the ground. The contents spill across the pier, fabric of some kind, creating an obstacle for my pursuers.

“Stop her!” The shout comes from alarmingly close behind me.

I grab a loose barrel, muscles screaming in protest as I tip it on its side and send it rolling toward the guards. One jumps clear, but another isn’t quick enough. It catches him in the shins, sending him stumbling.

Another guard appears to my left, lunging for me. I duck under his grasp and throw a heavy fishing net at him. It tangles around his legs, throwing off his balance. He teeters at the edge of the pier for a breathless moment before tumbling into the water with a huge splash, taking the netting with him.

The commotion behind me grows as more guards join the chase, but I’ve created enough chaos to gain precious seconds. I spot a gap between two buildings ahead, an escape from the open dock into the maze of the town beyond. If I can reach it, I might lose them in the crowd.

CHAPTER 25

• Alessia •

THE SHOUTS BEHIND me grow more distant with each desperate stride.

I emerge from the alleyway into what looks like the main market of King Xavian’s port city. The difference from what I know strikes me.

This isn’t Purgatory Island anymore.

Bodies move in an endless wave, but they aren’t crushed together the way the markets were back home. Merchants shout their wares in unfamiliar accents. Bright colors and pleasant scents make my steps falter a moment. I’m overwhelmed by the sheer volume of humanity after days trapped in a cabin with only the Vampire King for company.

On Purgatory Island, the flesh market dominates the center of town. It’s impossible to miss with its auction blocks and holding pens, and it is attached to the docks for easy access to the ships. Here, amid the labyrinth of stalls selling everything from spices to jewelry, I can’t see any sign of where the human debt contracts might be bought and sold.

The buildings rise taller around me, stone instead of the weathered wood I am accustomed to. Signs in a script I barely recognize hang from posts and doorways.

I push my way deeper into the crowd with my head down, letting the natural flow carry me forward. King Kylian’s jacket marks me as someone who doesn’t belong, too fine for a commoner, too large for my frame, but in the chaos of the market, I hope it won’t draw too much attention. The sleeves fall past my fingertips, and I curl my hands inside them, hiding the bruises on my wrists.

Every few steps, I glance over my shoulder, searching for the distinctive red-and-black of Kylian’s guard. How long before he discovers I am gone?

You don’t want me hunting you.

Recalling the king’s words sends ice through my veins. Yet at the same time, the sun beating down on me from above feels like safety. He can’t come out here himself to find me during the day, which means if I can find Sable, I might be able to escape with her before he even comes looking.

A commotion erupts behind me, raised voices, the shuffle of people stepping aside. Turning toward the noise like many others in the crowd, I spot them. The guards are pushing their way through the crowd, their eyes scanning faces. My heart leaps into my throat.

“Make way! King’s Guard!” One shouts, sending people scurrying from his path.

They haven’t seen me yet, but they are moving in my direction, methodically searching. There is nowhere to run without drawing attention to myself.

“Looking for an escaped woman,” another calls out. “Wearing a man’s black jacket, small build. Anyone harboring her will face the Vampire King’s wrath!”

Panic claws at my chest as nearby merchants peer around, some glancing my way with narrowed eyes. I need to hide. Now.

I spot a clothing stall to my right, racks of colorful dresses creating a forest of fabric. Without hesitation, I duck inside, crouching behind the thickest cluster of garments. Through the gaps between dresses, I watch the guards draw closer.

My breath catches as they pause directly in front of the stall. One peers inside, his gaze sweeping across the merchandise. I press flat against the ground, making myself as small as possible. King Kylian’s black jacket pools around me like a shadow.

“Check the next row,” the guard says, moving on. Their footsteps fade as they continue to search elsewhere.

I release a shaky breath, only to freeze again when I feel eyes on me. Slowly, I turn my head to find an elderly woman with silver-streaked hair and a face lined by years of sun. She’s staring directly at me, eyes wide with surprise, one hand clutched to her chest.

She will call them back. She will turn me in just to ensure the king doesn’t punish her. I tense, ready to bolt, though I know I won’t get far.