Something flew near my head and landed in a heap on the bed. I shifted onto my elbows and blinked until my vision cleared.
A pile of fabric perched on the mattress. The outline of a man’s white tunic and dark breeches. The scent of smoke and horses clung to the garments. Dray’s clothes.
“You can come out dressed or naked. You’ll find I don’t care either way.” The glimmer in his eye suggested he had a preference, but it wouldn’t be the choice I made.
I forced myself up in bed. Dray’s gaze flicked down my body, and the hungry predator I’d seen last night peered through his eyes again. I grabbed the clothes, cheeks turning hot with embarrassment at the memories, and pressed them against my chest. They did little to conceal me, and the Reaper laughed.
He turned back to the door. “You have five minutes.” He left.
I pulled the tunic over my head quickly. It would be foolish to give the Reaper a chance to change his mind, and I had no desire to ride horseback naked. I pressed a finger to my ass cheek and flinched at the hot, sudden pain. I had no desire to ride at all.
I rolled the trousers several times at the feet, and the waist gaped loosely around me. I’d likely have to hold them in place the whole journey to Catcher’s Keep.
I swallowed. Catcher’s Keep – where the King would sanction my execution.
Dray pushed the door open, scaring me from my thoughts. He glanced at me, then scoured the room with a frown.
I followed his gaze and muffled another gasp. Where he’d bound me against the wall last night lingered holes and scrapes into the wood. Paint peeled away, revealing deep punctures into the room’s structure.
“Here, then.” Dray neared me and I forced myself not to flee from his approach. I’d spend the whole day with the man whether or not I wanted to. Keeping him content gave me the best opportunity to survive long enough to escape.
Dray pulled the leather belt from around his waist. A half smile twisted his lips, dark delight dancing across his face.
“Look familiar?” he asked.
I pressed my lips as my face burned again.
Dray pulled the breeches up and wrapped the leather belt around my waist. His hands danced over my hips as he tightened the buckle to keep the breeches in place.
He finally stepped back. “One more thing.”
The shackles on my wrists locked together, binding my hands in front of me. One of the decorative metal strands on Dray’s armor melted away and reformed into a chain in his hands. He locked the chain around my bound wrists and pulled me close to him.
I froze, half a hand span from his chest, my heart pounding in my ears. Dray tucked a finger under my chin and pushed my head up, almost gentle.
“Let’s go, then,” he whispered, before turning to the door and pulling me on the chain behind him.
The tavern door gaped open, affording me a glimpse of the other Reapers readying their mounts. The curse-bearer from last night sat on the ground with a rope fashioned around her wrists similar to mine.
Dray hesitated at the bar. He drew a satchel from beneath his cape and opened the drawstrings. A hint of gold flickered inside as he thrust his hand about.
The Orb of Oruthur.
My fingers twitched at the thought of grabbing the orb. I only needed to break it and the prophecy would be fulfilled, lifting the curse cast upon my family. I’d still meet the death penalty, as breaking a curse did not forgive the king’s decree, but the others could finally live free.
I restrained myself. Snatching at the orb now would result in failure and possibly a quicker death. The longer I survived, the more likely I’d have time to escape.
Dray drew out a sealed black pouch and dropped it on the bar.
“For the room repairs,” he said, and another wave of heat crawled over my face. The barkeep’s mouth opened and shut, though he remained as mute as me. Dray must have caught sight of my blush, and he sent me a wink over one shoulder before pulling me out the door.
Dray directed me to a black steed, standing at shoulder height, and neighing softly at the Reaper’s approach.
“Stay here.” Dray draped my chain over the same post as the horse remained tied to. He gave him a soft pat and then disappeared into the cluster of other Reapers.
I signed, relieved to be alone for a few moments.
Another sensation crawled across my skin. As unpleasant as a thousand insects scratching beneath its surface and taking turns burrowing into my flesh.
