Page 55 (1/2)

“No”

“You think I won’t carry you like that? Because I will”

I kicked the sheets back and got to my feet “If your father were still on the throne in Delacroix, nothing would be different down here People would still be consumed as fuel, and they would suffer in this life as well as the afterlife You’re pissed that my father has abandoned everyone down here—but your fa This isn’t about justice This is about keeping the status quo As long as you’re on top, nothing else matters”

His jaas clenched, and his eyes were ry

“That’s not the sa your family deserved what happened to them, because I’m not”

My eyes flicked back and forth as I looked into his, waiting for hi to you…it breaks my heart—”

“This was a mistake”

“What…?”

“Whatever the fuck this is It’s a mistake”

My heart ripped open with a slash, and the blood poured out

He threw the clothes at o”

THIRTEEN

Huntley

The storm was about to hit

You could tell by the wind—because there was none There was no ga Nature sensed its approach and ducked for cover Work would cease, and everyone at the outpost would hunker down until it passed

I sat inside the bar and drank alone, ignoring the conversations aroundstorm

I would normally invite a whore or two to pass the tiht now

Ian stepped inside, found me at my own table, and joined me

The barmaid immediately ran over and served him his usual

His cloak was set on the back of his chair, and he sat in his black armor, ready for battle at any moment “You think they’ll come?”

“Hope not I’ tired”

“The scouts haven’t reported signs of them”

“Because they would travel in the storm, not before”

“So, you do think they’re co”

I took a drink “Expect the worst Hope for the best”

He turned his stare onmy face for clues

“What?”

“Anything you want to tell me?”

“No”

“Nothing about the prisoner?”