Page 7 of Of Sword & Silver

“I really didn’t think I was going to have to convince you to leave,” she says, slightly petulant. “But sure, you want the truth, I can give you the truth. I have a blood curse. From Hrakan himself.”

I try not to flinch at the name. She peers at me for a half-second before continuing, and it hits me that this woman is more dangerous than I assumed. She’s clever.

“I’ve been told a disciple of his—of Death himself—is the only one who can find a cure.… so, you are the only one who can cure me or I’ll die within the year.”

She spreads her arms wide, her cloak falling behind her. Under it, her pants and vest don’t hide the fact she’s slim-waisted with ripe curves, long legs and full hips. Smooth-skinned and pretty and freckled.

Dangerous.

“That’s true,” I say slowly, thinking through her words. “I can feel it on you.” Interesting. She carries a blood curse from Hrakan, one she likely very much deserved, and she wants my help.

Perfect. I don’t say that out loud, though. No reason to tip my hand. Let her think she needs me more than I need to get out.

I watch her lazily, letting the seconds stretch between us.

“We don’t have long.” She leans against the stone wall, then belatedly notices how foul it is and straightens instead. “Make up your mind before I leave you here with whatever slop they feed you and the terrible view.”

“What do I get in return?”

“What do you want?” She steps closer. Within reach of my chains. “Sex?” She has the audacity to wink.

I stare at her, and she smirks.

“You’re not my usual type.” A long, elegant finger coils around a loose lock of hair, and she grins at me. “I suppose I could make an exception…” her voice trails off.

I could throw a chain around her elegant neck and be done with this farce right now. But I need her. If she’s here… then it’s time.

“Vengeance.” It’s not a lie.

“Charming,” she says on a sigh, then smiles, showing even white teeth. “Against whom?”

“Against those who have wronged me. Against your goddess.”

Her green eyes narrow.

I grunt, set on ignoring her again.

“My goddess?” she asks, and there’s a hint of disgust in the way she says it. Fascinating.

“Silver tongues only gravitate towards one Heskan deity.” I jerk my head at the green-tinged smoke now curling through the slit in the wall. “This… display—it screams chaos. That’s Sola’s specialty.”

“Fair enough.” She considers me for half a beat, a muscle in her temple jumping. “You help me break my curse, and I will help you with your revenge issues.”

“Swear it,” I growl, stepping closer, so close I can feel the heat rolling off her body.

So warm.

So different than the many, many nights I’ve spent alone in this cell.

“I swear it.” She shrugs a shoulder.

“Swear it the old way, Silver Tongue.”

“Why?” she asks.

“I have my reasons. Now swear.”

“Tell me your name,” she counters, raising a reddish-brown eyebrow. This close, I can see amber flecks in her eyes, the color of honey mead.

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