Page 55 of Lich's Mate

Going from one cell to the next, convincing the women to follow me becomes easier as they realize what’s happening.

Kavian flexes his arms impatiently as I free another group of women.

“This is taking too long! The rest of the guards could spot the bodies any moment and then our plan goes to shit.”

I snap at him. “I’m doing this as fast as I can, Kavian. I only have two hands.”

He spins around and heads to the row of cells on the opposite side of the hallway. With an almighty pull, he yanks off the entire door.

I stare in disbelief and he gives me a grin. “Now you’ve got four hands.”

With an unexpected and gleeful chuckle, I continue to free the women on my side while Kavian focuses on the other side.

A bony hand wraps around my wrist. I look up at the very thin and pale young woman I just released.

“I remember you,” she croaks, her voice barely audible. She was here the night I was auctioned.

This poor woman must have been through torture, still stuck here. I swallow back my tears of empathy and give her shoulder a squeeze.

“You’ll soon be free, I promise.” I lead her out to join the other waiting women.

Soon, all the cells have been emptied and I stand with Kavian at the exit.

“We’ve got about two dozen women here. Your plan of setting them loose all at once will probably work. Catching so many desperate humans at night won’t be easy.”

Kavian nods and turns to the freed slaves.

“You’re going to run like there is a horde of demons behind you. Get as far from here as you can. Steal clothes and food as you move so you don’t get recognized by the slave traders.”

He looks over the group.

“And spread the word about this attack. Tell everyone that Gorran’s weak guards were defeated by one demon and a human. Let everyone know that slaves have been freed and even more will be freed soon.”

They stare at him with awe, their eyes shining with new-found hope.

As the women hurry past him to flee, he quickly gives each of them a handful of coins.

Without looking at me, he frowns. “Shut up. Don’t say a word.”

Their grateful, hushed words of thanks make my heart ache.

If only I could do more for these poor people. But this is a great start. At least they now have a fighting chance and don’t have to accept their fate.

The last woman runs out the door and we follow to make our escape.

Jumping over the bodies still lying on the ground, Kavian grabs my hand and pulls me closer to him.

We run hand in hand to the secluded area where we left the carriage that brought us here.

When the door closes behind Kavian and we’re both seated, it starts to move, slowly but surely leaving the auction house behind.

My heart races and I’m smiling uncontrollably.

I look over at Kavian and he’s grinning triumphantly as well. We don’t speak. There’s no need—we can taste our victory.

The first blow against Gorran has been struck successfully.

22

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