Page 50 of Lich's Mate

Without intending, I say them aloud for him to hear, looking to the distance elsewhere.

“I hope not only to free the slaves but to disturb the enterprise of Gorran’s slave trade to its core, to send a message that humans will brave even the most terrorizing face of danger.”

His growing smile makes me realize what I’ve done, but no longer am I embarrassed. Instead, my resolve strengthens, doubling in anticipation of the mission’s success.

Kavian and I will see this through, and together, we’ll be one step closer to bringing Gorran down.

20

KAVIAN

The carriage occasionally rocks when we drive over holes in the poorly maintained stone road.

The busiest streets in the district are well-used but no one bothers to repair them. The focus is more on the business deals than the aesthetics of the surroundings.

When we drive over a particularly bad patch in the road, Meera grabs my arm to keep herself steady. I take her hand in mine, squeezing softly to reassure her.

The sound of hawkers negotiating deals and shop owners trying to lure in gullible passers-by wafts into the carriage. Along with the din comes the smell of exotic spices and freshly prepared meals, ready to overwhelm our senses.

I close the window and silence falls over us.

We sit quietly, both lost in thoughts of what’s going to happen in just a few minutes.

I’m itching to slice through the flesh of all the xaphan I can get my claws on. I want to drink in the fear in their eyes, my ears taking in the melody of their desperate pleas for mercy. I can’t wait!

“You shouldn’t frown like that. You’ll get wrinkles early.”

I face Meera. “What?”

She shakes her head, laughing. “Nothing.” She reaches out and caresses my cheek. “Everything will work out. You came up with a foolproof plan.”

I find myself smiling, despite my desire to not do so. I appreciate her reassurance. But I shrug off her hand all the same, not wanting to appear weak in public.

“Let’s go over the plan again. Like you said, the more we review it, the higher our chances of success will be.”

I go over the details of our plan, with Meera nodding along as I speak.

“You’re going to distract the xaphan guards, and when their focus has been diverted, I’ll quickly take them out.”

I can see everything play out in my mind.

“Then we’ll make our way inside and I’ll dispatch any guards looking over the slave cells. You’ll focus on freeing all the humans once inside. You have that tool I gave you to unlock the cells, right?”

She nods, pulling the long black item from her bosom.

Strange place to store something, but okay.

“I’ve practiced using it at least fifty times. I think it’s safe to say I’m a professional lock picker by now.”

She looks at the tool with appreciation while I look at her with appreciation.

My heart skips a beat.

I’m truly excited to be taking some action after all this planning. Even better, I get to have Meera at my side, helping me. I never thought I’d appreciate a human’s help, but here I am.

A thought strikes me.

“How exactly do you plan to distract the guards? I know we’ve talked about you doing it, but you’ve yet to tell me what your little plan is for that.”

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