Page 51 of Lich's Mate

I silently curse myself for neglecting to plan this part of the attack in more detail. I should have spent more time on getting the finer details ironed out.

“I don’t know, actually.”

Her nonchalant response makes me tense up. “What?”

A chuckle bursts from her mouth but I’m not amused.

“Meera, this is extremely dangerous and important. One mishap or miscalculation and you could die.”

“Oh? Not even thinking about how the plan could fall apart? Am I that important to you?”

I dismiss her teasing words with a grunt and grab her chin with my hand, forcing her to look into my eyes. “I’m serious. You’ve been anxious and worried until now, and I felt reassured that you realize the weight of our mission. This is not the time to joke around.”

She blushes slightly, breaking eye contact with me.

“Sorry, I wanted to ease the tension a bit.”

My grip on her face doesn’t relax.

She sighs and looks into my eyes. “I think it would be best to walk up to them, make sure no one else sees me, and start a conversation. They’ll be so upset with a human daring to approach them that you’ll be able to easily take care of them.”

I nod, somewhat satisfied. “It’s not the best plan we could have had, but it will do.” I look into her eyes. “You must promise me that you’ll be careful. Do not provoke them or put yourself in a situation where you could get hurt.”

“You mean more than I could already?”

I grimace. “Not funny, Meera.”

She raises her hands in defeat. “Okay, enough jokes.” Her attitude becomes more solemn. “I promise, Kavian. I’ll be careful.”

“Good.” I let go of her and clenched my fits before relaxing them again. I’m itching to get my hands on xaphan scum.

“Do you have a plan for how you’ll get rid of the guards?”

“I’ll do what I do best. Tear them asunder.” I grin, elation and anticipation making my heart beat faster.

She huffs, not satisfied with my answer, but says nothing.

As we near the auction house, a new, unfamiliar feeling coils around my heart, rooting in my stomach.

What is this emotion? It’s not worry about the strategy we’ve laid out, I know my plan will work. I’m not nervous either, my strength and skill are without question. Then what…? I’m concerned. For Meera. I don’t want her to get hurt or be taken from me. I will—no. I need to protect her.

I take her hand in mine again. “I vow to protect you at all costs during this dangerous mission. You will not be harmed.”

Though outwardly controlled, rage simmers within me at the thought of her being harmed. If anyone so much as bruises her delicate, smooth skin, they will know a wrath unlike they’ve ever seen before.

She smiles, and my heart sings.

“I know.”

These two words tell me everything I need to know about our relationship. There are many unknowns about what lies ahead, but I don’t question what’s between us.

If anything happens to Meera, I swear no one at that wretched auction house will be spared from my wrath. I will raze it to the ground in vengeance.

I calm my mind as we arrive, focusing on the task at hand. I trust in Meera’s courage and the plan we studied so faithfully.

The noise has quieted down, and we enter a back alley with no lights.

It’s time.

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