Page 136 of Foul Days

Kosara avoided his gaze. She didn’t want him to see the terror in her eyes. Just like the good old days. She’d be responsible for reining him in. If they failed, it would be her fault.

“I’m rather out of practice.…” she said.

“You’re underestimating yourself, as usual. Your runes have always been exceptional. Besides, you still have time to practise—provided you’re ready before the end of the Foul Days.”

“That’s in two days.”

“You’re a fast learner. Remember how you always used to cram all the studying for Vila’s exams into a single night?”

“This is not an exam. It’s a dangerous and powerful spell that could cost both our lives. Besides, I always cheated at exams.”

“Well, cheat now. Make yourself some notes. I’m sure you’ll manage.”

I’m glad at least one of us is sure.

The Zmey measured her with his eyes. “I’ll get the spirits to prepare one of the guest quarters for you.”

Kosara felt the sharp sting of panic that always came before she dared to defy him. “No. I have to go home.”

“Why?”

“I need peace and quiet.”

“I’ll tell the spirits you’re not to be disturbed.”

“I also need my books and notes.”

The Zmey said nothing. His fingers stopped working their magic into her hands, and a few of her newly closed wounds slowly opened like red, painful flowers.

“You know I can’t escape,” she said. “Where would I go?”

The Zmey kept watching her.

“I need my shadow to survive. You’re the only one who can give it back to me. I’ll meet you at the Wall on the last night of the Foul Days. I promise.”

The Zmey’s eyes flickered, the light of the windows reflecting in them. He stared at Kosara for a few long seconds. “Tell me, Kosara, are you happy?”

She startled. “Excuse me?”

“I’ve been watching you. Every year when I come to see you, you’re weaker. Less sure of yourself. More miserable. You could have been great, if only you’d stayed with me. We could have achieved so much together.”

“I would’ve been dead if I’d stayed with you.”

The Zmey shrugged. “Perhaps. Perhaps not. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. My brides don’t always die at the end, you know. Just ask Vila.”

Kosara blinked. No way. He couldn’t be telling the truth. He was simply trying to knock her off-kilter. Make her question herself. Vila hated him, and he hated Vila.

Then again, they say the boundary between love and hate is thin.…

The Zmey sighed, his hot breath tickling her skin. “You can go. I’ll send Roksana with you.”

“I don’t need a nanny. I said I won’t try to escape—”

“What if someone finds out what we’re planning to do? Roksana is going with you for your own protection. End of discussion.”

Kosara rolled her eyes, internally. End of discussion? Who did he think he was, her mum?

“No,” she said. “I told you I need peace and quiet. Roksana never shuts her mouth. I’m going home and I’m not taking any of your monsters with me.”

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