Page 17 of Of Wind and Terror

I push up on my tiptoes to get a better view of the elf.

He’s still sitting on the bed, his back against the wall, but his attention isn’t on the tiny fae woman.

It’s on me.

When our eyes meet, he smiles. And though his next words are meant for Faye, he doesn’t peel his gaze off of me. “If you know what it means to be the Hunter, then you know that you’re either the bravest fae I’ve ever met or the stupidest. Most wouldn’t dare to keep me imprisoned.”

“What are you going to do?” Faye folds her arms over her chest. She seems to be studying him intently, gauging his reaction, but I can’t see the expression on her face. “Kill me? Kill her?” She jabs her thumb in my direction.

Aleksander’s smile immediately flattens. “I think you know the answer to that.”

“I think I do.” Faye steps farther into the room, allowing me entry.

I can feel Aleksander’s eyes on me like two hot irons. Burning me. Branding me. Claiming me. My pulse skitters erratically at the sensation.

“Now, tell us what you know about the Mark of Chaos.”

Aleksander’s eyebrows touch his hairline, and he throws me an unreadable look. “Someone’s been chatty.” He then chuckles at his own unintentional joke while I roll my eyes.

“The Mark of Chaos,” Faye repeats, infusing her voice with steel. “What is it?”

All amusement flees from Aleksander’s expression. “Something immensely dangerous if it isn’t handled with care.”

“Handled with care?” Faye snorts derisively. “Can you be any more cryptic?”

“Yes, actually, I can.” Aleksander blinks up at her innocently. “Care to see?”

“I’m just surprised you’re not giving straight answers, is all,” Faye continues with a feigned yawn. “I mean, if it’s as dangerous as you’re leading us to believe, then wouldn’t you want to tell Kassandra everything she needs to know? After all, it’s not your life on the line…”

She allows her words to taper off as she gives the elf a pointed, indecipherable stare.

I want to tell her that her tactics are pointless. She’s assuming Aleksander cares about me as more than a commodity. Yes, I believe the elf finds me amusing and maybe even attractive, but that doesn’t mean he gives a shit about my wellbeing. Unless he doesn’t want any harm coming to his merchandise…

Aleksander’s eyes harden until they resemble granite, the black of his pupils expanding to swallow his icy-blue irises.

“Is that a threat, Summer fae?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Faye huffs and brushes at a strand of her short blonde hair. “I just think it would be a shame if something were to happen to Kass?—”

Before Faye can even finish her sentence, Aleksander is off the bed and across the room in two quick strides. He places an arm against Faye’s throat and holds her against the wall. Baring his teeth, he lowers himself so he can speak directly into her face.

“Nothing will happen to Kassandra. I won’t allow it,” he hisses.

Faye doesn’t look cowed, despite the fact that a seven-foot elf is cutting off her air supply and towering over her.

“Then tell us about the Mark of Chaos,” she croaks.

I hesitantly place a hand on Aleksander’s shoulder. His muscles flex beneath my touch.

Quick as a whip, he releases Faye and turns around. He bundles me into his arms and pulls me against his chest. My head barely reaches his pectorals.

Is he…hugging me?

I don’t know what in Gaia’s name to do. My arms remain limp by my sides as he holds me close.

“No one will hurt you, cherub,” he whispers, his voice a breath of air against the top of my head. “I’ll kill anyone who tries.”

Behind Aleksander, Faye smirks, appearing smug.

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