Page 56 of What Lies Within Masks & Shadows

Eldacar’s sheepish grin swelled his cheeks, pushing his glasses high. “Absolutely, my … friend. I’ll see you later for dinner, I’m sure. I’ll bring you another book then.”

Alora nodded and started walking around the sun-faded wooden wall toward the tents. Rowlen still haunted her mind no matter how ruthlessly she wished him away. Through the burning heartache, guilt, and unrelenting tears, everything within her wished that she had some way to learn if he was still alive.

In her fog, she didn’t see the darkened figure stalking beside her. And when she least expected anything more, Aiden held out his hand in front of her, stopping her mid-step. “Off on another stroll on this fine afternoon?”

Blinking, realizing who had stopped her and where she was, Alora deeply inhaled, returning to her usual frustrated state. “I’m getting tired. I’m going back to my tent to rest. I can find my way.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt you can.” Aiden waved his finger at her like she was a naughty faeling and beckoned her with his palm. “After you.”

Aiden escortedher back to her tent. Before he left her, he was sure to alert her that he’d be right outside if she required anything. To which she was tempted to ask for a horse and supplies but wasn’t deluded enough to think he’d actually oblige her ask.

Then again…

So she did exactly that. And he simply laughed, flicking her nose with a wry grin, and sauntered away.

It was worth a try.

Would the High Prince have reacted the same?Surely not.He’d only simmer and brood, likely freeze her to the bones with his cold glare until she physically pushed him away. The mighty bastard. Still, her suicidal tendencies again wished he had returned, only to spear him with her eyes and promise him fiery death upon her magic returned. Watching his pants light with fire as he ran around camp to put out the flames…

Alora chuckled, falling onto the plushness of her cot and staring at the canvas warming in the sun. She quite liked imagining him that way. Or with her dagger sinking into his most delicate male parts—that he was sure to use often, being a pompous royal.

It was only a quick thought; her dagger, his cock. Until that thought brushed across her mind to his tent. To how his body had pressed against hers. How cold his hands felt. His breath. Scent. How his thighs straddled her. Her hands on his belt… What—what she felt straining below.

Perhaps if she had found a dagger then?—

Thinking of my cock again, clever girl?

A tingle caressed the inside of her mind. Alora shot straight up on the cot.

His voice—it sounded like he was directly beside her, whispering in her ear. She really needed rest if she was imagining his voice.

Alora shuddered away a flush of scarlet and decided to think ofanythingother than him. Deciding that her surroundings were a better subject, like the clasp from the cloak that was still hidden inside her corset or the treasonous map concealed safely in her boot.

And then, she peeked out of the tent entrance to determine Aiden’s position. Always in the same place, her faithful watchman, lounging near the fire with his body facing her tent, reading a book. Surprising—pirates can read?

I’ll never get past him if he sits there all day.

She paced the floor, thinking. Reviewing the path to Eldacar’s tent and the maze to the arena. They were in opposite directions, but both could potentially lead to the forest. The forest by the arenamightbe passable, but further behind Garrik’s line of tents would be best.

From the view of the trees, it didn’t appear to be as thick with brush. She thought of the different tents and barracks she had passed both ways. If she took one wrong turn, she could end up face-to-face with soldiers.

Sapphires traveled across the dragon clasp now displayed on the cot. Her eyes widened, heart roaring when she noticed again that the tail was a sharpened edge. And as if her salvation smacked her across the face, Alora lifted it and cupped it in her palms.

That tail could cut through canvas.

Veins rippled with adrenaline as she fell to the cot, clutching the dragon clasp in one hand and the book Eldacar gave her in the other.

When the sun dips lower and casts shadows on these walls, I’m gone.

Until then, Alora laid back on the cot, opened the blue, leather-bound book, and began to read.

I’m ready, Alora thought to herself, gripping the cold metal of the dragon’s clasp so tightly it left reddened impressions in her palm.

The sun cast darkened shadows on the canvas; the moment she had waited for.

On the side table, Aiden had brought a generous slice of grained bread with soft, salted butter and honey, strong,crumbled cheese, and a motley of sweet berries and assorted nuts while she rested. She stuffed them inside her cloak pocket, knowing that it could be days until she would find her next meal.

That didn’t worry her. She’d done it before.

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