Page 121 of The Bone Season

‘You absolute bastard,’ I seethed. ‘The least you could have done was—’

At that point, I made the mistake of putting my left hand on the mattress and trying to brace my weight on it. I crumpled with a yelp.

‘Your wrist is broken,’ Warden said, deadpan.

‘Yes. Thanks for the warning.’ It had been splinted. ‘Why am I in your bed?’

‘You were cold.’

‘Oh,nowyou care.’ I gingerly moved my fingers and thumb. ‘Nashira clearly doesn’t mind how I die. You may as well let me freeze in the attic.’

‘You would never have died in Gallows Wood.’

‘Could have fooled me. I thought you said I wouldn’t have to fight the Buzzers?’

‘Nashira wanted you to encounter one. By forcing you to the height of terror, we tested your ability to use your gift under pressure.’

‘So she could take notes, no doubt.’ I used my other hand to sit up. ‘I didn’t sense anyone else in the woods. Who was going to stop it from eating me?’

‘I assure you that the conditions of your test were tightly controlled.’

‘That’s a flam and a half. If you think a circle of salt is protection, you’re off the cot.’

The slang flew out before I could stop it. Fortunately, Warden seemed oblivious.

‘The Emim cannot enter a salt circle,’ he said. ‘It kept you safe until you woke.’

‘Yes, after you had me sedated and dumped on my own in the woods,’ I snapped. ‘Could you not have just told me the next test was coming?’

‘The second test assesses your ability to adapt. An element of surprise was necessary.’

‘You think a lot of awful shit is necessary, Arcturus.’ I shoved off the covers. ‘Excuse me. I’ll take the room with the leak.’

‘You may not believe it,’ Warden said, ‘but I am trying to help you, Paige.’

‘Go to hell.’

‘I already exist on a level of hell.’

‘Exist on one that isn’t near mine.’

‘No. You and I made a deal, and I do not take oaths lightly. It is June,’ he said. ‘Tonight, you will join me for supper.’

‘Fine,’ I growled.

I shoved off the heavy bedding. My hair was still full of twigs and pine needles. I was surprised he had let me near his silk pillows, the state I was in.

Then again, his staff was very good at cleaning.

‘A bath has been drawn for you,’ Warden said. ‘Take as long as you wish.’

‘You’re … letting me have a bath?’

‘To warm yourself.’

For once, I decided not to argue. I still made a point of slamming the door on my way out, just to rattle his cage.

Several candles flickered in the bathroom. Now Warden mentioned it, I did have a chill. My fingertips were grey, my lips a touch darker than usual.

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