Page 59 of Blood of Ancients

I spun around, Shaping fire in my other palm—

A white glint of teeth seethed at me, my bright flame eclipsing the rest of the creature’s face so I couldn’t make out its features.

With a hiss, it pulled back, trying to yank me into my own fire toward the snow and death.

I spun, yelling, growling—

And my trench coat flew off my body as the creature pulled. I managed to wiggle my way out of it at the last second, spinning toward the cottage.

An arrow landed an inch from my good leg.

Another one slammed into the wall, sending snowchips flying into my face.

With a cry, I yanked the door open, stepping into the warm interior—

And the world vanished.

Chapter 17

Sven

MY LITTLE MENACE DIDN’Twant me killing her good-for-nothing brother? Fine. I would let Damon live. For now.

Going against Ravinica’s wishes was the surest way to lose her. Obviously I didn’t want that.

I neededsomeway to vent my frustration, though. As I left Eir Wing Under, my plan formed. I knew just what to do.

My scheme was onlyadjacentfuckery.

Frustratingly, Grim Kollbjorn popped out of the tunnels behind me shortly after I left Ravinica’s recovery room.

I rolled my eyes at the bear and shook my head. “Really? A guard dog?”

“We can’t have you killing people willy-nilly, wolf. It would only add a rash of shit to Rav’s plate. You know she doesn’t need that.”

Of course she doesn’t need that, oaf.That didn’t make it any easier to hold my tongue and bide my time.

I spent the rest of the night by Grim’s side, asking him what he thought we should do about Damon Halldan.

“Watch him, as you’re wont to do,” Grim answered with a shrug. “What else is there to do?”

“Torture him. Flay his skin from his body. Rope him up and—”

“What else is there to do thatwon’t kill him,” he amended.

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