Page 50 of Warlord's Plaything

Something that shouldn’t be there.

But it is.

And it’s only getting worse.

"Secure the south tunnels,"I murmur to Kaelith, watching as the rebels scatter, retreating through their hidden paths like insects scurrying from the light.

"Force them to one exit. I want them funneled into a corner with no way out."

Kaelith smirks.

"You’re hunting her, aren’t you?"

I don’t answer.

Because we both fucking know.

I wait.

I listen.

The smoke is thick, curling in my lungs, filling my vision with nothing but heat and ruin.

But I know she’s still here.

She hasn’t run yet.

Because Hira never runs.

Not until she’s forced to.

And I plan to force her.

She moves through the tunnel entrance, thinking she’s unseen. But I step into her path before she can disappear into the dark. Smoke and blood paint her like a war goddess, like something untamed and fucking perfect.

"Going somewhere?"

My voice is low, rough.

She reacts instantly, body tensing, blade flashing.

"Out of my way, warlord."

I smile.

"Make me."

She moves first.

Of course, she does.

A lunge, sharp and fast, but I catch her wrist, twisting, slamming her back against the tunnel wall. She snarls, bites out a curse, fights like she’s made of raw fucking fury.

And gods, I love it.

I press closer, pinning her, feeling her heart hammer against me.

"You call this war?"I murmur, mocking.

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