Page 85 of Shadows of Ruin

Great, thanks so much for the advice.Being in my head, talking to this mystery guest did help distract me from the pain. Compartmentalizing it was infinitely easier with the distraction.Who are you? How do you know who I am or about Andras’s mind magic?

“She didn’t mention you’d be a nitwit,”she sighed.“Obviously, I have mind magic as well. I understand how to use it. Clearly, since we’re talking in your mind.”

That caught me off guard. It also immediately raised my defenses.

You didn't mention who you are.I hoped my voice sounded as cold as I intended.

“My name is Raya. I’m a…friend of Lana’s.”

I noted the hesitation.

Nope. I don’t think so. You can escort yourself out of my head. Now.

She scoffed. The sound skated down my spine. Like something in me enjoyed annoying this woman.

No, the sensation was merely a reaction to this impossible conversation.

“Lana wanted me to check on you. When we discovered I could enter your mind, we thought we’d try again. She is worried about you.”

Stop it.I winced as the physical pain crossed into my mental threshold.Don’t bother. If you’re with Lana, then you’re with the people who took her. She’d never leave willingly. Kade Blackthorn, Storm, whoever else has her somehow. I’m sure of it. And if you're with her, you’re with them. Leave me alone.

“You stubborn ass. You need my help or that torturer will break through and control you. Is that what you want?”A vague picture came into my mind of a woman with long, dark braided hair, pacing back and forth.

I shook the image away. She needed to leave.I’ve managed fine without your help so far.

“This is why I hate everyone.”

I said?—

The figure stopped pacing.“Lana told me about her birthdays at Dukes Pub. About the year she danced on a table, and you played with the band.”

I stilled, both inside my mind and out. I didn’t know how Andras would interpret it. Fates, was she really safe? I didn’t know if I could trust this voice to tell me the truth if I asked.

Suddenly, I wasn’t in my mind anymore. I was back in the cell as Andras whipped the blade from me.

“Damn you,” he cried. “Your mental shield is strong, I’llgive you that, Captain. You won’t survive the next week though.” He unhooked me from the chains and left me in a heap on the cold stone floor. “Enjoy the new scar. You can match your precious princess. Oh, and don’t bother waiting for Maria. She won’t be coming.” Andras exited, slamming the cell door shut.

“Ian?”The voice bounced around my head. “Ian?”

A little busy trying not to die right now,I muttered internally.

“Dramatic. If you’re conscious, you’re fine,”the voice said.

Ah, so if I pass out, will I get to stop talking to you?

The figure formed again, this time crossing her arms.

“I need to tell Lana something, and mentioning you’re being tortured in the dungeons doesn’t seem smart. She’s just starting to trust us.”

Is she safe?I couldn’t help but ask. I needed to know. Even if I couldn’t fully trust Raya’s answer.

“Of course she’s safe. You’re the one who isn’t.”

Will she stay safe?

This time the pause spoke volumes.

If you hurt her, I will find you. Hunt you. Kill you myself. No matter what aid you just provided.

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