Page 72 of Untamed

“We’re still waiting for the others. Tether the rope,” I demanded.

“All is well.” The easy response did nothing to settle the growing disquiet that had settled right next to my soup, slice of bread, and heaping helping of dumplings.

“Where’s Fermín?” I kept my focus trained on his face as if some hidden message lay in his thin mustache or tiny marble-like eyes.

“He’s where he should be.” Ears took a few steps toward who knew where.

“And where should he be? Sorry, I’m just curious because I didn’t know there was a place where he should be.” The words spilled off my tongue.

A flash of annoyance curved along his upper lip and in the flare of his nose. Suddenly, I remembered Jaime’s distrust of Lucas, and now I was certain we shouldn’t have had any faith inthisman.

Jaime returned with a lamp in his grasp. He turned to his left and scanned the deck like he’d planned to do. When he met Ears’ gaze, I expected a nod or some sort of greeting.

Instead, Ears punched Jaime across the jaw, knocking him to the ground.

I gasped.

Someone bumped into my side, retrieving the gangplank asLa Lavia moved away from the dock. The square-jawed sailor winked at me.

Part of me wanted to jump into the inky waters to escape while I still had a chance. Ears got a rope and tied Jaime’s arms behind his back and around his legs. There was no way I could leave Jaime in this state.

The hooded man cut into view, now under more lamplight. His gray shroud reminded me of Whyzer Uly, and so did the long black beard with gray streaks throughout. Unlike WhyzerUly, however, this man had a cocky stride and an evil curl to his smile. “Laude?” His deep voice held authority. “I’d like to have a conversation with you.”

It was in that moment that I knew my captor. I searched the faces of the sailors and realized not even one looked familiar. The darkness had hidden what would have been obvious in the light of day. Whyzer Patro had taken overLa Laviaand lay in wait to steal me away.

The dagger on my calf pressed up against my skin as if reminding me it would help. The poisons in the secret pocket of my dress begged to be used. A lump of fear fell like a hot coal burning my belly. Queen Cottia’s plan might be my only choice after all.

Chapter 30

Beatriz

Cosme clapped his handover my mouth. “It’s me. Come on.”

My chest loosened enough for me to breathe again, and I followed Cosme’s long gait outside. The night air was refreshing after the muggy dining hall. Lucas leaned against the railing, waiting for us with Minerva at his side. So much for waiting. At least she left Zichri, Laude and Jaime at the dock.

“Is the portal still open?” I waved everyone to the corner and leaned into the darkness. Right as the unnatural breeze from the portal lifted the hairs around my face, Monserrat appeared on the balcony beside Cosme.

Prince Hugo held a dagger to her throat. “Do you know what I love most about our predicament?” He let out a chuckle.

Cosme stilled. Lucas pushed himself off the balustrade, alert and ready to fight.

“I love how you thought I wouldn’t find out about your spy.” Hugo checked over his shoulder into the dining hall.

Did King Sebastian know about Hugo’s threat? Though the king might have threatened Giddel, he would never have wanted his daughter harmed. How was I to alert the king or his guards?

Hugo whistled over his shoulders to call another of his black-clad men when Cosme stretched out a hand, using his gift, but the dagger in Hugo’s hand didn’t budge.

A gasp escaped my throat, echoing Cosme’s dropped jaw. His powers never failed to work.

Hugo yanked a screaming Monserrat off her feet.

When Cosme launched at Hugo, blocking his movements, Hugo’s men rushed onto the balcony. One of the men headed in my direction, but I leapt through the portal.

I landed on the dock with a thud.

Minerva rushed onto the dock.

“Close the portal. Close the portal.”

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