Page 138 of This Monster of Mine

A door buried at the bottom of her consciousness, weighed down by horror too deep for utterance, suddenly snapped open.

And Sarai screamed.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Four years ago

Sarai wandered the bazaar, newly purchased reed pens and parchment in hand, though she was pretty sure the merchant had fleeced her for the goods.

She grimaced at her threadbare tunic and trousers. At least half her hair had escaped its braid, a white ribbon precariously hanging on to the remainder. She needed a comb. And a proper pair of shoes.

Nothing I can do about that. How to get to the Academiae was the question.

Debating on whom to ask, her gaze fell on a tall figure in iudex regalia striding through the bazaar. She hadn’t expected iudices to be young. He looked only a few years older than her, although there was a severity to his features that suggested the job had hardened him early.

Hushed voices followed his path. The wary side-glances thrown his way became disapproving whispers when he stopped before a wine vendor, purchased a bottle, and proceeded to down at least half its contents. He didn’t seem to care. Holding a few gazes, he inclined his head and toasted them. Buying a second bottle, he tucked it under his arm and stalked out of the crowded market. She followed. Perhaps someone like this, who flouted social convention, would be willing to help her.

Stopping some paces behind the fence he’d used as a hitching rail, she worked up the courage to speak while he stuffed the uncorked bottleinto his saddlebag. Then, two men in opulent robes approached him on horseback.

“Iudex Kadra?” an ivory-robed man asked, dismounting.

The man he’d called Kadra looked irritated. “Tetrarch Aelius.”

Tetrarch?She hid behind a post, peering at the iudex. He had the most beautiful voice she’d ever heard.

The other man beside Tetrarch Aelius regarded Kadra grimly, eyes going from the half-empty bottle under his arm to the one in his saddlebag with an expression of habitual distaste.

Aelius smiled pleasantly at Kadra. “What a surprise to see you here.”

“Indeed. Especially given how well known it is that I frequent this bazaar,” Kadra said dryly.

Sarai stifled a laugh.

“I’ll keep this brief,” Aelius said coolly. “I’d like to request your presence tonight at Sidran Tower.”

“For what purpose?”

“Dinner. A few Guildmasters and noblemen are eager to meet the brightest star of Edessa’s judiciary.”

Kadra’s smirk showed what he thought of that, but he shrugged. “I’ll be there. Anything else?”

“Straight to the point.” Aelius’s eyes seemed to harden. “Do try not to be late.”

The Tetrarch mounted his horse and left in a flurry of dust. His friend watched his figure diminish in the distance, then turned to Iudex Kadra, eyes icy.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” he demanded.

“I have twelve more trials to sit through.”

“And enough wine to ensure that you’re sloshed through them all.” The man’s lips thinned. “The assaults in Aelius’s Quarter last night. Was that you?”

“If they were missing a few limbs, then yes.”

Assaults? Limbs?Sarai shrank against the fence post. People leaving the market eyed her with disapproval.

“Didn’t I warn you to cease targeting his people?” Aelius’s friend argued.

“Then they shouldn’t brand children.”

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