Page 4 of Savage Crown

That intrigues me more than anything else.

“Sit,” I command, gesturing to the worn leather chair near the desk.

She hesitates.

A warning flickers in my expression, and she obeys, lowering herself carefully into the seat.

Good.

I cross the room, pouring a measure of dark elven wine into a glass before returning. I don’t offer her any—she doesn’t ask.

“Start talking.” I lean against the desk, watching her with the patience of a man who has all the time in the world.

She exhales, slow and measured. “Lartina.”

The name slithers through the air, dripping with venom.

Now she has my attention.

I keep my expression neutral. “What about her?”

She shifts, gripping the satchel tighter. “She’s after something. Something connected to you. I don’t know everything, but I know enough.” Her gaze sharpens. “And I know she’ll kill me to keep me from telling you.”

A thrill dances up my spine, dark and electric.

I crouch before her, watching the way her pupils dilate as I invade her space. Her breath stutters just slightly.

“Tell me,” I murmur, voice barely above a whisper.

She wets her lips. I track the movement.

“I will,” she breathes, “but I want something in return.”

A chuckle rumbles in my chest. “Of course you do.”

She squares her shoulders, fire burning behind her exhaustion. “I want protection.”

I hum, tilting my head. “Protection isn’t cheap, little thief. You can’t afford me.”

Her fingers tighten around the parchment. “Then consider this a down payment.”

I hold her gaze, my smirk curving sharper. “And the rest?”

A spark of something crosses her face. Doubt. Hesitation. A secret.

Her voice is softer when she speaks. “When the time comes… you’ll want me alive.”

She says it like a prophecy. A promise.

And gods help me, I believe her.

I reach for the satchel. I pluck it from her grasp, letting my fingers brush against hers. Cold.

“You have my attention, little thief,” I murmur. “Let’s see if you can hold it.”

I rise to my feet, flipping open the satchel.

My gaze flickers over the ink-stained parchment.

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