Page 21 of The Sins of Silas

Erabella was ambling back a moment later, and I decided I’d better empty my bladder before bed, too. I stood, and Roland lifted a brow.

“Need some company?”

Silas opened his mouth to scold him, but I responded first. “Yeah, you wanna wipe my ass for me?” I quipped.

He snorted. “Wipe it, smack it, fuck it—”

“Roland,” Silas growled.

“What? She’s clearly immune to my charms,” he stated with a smug grin.

I was already walking away, laughing. “You are an idiot, Roland Aubeze!”

I was shaking my head, and just as I was about to round the corner for some privacy, my eyes caught movement…a moment too late. Instantly, my hands flew upward, grasping the arms of the person now holding a dagger to my neck.

I gasped for breath as I witnessed the soldiers charging in from behind him.

Otacian soldiers had followed us in here.

“THEY FOUND US!” I shouted just before the blade stole my breath.

Chapter Seven

SILAS

My heart lurched into my throat at the sound of Lena’s warning. Instantly, I was on my feet, quickly opting for my bow for this battle. I pulled the bowstring, readying an arrow as I charged forward.

“How many?!” Hendry yelled, but his words were cut off quickly when Finnan walked forward with Lena, a dagger digging into her neck.

“Let. Her. Go,” I gritted out, staring at him through the sight. “NOW, Finnan!”

The fifteen-year-old stared at me with widened eyes. I’d known him since he was a little boy. His father, Emerson, was the best general we had.

“How could you?” he breathed. “How could youbetray our kingdom?”

“Let her go!” Roland yelled, attempting to rush toward him. But Finnan dug his weapon deeper, causing Lena to cry out and Roland to freeze.

She could try to burn him, but I feared the second she attempted anything, he would take her life without delay.

“Stay still, Lena,” I said carefully, her green eyes welling with tears. I then turned my attention to Finnan. “Release her. We can talk.”

“Lower your weapon!” he shouted at me.

I curled my lip. “How dare you speak to your Prince this way.”

“Please,” Lena whispered. “You can kill me, but there’s no chance you’d make it out of here alive.”

“SHUT UP!” he yelled at her, his body trembling, his breathing uneven. His blade was digging into her skin now, and I could see the trickle of blood trailing down her neck.

Hendry and Merrick also had their bows readied, and the soldiers behind Finnan had theirs pointed as well.

The sun was almost entirely set, and Lena had not yet started our fire. “This is your final warning, Finnan. Let her go, and you can leave with your life!”

There was petty desperation in my voice, but I couldn’t help it. He was just a boy, and I didn’t wish to end his life. He was forced into this war and given no choice by his father except to follow the King’s command.

“I-I have orders to kill!” he yelled.

But it was becoming clear to me that I was going to have no choice.

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