Page 154 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

I gasped for air.

“What happens if she dies?”

“She’s not going to.” Baylis released my manacles and magic rushed through my veins, healing my wounds. Tears trickled down my cheeks. I stared up at the sky, watching the birds flee the forest. I pictured Tharan’s face. The smell of pine on hisglowing skin. The taste of his mouth on mine. The way his eyes brightened when he laughed.

The tears came harder, mixing with the blood already on my face.

I shut my eyes.

36CAIDEN

“Open your eyes, prince.”A voice like smooth caramel in milk surrounded Caiden’s senses.

He blinked rapidly, trying to bring the world into focus.

“Who are you? What do you want?” he eked out. His throat begged for water, and his back ached from lying on hard stone. A cold dampness sunk into his bones. Nearby, a fire crackled. The woman who impersonated Ora stood before him. The fire gilded her sharp features. Long, red hair snaked its way down her back in round knots. A rigid nose and almond eyes marked her as hailing from the desert. Could she be a Rasa? What would they want with him?

“It’s not best to exchange names with the product,” she said, leaning down before him.

His hands and feet were bound in iron chains.

“What are you talking about?”

She held up a glass of what appeared to be water.

“Drink. We can’t have you die before I get my payment.”

Caiden pursed his lips.

“It’s not poisoned. I swear. The contract holder specified they wanted you alive.”

Caiden let her tip the glass to his lips. Cool water rushed into his mouth, and he gulped it down. His body begged for more.

“Easy, prince. Don’t choke yourself,” she said, pulling the cup back.

“What did you do with Ora?” His words caught in his throat. He already knew the answer but wanted to hear her say it.

“She went for a swim, you could say.”

Caiden grimaced.

“I’m sure they’ve found her body by now,” she continued.

“What is a Rasa doing out of the desert? Aren’t you all a member of the same cult?”

A smirk tugged at her thin lips.

“Worry about yourself, prince.”

“Well, you kidnapped me. I’d love to know why?”

“I don’t ask those kinds of questions. I just deliver the target,” she said matter-of-factly.

Caiden arched a brow. “And where are you delivering me, exactly?”

She leaned back on her palms, her expression unreadable.

“Great question.” She squeezed an amulet in her palm. Its red jewel looked similar to the one Erissa used to ensnare Baylis. Could that be who hired her? “I’m to wait for the contract holder to arrive. I’ve been squeezing this stupid thing for hours.”

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