Page 50 of Wrath of the Oracle

“She dared to break into your camp to save me. If you condemn her to death, then condemn me as well.” Sholei matched his ire.

Ojore straightened and took Sholei with him. She stumbled on her steps, his grip firm on her wrist as he dragged her forward.

“Do as I instructed.” He then pulled Sholei inside the tent, but paused before he closed the door. “No one is to disturb me tonight.”

“General…” Akima was filled with concern, but Ojore’s sharp glare silenced any further protest. With a last look at Sholei, Akima retreated from the tent.

“What are you doing?”Sholei panicked at the dark gleam in Ojore’s eyes. She tried to pull free from his hold, but he held tight, his grip unbreakable.

“You are willing to sacrifice yourself for your friend, aren’t you?” With a resolve that sent shivers down her spine, Ojore asked. “Haven’t you learned not to risk your life after Gane?”

“If my death can appease your wrath, so be it,” Sholei whispered. For days, he had ignored her and wouldn’t grant her audience.

“By the time I am through with you, death will seem like a much-welcome relief,” Ojore declared and dragged her across the room and dumped her near the fire pit. She stumbled on the heavy carpet, her head swam, and she grew lightheaded. She cursed herself for skipping meals. Ojore removed his dark coat, and it pooled at his feetnext to her. The spark in his eyes grew intense and dread coursed through her veins.

“What are you doing?” Sholei retreated and kept the fire pit between them as a makeshift shield. Ojore advanced toward her with determined strides, and he pulled her to her feet. Sholei screamed and struggled in an attempt to push him away, but he held her close.

“Look at me,” he shouted. “Do you see these scars? Do I look like I fear death?”

“Then you must understand I will die if Tula doesn’t get to live,” Sholei breathed.

“If you die, I will drag you back to life. Escaping my grasp is no easy feat, witch,” Ojore declared. His eyes gleamed orange and reflected the fire burning in the room as his mouth slammed down on hers, hard, hot, and possessive. He shoved her up against the wall and pinned her with his chest while his hands dug into her lush hips, and he held her captive.

Sholei tried to avoid his invasive kiss by turning her head to the side. He wasn’t gentle like before; he meant to punish her, force her to give in. Surrender to his will. She wasn’t going to back down. She bit down on his lower lip, and something inside her came alive, growling in the back of her mind as his blood flowed into her mouth. Ojore groaned and pulled her impossibly closer, doubling his effort. He pushed his tongue past her teeth and tangled it with hers in a dance of force and resistance. The heat of his palms burned through her clothes to her skin. Soon, she returned his kiss with the same ferocity he was giving, her hands entangled inside his locks. Ojore moaned and softened his assault, and his arms traveled to herback, their deathly grip gone. A subtle pain hit the back of her head, as they broke apart, and she came up for much-needed air.

Asaa.

With her entire body, she pushed him off and wiped her mouth where his bruising kiss touched.

Tears welled up in Sholei’s eyes as a sharp pain hit her head again. She gritted her teeth as the image of the sleek snake appeared. Its green eyes haunted her.Why was the image of Asaa attacking her now?

Ojore stood back and balled his fists, his breathing rough. His eyes were the color of burning embers. Sholei decided she would find a way to escape his clutches. She had a plan ready to set into motion if Ojore refused to listen to reason.

“I agree with you, my lord.” She kept her voice steady and her eyes on him. “As a general commanding a large army, you have your considerations. I won’t force you to agree to my terms.” In the flickering firelight, she observed Ojore’s posture shift. His head tilted and his eyes narrowed in suspicion, like he couldn’t believe she surrendered so easily.

“I should acknowledge my position in this camp.” She swallowed. “Aside from my medical skills, there isn’t much I can offer you.”

“Get to your point, witch,” Ojore urged. His gaze softened, and as if in a trance, he approached her again. Sholei tried not to flinch as he traced a finger along her cheek with a gentleness that caught her off guard and left a trail of warmth in its wake. His caress was soft, like the feather of a bird. It reminded her of their journey whenshe rode Radi and flew with flamingoes several days before. The most carefree days she experienced in her life. She had snuggled against that scar-ridden chest and dreamed of the stars.

Sholei shook her head to eliminate the memories. She couldn’t proceed with her plan if she lost her composure.

“You plan to leave for Keseve. Allow me to share one last meal with you,” Sholei said, selective with her words.

“A meal?” Ojore raised a straight eyebrow.

“You promised to keep me company during mealtimes whenever you are in the camp,” she reminded him. “The past few days have been hectic, but I can spare some time now.”

“I thought you were reluctant to dine with me,” Ojore remarked. His fingers moved down her jaw and encircled her slender neck. Sholei swallowed when he pressed his thumb against her pulse and dragged her close.

“You are leaving, and I don’t know when I’ll see you again. The conflict might take a long time to resolve. Allow me to serve you one last time,” Sholei requested as she gazed deep into his eyes. Ojore’s tongue licked his bottom lip as he stared at her with hunger in his eyes. Sholei willed herself not to release the sound threatening to break from the back of her throat as his heated gaze scorched her.

“Why do you think this will be the last meal that we’ll share?” Her heart pounded with each passing moment. She would be at the end of her wits if he denied her request.

“I don’t know how long this fight will last, or when you will make it back to the camp,” she replied and methis gaze with determination. She concealed her true intentions and hoped he wouldn’t see through her plan.

“Should I repeat myself, Sholei?” He pulled her closer to him, his strong fingers grabbed her waist. The warmth of his chest seeped through her. “You couldn’t escape my grasp even if you tried.” He raised her chin with the pads of his fingers. “I will grant your request, but this won’t be our last meal together.”

Later, Sholei gazed at the small vial she held in her hands. This was her only way out—to incapacitate Ojore and run away. With renewed determination, she approached the table laden with food. Sholei opened the small package and sprinkled the colorless and tasteless liquid onto the bowl of vegetable broth filled with chicken slices, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. She went against her principles, lessons Musembi drilled into her head. If the Imperial Physicians were to learn what she was about to do, she doubted if her admission to the Academy would go through.

---