Page 53 of Held

“That’s mine,” Briar snarled.

“Finders keepers.” Renault grinned. “Briar, Briar, Briar. I knew the curse would make you desperate. But I never picturedthis.”

He gestured at Wick, who was writhing under the net as it burned through another layer of flesh.

Briar forced her face to stay smooth and unassuming. The knife she had tucked into her long sleeve was tacky with sweat. She let it fall into her hand, still hidden by the fur.

“I’m surprised you manage to capture anybody,” she said easily. “They should just run away while you’re gloating.”

“That’s why I have these guys.” Renault gestured at the bounty hunters on either side of him. “They keep everything in place while I’m gloating.”

“You just think of everything,” Briar said. She squeezed the knife hilt, waiting for him to come close enough to strike. Maybe if she bought Wick enough time, he’d break through the net.

The last of the villagers fled out of sight. They were alone: just Renault, his cronies, Wick, Briar, and the giant ravine next to them.

She nodded at the two hunters on either side of him. “I recognize these two from the village. What happened to the rest?”

“It was a dangerous journey,” Renault said. “You’d know. You’re the one who talked a Skullstalker into protecting you. Very impressive, Copperwood.”

“I’m a very impressive person,” Briar said coolly.

Renault’s gaze fell to her chest. There was a thin sliver of skin visible where her fur robe was hanging open, shiny with sweat. His eyes darkened.

Briar gripped the knife so hard her fingers ached.

A loud snap echoed through the air.

Briar looked down. Wick had broken one of the ropes, but they were still burning deep into his skin.

“Better speed this up.” Renault gestured at his cronies. They advanced on Briar, dragging ropes out of their pockets.

Briar stepped back. She had wanted to catch Renault with the knife first, but it looked like these two would have to go first.

“Careful,” Renault said. “Almost going over the ravine.”

“How awful that would be for you,” Briar replied. “Having to scrape up my carcass for your reward.”

She stepped back again, her bare feet teetering on the edge of the ravine.

Renault’s smile went sharp and satisfied. “You would never. You don’t care about anything more than your life—even spite.”

Briar rocked back into place, her heart racing. “I don’t know. I like spite anawfullot.”

The bounty hunter with a bag of gold around his neck lunged for her.

She dodged and shoved him. Renault made an annoyed noise as he disappeared down the ravine, screaming until he hit the ground with a sickcrunch.

Briar grimaced and looked into the ravine. The man was lying motionless on the rocky bottom; his limbs twisted at hideous angles.

“Alright,” Renault muttered. “What am I paying these people for? You, stand back.”

The second bounty hunter stood back, looking relieved.

Renault stepped up, his head cocked.

“Now,” he said. “Are you going to make this easy or…”

He trailed off.

---