Page 29 of When the Wicked Sing
“A swim,” she stated firmly.
He scoffed, “I don’t think so.”
She crossed her arms and took a defiant stance. “I could’ve let you die, your face smothered in the dirt. By the time I even dragged your ass here, you weren’t breathing. I’m the only reason you’re alive. So, I’m going to have a swim.”
Why did she save me? She could’ve escaped, so why is she still here?
Dax turned the cynical, inspecting look on her. She wasn’t leaving until she found what she wanted to know. That much was clear.
“Fine, have at it. I’m sure there’s a river nearby,” he said. It was a ballsy risk, one he really couldn’t afford if she decided to leave, but something about her sudden need to swim made him want to test her.
“Great, let’s go.”
“What?” he asked, confused. “Why do I need to go?”
“Why do you think? You stink.”
Dax shook his head. “Not this again.”
“And you’re covered in blood.”
“I’ll wipe it off.”
“Or you could wash your body,” she said slowly, like he was a total idiot. He glared at her. “What? A tough fae like you can’t handle a little cold water?”
He ground his teeth together, hating the idea of getting caught in her trap. She would completely control his fate if he stepped foot into water. Yet her challenge made his decision spill from his lips without a second thought.
“Fine.” Standing, he swiped his bloody shirt off the ground and slipped it on before grabbing his cloak. “Now seems like a great time to risk dying of hypothermia. Why not?”
“Sirens don’t get hypothermia from water; we’re only sensitive to cold air. So don’t worry,” she said, her voice soft as she met his gaze. “I’ll keep you from dying.” Then, she turned on her bare feet and muttered, “Just don’t make me regret it.”
“Wait,” he said, stopping her. “Give me your dagger.” He held out his hand, and she scoffed.
“Why? It’s mine.”
“Want me to trust you?” Dax saw a look of uncertainty pass over her face. “Then give it to me.”
“Fine,” she gritted and slammed the dagger into his palm. “But you already know I don’t need it to kill you.”
Chapter 15
Marianabreathedthecoolair deep into her lungs as she navigated toward the river. She could feel it calling to her. Its sweet song lured her toward its welcoming embrace, teasing her with the promise of relief.
Dax was silent behind her, somehow making far less noise than she did as they stepped through the remnants of autumn and winter. The dried leaves crunched beneath her bare feet, and she curled her toes against the cold bite of the ground.
She’d been stupid for saying she didn’t need the dagger to kill him. She was supposed to be earning his trust, not putting his guard up! But she couldn’t take back the words now. He had to have known she was a worthy opponent already, so why did he ask for the dagger? Was it some kind of test? Or maybe …
Biting the inside of her cheeks, she realized the answer.Trust goes both ways.
Her legs ached painfully, ready to transform the second she was in the water. Her whole body itched to let her tail free, to feel the rush of water through her hair and saturate her scales. They felt dry and flaky, frantic for hydration that drinking watercouldn’t fix. The gnawing sensation overwhelmed her the moment her eyes landed on the flowing river.
Moss-covered rocks interrupted the heavy current farther upstream, allowing the river to calm substantially into an easy, steady flow. The sight of it made her sigh in relief.Almost there.
Glancing back at Dax, she caught him eyeing the river cautiously, like it might swallow him whole if he dared step into it. She knew what she had to do. She’d insisted he come with her because she needed to gain the upper hand. Trust was her goal. Control was her weapon. And he had no idea what she was capable of.
She let her coat fall to the ground, then with deliberate slowness, she lifted her hands to the knot at her neck and untied her dress.
“Do you have to undress before you transform?” Dax asked, his expression tight and unyielding.
