Page 12 of Wings of Ash & Flame
Verran’s hand closed around her throat, the stone digging into her skull.
“Listen carefully. You will speak only when spoken to. You will show proper respect. If you embarrass me…” His grip tightened until stars burst across her vision. “I’ll make what happened to your friend look like a walk in a flowery garden.”
She met his gaze steadily as black spots danced in her periphery.
He released the pressure but didn’t remove his hands.
She grinned again. “You’re the only one here capable of embarrassing yourself, Captain.”
He squeezed her throat tighter. She was sure his handprints would remain on her skin—a dog marking his territory.
When he finally released her, she sucked in air.
The heavy doors ground open.
The captain shoved her forward.
Alaire took in the room and was somewhat disappointed by its lack of decor. There was a wide, solid wooden table with two chairs facing each other. Beside the long table sat a tiny hearth. Flickering flames cast long shadows against the stone walls. They seemed to jump as she crossed the threshold.
A single figure was seated in the chair facing her, their face obscured by shadow.
“Remove her shackles,” the voice ordered, smooth and clipped with a lilt Alaire couldn’t place.
Verran stepped forward. “Sir, regulations require?—”
“Remove them.” Soft words that brooked no argument.
Red crept up Verran’s neck, but he nodded sharply. The guards stepped forward and removed the manacles. Alaire rubbed the tender skin of each wrist.
“Leave us.”
“I must insist?—”
“Leave.”
For the first time since Alaire walked into Grimstone, she watched Captain Verran bow to another’s will. He retreated with his guards. The doors echoed with aboom.
Alaire released the breath she’d been holding and refocused her attention on the person who had caused the captain to show deference.
She crossed her arms with deliberate casualness.
“Sit,” the figure commanded.
Eyeing the lone chair, she took her time before gracefully dropping into it. “Is there a reason you dragged me out of my delightful accommodations?”
“I see the captain’s summation of your sharp tongue holds true. He failed to mention the attitude, though.”
“Happy to oblige.” Alaire smirked. “He fails at many things—basic reasoning, personal hygiene. But perhaps if you share what this is all about, we can move this along. What exactly do you want with me?”
“An offer, Alaire Aerendyl. One that could see you walk out of Grimstone—free.”
Four
“Could you move into the light so we can talk like two civilized people?” Alaire asked.
The figure leaned forward, his smile stretching the scar that cut across his upper lip. But it was his pointed ears that truly caught her attention.
Alaire maintained a detached expression, but beneath the surface her thoughts churned like a typhoon.
