Page 39 of Cage of Destiny
“Meaning?” Nathenekasked.
“I’m afraid Allyssa willhave some issues given what she went through with Soma and beinglocked in the dungeon.”
“You don’t think she isstrong enough to handle it?” he asked.
“I’m worried about thepsychological toll it will take on her.”
Allyssa had no issue beingfake-kidnapped since the soldiers wouldn’t harm her. If someonekidnapped her for real, now that was another matter entirely. Shewould never be taken to another dungeon ever again.
“And you’re basing yourassessment of her from the time you spent together in Clovek?”Nathenek asked.
“Partially,” Kerdananswered. “I’m also basing it off her reaction right now—puredefiance and determination. However, I am also relying on my intelfrom Clovek.” Kerdan glanced at her, as if nervous. “My men told meSoma was found with his fingers chopped off and a brutal knifewound to his stomach.” He kept his focus solely on Nathenek as hespoke.
“How do you know thatwasn’t from Odar?” she asked.
“Because those arepurposeful wounds,” Nathenek answered. He, too, kept his attentionon Kerdan and not on her. The two men stared at one another, andshe wondered if they were somehow communicating without words.Nathenek finally pushed off the wall. After closing the door to thetraining room, he came and stood beside them. Lowering his voice,he said, “I concur.” His eyes sliced over to her. “You’re notsleeping, Soma still haunts you, and I’m not sure you’re ready tobe put in the thick of it.”
Tears filled her eyes but she forcedthem away. If Nathenek didn’t think she was capable, then maybe shewasn’t. His lack of confidence in her practically knocked her overand stung far worse than it should. “Since the both of you thinkI’m inadequate for this mission, then I shouldn’t be onit.”
“That’s not what I said,”Kerdan replied. “I’m worried about the psychological impact—not youbeing inadequate.”
Nathenek pulled out a dagger andstarted flipping it, catching it by the handle as he paced back andforth, lost in thought.
“It seems I’m stuckthinking about either Odar or Soma. Sometimes the assassin iseasier to face.” At least his actions made sense. And he wasdead.
“Maybe we can use this toAllyssa’s advantage,” Nathenek suggested. He stopped pacing and putthe dagger away.
“How so?” Kerdan askedbefore she had a chance.
“One, spending time withOdar will help her have closure and get over him. Two, fightingsoldiers and participating in Jana’s demise will help her realizeshe is capable of taking care of herself. It will hopefully end hernightmares.”
“My father will never letme be involved.”
“Leave that to me,”Nathenek said. He reached under the back of his shirt andunsheathed a small dagger. How many of them did he have concealedon his body? “I want you to keep this on you at all times.” Hehanded it to her. “I need to go and speak with your father. Youwon’t see me again, but know I will be close by and watching overyou.”
She took the dagger and hugged him.“Thank you.”
After he left, Kerdanchuckled.
“What?” sheasked.
He shook his head.“Nothing.”
She slid the dagger under the belt ofher dress. “Worried I’ll slice off a few body parts?” She wanted tosay so much more, but she was too hurt by his assessment of hermental state to discuss it.
He took an abrupt step closer, hiseyes flashing with intensity. “You wanted an opportunity to beinvolved in killing Jana. Now you have it.”
A chill spread over her body. HadKerdan just outwitted Nathenek? She didn’t think it was possible todo such a thing. He grinned and took a step back, putting somedistance between them.
“Why?” sheasked.
“I was denied theopportunity to kill my father. That was my right. He murdered mymother, brought Jana into our lives, and practically ruinedRussek.”
“Don’tyouwant to be the one to killJana?”
“I’d love to be the one toend her. However, not only is it your right, but I also think itwould be the perfect end to her miserable existence to have towatch you plunge a knife into her heart.”
Allyssa didn’t know if she was in aweor terror of this man. His ruthless assessment both thrilled andscared her.
