Page 99 of Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves 2)

My eyes were coals. My lips melted against my teeth.

Fire seared my throat.

The iron ring around my neck was molten.

I don’t where they are! I don’t know where—

I don’t know! I don’t—

I … I …

I …

* * *

And then I broke.

I told them everything they wanted to know.

Every practiced word.

The arena.

The stables.

The temple.

Darkcottage.

Cave’s End.

I sent them chasing everywhere.

Until the words were gone, and there was only pain.

* * *

Zane was suddenly there. My mother was running for the stick in the corner. Where is she? Where is the brat? The seconds, the years, they swirled in a fog. Zane’s face pressed close to mine. No one will believe you now. You would say anything to save your skin. Keep your mouth shut, or I will kill your mother. It will be your fault if she dies. You can still save her. I blinked and he was gone. Gone. I wasn’t sure if he had ever been there at all.

* * *

Zane, coming back again, and again, his lips touching my ear, whispering my worst nightmares.

* * *

Please. Come back.

Please. Let me die.

But they wouldn’t come back. And they wouldn’t let me die.

* * *

The blanket was wet beneath me, soaked with my sweat. Cold liquid touched my lips. I felt my tongue again.

The pain rolled back. The fire in my throat cooled.

I heard voices. Faces loomed in front of me, but my eyes wouldn’t focus. A hand gently curled around mine. “It’s Jase. Can you hear me, Kazi? I’m here.”

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