Page 58 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

My blood runs cold as Caius speaks. His smooth words, his calm demeanor—they only serve to heighten my dread. I slowly sit up and shove myself away from him.

"Caius," I demand, my voice trembling despite my best efforts. "Why are you here?"

He locks his dark gaze on me and the intensity of it takes my breath away. My heart races as he speaks, the words striking fear into my soul.

"This Forsaken Hunt is in twenty-nine hours," he murmurs. "It's optional, but that necklace won't protect you from everything. Do you really want to go through with this?"

I hesitate, teetering on the edge of determination and terror. I know what I'm asking for if I do win ... but can I really pull it off? For Caius's extra favor?

Though, the longer I’m here, the sadder the idea of leaving the life I’m building. Or at least the people in it.

But I owe it to Wilder, to get him out of prison. Finally, I meet Caius’ gaze and nod. "Yes."

"Then you'll need this," he sighs, rising to his feet and crossing to the door. He heaves it open and steps outside before dragging a mammoth trunk behind him.

"What's this?" I ask as I approach him, eyeing the chest warily.

He grins devilishly as he crouches and lifts the lid to reveal an assortment of weapons and armor that I'd never be able to find anywhere else. From a sleek black bow and a quiver full of arrows to small knives for close combat and even a full suit of armor that gleams in the early evening light pouring in from the window.

"This." He smiles. "Is your ticket to a successful Hunt."

My eyes narrow as I sense a catch. There has to be one. "Isn't this cheating? You're the Lord of the Hunt, Caius."

"Cheating?" He scowls before breaking into a smirk. "It isn't free."

I glare at him, my voice dripping with disdain. "What do you want from me this time?"

"Stay the night with me at the castle," he says in a tone that belies his confidence.

"When?"

"Tonight."

His answer catches me off guard, my breath hitched as desperation hangs in the air. "Will Aggonid be there?"

He avoids my gaze, spinning around to examine a wall with an almost absent expression. "He might be," he says nonchalantly. Before I can respond, he adds, "Before you say—"

"No," I snap, cutting him off.

"The Bedlam Moon is in four days’ time, so if you want Aggonid to relay your message to your little friend, you'd better get it to him tonight."

"What?!" I drop the arrow I'd picked up to inspect. "I thought I had more time."

He grins. "Guess we've got ourselves a deal?" He approaches me.

"For fucks' sake." I rise to my feet, grab him by the back of the neck and yank him in for a bruising kiss.

The kiss is wild and desperate, as if I am trying to prove something to both of us. When I pull away, Caius looks at me with a mixture of surprise and admiration, and I can't help but feel a spark of pride.

We lock eyes for a few moments before he breaks the silence. "Deal sealed," he grins.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

MORTE

Dearest Wilder,

Gods, do I miss you. My heart aches to be with you once more, yet I fear we don't get forever after all. I want you to know I didn't abandon you, and if it's in my power, I'll do everything I can to make it back to you.

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