Page 14 of A Tale of Treachery

Good enough.

The conversation between the guards echoed along the stone exterior as they changed shifts, and I sucked air in through my teeth. Time was running out. With hasty movements, I twisted the rope around my waist and tied it, saying a little prayer under my breath.

Climbing was not my strong suit.

Shaking my hands out, I grasped the cord, and pulled myself up, trying my hardest not to look down at the cold ground below. With every motion upward, I twisted the excess rope around my waist and arms, until my body was wrapped in a tangle of knots.

I was nearly there and could see through the crenels at the top of the wall, noting that it was just within reach. It would only take one more push to end the climb. So, I pushed off the wall and leapt upward, my fingers grasping the top tightly. But my hand grew weak and shaky from nerves. A red-hot flash of panic sliced through my chest as my grip slowly slipped.

Adrenaline pumped through my veins, and bile surged up my throat. I was going to fall. A scream tore out of me when my hold slipped, and my eyes squeezed shut as I fell.

A harsh jerk sent my body slamming against the wall, and I gaped at the tangle of rope wrapped around my limbs like a net. Maniacal laughter tore from my throat. I was stuck, and now…choking?

My eyes widened when I realized the rope had wrapped around my neck. I kicked and struggled, but the more I fought, the weaker I grew from the lack of air entering my lungs. My vision grew hazy, and the world slipped into painted blacks and grays, the fight leeching out of me. Death called my name as I went slack against the wall and gave in.

But it wasn’t death calling my name…it was something else.

Two strong hands grasped my arms and tugged, pulling my limp body and soul upward and into the heavens. A smile graced my face as an angel plucked my body from this world. Never in a million years would I have thought to be spared from the fiery depths of the otherworld.

My smile slipped as my body crashed against a hard surface and an intense flash of pain echoed through my body. I groaned and reached out, my eyes still closed as I felt cold stone beneath me.

I gasped. This wasn’t heaven.

My eyes cracked open, revealing an endless expanse of wall. Somehow, I’d made it to the top.

The chill fall air met my skin, and I coughed, unwinding the cord from around my neck. Mouthfuls of air entered my burning lungs, and I patted my body, noting that my parts were still there. Someone had rescued me. I looked up to thank this savior of mine, and my heart stopped.

Of course.

“What are you doing here?” I spat at Ryken.

Sure, he’d saved me from certain death, but he’d also tossed my body onto the cold stone like trash. My eyes narrowed at him. “Lurker.”

“You’re welcome,” he retorted. “I was minding my own business until you appeared. Are you sure you’re not the one lurking on me, little crow? You didn’t have to put yourself in so much danger just to track me down.”

I pulled myself up from the stony battlement and straightened my cloak. “I have no need to follow you, not when you magically appear around every corner like a skulker.”

Ryken stared at me, a silver glint of humor flashing in his eyes.

“Thank you for the save. I’ll be off now,” I said, dusting the dirt from my clothes.

He threw his arm out, halting me. “And where are you off to at this time of night?”

My gaze clashed with his, and he stepped close, his large form towering over mine.

I smiled and answered in a sugary-sweet tone, “That’s none of your concern.”

A loud commotion on the other side of the wall caught my attention. My body tensed, and Ryken tilted his head, following my gaze. Aiden’s soldiers were exiting the barracks in preparation for the collection, and my time was running out.

He looked down at the soldiers, then set his sights on me. “I should report you.”

“You can’t.”

His arm was still braced in front of my chest, his body too close for comfort.

“Oh, can’t, I?” He chuckled.

The crooked smile on his face made my blood boil. He wassopleased with himself. This situation must have been a dream come true for him.

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