Page 13 of Lady of the Nightmares

“Ssso it is done.”

The snake swayed its large head as if nodding, then turned abruptly, its gigantic tongue darting out to taste the air. Without another word to me, it darted, quick as a whip, back into the trees, looping in the direction of the water.

I barely had time to catch my breath, slow my beating heart, before I heard footsteps firm and fast, breaking branches behind me.No, no, no.

This was what I got, I supposed, for thinking this hunt too simple. For wondering after the Everlasts. For finding the initial hours easy. Now, I’d die not by snake but by some stray hunter or, more likely, Prince Scion, just after swearing not to use my one weapon.

“Come back,” I yelled after the snake. “This is undoubtedly your offering come to present himself!”

But the snake was gone, and I was alone again.

Every muscle in my body screamed at me to run, but I’d done so much running already, and it had never helped. I was done running from monsters.

Instead, I squared my shoulders and glared, intent on looking death in the eye when it came for me.

And, indeed, it had.

“Hello, little monster.”

LONNIE

THE DEPLETED QUARRY, INBETWIXT

Every muscle in my body went tight, and my skin seemed to hum with awareness as I tilted my chin up and stared into the all-too-familiar face of Prince Bael. The shadows between the trees seemed to shift around him as he approached, brushing tendrils of smoke off the lapels of his maroon coat.

I swallowed thickly, my adrenaline still racing, fingers still burning.

I would far prefer to see Bael than Scion, if caught alone in the dark forest, but at the moment, neither was welcome. I instinctively reached for the knife in my belt. He might have sworn to protect me, but it was hunting night, and everyone was my enemy. “What are you doing here?”

His lip curled in a smile, flashing too-sharp teeth, and he inched ever so slightly closer, like a cat stalking its prey. “I believe the correct response when one saves your life is ‘thank you.’”

My eyes flitted between the prince and the spot where the snake had disappeared, my brow furrowing in confusion. “You did not save my life,” I snapped, pushing to my feet. My muscles screamed in agony, but I refused to let it show on my face. “I was doing just fine on my own.”

Bael’s red-golden curls bounced with mirth. His yellow, catlike eyes glinted playfully, and he took measured steps toward me. “Oh? And what were you going to do?”

I practically shook with anger. He believed he’d scared it off. Believed he was the one who had saved me, having lifted not a finger, as if I was so helpless. Granted, he had some evidence with which to support that assumption, but still…my indignance burned hot like anger as his eyes darted to my balled-up fists. I shoved them behind my back, a strange sense of shame washing over me.

I couldn’t say what I’d promised or even mention the magic. I doubted he had any idea of the implications, of what I was risking. “Never mind. I’ll ask one more time: what are you doing here?”

“You called for me,” he said far too calmly.

I recoiled. “I did not.”

He smirked. “Do I need to keep a tally of your lies?”

“What are you…” I trailed off and felt my face contort as horror washed over me. Ihadcalled for him. Though not with any real intent behind the words.Oh, by Aisling. “I-I was not calling for you. I had a single thought.”

His smirk was infuriating. “Glad to see you’ve realized you need me after all.”

I huffed an exasperated sound. That was hardly fair.

It had only been a day or so since we’d seen each other—less than a day, really, as it was not yet morning—but it felt so much longer. I thought Bael might chase after me when I stormed out of his room this morning, but he hadn’t. To my knowledge, he hadn’t even traveled with the caravan from the capital to Inbetwixt. Not that I wanted him to.

“How did you hear me?” I asked mulishly. “I haven’t seen you all day.”

“I was watching,” he said as though it were obvious.

I glanced behind me reflexively, as if some hiding place might reveal itself. “From where? Where have you been?”

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