Page 64 of Heartless Enemy

Before this was all over, I was going to watch Christian White bleed to death at my feet. He had a lot to answer for. Beating a healer. Slaughtering my people in Malgrave. And most of all, hurting Eve.

My mind drifted back to that scar along her forearm, and I had to grind my teeth and tighten my hold on the reins to stop myself from kicking my horse into a gallop so that I could find and kill that fucking worldwalker faster.

“We’re here,” Eve suddenly said, snapping me out of my murderous thoughts.

I blinked and glanced around, realizing that we had already reached the final crossroads.

The road we had been following split into four paths. One straight ahead towards Malgrave, and then another one that ran mostly straight too but also a little to the left so that it passed by the city. The third one headed straight to the left, and the final road to the right.

Eve and I pulled our horses to a halt. Derek flicked a confused look between the two of us but did the same. A strong wind washed over us, tousling the man’s brown hair. He released the reins and pushed his hair out of his eyes.

Raising a hand, I pointed towards the road passing by Malgrave. “That’s the way to Castlebourne.” I shifted my hand to the one running straight to the left. “That’s the way to Eldar.” I pointed to the right. “And that’s the way to the other coast. Not the one you came from.”

The healer stared at me in utter bewilderment before stammering an uncertain, “Uhm, okay?”

“I would suggest the coast if you’re looking to avoid fights.”

“I…” He jerked back and then blinked at me again. “Wait, what?”

“You are of course also welcome to come with us to Malgrave. I can set you up anywhere you like on the south side. Though I have to warn you, Christian White will be coming here with his army to get you back and to wipe us all out. And the constables are also planning an invasion. So there is a war coming to this city.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Pick a destination and be on your way.”

“You’re… letting me go?”

“Yes.”

Shock and incredulity shone on his face as he stared at me with wide eyes. For a few seconds, he just opened and closed his mouth without actually making any sound. On his other side, Eve watched us with a soft smile on her lips.

“Ever since the day I manifested my powers, almost thirty-five years ago now, people have been kidnapping me and trading me and forcing me to work for them.” Derek shook his head, his eyes still full of disbelief. “And you’re just… letting me go?”

I held his gaze. “I’m not a fan of slavery.”

“I…” He shook his head in confusion once more, and then looked between me and Eve. “But you broke into Helspire and stole me from aworldwalker. Why would you risk doing something so dangerous if you weren’t planning to take me for yourselves?”

Eve and I exchanged a glance.

A mischievous smile curved her lips as she said, “We have our reasons.”

“Which we really need to get on with,” I added, and jerked my chin. “So pick a road and get going.”

He flicked a quick glance at the different roads before saying, “The coast.”

“Good choice.” I gripped the reins fully again and got ready to urge my horse into motion. “Ride fast and don’t look back.”

“I don’t even know your names,” he blurted out before we could ride off.

Pausing, I turned back to him. “Levi Arden.”

He nodded and then looked at Eve.

“Eve Sterling,” she said.

“Thank you, Levi Arden and Eve Sterling. Regardless of your reasons, I’m eternally grateful that you got me out of Helspire.” Sincerity swirled in his eyes as he looked between the two of us. “Though, I hope you don’t take it the wrong way when I say that I hope we never meet again.” A small smile played over his lips. “But if we do, I will cook you a very nice meal.”

I chuckled.

---