Page 107 of Forsaken Secrets

Gods. How had we been so stupid?

I had to give her something so I could get out of here and warn them, though. What could I say that wouldn't be too revealing?

I laughed, the sound an odd, hysterical mockery of my normal laugh.

"You're too late, my lady. He left last night. Ask his aunt and uncle if you don't believe me."

Gods. Please let me get to him first! I quieted my fears, lifted my chin, and met her dark gaze. "However, unless you want to mess with Lady Frexin, I'd suggest leaving him alone."

Lady Ellingsworth's jaw tightened, and she reached out and grabbed my chin, pressing hard enough to leave a bruise where her nails dug in. Ah, so she knew who Frexin was, too. I smirked and dared her to do more.

She just stared at me. “Just how sure are you that he is what he says? I had a feeling you wouldn’t tell me anything useful, so I looked into him. That boy has secrets you couldn't dream of."

My stomach clenched, but I didn't let it show in my face. She was just trying to get to me. I trusted him far more than this evil woman.

She dropped my chin and stepped back, wiping her fingers on her skirts. “You know, there doesn't even seem to be an Elimri licensed with the Reapers."

I clenched my fists tighter. Of course there wasn't. He wasn't there under his own name. But I wouldn't tell her that. So, I just shook my head. "I trust him."

"How naïve can you possibly be, girl? He duped you. That man is no more a Reaper than you are."

I winced. She was just pushing my buttons.

"Even if you're telling the truth and he's out of my reach for now, you're going to take the lashings due you." My back burned at the thought, and she leaned closer until her lips were just an inch from my ear. "Then I'm going to take away everything you love."

She stepped back and smiled. "I can't let people go around thinking they can cross me, after all."

I stared at her, face emotionless, or at least I hoped it was, while my mind reeled.

"Fine. Do what you must and I'll be on my way. Just leave my aunt out of it."

Her red lips quirked. "Oh, it's far too late for that, dear. Once the lashings are done, you are not to leave town for any reason. If I hear otherwise, you will be brought back in," her voice dropped to a whisper, "and there's nothing I can do to keep the Captain from giving you to Gav as a prize."

I swallowed and nodded, my courage fleeing for a moment at the thought.

I'd have to figure out an alternative. If I could get to Eli in time, we could make a plan. He'd help. I was certain of it.

Lady Ellingsworth smiled at me once more. "I'll be seeing you, Miss Maderoth. Until then, stay safe."

I cringed. The last thing I wanted was to ever see that murderous bitch again.

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