Page 34 of A Lick of Flame

We are forced to slow to a walk in a particularly rocky section, and I feel the back of my neck prickle, as if we are being watched. I glance back and see…nothing.

I scan the path ahead, and all is clear.

As soon as we are able, we pick up a lope again. I urge Copper to go a little faster. Midnight is more than obliging, but Maya reins him in so that they are a little behind Copper and me.

The morning air is chilly, but I’m sweating nonetheless. A feeling of unease settles in my belly. It grows with every pound of our horses’ hooves, with every breath I take.

“We’re nearly there,” Maya says.

I don’t say anything in return.

“That’s the end of the gully, isn’t it?” she asks.

“Yes,” I say, keeping my voice low.

“We’re nearly there,” she repeats.

Again, I don’t respond.

“I think we’re okay.” She sounds chipper, making my stomach feel like it’s holding lead. “I think we’re—”

“Don’t—” I start to say.

“…home free.” She grins.

Don’t jinx us, is what I planned on saying. Followed by, don’t even say it. But I don’t get the chance.

Her words are out, and in the next breath, I am violently pulled from the saddle. One moment, I’m riding, and the next, I’m in the dirt, flat on my back. I’m momentarily winded and dazed, so I can’t shout. I can’t do anything for a few moments. I’m too dizzy. Too disorientated.

Maya pulls Midnight up sharply. That’s when I see it: a thin rope across the shadowed section at the end of the gully. A trap I rode straight into and one that Maya barely missed.

Copper keeps loping for a few beats before she realizes that she is without a rider and stops. It feels like everything is moving in slow motion when it is anything but.

“Orion!” Maya yells, looking down at me.

Finally, air enters my lungs. “Run! Now,” I manage to grit out.

She turns her horse but doesn’t leave. Her gaze is still on me. Her eyes are wide, her chest heaving.

“Run!” I yell and, thank Kakara, she does what I ask of her.

Maya kicks Midnight sharply in the ribs, leaning forward in her saddle. The gelding doesn’t need much urging and leaps forward into a gallop.

I jump to my feet, and my heart sinks when I see three riders cut her off. So much for my powers being back. I should have sensed their beasts. I should have known and stopped this. I spin around just as someone puts a sword to my throat.

“It’s a fae,” the human yells as seven more humans surround me, their swords drawn, their gazes are hard and narrowed.

Gods’ teeth! I think on what the male just said and realize that my hood is no longer secured firmly over my head but hanging on my back. They can see my ears. They know my true identity.

Namely, I’m not one of them. I’m the enemy.

“Don’t try anything!” the tall, wiry male commands unnecessarily and in a harsh tone. I note that he has brown eyes and a cruel smile. Three more riders take up the rear. I am greatly outnumbered.

We’re in serious trouble.

Please, Maya. I think to myself. Please.

“Don’t hurt him! He’s with me,” she says, and my heart sinks.

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