Page 35 of Frost Bound

Her gaze snagged on a man leaning against a nearby building to her left, his hat drawn low over his face. There was something about him…

He lifted his chin and she stiffened.

Jekket.

He gave her a toothy grin and a tip of his hat that made her straighten in her seat. Why the last-minute goodbye? Was it a promise of retribution? A warning from the Giver? A taunt to make her feel off-kilter?

Her horse whickered and she loosened her hold on the reins. Jekket disappeared down the alley like smoke, but it did nothing to soothe Dahlia’s nerves.

The Haunt sidled closer, her attention pinned to the alleyway. “He seemed to know you.”

Lia schooled her expression. “Probably just some vagabond looking for an easy mark.”

“Your fear says otherwise.”

“I am surrounded by frost giants. Anyone would be terrified of you.”

The giantess grinned. “You’re right. How lucky for you.”

They wound their way through the city as night approached. The storm gathered above them and Lia prayed that it wouldn’t break any time soon. Their group reached the enormous arched Bridge of Bones. The white stones stuck out from the canyons and land around it like bleached teeth. Even though it wassturdy, there was something about being suspended so high in the air that unsettled Lia.

Farmers hustled across the bridge, their wagons trundling along. She grimaced as she glanced toward the edge. The canyon was deep, ending in a large river that fed into the Sea of Stars. Legend had it that the monarchy threw traitors off the cliffs to feed the sharks below in the estuary.

The wind rose, whistling through the deep canyon below. Dahlia closed her eyes and let her horse lead, listening to the haunting melody of the wind. Music could be found in almost anything. It was her solace in times of trial and fear.

“Tue daemiir?” a deep, somewhat angry voice asked.Arun.

“No, her heart is racing too fast,” the giantess replied.

Dahlia’s eyes snapped open, and she turned left to the female giant, ignoring the one looming to her right. She knew the scary one was Arun. “What is your name?”

The giantess cocked her head and answered slowly. “Flyka.”

“You can hear my heartbeat?”

“I’m trained for such things.” She smirked, then her smile widened. “I even heard your pulse increase in reaction to my fangs.”

Lia pressed her lips together. Even if she could hide her emotions, they were still able to read her body. It was bloody unfair. “It’s nice to meet you, Flyka.”

“Is it?” the giantess asked as they neared the end of the bridge.

Speak only truth. “I’ve always liked the idea of traveling and new cultures. Books have been an escape. It’s a privilege to interact with a culture that many will never get the chance to spend time with.”Privilegewas a stretch, but it made Flyka sit a bit taller. The female seemed to like the compliment. Lia would store that away for later.

Some of the tension released from her shoulders as they reached solid ground once more. The road forked in three ways.

Northeast toward the city of Lantium.

West to Saffrie.

South to Lavindly.

Please go north. Please.

Even if she couldn’t meet up with her brother, maybe she’d pass him on the way? It was a dream, but she had to hold on to it. Dahlia glanced over her shoulder at Florrant, praying Cosmos had gotten out of the city. She turned back to the road and sighed in relief when the bulkiest warrior veered north.

Perhaps the stars had heard her pleas.

Lightning crackled across the sky, thunder following. Droplets of water began to fall from the clouds.

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