Page 64 of A Broken Promise

But I didn’t.

“Who knows how many more this prick sold into slavery, and now thanks all to you, he is no longer. If it makes you feel any better, you can count this kill as your contribution to the Rebel cause, if it so inclines your bleeding heart.”

My mind froze as I saw what Priya held in her hand.

“Where did you find that?” I asked, my face lit up in shock.

“Um, that dead bitch was wearing it. Pretty, isn’t it?” Priya said, dangling a necklace. A large, emerald stone, shaped and carved like an eye, hung down on a meticulously made platinum chain.

“That is the eye of the Troiyan,” I said, almost disbelieving what was in front of my eyes.

“And?” Priya ignorantly whirled the long necklace around her finger.

“And….it was Tuluma’s,my Tuluma’s. Hertalisman.” I didn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth. “She gave it to me on the night she died. Miteno ripped it off my neck when he shoved me into the prison wagon. I thought it was gone forever.” All manner of emotions flooded my mind, heartache, anger, sorrow, joy, relief, gratitude.

“Well, I like it,” Priya said. “I never had anything elven in my collection.”

“I need it, Priya. Please take anything else you want.” Priya’s face changed into slick satisfaction. I was never below begging. I knew that. I was also too aware of the hold Priya had on me. And for this—for this small piece of my past—I would do anything.

“Please, just let me have it, Priya. Anything else but this. It is the only thing I have of her.”

Her eyes lit up in a wicked smile.

“I will give it to you, but only if you drop this Rebel idea…forever,” she demanded, aware of the lofty cost.

For once, I had absolutely no regret in becoming a liar and a traitor.

“Okay,” I answered without hesitation. The platinum chain and the cold, eye-shaped, green stone now swung around my neck. I gently placed it underneath my leathers, still in incredulity that this was the actual talisman. My chest tightened as the peculiar chain ran deep until the rock settled not too far from my heart.

A piece of my home.

PART III

ASHES

33

“Ouch,” I whimpered as Priya’s swift kick to my ribs sent me back a few steps.

“Whiny, whiny, whiny,” Priya replied as another kick and blow came my way. This time I was fast enough to block it. One more step closer. Another block, and another. A second later, a zinging slap across my cheek angered me.

“Keep your hands down like that and your cheek is going to bleed by the end of it.” Priya smirked while blocking my move. She was good, predicting each move of mine. I made a step forward, attempting a swing at her. She ducked and with a swift motion, knocked me on the soft, padded floor of the training room.

A frustrated “ugh” came out of me as I laid my head down on the floor. Priya can kick me to death, but I needed a break. It’s been hours since we’ve been training, again and again. I was exhausted. So wholly exhausted.

“Oh, get up.” Priya grabbed a small face towel and threw it on my bright red face. Even though my hair was now long enough to stay in a decent braid, small pieces were glued all over my face with sweat.

“I am pretty sure my legs will give out if I do,” I said, wiping sweatfrom my face with the white towel. “Are you ever going to let me win?” I asked, smiling like a predator. Finally finding the strength to rest on my elbows, I slightly lifted myself up. Priya was resting against the wall, gulping down some water.

“Let you win? Who do you think I am? A charity case over here?” She smirked. “The real question is, will your skinny ass ever get to beat me?” Her face stretched into a large grin. I grinned back.

Soon enough,I wanted to say but didn’t.

“Hey, my ass is no longer skinny.” I shoved my tongue out. “Just be ready Priya.” I paused for a moment. “Wait, what is your last name?”

“I don’t have one,” Priya casually said while chucking me the water bottle.

“You don’t?” I was taken a bit aback.

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