Page 160 of The Wolf King

I calm my pulse and take stock of my surroundings.

I’m lying on a cot in the corner of a small, dank dungeon cell. The stone walls are wet, and the air is thick. We’re underground, I presume. Through the bars, two men lean against the opposite wall, torchlight dancing over their features as they talk.

One, I have never seen before. He is tall and broad-shouldered. His dreadlocks are tied back from his face to reveal bright brown eyes and a chiseled jaw. He is not dressed like a wolf. He wears black leather breeches and a white shirt, sleeves rolled up to expose tattoos inked on his dark skin.

The other is Blake. His dark clothes make him look at one with the shadows.

A jolt of hate surges through me—so powerful I almost cry out. The worst thing is, I feel betrayed. I shouldn’t. I should have known Blake would turn on me. How naïve I have been.

I try to calm my breathing, afraid they will turn their attention to me.

I need to think. I need to get out of here.

“The Highfell wolf is secure, by the way,” says the man.

My pulse accelerates.Callum.

“Good.” Blake adjusts his cuffs. “Did he cause you any trouble?”

“A little. We handled it. He may cause you some trouble when all this is through, though.”

“I imagine so. And what news from the continent?”

“My men looked. Couldn’t find him.”

“And the Snowlands?”

“Cold. Dark. They fear the night that spreads.”

“Hm. Interesting.”

“Is it?”

Blake shrugs. “Depends on your interests, I suppose.”

“We have an eavesdropper, by the way.”

My heart stills as I squeeze my eyes shut.

“Oh yes, I know,” replies Blake. “She’s been awake for a couple of minutes now.”

My blood runs cold and I grit my teeth, trying not to shudder.

“I’ll leave you to it,” says the man. “See you back at the castle once this is all through?”

“Yes. Be careful with him, Jack. I need him alive.”

“Right. I’ll do my best.”

There’s the sound of a door opening and shutting. Jack’s footsteps fade into nothing.

For a moment, the air is thick with silence.

“There’s no use pretending to be asleep, little rabbit.” Blake’s voice is like silk. “I can hear your heartbeat.”

He walks to the barred wall of my cell, his footsteps echoing in the cavernous dark. I open my eyes to glare at him.

“Where’s Callum?” My voice is hoarse. I’m not sure if it’s the aftermath of whatever Blake drugged me with, or from screaming in the forest.

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