Page 123 of The Night Prince

“Perhaps.” He shrugs. “Or perhaps I merely used the bond to save your life, because I was the only one who could. Perhaps I’ve suffered the consequences of that decision every day since.”

Anger stains my cheeks. “You ruined my life.”

“Do you think you have not destroyed me?”

I shake my head. “You’re playing a game, Blake. You said as much.”

“Yes. But it’s not the game that you think.”

“And my part in it? Is it over?”

He clasps his hands together, and the chains binding him rattle. Regret flickers across his features. “No. I don’t think so.”

“It doesn’t matter. You will not find me.”

“Darling, I will always find you.” His gaze flicks from me to my surroundings. “Your master let you go, then. Fool.”

“He’s not my master.”

“Where are you?”

My laugh is as cold as Blake’s. “I’m not going to tell you, am I?”

“Come back to me.” A dimple punctures his cheek. “We can figure this out together.”

“No.”

“The trees don’t grow that tall in the Southlands. Whatever your destination, he would have sent you north first, to avoid Alexander’s army.” Panic tightens my chest, yet I assure myself that Callum won’t free him until a few days have passed, at least. “He shouldn’t have done that. Alexander will come.”

“We’ve taken precautions.”

Blake shakes his head. “I know things about Alexander that you and Callum do not. He wants you more than anything, Aurora. He wishes to gain Night’s favor, and he thinks your soul will help him do so.”

“Why?”

“Does it matter? He’s a zealot. A fanatic. He will come for you. He will track you down.”

My heart beats faster as the trees rustle. “We’re in the middle of nowhere. Alexander doesn’t know these lands. He has an army of humans, and they’re distracted by Callum. We’ll be fine.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to persuade Blake or myself.

His gaze moves to my brother. “You’re with Philip. Did he tell you how we met?”

“Yes.”

“Ask him who else was in that dungeon with me. Ask him what happened to Alexander when you told your father of his treason.” His tone is pointed and my breath catches in my throat. I recall something Alexander said to Blake when he chased us to the chapel.

If it isn’t the king’s favorite pup. I missed you, Blake. I missed the sound of your screams. I dream of them, sometimes. Do you dream of me?

My mouth dries. “Alexander is a wolf.”

Blake leans forward. “Listen to me, Aurora. Your life, and mine, may depend on it. I tried to use the Àithne on Philip. It did not—”

The wind changes, and my skin pebbles. I catch a scent, seawater and steel. I straighten, and look sharply over my shoulder.

Blake stiffens. “What is it?”

“I... I don’t know. I thought I sensed something.”

Blake looks over my shoulder, and his nostrils flare. He jumps to his feet, uncharacteristic panic etched upon his face. “Aurora, you need to wake up. Get away from—”

---