Page 114 of A Curse of Breath and Blood

Meanwhile, the Highlands strictly controlled who entered and exited their half of the Ryft.Gideon monitored how many magi were in the Highlands—any magus needed documentation on the reason for their visit, signed by a magistrate of their kingdom. I prayed we looked human enough to pass, and I wouldn’t have to use my telepathy. Using magic made humans taste copper. They would know we were magus.

I sharpened my blade as Arion trotted along the snow-covered path.

“Where did you get that dagger?” Tharan eyed the iridescent blade.

I hid the blade, realizing it might make Tharan uncomfortable.

“It’s okay,” he said, laying a hand on my arm. “The blade nor the wielder are the true cause of my father’s death.”

I turned the dagger over in my hands. Its iridescent hilt sparkled in the sunlight. “Caiden gave it to me as an Ostara gift. He said it would keep me safe.”

“Such an item would cost a fortune. Dragons haven’t existed in Moriana for hundreds of years.”

I ran my finger over the smooth blade. “He loved me.”

Silence filled the space between us.

The highway bustled with activity as numerous magi and humans traversed it in both directions.

“Not far until we hit the midway point.” Tharan nodded to the path ahead.

A skeletal hand clutched my heart, and my body went stiff just thinking about seeing the soldiers again.Everything will be fine; you will be fine.

“It’ll be fine,” Tharan said, echoing my thoughts and giving my leg a comforting pat. “I’ll be with you the entire time.”

I ran my hands nervously over my skirt. “Let’s get this over with.”

At the first checkpoint, soldiers inspected our goods. Four guards stood around a fire waiting while two others checked the carts. Tharan maneuvered Arion into the inspection line.

Eying the soldiers around the fire, I looked for anyone I recognized. All fresh-faced—Ryft duty was reserved for the green and gray.

The weight perched on my chest lifted a little. These boys wouldn’t know my face.

“State your business,” the young officer said, not looking up from his list.

Tharan cleared his throat. “We are humble farmers traveling from Applewood to sell our delicious apples.”

The soldier lifted his head; we piqued his interest. “Applewood?I have a cousin who lives there. Do you know Shelby Thomas?”

My heart leapt into my throat.

Tharan gave the man a rakish grin. “No, my boy, but we live far from town on a small farm.”

“Really? I thought everyone knew him. His family owns the largest apple farm in the region.”

Shit.

The boy examined us, tapping his quill on the parchment. “Do you have papers?”

Fuck.I panicked and launched into the boy’s mind before Tharan could pull the papers, blasting through his mental door.

We are farmers. Your cousin knows us. Let us pass.

“You are farmers. My cousin knows you. Please, go ahead,” he said in a monotone voice. The officer waved us on, and Tharan clicked his tongue at Arion to move him forward. The wagon crunched over the freshly fallen snow. I leaned back and let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank the Trinity,” I said, stretching my legs over the cart’s edge.

“I had papers made. You didn’t need to do that.” Tharan gave me a scolding look.

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