Page 101 of Bound to the Dreadlord

He doesn’t say anything when he finally steps back, moving toward the door.

But before he leaves, he murmurs something so low I almost don’t hear it.

“Don’t make me regret this.”

Then he is gone.

I stand there, staring at the door, my hands clenched into fists.

I should be afraid. I should want to run.

Instead, I turn toward the map-covered table.

I reach for one of the daggers embedded in the wood.

I tighten my hold on the hilt.

If they are going to hunt me, then I need to be ready.

37

VEYLAN

The fortress is still. It’s the kind of silence that doesn’t belong.

I should be elsewhere. With my father. With my brothers. We should be sitting in our war chmaber planning our next territorial warfare. I’m supposed to be waging wars that actually matter.

Instead, I am here. Watching a locked door. I can’t stop thinking about her, she lives rent free in my head. Also, I can’t help but worry about a possible assassination attempt.

It is infuriating. I should leave. But my boots refuse to move.

Then, suddenly, shadow flickers beyond the door.

Someone is inside her room.

My dagger is in my hand before I even realize I’ve moved.

The door creaks open a fraction. I slip inside. Silent. Calculated. Deadly.

Sera is asleep.

But she is not alone.

The assassin stands over her, blade poised at her throat.

Something in my mind ignites.

My body takes action almost instinctively.

I just move.

Steel flashes. Blood splatters the wall.

The assassin collapses before he can even scream.

Sera bolts upright, her breath sharp, eyes wild.

Her gaze meets mine. Then lowers. Sees the body.

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