Page 50 of Urban Gladiator

“You can believe me or don’t. Why don’t you ask your father about Bronwen? She was the most powerful witch of her age and slated to be the next coven mother. He razed her village to the ground, then took her hostage and raped her in the castle. The red room is where he held her. And he raped her repeatedly. I don’t know for how long. And when he was finished with her, he burned her at the stake. Only after the village was decimated did our council, along with all the different covens, decide to go to war because the king committed an act of war against our people.”

Rowan appeared shell shocked. “You’re not lying. I can feel the truth behind your words.”

“No. I’m not. And my people have been made to pay for that war ever since.”

“I’m sorry.”

I snorted because, as far as I knew, I was still slated to be sacrificed.

“No, truly I am.” He hauled me onto his lap and held my face between his hands. “And I do wish I could claim you. Given time, I think we’d be happy, you and me. Although it wouldn’t be without a few bumps along the way. We’re both too independent and stubborn not to have a few raging fights.”

I smirked flirtatiously, batting my lashes at him. “The making up would be fun, though.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, it would be.”

“So, if you’re not going to claim me, are you still planning to sacrifice me?” I held my breath as I waited for his response.

“No. But it means the barrier will fall.”

“What if it didn’t have to?”

“It needs a witch’s blood to reinforce the barrier.”

“That’s only one way to maintain the wall. Or you could find a witch who can command all the elements do it. They can reinforce it with purer magic that won’t have to be renewed as often. The barrier will be much stronger too.”

“And where would I find one of those? As far as I know, they’re extremely rare, and we don’t have time to hunt one down. At least, not before the barrier falls.”

“They are rare. But it’s your lucky day because you happen to be looking at one.”

“You? Really?”

His expression was priceless. I never thought I’d witness the indomitable Rowan thoroughly flummoxed. “Don’t seem so shocked. How do you think I made it off the city wall?”

“I did wonder about that. So how did you manage it?”

“Using the air and earth elements, I gave myself a pair of wings and flew. But I can reinforce the barrier without any problems. Well, save one. I need to remove these damn things.” I gestured to the ankle bracelets.

“Here. Let me.” He pulled the ring from around his neck and undid both.

The moment my ankles were free, my power surged. “Want to see?”

“Show me.”

Whispering an incantation under my breath, I snapped my fingers. And in a blink, instead of being out in the elements and on the ground. We were in a luxurious tent with supple bedding. There were braziers full of wood that were cheerfully burning to keep us warm. And the pièce de résistance, a huge porcelain tub large enough for both of us that was full of bubbles and hot water.

Surprise lit Rowan’s face. “Neat trick.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” I snapped my fingers again. And a table with a full banquet of food appeared. There was succulent roast pig and vegetables. Cheese, fruit, and bread. And wine, plenty of it too.

“I need to conduct a quick patrol around the perimeter. And then I want you naked in that bath.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do. An enemy could come upon us at any moment. And when I’m with you, I can’t see clearly.”

I knew the feeling because it was the same for me. But I wouldn’t say it. We were on borrowed time as it was; best not to dig a deeper emotional hole. It would only hurt us in the end.

“Let me show you.” I grabbed his hand and tugged him outside the tent.

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