Page 177 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

But as more blood rushed down his chin and his face blanched, she gripped his shoulders tightly.

Pulling on her magic, Lessia prayed she was right about this.

“What are you—” Merrick’s eyes glazed, his face softening, as she drew on every bit of magic inside her.

“You will break the blood oath, and you will live. You will survive it. You are strong enough,” she ordered, the purr of her voice joining the pulse buzzing in her ears.

Merrick dipped his chin, and Lessia blinked, forcing the magic from her eyes.

His dark ones focused, his face hardening, and she held on to his hand as he came to.

Please, let it work. Please, please,she begged whoever was listening.

“Fuck!” Merrick ripped his hand free to grip his arm.

As he pulled up his jacket, they both stared in wonder at the fading tattoo—how welts and burned skin were soon the only thing marring his tan arm.

Merrick released a choked breath, and as his eyes found hers again, gratitude shone brightly in the darkness. Pulling her down, he locked his arms around her neck, and Lessia let out another sob—a sob of relief that her not-so-well-thought-out plan had worked.

“You really need to leave.”

She pulled back as Zaddock’s urgent whisper reached her ears, and the sound of footsteps coming down a stairway joined it.

With a nod, she rose to her feet, pulling Merrick with her.

The Fae limped after her as she left the cell, and she jerked her head toward Ardow. “Him as well.”

“Let me come with you.” Venko pushed himself upright. “Please.”

She shook her head, unable to meet his eyes.

Three was plenty when you were on the run.

They didn’t also need Venko slowing them down.

“I have a ship!” He sprinted to the bars. “They can get us out of here unnoticed. I trust the crew with my life.”

She glanced at Merrick, who shrugged. “Do you have a better plan?”

Lessia sighed shakily. “Fine! But let’s go, they’re coming.”

The steps she’d heard before were close to reaching the bottom of the cellars.

Zaddock unlocked the door, and Ardow leaned on Venko as they exited the cell.

“There is a tunnel back there. Take the first right, and it will lead you down into the sewers. Once you’re down there, keep to the left, and you’ll find a path straight to the harbor.”

Zaddock pointed into the darkness, and Lessia drew deep breaths against the unease that tightened her chest.

As Merrick and the two men started toward it, Lessia grabbed Zaddock’s hand. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

He winked. “Put in a good word for me with Amalise when you see her next, will you?”

Her face crumpled at the thought of her friend, and Zaddock quickly pressed her hand. “I won’t let anything happen to her. I promise. I’ll take her with me when I leave today. Throw her over my shoulder if I must.”

“W-we have some… some friends you need to help as well. Amalise will know what to do,” she got out.

When Zaddock nodded, she managed to offer him a sad smile before the steps rumbled far too close for her liking.

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