Page 175 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

He wasconsidering it.

She turned fully now, eyes wide, staring at the closed door that had become the only barrier between her and betrayal. He was actually weighing the cost of sacrificing her.

Her hands trembled at her sides.

Yes, I knew what kind of man he was, but even devils should have rules. Even devils should have a line they don’t cross.

She’d lied. Killed. Betrayed kingdoms. But even she had a code. And he’d just broken theirs.

“We do need that information,” Zaiper said slowly. “If I can kill off the grand rulers and wipe out their bloodlines, the kingdom will cripple. It’ll be the first real step toward seizing the throne by force.”

Sinai stepped back. Another step. Then she turned and fled down the corridor.

In her dim, drafty chamber, she tore open the chest and began to pack—quickly, frantically.

What had she been thinking?

Zaiper is mad. Drunk on revenge. He doesn’t even see people anymore—only pieces on a board.

Sinai swiped angrily at the tears rolling but didn’t stop moving.

“You’ll pay for this, Zaiper,” she whispered through clenched teeth. “I swear it.”

***

Sinai moved quickly through the woods, the dying light of evening casting shadows between the trees.

Plan A had failed spectacularly. She had placed her bet on a rotted crown and was nearly sacrificed for it.Now, it was time for Plan B.

She adjusted the weight of her pack and pressed on. “At least I have money stashed away,” she said to herself. “I need to buy a horse. Tonight, if possible.”

She would wait until nightfall, then make her way to the docks and board one of the merchant vessels headed toward the Werewolf borders. It would be risky—most Urekai were already migrating home for the eclipse night, and only a fool would travel outward. But Sinai had little choice.

As a fugitive, she would take what she could get. Once she crossed into werewolf territory, she’d disappear… lay low for a century or two. She’d done it before.

I’ll do it again.

She was almost out of the woods when a chill crawled up her spine, the hairs on her arms standing up straight.

Something’s watching me.

Without hesitation, she broke into a sprint. Footsteps echoing behind her. Fast. Too fast. Gaining.

Her heart lurched.

They were right behind me.

She spun—too late.

A blunt force struck the side of her head.

Her world tilted. The trees blurred. Her knees buckled.

As she crumpled to the ground, vision darkening, the last thing she saw was Kady’s cold, merciless eyes.

Chapter forty-one

TRADE BY BARTER

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