Page 26 of Sanctuary of the Shadow
The tent flap was thrown open. “Get away from him!”
Harrow lurched back from the cage with a yelp of surprise.
“What in the Shades are you doing in here?”
“I—”
Raith started to growl.
To make matters worse, Loren raced into the tent with a lantern, nearly running into Salizar’s broad back. He saw Harrow and blanched. “Harrow? Wha—”
“Quiet.” Salizar advanced, causing Raith’s growl to rise in volume. He was furious; it was plain to see. “Do you have any idea what he is? I would have thought the sign would be a pretty good indication.”
Harrow found her voice. “He’s not what you think.”
“He’s exactly what I think.”
“You can’t keep him locked up like this! You make me sick!”
Raith’s growling grew louder.
“I’d have thought you, of all people, Harrow, would have a vested interest in the capture of one of the creatures responsible for the extinction of an entire line of Elementals.”
He knows, Harrow realized, eyes wide.He knows exactly what I am. He’s probably known it since the day he took me in.She’d always suspected but had never known for sure.
Now she did, and she didn’t know what to make of it. Salizar had cared for her and protected her identity all these years, ensuring word of her survival didn’t reach Furie and her supporters.
“He’s not one of them,” she said. “Trust me when I say, I would know.”
Raith quieted at Harrow’s words, watching the interaction intently.
Salizar’s eyes narrowed. “How would you know?”
“What’s going on?” Loren asked. “What are you talking about?”
They both ignored him. Harrow tried to think of a way to explain the Water’s guidance without giving away her identity to the human in their company. “If he was evil, I would have sensed it. I’m telling you, he’s not what you think he is.”
“That you don’t sense evil proves nothing.”
“It proves everything. Wraiths are evil. And I would have sensed if Raith had killed. I can always sense those who have taken life before, and he hasn’t.”
It was true—and another thing Harrow sensed? Salizarhadtaken life before. More than once. She’d always known this but had believed he must have had good cause. She had trusted him. Now? Not so much.
“Wraith? Why call him a wraith if you don’t believe he is one?”
“It’s his name. Raith with an R.” She glanced at the still-silent Raith. “After Loren’s silly sign.”
Despite the circumstances, Salizar snorted a laugh. Loren scowled. Then, the ringmaster shook his head. “You’re mistaken, Harrow. There are things you don’t know—”
“I know enough!”
“Don’t push me,” he snapped. “I’m telling you he is exactly what he appears to be. Of that, I’m certain. He will remain in that cage, and in one week, the chance to view a corporeal wraith will be offered to the good people of Allegra. The money earned will go toward keeping this circus afloat and providing for Elementals who have nowhere else to go. He will cooperate with my plans or suffer the consequences.”
“You can’t do this. You can’t force him to be in a show like an animal!”
“Can’t I? This is my circus, after all. If you know of another way to make him behave, I’m all ears.”
Harrow stared at him. He genuinely believed he had captured a wraith. There would be no changing his mind or making him understand the error of his ways.
