Page 27 of Sanctuary of the Shadow
It couldn’t happen. She wouldn’t allow it to happen.
So she said the only thing she could think of to stop it.
“Let me do it.”
Salizar blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“Let me do it. Let me work with him and get him ready. Cancel next week’s show and give me some time. We’re heading to the West after Allegra, right? I’ll have him ready before we reach the border city. He trusts me. I’ll convince him to do whatever it is you want him to do.”
Raith stared at her from the cage, his face unreadable. She could guess what he was thinking, however, and it made her feel terrible. But it was the only way.
“Youwant to work with him.”
“Yes.”
“Even knowing what he is, you want to do this?”
“He isn’t what you think he is.”
Salizar shook his head. “But what if he is?”
“He isn’t.”
“Humor me. On the off chance that he is actually a wraith, no matter how small or unlikely”—his disbelief was evident—“would you still wish to care for such a creature?”
“Never,” Harrow stated, revulsion filling her at the mere thought. “I would die first.”
“And yet you still want to do this.”
“I trust my instincts. He isn’t what you think he is. I’d bet my life on it.”
Salizar considered this for what felt like forever. Finally, he nodded, and relief crashed through her. “Very well. It seems nothing can sway you. I admire your tenacity and can only hope you aren’t forced to learn a very painful lesson.” He flung a hand in Raith’s direction. “He’s your responsibility.”
“Thank you.” She could scarcely breathe, let alone speak.
“For the performance, he has two tasks—present the audience with his wings and change his skin back to its original shade. You can work with him, but only during daylight hours.”
Raith had wings? That was news to her. “Yes, sir.”
“I will not be canceling the shows next week. Don’t even try arguing with me on that,” he said when she opened her mouth. “He performs in one week.”
“Yes, sir.” Though it wasn’t a total win, she was still reeling from her good fortune, scarcely believing she had convinced Salizar to listen to her.
The ringmaster spun on a heel but stopped at the exit. “Don’t make me regret this, Harrow.”
“No, sir.”
“I’ve always been lenient with you because of the unfortunate circumstances that landed you here. That leniency does not apply here. I have no sympathy for that creature. If your plan fails, I’ll treat you no differently than I would anyone else who crossed me. If you want to keep your home in this circus, I suggest you do not fail.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Good luck then.” And he was gone.
Loren immediately rounded on her. “What were you thinking, Harrow?”
After facing off with Salizar, she was not even remotely intimidated. “Go away, Loren.”
“No, you need to—”
