Page 56 of A Court of Masks and Roses
I back away a step, my nails digging into the fleshy heels of my hands. I wait for my mind to conjure words, but nothing comes. How in the stars’ name did I get myself here, thinking Trace a friend? I shake myself, trying to dislodge the delusions pricking at my skin and eyes. Stupid. Stupid to trust Trace. To let his words touch me deeper than a mark’s comments. “That’s enough.” The cold steadiness of my voice takes me by surprise as my training finally regains its hold. I was an idiot. Am an idiot. I need to get away. Now. Need to work alone and figure things out for myself. “We are done, Trace. Keep your edicts to yourself and save your breath.”
I go to step around him, the cold clinging to my skin.
Trace blocks my path with a taut arm, his lips flattened into a line. “See reason. You don’t know what awaits you should you stay in Delta.”
“No.” I force my way past Trace’s arm, resisting the urge to run, my mind roaring at being blocked. Trapped. Held. Hobbled.
Trace follows. Steps in front of me. His hands clench tightly around my upper arms, his eyes intense as blazing suns.
Bring him closer to the fire. I want everyone to see what awaits them should they try to flee tonight.Baritone’s voice brings a sour rush of bile into my throat. The sickly fire, the rain, the prisoners’ gaunt faces push against my mind. My heart stops, a sharp ping sounding through my mind as the obsidian wall loosens.
Fingers dig into my flesh. “Yes. You owe me your life,” Trace hisses. “And I’m calling in the debt.”
30
KALI
The obsidian wall collapses. Icy shock smashes through me. Then fear. The rustling and chirping of the forest is suddenly a deafening hum. My face tingles, my arms and damn weak legs readying to sprint. I flick my wrists, seeking knives that are not there.
Trace’s eyes widen. “Kali. No. I didn’t mean—”
I don’t wait to hear what he meant. I yank my walking stick out of the ground and run.
Twigs crack beneath my stumbling feet, branches reaching out to snag my face and clothing. Small, distant cuts and rips that I don’t feel. Faster. I need to go faster and I can’t. Pain that’s not of the flesh sears my chest. My boots thump the soft earth, kicking up bits of mud. I don’t even know where the hells I think I’m running.
And where were you running to?Nasal whispers into my ear. My mind rings with cold panic.
“Kali.” Trace’s voice sounds close behind me. Closer.
I press on. Fast. Hard. Futile.
“Listen to me.” Trace grabs my shoulder and spins me toward him.
My balance wavers. I twist against Trace’s hold, but it’s too strong, too hard. My legs buckle beneath me, protesting my demands.
Trace’s hand tightens. “Kali. Stop. I’m not going to hurt you.”
Yes, he will. He did. He already did.All you need is to hobble the beast.
Trace gives me a small shake, his fingers digging into my flesh. “Listen, damn you.”
I pull again, realizing I’m truly trapped. My breath quickens. The man holding me is bigger, stronger, and healthier. He’s captured me. Restrained me. He thinks my life is his. To give. To take. To shatter. The edges of my vision darken, panic thundering through me. Boiling blood rushes to my hands and legs and heart. My hands tighten on my staff.
The man releases his hold and backs away, his palms suddenly in the air.
My body follows, my staff aimed at his heart. A din fills my ears, a furious harmony of rushing blood and screaming prisoners. My wrists flex. No ropes, no shackles. Not this time.
The man speaks.
I can’t hear the words. I don’t care about the words. My nostrils flare. My life is mine and I will fight for it. By stars, Iwillfight for it. With each and every breath. I advance my staff.
The bastard drops his hands to his sides. “I won’t fight you.”
Lip curling, I punch him in the face.
He staggers, touching his hand to his bleeding cheekbone. “Are you mad?” he barks, eyes flashing like a storm. I swing again.
This time, he grabs my arm. The world spins, the trees circling around me like spilled paint. I struggle against my binds. Not again. Not this time. Not ever. I step into his body and twist, my back pressing into his chest as I throw my weight under his. With a pop of my hip, I launch the man into the air.
