Page 75 of A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue
I might have been forced toborrowin a dire situation, but I was no thief–and I needed to be prepared for anything.
I could be halfway across the continent for all I knew.
This crater and its location was still one big mystery.
No maps, nobody whispering about directions on the streets, no names on the store fronts–and there were many, many stores. The people in this crater were absolutely thriving, which was so–
A crunch behind me set my entire body on edge.
I slid the knife down my sleeve, jumped up, and barreled against the shadow. I’d pinned her and had my elbow pressing against her neck, improvised knife aimed at her vein, before I’d recognized the girl as the one who’d been training with the Commander.
He’d taught her well–the girl had her ax’s blade pressed against my ribs, right underneath my heart.
Any movement could mean death for both of us.
The wind hissed with that strange hum, rattling my bones.
“I have a higher chance of surviving if you eviscerate me than if I plunge this little thing in your neck,” I said.
“Do it.” She sneered, pressing the mean-looking ax harder against me. “Then the Commander can have a real reason to throw you out of our city.”
I would defend myself if needed, but I didn’t want to hurt her.
She’d done nothing to me except scowl and skulk.
I also didn’t want to lose my roaming privileges by hurting one of the Commander’s people.
This girl looked only a few years older than me, but she had enough hatred in her eyes for someone twice her age–and all of it directed my way.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
Her sneer only tightened. “What’s it to you? Want to curse me with your Protectorate magic?”
“No. But you keep looking at me like I put some scars on your body or heart. And I don’t remember cursing or fighting anybody who looked like you.”
“You’re the heir of the enemy Clan. That’s enough.”
“I didn’t ask to be here.”
“Doesn’t matter. Youareand you could ruin everything.” Her gaze turned as cold as the frozen crater rim. “I will not let you hurt the Commander. He’s like my older brother and heismy Brother and I will do anything in my power and beyond to protect–”
Loud barks resounded from beyond the market.
A flicker of hesitation mirrored between the girl and I.
Neither moved.
If the dogs alerted their owners to this alley and they saw me threatening one of theirs, my already dire situation could become worse.
Retreating could hurt my pride, but help my future escape.
I didn’t have the time to choose.
Three of the wolf-dogs jumped over the barrels, massive jaws snapping as they thundered my way.
Shit.
I didn’t care if this girl would cackle at my expense.
