Page 99 of Thief of Souls
“You’re a fool, you know?” Her voice softens again. “He’s only going to get you dead. There is no escape for either of us. That’s another little reckoning I was forced to accept while I was contemplating life.”
I’m not going to give up. “What’s the point in surviving if you have nothing left to live for?”
The muscle in Soraya’s jaw twitches before the faintest of smiles escapes. “Stubborn bitch.”
I eye the grotto again. “Someone has to be. I’m going to beat him one day, Sora. Father’s not invincible. I just need my soul-trap—”
“And then what?” she demands bluntly. “You think he’ll just let you go? Father can’t afford to be merciful. He’s bred this little army of murderers and thieves. If he shows a weak flank—if he lets one of them get away—then the rest will start eyeing him like a pack of dogs. The only way to escape Father’s hold is to slit his throat and burn him to ashes. And you’re not a killer. Not at heart, you little fool. It’s always been your weakness.”
“It’s a good thing I know someone who is.”
There’s a moment of shock in her eyes, as if she’s never truly contemplated it before. “He’s better than I am.”
So, she’s weighed those risks too…. That’s interesting.
“I’ve been thinking about it…. What if we could get our souls back?” My breath catches because I’ve never dared put this into words. “I’m his best thief. You’re his best assassin. Together—”
She shoves to her feet and stalks away from the ledge, back into the shadows. “You can’t say that. Not out loud,” she hisses over her shoulder.
Because Father’s eyes and ears are everywhere.
“Think about it,” I call as I follow her.
“Iamthinking about it.” She turns on me, her expression livid. “This is allhisfault. I told you Keir’s dangerous. In more ways than one. You’re starting to think there’s hope for the two of you.”
“I’m fairly certain I’m about to betray him. I don’t think he’ll forgive me a second time.” My voice is steady, but I can’t help feeling my heart skip a beat.
I haven’t decided what I’m going to do.
I didn’t tell Keir about Soraya—or what my plans are today—only that I have things to set in place.
But I also can’t forget the way his voice caught on Arianna’s name.
If I give that horn to my father, then I’m effectively starting a war.
But I’ll make a decision once I have the horn in hand.
A good thief doesn’t look at her haul until she’s well away from danger…. And a good thief doesn’t dwell on the future when she’s right in the thick of the heist.
“You don’t understand, do you?” For once there’s almost a hint of sympathy in her dark eyes. “Those marks on your neck? That look in his eyes? You know what they say about the dragons? They were possessive, territorial bastards. If they saw something they wanted, then they’d take it.” Her voice softens. “I was there when he chose his bride, Zemira. He wantsyou. He’s chosen you. He’s not going to let you go now, betrayal or no betrayal. You woke the dragon. You captured his interest. And now you’re going to have to pay the consequences.”
The words send a little shiver down my spine.
“If that’s the worst thing I have to worry about today,” I tell her, “then I’ll take it. I can handle Keir, but right now, we have a wedding to ruin. You need to get dressed. Maybe you’ll thank me once this is all said and done.”
Our gazes clash.
Then Soraya snorts. “If we’re still alive, I’ll thank you. Until then, try not to get us both killed. Now go and get ready for the wedding.”
20
The entire amphitheater—where the ceremony is being held—is bedecked with blood lilies.
“Interesting choice,” Keir murmurs as he leads me beneath the arch and into the natural stone amphitheater. “Adds a certain… ambiance.”
“For a funeral.” I don’t know if that’s tempting fate or not, or whether Belladonna is making a pointed statement to me.
“The groom looks nervous.”
