Page 126 of The Eyes of Tamburah
“Why can’t someone else do it?”
She showed him her wrist and explained. “I’ve potential. Plus there isn’t anyone else and Jayden’s not going to last long.”
“Did I say it’s insane?”
“At least once.”
“Well, it is.”
She agreed.
He continued to stare at her in shock, but soon a realization turned it into horror. Rendor dropped his arms, releasing her. “You wantmeto do it?”
“Yes.”
“No. Absolutely not.”
Same thing Zhek had said when she’d asked him.
Then his anger flared. “How could you evenaskme? You know how I feel about you. You know what I’m trying to do here.”
“That’swhyI asked you. A sharp knife, a steady hand, and quick reflexes are needed. I know the prince’s guards torture his prisoners. What threat is one of the most effective in getting people to divulge secrets?”
“For men it’s—”
“Rendor.”
“Point made. What about Zhek?”
“He refused.”
“Shyla.” His voice was rough with emotion. “I can’t hurt you.”
One last try. “I’m going to do this regardless. Ximen agreed, but he doesn’t know how deep to cut. And no one is certain how precise the sacrifice needs to be.”
“No. You don’t need to do this. We can rescue Jayden without this insanity.”
She waited.
“Then I won’t let you leave this room.” He strode to the door, turned to face her, and crossed his muscular arms.
The stubborn line of his jaw enhanced his looks, but she doubted he’d want to know how hot he was when he was being overprotective.
“Rendor, I can use magic to make you fall asleep.”
Alarmed, he tensed. “Can you use magic to force me to…” Unable to say it, he pointed to his eyes instead.
“No. Even if I could, I’d never do that to you.” She met his gaze. “I understand your decision. I’d like you to be there if you can.”
“You want me to watch?” he asked incredulously. “As soon as Ximen approaches you with a knife, I’ll send him into the wall. You know that.”
“Not if you’re holding my hand.”
A slight softening in his stance, but his gaze remained hard.
“Hanif agreed to hold my other hand. I’ll need to stay very still.”
“Why can’t the Invisible Sword magic you to sleep? Or how about Zhek’s numbing paste?”
