Page 30 of The Poison of the Earth
“Truth,” they say quietly.
“Is she here to attempt to disrupt the rebellion?”
The soothsayer repeats the question.
“No,” I answer honestly.
“Truth.”
Kai’s hand tightens on my arm. “What is your name?”
As they repeat the question, I let some of my magic loose, hoping it might interfere. But not enough to harm Kai over my dress.
“Allie Landsend.”
The soothsayer pauses, blinks hard, eyes narrowing.
“Lie.”
The air is still for a crystalline moment; both Kai and Lonan start speaking. My head is ringing and I find myself thrown up against the bars of the cell. I blink, pulling my magic back before I can hurt someone. I pinch my eyes shut, my body singing peculiarly.
Kai is holding me tightly but he drops one hand and when it rises, the flat of a blade is held before my face. I glare up at him. He’s taller than Lonan and his strong arms dwarf mine. His deep green eyes are angry. I see something else flicker there before it’s gone. I ignore his dagger, eyes locked on his.
“You do not scare me,” I say coldly.
Lonan steps next to us. “What is your name?”
I continue glaring at Kai silently.
“What is your name?”
Kai repeats it, “What is your name?” He shakes me, something dangerous in his gaze.
When I stand silent, he tilts the edge of the knife, touching the soft flesh under my eye. I look to Lonan, who stands, appearing terrified.
What the...But my mind cannot catch up.
Kai presses the tip of the blade to my skin and I glower at him, refusing to cower. My heartbeat is loud in my head, but I’ve endured worse than a cut.I just wish it wasn’t on my face.
The tip parts my skin slickly and I close my eyes, accepting.It’s easier that way.
I feel the blade pull away from my flesh a moment before I hear Lonan. “Stop!”
My eyes snap open. Both Kai and Lonan’s faces hold worry.
I simply glare.
“Tell me, sweetheart,” Lonan whispers, his hand rising and his thumb brushing away the drop of blood, even as Kai still holds me pinned to the cell. “Youmusttell me the truth,” Lonan urges and I feel the most insane desire to tell him.
“Excuse me, Commander. I may, perhaps, be of service,” the black haired soothsayer interrupts.
My eyes lock on Lonan.
Lonan speaks, an exasperated edge to his voice, “What could you possibly do to help this situation, Achlys?”
“Mmm, well,” their beady eyes take me in and I watch, slightly horrified, as their bright red tongue licks their thin lips. “Well... the royal and landed bloodlines of Faery all have...distinct tastes.”
I recoil, not totally surewhichof my fluids they are speaking of, but knowing I want none of them in their mouth.
