Page 8 of The Curse of Golden Blood
"Youwant them all to believe you are the merciless beast who breaks Vessels into submission," she continued. "But I see what lies beneath that mask."
I held her gaze, noting the intelligence there alongside the fury. "Be careful what you think you see, mortal."
I saw it then, the anger that would destroy her. The fury she was trying so hard to contain. I knew it well. I'd felt it often enough. It would devour her slowly, from the inside out, and when there was nothing left, it would break her. I felt sorry for her then, a little bit.
"You do not frighten me, Zydar of Thunder," she said, lifting her chin. "You cannot remake me into what you desire. You will not break me."
I almost believed she meant it. Almost.
"We shall see," I said, noting her unmarked wrist—smooth skin where the Oath Mark should have blazed blue. How was she even alive in this realm without the binding magic?
"Karys." I nodded to the servant.
"My lord?"
"Escort the girl and her friend to the healing ward."
"Yes, my lord."
"And Karys?"
"My lord?"
"Do not let her leave your sight."
"Of course, my lord."
I turned back to Miralyte, who was cradling her burned hands against her chest.
"If you wish to live long enough to see your friend recover, I suggest you learn compliance quickly. My patience has limits, and you are testing them."
Her eyes darted from mine to Pelbie's still form, then she nodded slowly.
"Wise choice. Karys, take them."
"Yes, my lord."
Karys placed a firm hand on Miralyte's shoulder, guiding her toward the glade's exit. She lingered at the threshold, staring back at me with eyes full of promised retribution. Then she was gone, following Karys into the depths of Thunder Court.
I turned to Gryven, who had been watching the exchange with barely concealed alarm. "The mark failed completely. The lightning passed through her like she wasn't even there."
"Shall I keep watch over her, my lord?" Gryven asked, his scarred hands clasped behind his back.
I was quiet for a long moment. Gryven was the only soul in Thunder Court I trusted completely. Even so, something made me hesitate.
"No." I shook my head. "I will handle her training personally."
Gryven's eyebrows rose slightly—the most surprise he ever allowed himself to show. "You have not taken a personal student in decades, my lord."
"This one is different." I looked toward the archway where she'd disappeared. "Narietta may have been right about her."
"The one we have been waiting for?"
"Perhaps. We shall see if she survives long enough to find out."
three
False Dawn
