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“Yes. Yes, of course,” I said, beaming when our eyes met. “I’ll do everything I can to read this map for you.”

“Oh, I know you will.” He curled his fingers around mine and led me to stand on the animal-skin rug in front of the fireplace. The emerald fabric of my dress shimmered in the golden light.

My cheeks burned hotter from the combination of the blazing flames and Bain’s nearness. I gazed up at him as he tucked a strand of loose hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered, tangling themselves into my long locks.

Gooseflesh trickled down my arms. It felt so good to feel him this close. I wanted to stay with him. To be together. He would protect me. He would make me happy. Keep me safe.

“You want me, don’t you?” he whispered into my ear, his breath warm against my neck.

When I opened my mouth to sayyes, his lips found mine.

18

Jeddak

“The explosion should have happened already,” Kah’s voice whispered from the necklace.

You think I don’t know that?I wanted to shout, but the proximity of the other guard forced me to hold my tongue.

I’d been standing in front of Bloodbain’s door for hours like a useless statue, listening to his muffled conversation inside. That blazen Magi Sal better be right about this map because getting it was proving to be a pain. Every muscle in my body was tense from waiting to jump into action. Kah knew I didnotlike to wait.Waiting is for the weak, my father liked to say. I had to agree.

Before Kah could start picking apart my plan again, a muffled boom echoed through the hallway. Tremors shook our boots followed by shouts rising from the floor below.

I stifled a smile.Told you, I wanted to say to Kah.

“What’s going on?” the other guard exclaimed, tightening his grip on his sword.

“I don’t know,” I lied.

A minute later, two towerguards flew out of the stairwell toward us. “There’s been an explosion in Lord Thrailkull’s chambers! Alert the commander!”

Without hesitation, the guard beside me pounded on the commander’s door. In seconds, it was flung open, a scowl painted across Commander Bloodbain’s face. “What did I?—?”

“Someone’s tried to kill Lord Thrailkull,” the guard interrupted.

The safety of Thrailkull was Bloodbain’s responsibility, and because of that, he didn’t hesitate. He threw on his red cape over his undershirt, grabbed his weapons belt, and slammed the door behind him. “Don’t letanyonein or out of that room except for me!” he shouted to us before disappearing into the stairwell behind the other two guards.

The plan was working.

“Looks like it’s going to be a long night,” I murmured to the other guard. I reached inside my armor and pulled out the flask I’d commandeered in the tavern several nights ago. Uncapping it, I pretended to take a swig, being sure the liquor didn’t touch my tongue because I’d laced it with sleeping herbs. Strong ones. Without a word, I held it out to the other guard, attempting to demonstrate camaraderie, when really, I wanted nothing more than to knock him unconscious and go get my map.

He hesitated, glancing down the empty hallway. When the commander didn’t reappear, he grabbed the flask and took a heavy swig. A few moments later, he was slumped against the wall.

“Luck,” said Kah.

“Skill,” I countered.

Not knowing whether Bloodbain would return in five minutes or several hours, I had to hurry. I bolted into the room with my sword drawn, knowing I had to get rid of the commander’s dinner guest first.

To my surprise, a girl was standing alone in front of the fireplace. Her lips were parted, sensual and raw, like her lover's kiss still lingered there. She nervously played with the fabric ofher elegant green dress, like she didn’t know what to do with her hands when they weren’t entwined with another’s. Any man in his right mind would pray for the world to stop turning so he could kiss away the look of longing on her beautiful face.

Any man but me. I just wanted to find the map and get out of here.

“I—” I stammered, staring at the commander’s guest, silently grappling for a way to dissuade her from screaming while I searched for the girl from the mine.

Her eyes became owl-like when she saw me. She took a step backward, though she had nowhere to go.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” I said gently to the girl, sheathing my sword and holding up my hands in surrender. “I need your help. I’m looking for a girl. A worker girl. She has long black hair, dark blue eyes …” My voice trailed off when I realized I was describing this girl’s every feature. When I stepped closer, I saw the bruises from her missing malarite collar and the tattoo of feathers on her arm. “Wait, it’s you!” I exclaimed.