Page 6

Fearing another monster, I turned and started blindly punching and scratching at my attacker, only to be subdued with little effort.

“It’s alright, little viper," he grunted as he caught my wrists and yanked me flush against him—again. This was beginning to become an annoying habit of his. He lifted me before walking quickly. “You’re hurt,” he said angrily.

I closed my eyes tightly, trying to keep myself from throwing up. Jesper had left me for the monster to eat and saved himself. I knew he was a dick, but gods, I hadn’t realized he was such a coward. I opened my eyes after the nausea had settled, and I tried to see the man carrying me, but it was no use with his hood on and the darkness of the forest surrounding us.

“You saved me even though I stabbed you.”

I was slightly worried that if I reminded him that I had stabbed him, he would retaliate somehow. I could not even defend myself against a mouse right now. He laughed loudly, and something about it made me feel warm all over.

“You did stab me. But in your defense, you told me if I came any closer, you would. I guess I should have listened.” He paused for a moment. “You could stab me a thousand times, little viper, and I would use those same knives to kill anyone who meant harm to you.”

I swallowed hard as my mind tried to come up with a response to that. What did someone say to that?

After a brief pause, he continued to walk. I used these few minutes to rest my head against his chest, letting the scent of rain and forest surround me.

“I don’t have magic,” I whispered as I looked up at him. Tears of confusion filled my eyes.

He stared intently at me.

“That was your first time using it?”

“Yes.” I glanced away. What did this stranger think of magic? Did he hate it like my father?

“Well, little viper, I’d say your elite magic was triggered because you were in danger,” he sighed as he kept walking.

Elite magic.

I was going to be sick.

“I was worried you were going to get hurt,” I confessed. “That is what triggered it.”

I felt his body stiffen as he continued to carry me. I could feel him staring at me, but I couldn’t bear to look at him just in case I saw disgust for magic.

We walked in silence for a few more minutes before I finally saw the castle break through the tree line. He couldn’t take me there. He would be killed immediately, and the thought made me feel a way I didn’t like.

I could see Jesper and Tally standing close to the castle wall, pacing. Jesper glanced up and began running toward us the moment he saw us.

The man carrying me tensed. His grip tightened momentarily, but he eventually loosened it and stood me on my feet. I was wobbly, but I would be alright. I turned to the hooded man, desperate for him to stay a little longer and to hear his voice once more.

“Will I see you again?” I whispered.

“I’m not sure.”

I frowned.

“But who will protect me when I sneak out again?”

I didn’t need to see him to know he was smiling at me. I could sense it. I could feel it.

“Maybe you shouldn’t sneak out.” His amusement was evident in his tone.

“But I will.” I wasn’t lying, either. I would probably be out here tomorrow. “I can’t count on him to save me.” I pointed to Jesper over my shoulder.

“You are strong enough to save yourself, little viper. You do not need a man to do that for you.”

He was both so sure of himself and so sure about me that I could feel myself believing it too. I raised my hand to slide his hood off, but he moved from my reach and grabbed my wrist. I frowned up at him, then gently pushed my hand toward his face, and this time, he didn’t stop me. My fingers met stubble on his chin. My thumb rubbed his lips, feeling them curve into a smile. He turned my hand and pressed a soft kiss to my palm before letting it go. Then he placed the viper-handled dagger in my hand. Hesitantly, he lifted his fingers and brushed my braid over my shoulder.

“Your magic was a beautiful thing to witness. Never be ashamed of it,” he whispered as his fingers tucked a stray curl behind my ear, causing a hot sensation to burn where he touched.