Page 104

"We just want to explain our side of things," Liam lied with a shrug. "We all know a dirty snake like you wouldn't tell the full truth."

Korym's eyes narrowed on Liam before studying me, then Tye.

"By all means," he finally said. "Tell her whatever you'd like. But you should know, she'sverydispleased. I fear you won't be wiggling out of this one …Savior."

I gritted my teeth, keeping my expression blank. He had no idea what he was talking about. Frexinwouldlisten …

She had to.

"Holden," Korym snapped. "Take Mr. Westin back to the prison camp."

The shifter, bruised and limping, stumbled out of the shadowy alcove, eyes hard and furious.

Gods. Frexin had done a number on him …

"Go ahead and stare," he spat. "This ain't nothin' compared to what you'll get in the morning."

Liam took a step forward, and Tye let out a menacing growl.

I gripped his arm tighter.

"Knock if off," Korym interrupted. "Focus on getting that one back to the prison camp. Or would you rather join these three in the morning for anotherretrainingsession?"

Holden's face paled. He grabbed Liam by the shirt and jerked him away with a sharp tug.

"Be careful," I snapped. "He's inj —"

Tye elbowed me softly, and I stopped — shifting my glare to the large man instead.So now he chose to be logical?!

He was right, though. My interference would just make things worse.

"I'll be fine," Liam called, disappearing around the corner.

"Stop looking so concerned, Savior," Korym said, waving his hand towards the men as they turned the corner and walked out of sight. "Your little dragon rider will be just fine." His gaze swept back to me. "You, on the other hand …" he trailed off, placing his hand on my free arm. A sick feeling immediately poured through me, and I had to school my features to keep it from showing. "Need to get to your rooms and stay there."

Fuck. The last thing I wanted was to goanywherewith that mage.

A larger hand dropped atop Korym's smaller one. "Until Frexin tells me otherwise,Iam in charge of Miss Maderoth," Tye rumbled. "Iwill return her to her rooms."

Korym's eyes narrowed as he tried to free himself from Tye's grasp while keeping a hold on me.

But Tye was far stronger than the mage.

"Fine." He released me and stepped back, wiping his hand on his cloak. "But don't think I haven't told Frexin how the mate bond is affecting you, Fordyth — it's only a matter of time until she gives up on your little project."

Ifeltthe anger coursing through Tye, as well as the frustration, pain, and the restraint it took for him not to lunge at the other man, his wolf surging for control.

I braced myself for the coming fight, but Tye just let out a breath, spun on his heel, and walked away, gesturing for me to follow.

"I'll see you in the morning!" Korym shouted behind us, and I could practicallyfeelhis smug smile as we walked away.

Once we were out of earshot, a relieved sigh escaped my lips.

"Thank you," I said, stepping closer to him. "I know that was hard for you. But I appreciate it. How are we going to get to Frexin with those guards in the way,though? I won't do anything that might anger her, but I worry about waiting until morning. I think maybe I could get to her if we just —"

"Witch." Tye spun to face me, stepping closer until he was in my space, crowding me until I could think of nothing but how close he was.

He stared down at me, chest heaving, golden eyes almost glowing. It was likely just my imagination, but I could almostfeela storm of emotions in him — even from this distance — and they were all focused on … me.