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His jaw clenched, and he glowered down at me. "You weren't even going to tell my aunt and uncle? Gods, how do you think they'll feel, getting to land and realizing you aren't with them?"

His brilliant green eyes were full of disappointment that made my heart hurt.

"I can't," I forced out the words, voice breaking. "They would do everything they could to get me to go. You know that. Ineedthem to focus on the escape."

Liam opened his mouth, but Holden interrupted, slamming his club into my back. "Isaidno fucking talking."

Pain shot through me as I stumbled into Liam. He caught me, strong hands tight on my arms.

"Didn't the Lieutenant say not to touch us?" he snapped, pulling me in close, heartbeat speeding against my cheek.

My breath caught as the past came rushing back.

Hours exploring ruins together.

Laughing and teasing Lynk about being an "old man."

His fury at Lady Ellingsworth.

Our almost-kiss in front of my house.

Him, leaping in front of the blade to save me.

Eli …

Holden chuckled darkly as he looked between us. "I can't help it if Kaiya trips into my club, now can I?"

No.I pushed myself away from this man who was not Eli.

Eli was a sunny boy who would give up everything for those he cared about. This man was Liam, and he cared only for himself.

"I'm fine, Liam," I said, pulling free from his grip. "Let's just go while we can. Okay?"

Liam's nostrils flared as he looked from me back to Holden, whose smile widened, practically daring Liam to try something, and my throat tightened.

"Please …"

Chapter 9

Kaiya

Holden stared at Liam, like a predator about to leap upon its prey.

This is not going to end well. Damnit!

"Holden, would you be so stupid as to cross the Reaper?" I asked. It was a bluff, but I needed to get Liam and myself away from this man before he ruined the escape.

Holden jerked up a little straighter, then turned slowly to eye me. "What are you going on about, Maderoth? Stalling for time?"

"Lieutenant Fordyth has gained Lady Frexin's favor, and he was here on her behalf. How will she react when she learns you're interfering with her wishes?"

Holden paused, a scowl twisting his lips while Liam took the chance to raise an eyebrow at me in silent question.

I ignored him, pushing forward with the gambit,bracing myself against the memory I was about to dredge up — a memory that was burned in both Holden's and my mind.

"You do remember what she did the day I arrived, don't you? Herwarningto me."

My eyes pricked as I recalled it — me cursing at Frexin on the deck of the airship as she un-stoned me. Her, rolling her eyes and casually slicing off that woman's hand with a laugh …