Page 46

Liam

Iconvinced Harry to escort me back early, and he led the way while I lost myself in my thoughts.

I didn't even realize we'd arrived until I was standing in front of Kaiya's cell.

"Here. From Tye," I said distractedly, while dropping the flat cakes into her empty gruel bowl.

"You talked to him?!" she gasped, gesturing to the guard with her chin.

I walked into my cell, ignoring her.

"Thanks, Harry."

He nodded, locked my door, and left. Moments later, the cell block door squealed shut.

"I'm talking to you, lordling," she hissed. "Did you actually talk with Tye?"

I continued to ignore her.

How was I going to convince everyone to up andabandon their plans? AndKaiya?Gods — she was fighting me before I'd even begun!

Gritting my teeth, I turned my attention to her.

She was glaring at me, the fierce look in her hazel eyes sending jolts through me.

Had the feelings gotten stronger since that creature tried to bond me?!

I brushed away the impossible thought.

If I had any chance of convincing Kaiya, I had to be smart about it.

"Well?" she asked, irritation burning in her voice.

I forced my eyes to narrow. "Yes. We spoke."

She gritted her teeth and continued to stare me down through the cell bars.

"AND?!"

Fuck. If only she cared half as much about herself as she did about everyone around her.

I forced a shrug. "And I agree with him."

The plan I'd formed on the walk back was a risky one, and it hurt to even consider.

But if I played it right, it just might break through her walls and drive her to Tye … and ensure safety for herandthe prisoners.

Kaiya's eyes went wide before narrowing. Crossing her arms, she sat back on her heels. "I'll tell you right now. I'm not leaving with that asshole. Not when we're so close!"

I know. Fuck. I know.

I rubbed my face in frustration.

"Why?" I asked. "Why do you need to be here?"

I waited for her to respond and noticed prisoners shuffling up to their cell doors to listen.Sorry, Kaiya.This is going to hurt.

But there was no other way. And there was no time to waste.