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Time stops.

Confusion reigns.

The world snaps into place once more, and terror slices into me, as sharp and deadly as a blade.

I fight like a wild animal, clawing at the hand on my mouth. But my fear makes me clumsy, slow. I lash out with my fist, but I’m off-balance.

My pulse thunders in my ears. How did he find me? Where is Calysian? Did he give me up? Is this his form of revenge for my own betrayal?

No. He would never.

My mind sharpens, and I reach for my knife, my body acting on instinct as I attempt to twist, thrusting my blade at Kyldare. But the movement is awkward, and he slams his fist into the back of my hand. The knife falls to the ground.

“Madinia.”

My vision turns white. This panic is achingly familiar. And that hateful voice is so close. Too close.

I kick out, bucking, and Kyldare releases my mouth. I suck in one desperate breath, but before I can scream, his arm is around my throat, his lips at my ear.

“I don’t need to hurt you, but I will if you don’t calm down. I’m not here to kill you.”

It takes several long moments for his words to sink in. Moments Kyldare uses to squeeze harder, until my limbs begin to weaken.

He lets out an impatient growl. “Tell me you’ll listen to me, and I’ll release you.”

Listen to him? I’llmurderhim.

His arm tightens further, and my vision begins to dim. “We don’t have time for this,” he hisses. “If I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead.”

There are things worse than death.

Hetaught me that.

But the thought of Kyldare starving me of air long enough to send me into unconsciousness…

The thought of being entirely unaware and helpless…

Intolerable.

Gritting my teeth, I force my body to go still. Slowly, Kyldare begins to release his arm. “Will you listen?”

I nod. I’ve lost one knife, but I have another dagger at my ankle, my sword strapped to my back. I have no chance of getting the sword free with him this close, but I can get to the dagger.

He chuckles humorlessly. “You still think you’re going to kill me, don’t you?”

“Speak.” My voice is hoarse, my throat aching. Kyldare removes his arm entirely and I whirl, pulling my sword. My breaths come in shallow pants, my lungs burning.

He holds up both hands, as if I’m a wild animal andhe’sthe one in danger. “I truly mean you no harm.”

I curl my lip at him, my heart still thundering in my chest. “Why didn’t Calysian sense you? Why didn’t I hear you approaching?”

“A temporary gift from my goddess.”

“Your goddess?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Then you better start talking. Because the moment Calysian returns, he’ll kill you.”