Page 42 of A Token of Blood and Betrayal

Blake’s laugh was ugly and cold.“I’m not going anywhere without Kennedy and Nora.”

“We have a problem then,” Jared said.

The tension in the room spiked.Violence saturated the air.Neither Jared nor Blake moved.

“We’re not doing this here,” Nora said.

“I’m happy to take this outside.”Blake’s challenge rolled through the room, lifting the hair on my arms and the nape of my neck.

“The Rain,” Nora said.“You want to kill each other, you’ll do it in the Null.”

“Um, no,” I said.“I’d rather they kill each other here.”

The three paranorms trained their attention on me—so did Christian—but I frowned.Something about The Rain and the Null.That elusive thought tugged on me again.What did the Null have to do with Garion’s token…

Thatwas it!

“You have a plan.”Christianalmostsaid that without a groan.

“Maybe.”I met Jared’s gaze.“We’re not at last-resort time.I need to check into something.”I started to stand.

“You left the Null,” Jared said.“Nichlathan may already be searching for you.”

Anxiety twisted through my stomach.My possible solution wasn’t something I could make happen today.Maybe not even tomorrow or this week.“I just need some time.”

“You do not have any.”

I rose to my feet.He did as well, which in turn made Nora stand, but her focus was on Blake.I wasn’t sure he was okay, and that worried me just as much as the thought of Canyon sensing I’d found the token.

I had to get Blake out of there.And I had to convince Jared not to send out assassins yet.

I looked down at Christian, who was the only person still sitting.“I need to talk to you outside.”

He raised his eyebrows and pointed toward the surface above us.

That wasn’t what I meant.

“Outside this room.”Outside of Blake’s hearing range.

“That might not be the best plan,” Nora said.

I followed her gaze back to Blake.He needed to hang on a little longer.

I moved toward him and touched his upper arm.His bicep flexed hard, the corded muscle drawn tight beneath his burning skin.“I’m going to leave.Just for a few minutes.”

“Why?”Blake demanded.

“Nora’s okay,” I assured him gently.“I’m okay, and you’re in control.”

Violent turmoil glinted in his eyes.I knew if I kissed him, I could quiet the storm.

“I’ll be back,” I said, letting my fingers slide down his arm.“Okay?”

Myokaywasn’t asking permission as much as it was asking if he could hold on a little longer.My touch made his gaze soften briefly, almost painfully.

“A few minutes,” he said finally.

I would make this as quick as possible.