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Chapter Thirty-Nine

Fenli

I laid on my back with my arm cradled to my chest, looking up into the rafters above. I was fine. That was what I told myself, at least. I’d not broken a leg, or bashed in my head, or lost consciousness at any time. I’d just hurt my ass and worsened my wrist. Big deal.

The wolves would not be fine.

When the door finally opened, I shot to my feet, thinking—foolishly—that it would be Roan, come to let me out.

I stopped cold when I saw those dark brows and ruddy cheeks.

It was Axl.

“Niece,” he said. Then his eyes flicked to the vent, the busted pipe, and the scattered furniture. Finally, he looked at my arm cradled against my chest and back up at me. “Trying to go somewhere?”

I said nothing in reply.

He nodded. “Bad idea. You seem to be full of those.”

Then he slipped in fully and closed the door behind him. The lantern in his hand helped to fill the space with light. He studied me, and I tightened my jaw under his gaze, refusing to show this asshole any fear .

“You could end all of this,” he said. “The clans are arguing in the meeting house, the two growing further and further apart, and you could end it all right now. We’re going to get you eventually, one way or another. Come with us willingly. You belong with us.”

“Never,” I spat.

He smiled. “Why do you hold on to this clan so tightly? You cause nothing but problems here. They’re all upset with you, if you haven’t noticed, and it’s been made clear to me you don’t fit in. You see that, don’t you?”

And damn it all, my face broke just long enough for him to see the truth.

“This is your last chance. When my brother laid on his pyre burning, I made him a promise. I told him I’d get you back under Runehall’s care, and I will not fail in this. Come with us or you will regret it.”

“Go to hell, uncle ,” I said.

He bristled, his shoulders tensing and lips raising into a sneer.

“Wrong answer.” He looked at me in a new way then. I felt hopeless under his stare, like I’d never amount to what anyone wanted me to be, like I was worthless. He was giving up on me, I realized. And it didn’t sit well.

He’d said he’d get me back to Runehall no matter what. He wouldn’t fail.

That’s when I saw his hand tighten on the handle of his lamp.

I stilled.

“I promised I’d see you back under Runehall’s care,” he repeated, “and that’s what I’m going to do. Runehall will have you. One way or another.”

“No,” I whispered .

He pulled the glass from over the flame and tossed it to the side, shattering it against the wall.

“ Bastard ,” I said, louder.

“Runehall always has what is his.”