Page 68 of Liar Witch

Nilsa

“We’re coming.” Rysen’s tone is gentle, soft even.

I don’t make the mistake of thinking that makes his decree any less absolute. The three of them have clearly made up their minds.

I sigh, looking at the line of obstinate men in front of me. Ry, Cas and Kier. I should really have expected this kind of rebellion from the trio.

“You will all hate every second,” I warn, methodically checking that each of my bone amulets are still tucked safely in the pouches along my belt. “And you won’t be able to interfere.” I turn to Cas first. “Will you be able to keep your beast under control if Adella gets in a lucky hit?” Then to Ry. “What happens if blood is spilled?”

I don’t bother looking at Kier. He’ll come no matter what. His glamour is so flawless I won’t even be able to see him to stop him.

“Are you planning on bleeding?” Ry’s glower is immediate.

“No.”

“Oh good, so you actually have a plan?” Val’s sarcasm cuts straight through the calm I meditated for over an hour to achieve. “Because it seemed for a second like the baby witch was heading into a battle to the death with nothing on her except a couple of bones and a handful of butter knives.”

I take a deep breath, refusing to rise to his bait. “The plan is to end the fight before it can begin. I’m not a warrior. I have no honour. The Goddess does not glorify death for sport. A blade to their throats will stop them.”

Last night, Lexi let slip that Adella will be bringing three warriors into the challenge with her. An unfair advantage that apparently is only granted to the Empress’s favourite.

Like they haven’t already made it harder for me by choosing to have the stupid challenge in the daylight. Then worse by changing the rules at the last minute so instead of ‘to first blood’ as Klaus had promised, we’re fighting until one of us dies or surrenders.

They might as well make me do it underwater at this point.

It won’t matter. After the lovely heart-to-heart with Athena, I spent the rest of the night preparing. Every inch of me's covered in amulets and Opal is so full of magic that her fur is staticky with it.

Then there’s the tiny checkmate in my jacket pocket. A poppet stuffed with a single strand of Adella’s flaming red hair.

It’s unfair. Unsportswomanlike and the lowest possible blow, but I’m not above using it if it looks like I might lose. I won’t kill her—not unless there’s no other choice—but a tiny magical tit punch at the right time might tip the scales in my favour.

They’ve asked an assassin to take part in a duel. I’ll fight, but I have no intention of doing it on their terms.

“What happens if that plan fails?”

“Then they die.”

A waste of several good warriors, but a necessary evil.

“You realise the sirens will see it as a dishonourable victory?”

I shrug, tugging at the straps of my top. “Then they shouldn’t have forced my hand. Dishonourable or not, victory is victory.”

I check the knives in my boots and smile.

“Don’t you plan on wearing any kind of armour?” Lexi’s voice sounds somewhat strangled as she steps up the plank. “You’ll be skewered alive.”

I tug at the holsters holding my knives in place over my thighs. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. But I’ll be fine. If she gets close enough that I need armour, I’m dead anyway.”

Lexi scoffs, but doesn’t comment. “And I assume you have some plan to deal with their voices? It might be dishonourable to use an unfair advantage against an opponent not of our species, but Adella will if she has no other option.”

“Aww, Lexi, I didn’t know you cared so much.” I wink at the princess. “She has her voice, I have magic.”

She rolls her eyes. “If you say so. Now, are you ready to go? The Arena’s already filling up.”

“We’re accompanying her,” Cas insists.

The siren’s brows rise into her hairline. “All of you?”