She lunged, cutting my threat short as she crashed into me. Breath rushed from my lungs as I collided with the hard floor, pinned by her weight. The Wolf’s skull mask leered down at me, its hollow sockets mocking my struggle. I strained against her, desperate to free myself.
“Oh, you weren’t there,” she growled. “You have no clue what happened.”
“You’re sick!”
“No—your brother is,” she said, voice cold and calculating. “Now, I want to know how he plans to use this to manipulate you—pull your strings.”
Beneath her weight, I froze, teeth gritted in fury, but also pondering her words. What drove him to such cruelty beyond mere spite? What end did it serve?
“Ah, there it is. Now she’s thinking like a player, not a pawn,” she crooned. “Adastrus acts with madness, but he’s guided by manysaneminds.”
“You use his name—not his title?”
“He is no regent of mine,” she grumbled, displeasure evident. “Nytestorm, your princess is in no danger. Remove your sword from my neck, if you please.”
His shadowed silhouette moved behind her, and she pushed herself upright, straddling my hips. Her hood slipped back, revealing a cascade of light brown hair falling over her shoulder.
“I’m pleased you sought me out, Princess. It’s good to know madness doesn’t poison you both.”
“I came to discuss your attacks on the merchant convoys, not to argue my sanity,” I snapped.
“Hinyte’s caravans?” She smirked, as if proud of herself.
I shoved at her until she moved off my lap. “You’re stealing from hardworking families.”
When she stood, she offered her hand. I stared at her with unveiled skepticism, then glanced at Sainte, who blended into the shadows, sheathing his sword.
“Negotiations belong at a table, conducted by civilized individuals,” she said.
I scoffed, accepting the gesture. “Says the woman in a wolf mask.”
She chuckled, hauling me upright. “Tip for the future,” she mused as we settled in our places, “only throw a lantern when fire is acceptable collateral damage.”
“At the time, it seemed acceptable.”
She barked a laugh and crossed her arms, slumping into her seat. “So, you’re in Hinyte’s pocket, then?”
“No, of course not. We–”
“Hard to believe, Princess. You need allies, and he would be a fine one.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “You say that, but you raid his caravans.”
“Only the ones that benefit Adastrus.”
“So my brother is the target, not Hinyte.”
“Sharp as a tack, you are!” she jeered, amusement flickering in her gaze.
“He doesn’t feel the pinch,” I said. “He’s unaffected.”
“Are you certain?” she asked. “Leihim came to you… but who’s pulling his strings?”
Was she insinuating that my brother directed Hinyte to manipulate me? It made sense. He could exploit my influence to draw out the Wolf, positioning himself to strike against the bandit that plagued his working class.
“Ah, there it is.” Something glittered in her eyes. “It’s all coming together, isn’t it?”
I drew in a short breath.
