With a dramatic sigh, Jenli snapped her fingers, and the vines released their hold.
Esmyra’s heart lurched as her body dropped like a stone from the trees. A strangled screech tore from her throat before she could stop it as she plummeted to the ground.
But just as she braced for the impact, strong arms rushed in beneath her at the last second, catching her with a jolt. She landed hard against Draevyn’s chest, the force of it knocking a grunt out of both of them as he took the brunt of their landing before he righted them.
“I’ve got you, Wildfire,” he murmured, voice low against her ear.
She blinked up at him, stunned.
The rest of the crew dropped to the ground in a series of thuds and grunts, leaving them all sprawled in the mud, grumbling.
Esmyra smirked at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Looks like you didn’t have them though.” She gestured to their men with her chin.
Draevyn snorted as he placed her feet on the ground and smacked her ass. She couldn’t help the tiny squeal that rushed out of her.
Jak stepped up to Jenli, gesturing to the crew as they all pushed themselves to their feet. “This isfun?”
Jenli shrugged. “For me.”
She began circling them, her bare feet making no sound on the wet earth. Her stare found Draevyn, who now had tiny flames licking at his fingertips, defensively. “I see you’ve befriended the Phoenix, Jak.”
Draevyn glared at her like he wanted to light her on fire. “You know who I am after being in your little hideaway all these years?”
Jenli twirled her hand, gesturing to the trees. “The vines whisper all things.” Her eyes glittered with a dangerous sort of curiosity when they landed on Esmyra. “And who mightyoube?”
Draevyn stepped forward instantly. “That’s for you to find out.”
“Interesting.” She lifted a brow.
“We need your help, Jenli,” Jak finallysaid.
She twirled once, arms out, as if presenting herself. “Well, you found me. Lucky you.”
Ren muttered to the crew, shaking his head. “Told you she was fucking crazy.”
“Oh, zip it, deer-boy,” Jenli shot at him. She turned to face Jak once more. “Honestly, did you have to bringthatone?”
Ren muttered a retort Esmyra didn’t care to decipher. If she were being honest, she was too amused by everything unfolding in front of her.
“I’m here to call in that favor, Jenli,” Jak admitted. “You owe me, and you know I wouldn’t risk coming back here if it wasn’t important.”
Her green eyes softened as she stared at her cousin, seeming like she didn’t know what to say. “Shit.”
Esmyra stepped forward then. “I’m Captain Esmyra Blackwood, and Jak has led us to believe that you hold knowledge of the gods.”
“Shh!” Jenli’s stare flew wildly in every direction, her posture growing more tense by the second. “Not here. There are too many ears.”
The crew looked around, confused since they were the only ones around for likely miles.
“Too many roots,” Jenli whispered, giving her a knowing look, as if Esmyra would have any idea what she meant. “Follow me.”
And with that, Jenli raced ahead into the gloom, not waiting to see if they’d obey.
“Gods help us,” Ren muttered.
And together, they all followed the madwoman into the waiting woods.
CHAPTER 49
