Very,verybad.
“Keep me in the loop, please,” I say and head for the door.
If Caligos families are united, Reizei Talbot hates me for killing his son, and they’ve got agents in the Order of Ezkai and House Dzuni…
Claiming blood debt will have to wait.
Vera’s law will have to wait.
I need my dragon first.
CHAPTER EIGHT
JAX
Once a day, the most generous Ezkai guards allow us, the lowlifes and criminals, to stretch our legs outside our cells.
Of course, we don’t go outside. The sun and fresh air is the privilege only criminals who haven’t gotten caught can indulge in. Two Ezkai I only met today for the first time escort me through the winding corridors to what I call ourplayarea.
I miss my lovely Katerina. These two new Ezkai are no fun. Even Mister Caterpillar is better than these silent statues carved out of the most lavish marble.
When we emerge into a large stone room with carved cave-like walls and ceilings, I inhale deeply. Human-sized stalactites hang above our heads like sharp blades, ready to strike at any moment.
The air here is less stale than in the cells. If I close my eyes, I can almost pretend I’m outside.
Almost.
Never before did I think I’d miss the sun kissing my cheeks, or the wind rustling my hair. It always was such an inconvenience before.
Ah, who could blame me? Back home in Emera—before my exile, of course—never once did I see anyone from my family face the consequences of their illegal actions.
In Emera, the Kregger family is untouchable.
Even though there isn’t much that would make my father regret he sired me even more than he already does, I’m pretty sure me being here, buried alive under the Ezkai Castle, might deepen his regret.
Jax Kregger, ladies and gentlemen, the walking never-ending series of disappointments.
With a sigh, I look around the place. A group of prisoners sit in one corner against the wall, playing dice and cards. There is no money here, so they gamble for smokes and candy.
Who would have thought big scary criminals have a sweet tooth, eh? Makes sense, when you think about it. The sugar rush is the only source of real joy here.
Not all these bastards are as lucky as I am, once in a while. Those scarce visits at night from my dear Phoenix are the only thing that brings me joy.
Even the sweetest candy can’t compare.
Another group plays ball farther down the hall. Some prisoners are shirtless, their sweaty bodies riddled with tattoos. Some tattoos done well, true pieces of art, while others are messy and jagged, clearly done right here in the prison.
Suddenly, I’m aware that my Ezkai guards are gone. I look behind me to find an empty space.
“Huh,” I murmur.
That’s a first.
I’m so baffled to be by myself outside my cell, I don’t even know what to do with my newfound freedom.
Other prisoners have cellmates. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who’s in solitary. Must be part of my punishment.
General Slayers don’t get to socialize.
