I would not let this one get away, too.
Turning from the window, I ran toward the edge of the roof.
And leaped.
Chapter 45
Diar
Nazumi’s glass platforms rang under my steps like eerie chimes. Frigid ice hummed against my palms. Siotha yearned for the Solheart’s blood.
I flew around a corner onto a narrow platform. Trees rose from the lake around it, surrounding the walkway and covering the sky with a roof of their leaves. My quarry waited for me ahead, unmoving.
Skidding to a stop, I held up my daggers defensively. Alistair raised his blade and free hand in a show of peace.
“You’re not the kind of woman to let a man go.” He took a step toward me. “So let’s make a deal.”
“I’m not interested,” I spat.
“Didn’t you want information? About me, about the man who killed your brother?” Alistair took another step closer. “Help me tonight—and I’ll tell you everything.”
Lowering my daggers, I considered his offer. Having him spill the truth willingly would be easier than torturing it out of him.
“I thought you wanted me dead,” I said. “Now you want my help?”
“Those men nearly killed Ferris. And he’s one of ours.” Alistair spun his sword idly. “An eye for an eye—you should want revenge, too.”
“ . . . who sent them?”
“The good commander, who else?” Alistair leaned against one of the trees. The wind tousled his silver-gold hair. “He tried to kill a Paragon—and wounded a foreign prince in the making. You’re well within your rights to seek his punishment.”
My hand tightened around Siotha, remembering the blood seeping from Ferris’ mouth.
“I see what Quinn sees now—why he wanted you to have that bow. You're relentless. Determined. Unflappable,” Alistair said. “Help me send a message—and everything I know is yours.”
“And I can trust you won’t run away?”
“You have my word.” He pressed a hand to his chest and lowered his head.
Grinding my teeth together, I stalked past Alistair, staring at the city beyond the boughs. If I wanted this—this bow, this title, this freedom—I’d have to fight tooth and nail for it.
Following the law of the land had gotten me nowhere. It had been written to restrain me, crafted to control me.
I touched my necklace, running my fingers across the cold bloodstones hanging from its cord. Those who dismissed me, who tried to kill me?
I’d add them to the ranks of the dead.
“Where is he?” I asked, spinning around.
Alistair pulled his hood up. “Right this way, lady Paragon.” He darted past me, and I gave chase.
A cold wind blew through my hair as I ran through the city. I had one thought driving me, and had abandoned doubt.
‘You pick an objective and run straight toward it,’Akemi whispered in my memories.‘It's going to get you killed one day.’
Alistair stopped and dropped to a crouch behind a tree. I joined him, peering around its trunk.
The platforms were broad here, with winding paths leading to manors. Alistair stared up at the largest building, one that reminded me of home—the manor of a general.
