Page 114 of Death is Familiar

“She’s twenty-eight.”

“She could be lying.”

“You can’t tell that with anyone over twenty-five, and with her activity level⁠—”

“Are you looking for miracles, Warden?”

“No, Madame, but what I do have is faith, and we can’t ignore that Two has shown up at our door with…”

“Rouse her at once, we’ll question her until I am satisfied.”

“To what end?”

“See if she’s lying and handle her accordingly.”

“But the interpretation allows for⁠—”

“I am aware of what it allows for, Warden, rouse her. Now.”

†

Ammonia singed its way up my nose, down my throat, and into my lungs. But I’d been ready for it. Waiting, biding my time, to make my presence known.

“There, that’s it, my love, are you feeling better?” Warden White placed a lid over a tube of smelling salts, before shining a light over both my pupils.

I went to swat him away, knowing full well my hands were still tied.

Smack! My palm struck the side of his wrist.

Well, that was new.

My wrists and ankles were rubbed raw and red, but they were no longer bound. I was still in my hospital gown, sitting upright. Feeling Imaginary Todd’s phantom grip on my throat, I knew I needed to hide my anger. Let it fester until I came up with a better plan. And kick some ass in the process.

“Two, my love, we’re going to need you to confirm what you told me earli—” But Warden White was cut off by the woman devoid of all humanity.

“Who did you sleep with?!” Madame grabbed me by the roots of my hair, yanking my head back. Guess, I wasn’t the only one who was angry. But unlike Madame, I didn’t have the luxury of letting it out. Yet.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” I sounded measured and collected. It wasn’t lost on me that I was nothing but a magical uterus to the Seal. And if that uterus ceased to be magical the rest of me had very little worth.

“Did you sleep with Warden Masterson?” She gripped my hair tighter, pulling her face closer to mine. “Was it him?”

“Who?”

“Warden Masterson!” But the name was no more familiar than it had been when she first said it. “Mads!” That was a name I knew.

“I’m a virgin.” I lied, the anger-fueled words coming easier now.

“Liar!” Madame released my head but reeled back her arm. Expecting her to hit my face, I almost flinched, almost, but her hand caught in the meaty palm of Warden White.

“Do not strike the key, Madame. Not when she bears the Seal. It is unbecoming.” The big guy had a conscience. I could work with him.

He was my way out.

“The key is just a vessel, Warden. And the child is not the Seal if the rest of the prophecy does not hold.” The woman spun and grabbed a remote. “I’ll have the truth one way or another.”

“Madame,” Warden White’s warning tone was back, “you know⁠—”

“Did you sleep with Warden Masterson?” Her bitter words were directed back at me.