Page 79 of Ravenrose

As if in league with the captain, my throat tightens, the now familiar burn flaming into molten lava as if it knows water is nearby and attainable. As if it knows all I have to do is answer one simple question in order to get some.

Gods, it hurts.

I swallow down my whimper, unleashing another wave of fire upon myself.

I’m beginning to question my resolve. With the increasing intensity of the burning in my throat—and eyes—I can’t entirely say for certain what I won’t do for water once I’m desperate enough. Riven would be rolling his eyes if he knew just how close I am to willingly throwing it all away for just one single drop of cool liquid.

It’s right there.

No.

I shake my head, clearing away the delirium setting in. I can’t set this precedent. If I play Ayer’s game once, he will know he can force me to play again. And his questions will only get more dangerous.

The disappointment hits hard, and I stare longingly at the water pouch in Ayer’s hand.

Refusing to take the bait means no water and probably no food, either—for at least another full day. And judging by the hard expression on his face, Ayer is hardly in any mood to grant favors.

I lock my jaw, narrowing my eyes into a glare sharp enough to sever his jugular if given the opportunity. My gaze drops to that scar of his—the one across his throat.

He sighs, closing the water pouch once again. Annoyance flickers across his face, just for a moment, until it changes into something more like amusement.

Gods, that’s worse.

He turns, walking away from me while calling back over his shoulder. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

Once he and his water satchel are gone, I release a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, tilting back my pounding head to bang it lightly against the tree at my back.

Moons, it’s going to be a long day.

Chapter 37

ROWAN

The morning goes fine.

I’m careful to leave enough slack in the rope to maneuver carefully around roots and rocks on the trail. At least I still have my boots. Ayer probably realized punishing me with bare feet was only slowing them down.

The air is warmer today and the bright sun cuts through the trees, but despite the warmth in the air, I’m freezing. Chills creep in despite the heat of the afternoon, racing down my spine, expending more energy as my body shivers as it fights to generate warmth.

But by midday, everything is harder.

It could just be me reaching for the very last of my strength, but I swear, the terrain has only grown rougher. There are more hills, more inclines, and the ground itself grows increasingly uneven and rocky. My muscles tremble with every step, and I twist my ankle more times than I can count.

The burning in my throat is a molten volcano now. Every single swallow is painful, like sharp razor blades being run down my throat.

Forcing my head up, I keep going. I have to.

But it’s becoming harder and harder to put one foot in front of the other.

I’m so tired.

Just a little sleep…

I fall.

A lot.

Each time, Dash drags me several feet by my wrists before Ayer notices and pulls up his horse. He waits, just long enough for me to get my feet back under me before we’re off again.