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Einar is skilled, and the poison he described sounds like a fairly basic hallucinogen. It’s clearly not affecting them physically, and most inhalants have a fairly short period of potency.
I war with my indecision long enough for Dvain to disappear from sight, then I hurl myself from the bed on wobbly legs, dragging the chain attached to my wrist behind me.
Gunnar aims a solid kick at the air near the doorway, but Einar steps in to block it. I don’t break my tenuous stride until I spot Dvain on a narrow staircase.
“Dvain!” I call out to stop him.
He whirls around, eyes wide with shock. Then the corner of his mouth twitches, lifting up into a leer. My gaze flits to the blood-covered bandage wrapped around his hand with a grim sort of satisfaction.
“I would ask how you managed to escape, but I know yourMotherlikes her pets well-trained.” He sneers, and I take a step closer, the chain from my right wrist grating against the floor. “I am certain she will be delighted to know you are alive after mourning your loss so terribly. I know how precious you are to her.”
I take a moment to assess what he just said.She will be delighted to know you are alive. Mourned your loss.
So, it worked. She truly thinks I’m gone.
Andhethinks he’s already won.
The sound of splintering wood and breaking glass pulls my attention away for the briefest of moments.
When I look back, Dvain’s gaze is wandering up and down my body and he licks his lips.
“Though I preferred you when you were...less seasoned, I certainly understand why Einar is so invested in you.”
My stomach turns, and I scowl at him.
“But tell me, does he know that I already had you?” Dvain laughs again.
He grins, clearly proud of himself, and climbs one more step on the stairs. His words are meant to unnerve me, to give him the upper hand. As if he still has power over me.
My shackle clinks at my side as I take a few slow steps forward. Dvain doesn’t move, but I can sense him assessing me, wondering exactly what I’m capable of.
Last time he had me in chains, I was defenseless.Let’s see what he thinks of my defenses now.
Men like him, who hurt children, who rob them of their youth and innocence, are always the same. They think they are stronger than their victims, long past the time it is true. That arrogance will be his downfall.
Dvain’s lips part, but whatever vile thing he wants to say is cut off as I send my chain flying forward, wrapping around his ankle. With every ounce of strength I have, I yank on it, pulling him back down the stairs while the items in his hands go flying.
My wrists shake from the effort. My strength is coming back, but a little slower than I would prefer.
Dvain yells out, scrambling back to his feet, but even in my weakened state, I’m faster. In a single heartbeat, I’ve closed the distance between us.
His face is red with anger as he unsheathes the blade at his waist, swinging wildly at me. I dance out of the way just in time to block his exit completely.
He skitters back, and I stalk forward again, relishing the way the tables have turned on him. Fear spills from his gaze, tightening his breaths. He lets out a vulnerable-sounding cry, like he is beseeching me for mercy.
And I am not unreasonable. I will gladly repay him every ounce of mercy he ever showed to me.
Taking in my hardened expression, he lunges for me again. This time, I let him get closer, sliding behind him before wrapping my chain around his neck and tugging as hard as I can.
His arms flail, and he claws at my hands and face, pulling my hair, grabbing whatever he can to find purchase as I cut off his air supply. The malevolent dagger gleams in his grasp as he lashes out at me, slicing at the nearest bits of skin. Fire shoots through my arm. Before I can brace myself, my grip lessens, and I lose my hold on him.
He reels around, kicking me hard in the stomach. My knees buckle, and everything inside me rebels at cowing before this loathsome creature.
Dvain raises his dagger high in the air, still coughing and choking while he swings it in an arc toward my neck.
I roll out of the way, but he steps on the chain still connected to my wrist, effectively leashing me in place. Fury burns behind my eyes. Pained grunts sound from the other room, punctuated by a fierce growl. I need to finish this quickly.
He creeps closer, still believing he has won until the moment my foot darts out, sweeping his legs from beneath him. The disgusting little man falls back onto the floor. His head crashes against the stones with a satisfying thunk.
