AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What do you mean, ourbrother?” I hold out a hand to stop her from going any further, practically hissing the words at her. “Damian is dead.”
“No,” she says, shaking her head. “He’s scarred and even more disgusting than usual, but I can assure you, Damian is very much alive.”
Her last five words echo all around and through me.
I want to believe she’s lying, getting me back for not telling her I was alive, but I realize this is what’s been bugging me about the alchemist, how he knew about the dragon.
Damian told him.
This could change everything. If he suspects that I’m alive, all of our plans are at risk. If he—
There is no time to process that, though. I steady myself, shaking off the images of him in flames, the memories of his hands on me in the dragon’s cave, but his threats echo in my head.
“Where is he?” I ask. “Is he with Mel?”
“Not yet. She’s at the Chateau, safe... for now,” Aika says darkly. She doesn’t look confused, only grim, and I wonder if Madame has told her aboutgivingMel to Damian. Bile rises in my throat.
We can’t do anything about that right now, though, or ever if we don’t get out of here.
“That will have to wait,” I say on an exhale. “Our time is nearly up.”
Aika dips her head once, already in action mode. Something in the simple gesture is comforting.
I almost forgot how seamlessly we work together with the efficiency and skill that nearly a decade of training has granted us. My sister follows more slowly than usual, but her soundless steps in those ridiculous shoes are a testament to her skill.
For the first time since leaving Jokith to embark on this insane, overwhelming mission, I feel an unexpected surge of hope, sharpened by the barest edge of vengeance.
When Madame took children and molded them into weapons, I wonder if it ever occurred to her that they could be her undoing.
