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Hob would have to remain in his venomous stare against the wall, likely dreaming of all the ways he could peel the skin from my bones.
“You understand the plan?” I asked Inge, handing her a small, straight blade dagger to slip into the sheath on her thigh.
She nodded, licking her lips. “I understand.”
“We’ll give you both a moment.” I took a step back, tilting my head in Hob’s direction.
“We’re ready, Kase.” Gunnar came around one of the pillars. He was with his mother, both painted up in dark green and black, bows in hand, quivers over their shoulders.
“Herja, will your girl stay put?” I asked. There was no part of me that felt comfortable with a little princess in our midst. Ash and Hanna were young, but they knew knives well enough.
Herja’s lips quirked into a smile. “Stieg and Ellis are on watch duty. Don’t speak to Stieg about it, he feels very much like a nursemaid instead of a warrior.”
“Ah, it is good for him.” Ari joined, tightening a thick leather belt around his waist. “Although, Nightrender, Hanna volunteered to remain as well. I’m surprised she is not more put out at staying behind. In the North, I recall both her and her brother lamented a great deal at being left out of the fight.”
“Hanna knows why she is staying,” I insisted. “The fewer folk we have out there, the better.”
“Understood,” Ari said with a playful glint in his eyes. “Except it was only once Ellis took his place that she volunteered to stay.”
The bleeding fools—every one of them—laughed in my face when my jaw tightened.
“Pity Ash doesn’t realize the truth of his sister’s new love,” Gunnar said. “Being that I am a brother, I know we’re rather protective of our sisters, but I think he’s convinced Hanna is simply being a tagalong.”
“Because he does not realize the wretched things that boy is likely thinking of his sister,” I snapped. “I assure you if Ash finds out, Ellis will rue the day.”
Ari laughed and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “I find it is rather beneficial to share emotions, my friend. Tell us how it makes you feel knowing you cannot keep her tiny and shielded. Let it out, come on.”
“I’m going to kill you.”
“A good first try, but emotion should be expressed without threats of death.” He clapped my shoulder again and I considered cutting off his hand. “No worries, Nightrender, if I am anything, I am relentless. I’ll have you spewing out endearments to everyone you meet before this fight is over.”
I clenched my fists. “We’re done talking about this.”
“For now.”
“Gods.” I dragged my fingers through my hair. “Do you understand your mark, you fool? You have a great deal of responsibility out there.”
Ari scoffed. “Of course, I understand. I did begin the North’s rebellion. I am quite capable.”
“Yes, you tell us often,” I muttered. “You will not leave her.”
“Your lovely wife will be unrecognizable. I’m skilled at my fury, Kase. The same as you are.”
I had to trust the man. Valen vouched for him, as did Elise. They assured me no one among their Night Folk had the power to cast illusions like Ari Sekundär. Luca had vast skill, but his illusions could not alter an appearance. I could change my face, but that was only done out of fear of Malin learning the truth of me when I’d created Elof.
No doubt I could change hers out of the sheer terror of someone recognizing her, but my mesmer would be used in other ways. I needed Malin to be someone else out there, and it was hefted upon Ari’s shoulders to make it possible.
Inge and Hob appeared before I could threaten Ari again. The hawker looked at me, jutting his chin as a signal we needed to speak. Anything to get me away from these folk who enjoyed seeing Hanna open her heart for the first time. The girl was not yet twelve.
I had grand plans to speak to Bard Strom about setting traps around her tent.
“Hob,” I said once we were far enough away that no one else would hear. “What is it?”
“I will ask you a question. Sincerely think of your response. Imagine losing Malin.”
“I have lost her.”
“To the Otherworld, Nightrender,” he snapped. “Imagine putting her in front of the Lord Magnate, the man who despises her most, knowing she carried the beginnings of yourfamilyinside her.”
