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“He was there.” The beast’s features tightened into a bitter expression. “And he’s the same bastard who snuck in here before.”
Sofie clenched her teeth. They not only knew that Ryshi was in their realm, they knew he’d been here before. It added yet another layer of danger. The last thing they needed.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t do anything until she was released from the cell.
“I was right,” she drawled, flicking a disdainful glance down to the guard’s potbelly. “You should cut back on the ale. It’s rotting your brain along with your body.”
Her words had the desired effect. The guard took an impulsive step forward, his face twisted into a furious expression.
“We will never forget his scent,” he rasped. “Or what he took from us.”
Took from them? Sofie paused, her thoughts racing. She’d known that Ryshi hadn’t been fully honest when he’d claimed to have entered the labyrinth merely to test his skills. Not even a reckless, fortune-hunting jinn would willingly enter a maze that no other creature had survived.
Now she had the opportunity to discover what he was hiding from her, and Sofie couldn’t resist the temptation.
Not that she was going to ask outright. It was the one certain way to make sure she didn’t get an answer. Instead, she wrinkled her nose in distaste.
“Why would anyone take anything from this place?”
“We have several priceless artifacts.”
“Really? A shiny rock you found in the mud?” she taunted. “Maybe a pretty feather?”
“It was a gift from our goddess.”
“That does sound extraordinary.” Sofie didn’t have to pretend to be impressed. Ryshi wasn’t lacking in courage. Or maybe he had a death wish. To steal a holy relic from a species was one certain way to get your head chopped off. “What did it do?”
The minotaur shuffled his large feet, as if embarrassed to answer the question. “I’m not sure. But it was important.”
That was…disappointing. This guard wasn’t included in the need-to-know group for stolen artifacts. She doubted he was included in any groups. Not with the foul smell that was threatening to gag Sofie. No wonder he’d been given dungeon duty. Anything to keep him at a distance.
She tucked away her curiosity, returning her attention to luring the male closer to the bars. Just a couple of more feet and she’d be able to grab him.
“And someone stole it?” she asked.
“Not someone. Your friend stole it.”
“Trust me, I don’t have any friends.”
There was an edge of sincerity in her voice that made the guard furrow his brow in confusion.
“You were seen traveling together.”
“Then why isn’t he here?”
“He disappeared.”
“And left me behind?” Sofie snorted. “Not much of a friend, is he?”
Sour frustration further tainted the already tainted air. “Tell me who you are and why you’re here.”
“No.”
“You’ll tell me or I’ll make you tell me,” the guard threatened, shuffling even closer.
Sofie held out her hand and wiggled her fingers in invitation. “Come on, bully boy. Let’s dance.”
On the point of charging the cell, the guard was abruptly halted as a deep voice cut through the air.
