Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves 2)

My eyes were coals. My lips melted against my teeth.

Fire seared my throat.

The iron ring around my neck was molten.

I don’t where they are! I don’t know where—

I don’t know! I don’t—

I … I …

I …

* * *

And then I broke.

I told them everything they wanted to know.

Every practiced word.

The arena.

The stables.

The temple.

Darkcottage.

Cave’s End.

I sent them chasing everywhere.

Until the words were gone, and there was only pain.

* * *

Zane was suddenly there. My mother was running for the stick in the corner. Where is she? Where is the brat? The seconds, the years, they swirled in a fog. Zane’s face pressed close to mine. No one will believe you now. You would say anything to save your skin. Keep your mouth shut, or I will kill your mother. It will be your fault if she dies. You can still save her. I blinked and he was gone. Gone. I wasn’t sure if he had ever been there at all.

* * *

Zane, coming back again, and again, his lips touching my ear, whispering my worst nightmares.

* * *

Please. Come back.

Please. Let me die.

But they wouldn’t come back. And they wouldn’t let me die.

* * *

The blanket was wet beneath me, soaked with my sweat. Cold liquid touched my lips. I felt my tongue again.

The pain rolled back. The fire in my throat cooled.

I heard voices. Faces loomed in front of me, but my eyes wouldn’t focus. A hand gently curled around mine. “It’s Jase. Can you hear me, Kazi? I’m here.”