Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms 4)

“I’m a friend,” the girl said. She didn’t seem afraid.

“Why were you following us?” Jonas asked, stepping closer. He thought he recognized her. “You were in the inn last night, weren’t you?”

“I was. Which is precisely why I know you’re looking for a witch who might be able to help you.”

His heart jumped at this statement. “Do you know of one?”

“I am one.” She looked back at Lys. “Now remove your weapon, or I might change my mind.”

Lys glanced at Jonas with uncertainty. He nodded, and she reluctantly sheathed the dagger.

As Lysandra stepped away, the girl’s expression remained serene rather than relieved or grateful to have been set free.

“So,” Jonas said, wary of this seemingly too-fortunate encounter. “What’s the catch?”

“There’s no catch,” the girl replied evenly. “Now, I advise you to stop wasting time. By the looks of you, Jonas Agallon, you have very little of it left.”

A shock of sweat trickled down Jonas’s spine. “You know who I am?”

“Despite your rather weak attempt at a disguise, yes.” She glanced at Lys. “And you are Lysandra Barbas, Jonas’s companion and fellow rebel. Lovely gown, by the way. A simple yet effective costume for one who’s clearly worn nothing but trousers all her life.”

Lysandra crossed her arms in front of her chest, eyeing the girl with deep wariness and distrust. “So that’s what you are, a spy? For the king, perhaps?”

“No.”

“And why should we believe you?”

“I don’t really care if you believe me or not.”

“I think I understand,” Jonas said. “You want money. How much?”

The girl sighed with impatience. “I’m really not in the mood for a debate about my intentions. It’s painfully early, it’s unpleasantly cold out here, and I’m only doing what I must by offering to save your life. If you don’t take my help willingly, I’ll have to force it upon you.”

Jonas’s brows shot up. For someone who claimed not to give a damn one way or another, she was very insistent.

Lysandra eyed her up and down. “What’s your name?”

“Olivia.”

“Jonas,” Lysandra said slowly, “let’s give Olivia a chance.”

“But Lys—”

“No,” she cut him off. “It’s decided. Olivia, what do you need to begin?”

“First, I need to get out of this cold air.”

Lysandra nodded and led them to the nearest building, a shop that sold candles and lanterns, that was closed at this early hour.

“Stand back,” Lys said, approaching a window and preparing to break it.

“No need.” Olivia grasped the handle and pushed the main door open.

“Is that the custom in Limeros, to leave doors unlocked?” Jonas said.

“No. But it’s unlocked now.”

Jonas and Lys shared a wary look as they followed the witch into the small, vacant shop furnished with tables heaped with wax candles in every size and shape imaginable. Lysandra immediately took a few in hand and lit them with her flint to provide additional light to the small area.