Chapter 25 · Hunter in the Shadows

"Stop breathing so loud. You're giving us away," Sela hissed, her voice a razor blade against my ear.

She had me pressed against the damp stone of the ventilation shaft, her chest flushed against my back. I could feel the heat radiating through her leather armor, the scent of ozone and expensive sandalwood clinging to her skin. One hand was clamped firmly over my mouth, her fingers smelling of cold steel and old blood.

I glared at her, my eyes narrowing. I didn't need her protection, but the Devouring Bone inside me was humming—a low, hungry vibration that told me we were close to the target. I tried to pull away, but she tightened her grip, her thigh sliding between mine to pin me in place.

"One more twitch," she whispered, her breath hot against my neck, "and I'll leave you as bait for the guards. Understand, monster?"

I managed a muffled grunt, my gaze shifting to the gap in the grate. Below us, the target—a bloated, pampered noble named Baron Kaelen—was sipping wine while two guards stood like statues by the door.