Chapter 12 · The Hunter's Snare

"Down!" Cael slammed Mara into the brick wall as the first crossbow bolt punched through the space where her head had been.

Her cheek hit cold stone. His body covered hers, one hand braced beside her face, the other gripping the back of her coat. His breath brushed her ear.

"Get off me."

"Gladly. When the soldiers stop aiming at your spine."

Another bolt cracked against the wall. Mara twisted under him and shoved her elbow into his ribs. He barely moved.

"You said you could get us out."

"I said I could get me out. You followed."

"You dragged me into an alley."

"And you stabbed me first. We all make mistakes."

A Crown soldier shouted from the mouth of the alley. "Mara Voss! Step away from the night lord and put your hands where we can see them!"

Mara’s fingers tightened around the small black crystal hidden in her palm. She had ripped it from the soldier captain’s belt seconds ago. It was warm. Too warm.