Chapter 20

20

Arya didn’t leave. She couldn’t. Not yet, at least. She went to Reva’s chamber. The human was standing with her ear to the wall, her brow furrowed as she strained to hear. Reva’s head jerked to her when the shadows fell away. Surprise slackened her face.

“ What’s going on?” Reva asked softly.

Arya looked at the wall, wondering if Jai still remained or if he had left. Her lips were swollen from his hungry kiss. She wanted to sit with the memory and relive every incredible second.

She returned her gaze to Reva . “ I’m free. And I’m getting us out.”

“ To take over the ship?”

Could they? Jai might have freed her, but would he stand against Priya ? She didn’t know how many crew members were on board, and she wouldn’t trust them even if she did. Three against an unknown number wasn’t good odds.

“ Be smart. You’re there to gather information. Don’t get killed before you deliver it. Get to me. If there’s a dangerous situation, we’ll return and save as many as we can.”

Dain’s words filled her head. She had information that would be useful, but there was more to be uncovered. Shadows closed over them as Arya walked to Reva . When they fell away, they stood in the cargo hold. She and Reva could only stare in disbelief at the number of elves lying unconscious, each with the same gold necklace she had worn.

“ We need to leave,” Arya said. “ Now .”

Reva shook her head and faced her. “ I’ll weigh you down. You can get back quicker without taking me.”

“ We’ll make it.”

“ Leave me. I’ll figure something out until you return.”

Arya heard someone approaching. She squeezed Reva’s arm. “ Are you sure?”

“ Aye . Go ,” Reva said and gave her a shove.

Arya glanced at the elves. “ I’ll be back,” she whispered, the shadows closing in around her.

Suddenly , something fell on top of her, scattering the shadows. Her training took over, and she landed a solid punch before releasing two volleys of magic. The weight fell away. There was a moment of confusion as Arya found herself on the ground near the edge of a cliff with the river at her back. She jumped to her feet when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. Shock rocked her when she stared into Priya’s face.

“ I knew he’d do something stupid,” Priya stated angrily.

“ You want a fight? I’ll give you one.”

Priya’s smile was pure malice. “ The only thing you’re going to find is a grave at the bottom of the river. You’re no longer my problem.”

For the first time, Arya spotted the large, curved dagger in Priya’s hand. The first shot of pain went through her. She looked down to see blood pouring from her side, the warm, viscous liquid soaking her clothes and making them stick to her.

“ Good riddance.” Priya planted her foot on Arya’s chest and kicked.

Wind rushed around Arya as she fell. She called to the shadows, but they didn’t answer. She tried once more before succumbing to the pain.