Chapter 23

Idon’t know how much time has passed in this dark place. The prison is lit only by a flickering torch, and the guard attends to us briefly to deposit meals at random intervals. Having seen the wounds on the orc in the next cell, I know what awaits me. They’re much more barbaric here in the frigid mountains than we are in the desert. My former captain would never have tortured to get what she wants.

I’m not surprised when two guards come for me with metal shackles. They push open the cell door and grab me roughly, wrenching my arms behind my back. There’s no point fighting and hurting myself more than necessary, so I walk along obediently as they lead me down the row of cells. Rugar gives me a grim nod of encouragement.

We go up two flights of stairs before emerging into the light, which I don’t get to enjoy for long before they lead me to a new room: one equipped with a steel table and leather straps.

Commander Kallon stands with his arms crossed, awaiting me. Beside him is a tall trolless wearing a pair of goggles and a coat stained brown with blood.

I can only hope that my mate can’t feel my pain.

I’m flung down on the table, my jacket and shirt torn off. Then I’m strapped in with my hands still shackled over my head. The trolless steps forward with what looks like an extremely long sewing needle in her hand. Her expression is disturbingly blank as Commander Kallon appears over her shoulder.

“I’ll give you another chance, corporal,” he says. “Tell us where to find them.”

I shrug and say nothing. The commander gestures to his attendant.

“Let’s see if we can get this old boy squeaking,” he says. She nods curtly, and positions the needle over my sternum. The point reminds me of Simka’s dagger, how she pressed it into my chest, her eyes wild with inner fire. I try to think of her as it digs in.

That’s when we hear an immense boom! Underneath our feet, the very ground shakes.

“What?” Commander Kallon narrows his eyes. “Earthquake?”

Suddenly, the door bangs open. “Commander!” someone says, breathless.

“What is it?” he snarls, spinning around. “I’m in the middle of something.”

I tilt my head up as one of the city guards stands panting in the doorway. “They’re here! The wild orcs have come. All of them. And they’re attacking the mine with…” The guard shakes her head, like she doesn’t understand what’s happening for herself. “With dynamite. And fire. It’s chaos, sir.”

The commander stiffens. “They’ve never used dynamite before.” He growls low in his throat. “Fuck. All right, round everyone up. We’re mounting a defense, now.” Annoyed, he gestures at me. “Throw this traitor back in his cell. I’ll deal with him later.”

I blink in surprise as the woman with the needle retreats from her work. She’s just as perplexed as I am. Without another word, the commander runs from the room, leaving us alone.

I can’t help my grin. My Simka, as fierce as she is clever. Whatever she has planned, she will win.

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