Chapter 48

Eirik's wails yank me from slumber. They're not his usual whimpers. Something's wrong. I feel it down to my bones.

I bolt upright, my heart galloping like a wild horse in my chest. The room is still dimmed by the dying firelight. My gaze bounces around, searching for a culprit for waking Eirik up. There's nothing. Eirik and I are still alone. I prick up my ears, but I can't hear anything. Shooting to my feet, I gather the baby into my arms.

"Shh," I hush to him, trying to lull him back to sleep. "Shh, it's okay. It was just a nightmare."

I make it to the fireplace and stoke the fire, then add another log. Eirik grips my pajama shirt, still crying.

Heavy footfalls cut my words. I whip around to face the door.

Thorn barrels into the bedroom, his broad shoulders nearly eclipsing the doorway. His black eyes search for me and he relaxes an inch. Thorn's still wearing his tunic and pants. What time is it?

His shoulders square as he strides closer. "We're under attack."

My lungs lock.

"What? Now?" I catch my breath as Thorn rushes to the wardrobe. "The Wolfbone Clan?"

Thorn doesn't have to answer me. Of course it's them. Thorn crouches in front of me, sliding my feet into shoes, his movements precise—no time wasted. He drapes a coat over my shoulders, the fur lining enveloping me in an almost-embrace.

He gets to his feet. The Thorn from tonight is different, unlike the Thorn I got used to. He's sharp, a commander.

Yet he still brushes his knuckles down my cheek. "Stay here," he commands, his voice low. He leaves before I say anything else and the door clicks shut.

Anxiety churns within me as I try to calm Eirik down. My efforts are as effective as trying to sift lumps of flour with wet fingers. He must feel it. I can't hear it, but he must.

What if they get inside the house? Where can I escape? Should I try to hide? Run? My eyes snap at the empty walls. I wish Thorn had left a sharp blade behind.

The room becomes a cage, its walls closing in. I pace, each step a silent prayer.

Save Eirik. If fate demands payment, take me, not him.

The nanny's lifeless body flashes in my mind. A shiver races up my spine, goosebumps blooming across my skin despite the thick coat and the fire.

This happened before. The nanny ran into the woods and I know what happened to her. She didn't make it to the morning. She didn't see the sunrise.

Am I about to be the next?

A creak at the door sends my heart into my throat. I whirl around, squeezing Eirik to my chest.

"Ursha?" The name escapes on a breath, half-hopeful, half-terrified.

No fiery hair greets me, only the buzzed head of Zog. His gray eyes stare back at me and I have never seen them this cold.