Page 66 of A Bond So Deadly

Gasping for air, the general rubs his neck.

Professor Yevar doesn’t say anything more. He simply turns and starts walking again, and I hurry to follow him.

“Tell me I shouldn’t be impressed by that,” I say in my mind to Elgen and Tarlaz.

“Why not, girl? I’m impressed,” Elgen replies.

“That was immensely satisfying,” Tarlaz adds. “But don’t be fooled by the professor. He is not your friend, child. It would appear you are now simply his possession.”

“Yeah, a weapon.” I try not to think about how disappointed Professor Yevar is going to be, when I inevitably don’t live up to whatever expectations he has for me. That’s a problem for future Shade.

As we continue walking, I listen to the strange chatter of the Xalgrith as we pass, and a thought dawns on me. “Hold on, you spoke to that Xalgrith general in his native tongue,” I say to Professor Yevar. “How did you learn their language?”

Professor Yevar’s steps slow, and he tilts his head toward me. “Much the same as how you are able to communicate with various species, I suspect.”

“So you do have language abilities. It’s how you were able to speak to the foxrets, isn’t it?” I think about what Borshoz had told me. About the creatures being glad someone could finally listen to them. But it turns out I’m not the only one who can hear them.

“Indeed. How else do you think I got here?” the professor answers.

“But if Queen Krosia knew you could speak to them…”

“The shadow queen is not aware of this particular gift of mine,” he says. “And it was a while before I discovered the skill myself. In any case, after I spoke to the Xalgrith, it soon became apparent I was fighting for the wrong side. In time, I’m sure you’ll come to the same conclusion.”

I want to point out that’s unlikely considering the Xalgrith clearly intend on wiping out the inhabitants of the shadow realm, but I’m distracted when Professor Yevar leads me down a wide tunnel and stops outside a large metal door. Two massive Xalgrith warriors guard the door, and their milky eyes fixate on me.

“His Highness is expecting us,” Professor Yevar drawls.

The guards scrutinize me before opening the door, and I steel myself as I follow Professor Yevar into a cavernous room. Inside, warriors are stationed along the walls, and there’s a massive, jagged opening to my right that looks out into the heart of the volcano. A single throne is situated on a dais at the other end of the room, and seated on the throne is the biggest Xalgrith I’ve ever seen.

The male must be over eight feet tall, and his thick muscles bulge against his pale skin. His chest is covered with battle armor, but his arms are exposed, showing numerous thick scars and burn marks. A bone crown sits on his white hair, and I try not to think about where those bones came from.

“Well, I guess we’ve found the Xalgrith king,” I mutter to the shadows. “Lucky us.”

The king, who has been busy talking to a warrior beside him, looks up when we stop a few paces in front of his throne.

I take the liberty to hide behind the professor, because this guy is seriously intimidating.

“It’s about time,” the king booms. “Do you have her?”

I’m busy staring longingly at the exit when Professor Yevar steps to the side, leaving me completely exposed.

The king grunts as his gaze rakes over me, and I give him an awkward wave.

“She’s not much to look at,” King Malgur comments. “She’s smaller than I expected. From what you’ve told me, I thought she’d be more impressive.”

I would complain, but he has a point. “You’re so right your, uh, Highness,” I say, agreeing with him emphatically. “So if Professor Yevar could just give me my creature’s egg back, and you could free the missing students for me, I’ll just be on my way.”

“Oh look, Tarlaz. She’s saying stupid things again,” Elgen croaks.

“What? No, I’m being friendly. Who knows maybe these guys aren’t as bad as we think. I mean, everyone deserves a redemption arc, right?”

Elgen’s answering laughter is shrill in my mind. “Oh, you still have so much to learn.”

I’m distracted when the king starts laughing. At least, I think he’s laughing. It sounds more like he’s trying to hack up a fur ball, but going by his amused expression, yep, I’m guessing it’s laughter. “Ah, she has balls, this one,” the king rasps. “Perhaps she is puny on the outside, but strong on the inside. We shall see. As long as you’re sure you have the right one.”

Professor Yevar smiles. “Yes, King Malgur. She is the fated mate to the four shadow warriors who are destined to close the fold between our worlds. She is their weakness, and we can use her to win this war once and for all.”

The king looks exceptionally pleased by this. “To lose one’s mate is truly a torturous thing. I shall enjoy seeing the pain it brings them.”