I turn narrowed eyes onto Malice, unease roiling in my gut at the sight of his red eye gleaming shrewdly. He knows he’s got me. I have to know.

Though I won’t trust a single word he says, it doesn’t mean I can’t hear him out—listen to whatever psycho scheme he has planned. Maybe, just maybe, I could use it against him in the future.

“Go on. Talk,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “And use your real voice—I don’t want you in my head.”

His eyes flit around the room, and he takes a steadying breath before his voice projects into my mind despite my earlier wishes. What I have to say… Slaine has ears all over this castle—in the walls and under the floors. I cannot risk him hearing it.

“Okay. Do it your way.” I raise my brows, waiting for him to continue, for the chance to mock whatever nonsense comes out of his mouth. But what he says next has the words turning to ash on my tongue, and my stomach twisting into a thousand agonizing knots.

I need you to bond with Fenryr.

5. Malice

5

Malice

“I beg your finest pardon?”

At Dagny’s stunned whisper, I bring a clawed finger to my lips, telling her to hush. They’re listening. Speak to me through the bond.

Dagny shakes her head, her eyes glossing over as her voice enters my mind. It’s quiet and soft and soothing, and it eases some of the tension between my shoulder blades. Out of all the things I thought you were going to say…

I shuffle closer, taking her hand in mine despite the obvious risks. Instead of rage, a pleasant rush of satisfaction vibrates down the bond, intensifying as I rub my thumb along the back of her hand.

Wildfire… I know you don’t trust me now—that you probably never will again after what I did—but you need to listen carefully, and you need to pay attention to what I’m about to say, because I only have time to once, and all of our lives are over if you refuse.

Again, her head moves side to side, causing greasy dark strands of hair to fall over her eyes. What the fuck is going on?

Though the words aren't for me, they ring out clear as day, filled with a desperation that makes my chest ache. I slide my palm up her arm, over the crest of her delicate neck, stopping to cup her cheek in the gentlest embrace I can manage. You’ll understand soon, little one. I promise.

That anger from earlier enters her gaze in full force. And what good are your promises to me? Just fucking tell me why you want me to bond with Fenryr and how that’s supposed to help us escape and then go away.