She was expelled from the dream less violently than usual. In fact, ‘expelled’ wasn’t even the right word. More like drawn out. Her heart was racing, but the rest of her remained still, her eyes still closed. She breathed slowly and deeply, until she felt her heart rate return to normal.

Only then did she open her eyes and sit up. It was still dark out, but there was a general lightening around the edges of her window that promised dawn’s imminent arrival. “Damn dream,” she muttered, hating that moment of weakness that was a part of her history. Her father hadn’t been wrong about her being as strong as iron, but even iron could melt if exposed to enough heat. “We’ll see about that.”

She didn’t need to dress, having slept in her clothes, including her black-painted serash, which was tethered to her waist. That, more than anything else, gave her comfort, for she’d learned that it didn’t always matter how strong you were, but how well-armed you were.

Traveling with only what she could carry on her own back had its perks—she was ready to leave in a matter of seconds, slipping through the door and closing it quietly behind her, scanning the corridor for any signs of life. Seeing and hearing nothing, she moved soundlessly down the hall, stopping in front of Ludo’s door. Considering. It wasn’t like they’d formally agreed to leave together, right? She could sneak away, and her conscience would be clean. If anything, he was a liability, or at least an unknown quantity considering his unusual healing ability that may or may not be the illegal use of magic.

She sighed, even as she knew she was only making excuses. They were both looking for the same man, which meant that working together made more sense than going their separate ways. Especially considering Ludo had been sent by the king to kill her father. Keeping him close was smart. The right move in every way, even if it was as dangerous as inviting a snake into her bed.

She rolled her eyes at the comparison and muttered, “He wishes…,” before raising a hand and tapping gently.

Nothing.

Had he done the very thing she’d been considering doing? Abandoned her as she overslept? She tried again, except slightly louder this time. On the third knock, the door cracked open and kohl-lined eyes stared out at her. They floated upon a rather attractive-looking face that most certainly didn’t belong to Ludo. Long, slender fingers held a thin sheet in place above a generous chest.

The serving woman who worked in the tavern below said, “He’s sleeping it off. We both were, until you pounded hard enough to crack my skull in two.”