James spat on the ground. “My patience is wearing thin, Leyus. How long will you humor the girl’s attempts to delay the inevitable?”

Leyus examined Kyra’s face, deep in thought. “Very well. I grant your request.” He turned to James. “You heard her. Will you take the Challenge? If you do not wish to fight her, we can guard her until we test the garments.”

“I refuse to play your games,” said James. “When you start honoring our agreements again, we can do business. But until then, we part ways.” He spun back toward his horse. Alex and Shea picked up the bags of clothes.

“Where are you taking the garments?” asked Leyus.

“If your people can go back on a deal, so can I. Keep Tristam. Come find me when you’ll trade honestly,” said James.

“Is that the real reason, James?” Kyra asked loudly. “Or are you taking them back so they can’t be tested for poison?”

James rounded on her and slapped her across the face. “I won’t have you here corrupting their minds against me,” he hissed. Kyra blinked the tears from her eyes, holding her breath until the blow’s sting faded. She had never seen James lose his composure like this, and it both frightened her and convinced her that she was right.

The assassin turned to Leyus. “I’ve changed my mind. I’ll accept the terms of your Challenge. Untie and arm her if you must, but she’s caused me too much trouble to leave her here alive.”

“So you’ll fight her?” asked Leyus.

“Aye.”

Suddenly, a Demon Rider was cutting the bindings around Kyra’s wrist. Blood rushed into her hands, followed by tiny needles that stabbed her fingers. She stumbled forward, reeling at the turn of events. Leyus handed her a knife. “You fight now, as you are.”

The circle had already begun to expand, its members making as much room as they could for the combatants. James shed his cloak and stretched his arms and legs, watching Kyra from a distance. She could feel him making note of everything she did, every stumble. Kyra was all too aware of her weak legs as she tried to walk some life into them. The last two times she’d fought James, he’d beaten her easily. How could she hope to face him after a night’s imprisonment? She shook out her limbs again. No matter. Better to go down fighting.

James regarded Leyus warily. “Your word, then. No interference.”

“My people will stay out of this, as will yours.”

Kyra saw a few Demon Riders move closer to the other two assassins. Then Leyus nodded and backed out of the circle. It was a clear signal to begin. Kyra gripped her blade tight.

James focused his eyes on Kyra and advanced slowly. “What’s your secret, Kyra? Why can’t I get rid of you?”