He leaned forward, his nose almost touching mine. “I’m. Going. To. Eat. You. Alive.” He bared his teeth. “I’ve learned so much. You’ll linger for days before I stop your heart.”

This time I clamped my lips together. No need to remind him that he might not be feeling well in a few days. Although, he might have ingested enough of my blood to protect him from the plague. Unless the acid in his stomach destroyed it. If I survived this, I’d have to experiment. Big if.

The soldiers who had been stationed outside the tent finally cleared off the fabric. Sunlight and fresh air flooded the area. I blinked, letting my eyes adjust. The sun hung low in the west. Had the torture only lasted an afternoon? It had felt like days.

Another soldier ran up. “Sire, we are under attack!”

The Skeleton King glanced at the man in surprise. “Tohon’s soldiers?”

“No, sire.”

“Dead soldiers?”

“No, it’s an army of women, sire.”

Now I was surprised. I’d thought Fydelia’s troops had gone north with Ryne. He’d lied to me again, but I was too happy to be upset.

The king shoved me toward his guards. “Take her back to her tent. Watch her very closely.”

“Yes, sire,” they said in unison.

As they towed me through the camp, I scanned the woods, looking for Belen and the others while also seeking signs of the attack. Nothing except the Skeleton King’s men rushing off to the southeast—the makings of a perfect distraction.

Hunching inward, I slowed my steps.

“Come on.” The guard on my right tightened his grip.

I hissed in pain, because it hurt like hell.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, you’ll heal,” he said.

I’d do more than that, I promised, but kept that to myself. After we entered the tent, I rummaged in my pack for my other shirt. Huddled on the ground, I acted pathetic, fumbling at the buttons while trying to keep the tattered, blood-soaked remains of my shirt over my breasts.

Finally, I huffed in defeat and stared up at the guards with, what I’d hoped, was a helpless expression. “Can you take these off for a moment so I can change?” I stood, holding out my arms. “Please?”

The guards exchanged a look. The one on the left shrugged. When he approached, he said, “Make it quick.” He unlocked the manacles and removed the heavy metal cuffs.

“Oh, my,” I said, swooning. I clutched his arm. “I think...I’m going...to...”

He automatically stepped closer to support me. I rubbed my free hand on my chest and coated my fingers with blood. I waved them in front of the guard’s face.

“Look at this!” I shrieked as I slid my grip up his arm and to the back of his head.

One shot only. Better not miss.