“You’ll what?” Tohon asked. “Cooperate? Promise not to kill me? Agree to be my queen? It’s too late for that.” He stepped closer to me. “No doubt you’re smart. It’s no surprise you figured out that the dead obey whichever magician touches them last. So let’s not pretend you don’t know what else is going on between us.”

“You can’t claim me, Tohon. You tried before and failed.”

“And now I know why. With two magicians, one can’t force it on the other. It grows with time and the use of magic. That’s the beauty of this...bond.” He savored the word.

My stomach churned with bile.

“Do you remember the first time we met?” Tohon asked.

“Unfortunately.” It had also been my first run-in with his dead.

“During our brief encounter, I imprinted on you and started the process. Sheer happenstance.” He swung his arm wide. “I’ve been learning all about this wonderful quirk of our magic while waiting for you.”

Ah. The real reason he’d been camping in the ruins of the Healer’s Guild—the underground storage room with all those crates full of research notes.

Tohon linked his arm through mine. “Now, let’s go get into position so we’re ready for Team Kerrick. I believe they’re attacking two hours after midnight.”

I glanced back. No activity at the mouth of the tunnel. Pain clamped around my heart. Maybe the quiet meant my team had retreated deeper in the mines. Beau did know his way around. I clung to that bit of hope.

The hope expanded a smidge when half of Tohon’s men followed us to the guild with the dead ufas trotting beside them, leaving only a dozen soldiers behind. From the angle of the sun, it was just past midafternoon. I also clutched the fact Kerrick knew about my dreams. Never had I been so glad to be lied to.

Tohon chatted about what he’d learned about the bond. Half-distracted with worry for Kerrick and my team, I didn’t fully listen. Noak had told me Tohon’s death would break the bond and that was all I needed.

“...will result in the immediate death of the other,” Tohon said.

That caught my attention. “Even if the other isn’t hurt?”

“Yes. So it’ll be in my best interest to keep you alive, my dear. And vice versa.”

A tightness ringed my chest. Breathing became difficult. Don’t panic, I repeated in my mind. “Except we’re not... We haven’t...completed the process.”

“Not yet. Kerrick must die or go dormant. After that, we’ll be bonded.”

“And I’ll have an excellent reason to commit suicide.”

“Now, now, my dear. Don’t be nasty. Do you remember how your body reacts to my touch?”

“Unfortunately.”

“I believe your words were scatterbrained and swooning. Well, I tried clearheaded and cooperative, and was tricked. Then I tried threatening you, scaring you, and killing your sister. Yet, you resisted every effort and almost killed me in the process.” He tsked. “Once we’re bonded, I will ensure that quick intelligence of yours is turned to goo. I will enjoy scatterbrained and swooning Avry very much.”