“Yes, sire.” The man bolted.

Tohon stormed over to me. “Did you know about this?”

“No.”

“They’re the tribesmen from the north. They’re supposed to be guarding the Milligreen Pass. My men confirmed it.”

I kept quiet.

He pulled me upright. “This changes nothing. I’ve over a thousand troops.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” The words slipped out without thought. Big mistake.

Fury blazed in his eyes. I braced for pain. Tohon didn’t disappoint. He wrapped his hands around my throat and his power slammed into me like a lightning bolt. I cried out as every inch of my body burned. Even my bones pulsed with an unrelenting pain.

Through the haze of torment, I struggled to counter his magic. To zap him back. I sensed the bond between us and used that to channel his onslaught into him.

He yelped and let go. “You dare attack me!”

“Vice versa, Tohon. You’re only hurting yourself.”

“The bond’s not complete yet. I can kill you without consequence.”

“Go ahead, test your theory.” Because of my little stunt, I’d strengthened the bond and I believed I’d take him with me.

But he was too smart to fall for the taunt. Tohon drew back to punch me. Howls pierced the air, stopping him. His ufa pack had sounded a warning. He hustled to his guards, barking orders. They raced outside.

I sank down. No sense getting my hopes up. Noak and Kerrick would target Tohon’s tent and find fake Avry. Would they even think to look beyond the camp’s boundaries? And then I caught that elusive bit of memory triggered by the chill before I’d entered the cave. Had Noak spotted me? The brush of cold matched when he’d used his magic on me at the infirmary. Or was I indulging in more wishful thinking?

More howls and a yelp echoed off the cavern’s walls. Then a ruckus sounded and a knot of guards wrestled with a struggling man. They threw him to the ground.

Kerrick! Oh, no. I hopped to my feet. Blood and gore stained his torn clothes. Was that an ufa bite on his arm? His ashen face was lined with strain as he sucked in gulps of air. It must have been an immense effort for him to be here.

Once he met my gaze, he relaxed and remained on the floor of the cave. The guards handed Tohon his dadao. Black ichor coated the blade.

Tohon held up the weapon in triumph. “Perfect. Did he attack the tent?” Tohon asked one of his guards.

“No, sire, he came after the ufas.”

Tohon turned a contemplative gaze on me. “How did he know?”

“We share a bond, as well,” I said.

“It’s too weak. You’ve been too busy splitting up and playing heroes. Besides, I imprinted on you before him, my dear.”

Kerrick pushed up on an elbow. “Imprinted?”