“They’re treating you like family. You’re over there, and I’m here. Doesn’t that say enough?”

Thad straightened, one hand still leaning on the iron bar for support. He sighed. “And how do you think I feel? Finding out my entire life was a lie? Everything I’ve been prepared for, destined for . . . ” He trailed off, a pained expression on his face. He looked up, and it vanished. “Just tell me what your game is; what do you need from this place? I know you can escape at any time. Let me help you out of here. I hear the murmurings of what Severn has planned for you.”

It would be easy, wouldn’t it? To let him help me, to get what I need, and then get the hell away from this place. Back to the waiting arms of my mates. They were likely furious at me and worried beyond all measure. I swallowed. It would be too easy. He was probably sent here to trick me. A voice in my head scoffed; it was the same voice that didn’t want him to die or become a traitor. It brushed up against my pride, whispering.

If he was against you, why didn’t he tell Severn that you could escape?

“Go away.” I managed weakly.

Thad’s eyes flashed. “Had I realized it was your plan to get caught, I certainly wouldn’t have gotten captured as well trying to protect you. Stupid me.”

I snorted, my tongue heavy in my mouth as I threw the apple core back out at him. “Shows a severe lack of judgement on your part.”

A sliver of amusement sparked in his gaze. “Tell me why you’re here.”

I swallowed, trying to lick my cracked, dry lips. I stared at him.

He exhaled heavily and thrust the goblet through the slats in the door. “At least drink this. I brought it from my own table in my chamber. They wouldn’t poison me. Not now.”

Oh, so he had his own chamber now? I took a half-step towards him before I could stop myself, my eyes fevered with need. I reached out a shaking hand towards the cup, but he pulled it back, frowning.

“You’ll drop it. Let me—”

I snatched at his hand through the bars and shifted him into my cell the moment I touched his skin. He jumped back, startled. Then he gathered himself and offered the cup.

“I will hold it, you drink.” He held out the goblet, and I smelled the fruit juice. He remembered I liked fruit.

Something in me broke slightly at that, a small, scared sound escaping my throat before I could stop it. His dark gaze caught mine. One of his hands lowered to gently cup my cheek and support my head as I drank. I opened my mouth, and he carefully tipped the goblet back as I took careful, measured sips. I was expecting it to taste sweet, but it was mostly bitter and oddly spiced. I was past caring what it was and sighed in relief, feeling immediately better as the liquid went down my throat. I finished and looked up, going red when I realized how close we were. Thad’s nose was inches from mine, and a strange, nervous feeling fluttered in my stomach. Obsidian eyes bore into my soul with an intensity that made it hard to breathe.