I tried to keep my voice casual, disinterested even. “What did you put in the wine? It seemed to work well.”

Thad glanced up. “I added things that I knew would heal you. Didn’t you find it odd when you woke up on the stone slab completely healed? That would be quick even for a draken.” Thad sighed as suspicion clouded my brow. “Benedict told me of a few things that would help a draken heal. For some reason, he seemed to believe that you would inevitably end up injured.”

The urge to roll my eyes was strong, and I resisted it. “You added things.”

Thad huffed. “Yes. Things.”

I flashed my fangs at him, fighting the urge to spread my wings. The room was small, and I was likely to bang them against the walls. If I closed my eyes, I could still remember the thick fogginess of whatever he’d drugged me with. It felt good, but I’d been unable to defend myself. While here, that was unacceptable. “Don’t give me anything again without my permission. For that matter, don’t ever touch me again.”

I didn’t like how my body fit into his, how easy it was to forget about my own mates who waited for me back on Lyoness. Guilt was an ugly beast, rearing its head and digging its claws deep. I was better off separating myself completely from him.

Thad put a hand behind his head. “I can’t guarantee that. If we are to fool Severn, it is likely I’ll need to touch you.”

I leveled my best glare at him. “How lucky for you.”

Thad ignored the barb. “If you’re going to stay here, things need to . . . appear a certain way.”

My eyes narrowed, but he continued. “I’ll need to keep you restrained somehow. It will be expected since you’re my prisoner.”

Indignation welled in my blood. “Absolutely not!” I roared. “Just send me back to the dungeons! I won’t ever be chained again!”

Thad pinched the bridge of his nose with two fingers, and my rage only increased. I was not a child having a temper tantrum. I was a survivor who was free.

“You know where the witches are. You have the means to escape. Why are you still here if you don’t want to learn more about the Overlord’s plans? This is your chance, and all you have to do is pretend.” Thad let out a long sigh. “I’m not asking you to like any of it or even pretend to. Actually, that would be more believable. Fight me every step of the way and use that harpy mouth of yours whenever you can. You don’t think I didn’t notice what you were doing with your audience with Severn? He’s had half of his guard whipped already for a lack of respect. You don’t just want information here; you want to sow discord.”

My lips tightened into a thin line as a knock at the door interrupted us. Thad shot me a warning look and I hissed in response. A demon grunt stood outside the door, offering a small, iron chest. The demon had a nasty, anticipatory grin before Thad slammed the door in his face.