“I wouldn’t come unless it was dire.” Thad whipped out a canteen from a strap around his shoulders. I knew what he wanted. “I’ll beg you if I have to.”

I reared back in shock. “And would she beg the same for you?”

Thad looked away, shame hunching his shoulders and painting his ears red. “No.”

Well, at least there was that.

I snatched the flask from him and without wincing slit my wrist with a claw. I bled over the canteen, squeezing the wound as I stared Thad down. I didn’t stop until the blood flowed over the top, since Wren would likely need every drop. I capped it and gave it back. I turned away, heading back towards my chamber. If I didn’t leave, I might do something stupid, like kill him.

“What if she won’t drink it?” he shouted at my retreating back.

I sighed. “Then tell her the truth.”

Thad didn’t respond, and by the time I turned around, he was gone.

The next few days didn’t get better. Kali tried to corner me any chance she got, and I was at my wits end trying to avoid her. In addition to that, every moment was consumed by my constant anxiety and worry over Wren. It distracted me and kept me uninterested in furthering our goals of an alliance with Aldur. Spike was irritated, and Astrid was so angry she’d barely speak to me. I’m not sure why I didn’t tell them about Thad.

“We have to stop meeting like this.”

I halted as I rounded the corner, coming upon Kali with her ladies bathing in an outdoor fountain. A muscle in my jaw twitched, and I fought to keep my voice level.

“What a coincidence, since it was one of your servants who directed me here, claiming the other hallway was blocked.”

Kali giggled, a high-pitched sound that grated my nerves. The other women around her laughed as well, their eyes greedily raking down my bare chest.

With narrowed eyes I stretched my wings and claws. “By your leave.”

Kali flushed; her gaze stuck on my wings. “If you could assist me by pouring—”

I pretended I didn’t hear her, not hesitating as I leapt into the open air, pumping my wings hard to get away from her and her machinations. I flew up to the highest tower I could find and perched on the roof. The city of Aldur thrived beneath me as thousands went on with their daily lives, oblivious or uncaring of the suffering going on further north. It infuriated me. It frustrated me. Perhaps it was best to retreat to my island and care for my own people. If other humans didn’t care to help each other, why should I?

“Is she bothering you that badly?”

I closed my eyes, willing the gods to give me strength. I turned towards Astrid, who nonchalantly picked her nails while balancing on her broom. It was embarrassing to admit that a teenage girl had me flustered, but I wasn’t about to reveal my anxiety surrounding Wren. Astrid sighed and crossed her legs. The broom automatically adjusted to accommodate her.