113

Everything stops.

Your sword stilled at your side, the energy from Mae’s last spell dissipating out of her hands, the silence is broken only by Ashur’s shaky breathing beside you. When you shoot a glance his way, his expression is neutral, but you can see he’s clenching his fists so tightly the knuckles have gone white.

You have to get Tarquin back.

“Get—off me!” Tarquin grits out, throwing an elbow backward, but it goes nowhere near the man who has him in his grasp, crackling lines along his fingers making it clear he’s relying on more than just human strength.

You have to get Tarquin back.

But is this a situation you can fight your way out of—or will Tarquin become a human shield to protect his captor? And, if you don’t fight, what could you possibly have to offer in exchange for Tarquin that an evil magister cult leader would want?

• To negotiate for Tarquin’s release, turn to page 114.
• To kill the mage to save Tarquin, turn to page 118.