Page 202 of Burn Her They Said
“Take you somewhere safe,” Varic answers, crossing his arms over his chest while staring back.
“No,” I say.
Varic raises his brows, then releases a breath. “There are too many risk factors to keep you here. Without any knowledge of who set the bomb, whether they are still here, or if they fled or died in the blast. Nor if there are more planted which could be anywhere in or near the castle—it’s simply too dangerous.”
“Where would you send me?”
“With me,” Fray explains.
“Meaning you plan to take me somewhere in or near Annovia, since it must be within flying distance, and this location is somehow safer than a fortified castle?”
“Yes, because it is a Dragon den,” Malin states, and cold water runs through my veins.
“An Annovian Dragon den? Where we will be burnt alive the moment we arrive?”
“The Annovian Dragons have agreed to harbor you in case of emergency,” Fray says.
I lean forward and look up at him with emphasis. “Explain.”
“Sutrea has secured your safety there, should we ever need it,” Fray explains.
“Your blood-bound Dragon has ensured my safety with the Annovian Dragons?” I ask.
Fray nods.
“You’ve been sneaking out to discuss this with your Dragon while I lie sleeping.”
Fray shrugs, and I turn to Varic, whose shoulders remain squared.
“We were not going to bring you here without contingency plans for your safety,” Varic explains.
I hold my hands up to stop him. “I am sure you have all put a lot of thought into this, except you seem to be forgetting how the Emperor will react once he finds me missing.”
“You won’t be missing. We will have enacted a plan to keep you safe, as we have sworn to do,” Varic argues as fear spears my middle.
Shattered glass. Varic’s panicked expression as he screams at Fray to fly.
Strong arms envelop me. Too tight. I can’t escape.
“Fray! No! Stop! We can’t leave them!”
I shake my head and flick my gaze to Varic’s. “You are capable of logic. However, the tyrant is not. Your role is to keep me safe, and I would argue that feeling safe is important.” Varic nods, brows knitting in the center as I take a step toward him, eyes pleading. “I do not feel safe reliving the night Fray had to fly us to the safe house.” My voice cracks, and realization washes over his features. “I feel safest if we stay together.”
His eyes dart around the room, seemingly considering other options.
“Lars,” Varic says, and Lars’ head swivels to meet him. “Do you think you can sneak outside to learn what you can from those working at the blast site and make it back here safely?”
Lars nods once as I stalk toward him.
“Hey.” I take hold of Lars’ arm and squeeze, encouraging his piercing blue eyes to look at me. “Be careful,” I say, and his cheeks fold back in an ornery smile. “I’m serious.”
He pats my hand before pulling away to open the door. “I’m always careful.” He winks at me, then lifts his gaze to Malin before disappearing in a bright red streak, leaving a faint impression, slowly dissipating in his absence.
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Breathe
Malin chews his lip. “How much longer do we wait?”
