Page 86 of Immortal

When I lunged at him, he shoved me aside with brutal force, his hand ice-cold. I fell against the wall, fighting the tears that threatened.

He straightened his robe with an irate expression. “You’re not in your kingdom anymore. Mind your manners, if you care for you and your friend’s safety.”

“Where is Chengyin? Is he safe? Who are you?”

His mouth curved though his eyes remained flat, ringed with that strange coppery glint. “Your betrothed is well—for now.”

Betrothed? I kept my face blank, recalling how Chengyin had defended me in the palace. Had Captain Rao or Miss Lin reported this? By trying to help me, he’d ended up a target. I didn’t correct the imposter, afraid to expose Chengyin to greater danger.

“How did you know so much about us?” The way he’d acted, the things he’d said back in the forest—I’d almost believed his pretense.

“His memories are useful, yielding valuable information, though he’s grown better at concealing them. I was remiss to overlook the scar.” He sneered, my insides tightening at the malice on my friend’s face.

If you know someone, you can easily discern the true from false—as long as you’re looking.

Zhangwei had been right. I’d been careless, seeing only what I wanted to, missing the signs. A mistake I was paying for.

“It’s fortunate for him that you showed up. I was getting bored and tempted to dispose of the host.”

My temper snapped. “You monster,” I raged. “Hurt him, and I’ll kill you.”

“His well-being is in your hands; it depends on your behavior. When I’m angered, I tend to take it out on those closest to me.” He tapped his shoulder where I’d stabbed him. “Try what you did before, and I’ll carve him into pieces—the parts of him I don’t need.”

He raised his hand, nails sharpening to talons, then plunged them into his own arm, raking deep crevices. Skin slit, blood oozing forth. “Your beloved can feel this.” Lines creased his forehead, smoothed away abruptly. Could he feel it, too? “You have a sharp tongue. Guard it better, or he will suffer each time you defy me.”

“Stop!” I cried, fighting my queasiness. “Please . . . just stop.” How I loathed him, his delight in toying with us, the fact we were at his mercy.

He dropped his hand, ignoring the blood that trickled down his arm. “Next time, I’ll slice his vein.”

I shook my head frantically. “Let me speak to him.”

“Try asking nicely,” he suggested.

“Please,” I said through gritted teeth.

“No.” A laugh followed.

I drew a shaking breath. I wouldn’t beg; it would make no difference. Glancing outside at the reddish skies, I asked, “Is this the Netherworld?”

He inclined his head. “You are the first mortal to have the honor of coming here.”

And even though I’d already known, his confirmation came as a blow. I sat back down on the mattress, pressing my hands to my head, my palms stinging from the cuts.

“You have me trapped. Why don’t you let Chengyin go?”

He rubbed the birthmark on his face. “I don’t like this form, these flaws, but I have need of him yet. Don’t forget, I protect him while I have use of him—while you are of use to me.” He yawned as though bored. “It was not easy to secure this host. It took threats against his mother’s life before he succumbed.”

I bit back the curse that leapt to my tongue. “Where is Aunt Shou?”

“Why don’t you stop worrying about everyone else and look to yourself? Do you know why we want you?”

The Divine Pearl Lotus? My gut hollowed, my pulse racing unsteadily. They didn’t know I’d surrendered it to Zhangwei. My heart ached as I recalled how he’d called my name, searching for me even after he’d gotten what he wanted. Could he find me here? Regardless, I had to keep up the pretense, afraid of what they’d do to Chengyin and me once they learned the truth.

“Why don’t you tell me?” I said, drawing him out.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” He examined the chamber, wrinkling his nose. “The Lady of Tianxia should not have to suffer the indignity of such quarters. If you promise to behave, you will be treated as my guest.”

Unease slithered over me. I didn’t like accepting favors from those I did not trust, those who threatened and coerced to get their way. “What does being ‘your guest’ entail?”