through the mine. I closed my eyes and let my mind drift to shapes and colors that ebbed and flowed with Ashur’s gentle touch. It wasn’t until the water dripped down my crack that I startled. But a slow stroke up and down was all that he delivered.
When he was at last finished, the air around us was steamy and my whole body was relaxed. Ashur took his turn next, washing himself thoroughly, as though it were some rare but sacred ritual. I watched the sponge pass over his bulging muscles and drip along the lines of his veins, hair glistening with moisture.
Having completed that, he retrieved a cloth towel and patted me dry. Before I could think to ask for any clothing, he’d gone to a trunk in the corner of the room and returned with a tunic. The fabric was soft, but not like cotton or silk. Linen, maybe? It was clean but had the staleness of something that had been stored away for many years.
Ashur left me alone once more and returned with strips of dried meat and fruit, a few hard, cracker-like things, and a pitcher of water. I passed on the meat, and despite his disapproving grunts, he ate my portion of it.
After we’d finished, he directed me back to the rug. My heart hammered wildly. This strange garment left my body way too exposed. My shoulders pressed against the rock wall as I perched there, not quite sitting or lying. If I tried to run, I’d only get about three feet before the chain yanked me back.
Ashur spread out on the rug beside me. He glanced up at me with his inquisitive eyes and seemed to smile, as much as his broad snout would allow. He rubbed the hair on his chest and seemed content to simply lie there. My eyes drifted the length of his body, and I was relieved to find him mostly flaccid.
Just as I was contemplating my next move, I realized he’d fallen asleep. His breath came in soft snores, and he slept with the confidence of a being with nothing to fear.
Why would he trust me? Despite my lesser size and strength, there were weapons within my reach—heavy objects that could be used as bludgeons. Stabbing instruments. Not to mention my teeth, which could definitely do some damage.
To fall asleep practically in my lap was reckless, and it baffled me. He’d drugged me, kidnapped me, and chained me to his bedroom floor. Wasn’t he the least bit afraid I might retaliate?
But if I did, I might be trapped in this mine forever. Hungry and alone.
You were coming for me—I knew that. I just had to be patient and keep Ashur subdued, like that tiger in the zoo. Hadn’t Mater taught me how to tame wild beasts?
30
Henri
There were cobwebs in my mind, a burning in my throat, and a righteous indignation that something precious had been stolen from me. I reached to my side instinctively, the space you normally occupied. Gone. It came back to me in a rush. Your capture and my fruitless search.
Why was I lying on the rock in this godforsaken mine instead of looking for you?
Lucian.
I reached for my pugio—nothing. And then for my sword, absent as well. I opened my eyes at last to find Lucian kneeling above me with another syringe, his thumb poised on the plunger in preparation to stab.
“I’m hoping you’ll listen to reason,” he said with a sunny smile, “but either way has its perks.”
“Don’t you dare drug me again,” I rumbled.
“Then let’s be calm and talk things over.”
I assessed our surroundings and tried to determine the time—day, night, who knew?
“How long has it been?”
“A few hours.” Lucian lowered his arm. I rose to a seated position and glanced at my watch. My timepiece had stopped, likely as soon as we’d entered into the Shade Vale. My hunger told me it had been at least that long. Lucian pressed a blood bag into my lap and moved away before I could grab hold of him. “First, eat, and then we’ll go find Vincent.”
“Where is Seneser?” I sniffed the air but couldn’t detect his scent.
“I sent him along with supplies to locate Mother. He’ll mark the way for us.”
“And that damned cat?” Lucian’s plan was so outrageous, it might actually work.
“Readying herself for the day’s toils.”
Lucian’s light beam swung in her direction, and I spotted your sullen feline a few yards away, licking herself. Her iridescent eyes flashed in my direction.