Broken Promise (The Broken Ones Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

this world has grown
since we were sent here. Life creates power, and all power returns to its
source, one way or another. Do you understand?"
    "Not at all," she said in
annoyance.
    "Where do you think these
prophecies come from? At one time, there was no such thing. But the magic has
grown, and at some point it became aware, aware of this world and the beings
upon it."
    She stared at him in bewilderment.
"You're saying the magic is alive?"
    "In some sense, perhaps. To what
extent I do not know. Yet it aids us now, with prophecy, with gifting you with
so much. Think on that."
    "But…why? Why would it want to help
us?"
    "Not so much help us perhaps, but
to destroy the Vor. They are unnatural creatures. The Vor-ai, as well as some
of the others, consume magic. With them, not only is it not returned, when they
feed on others, it is lost altogether."
    Shaking her head, she struggled to
believe what he said. "So you think the…magic, it can see the future? That
is even more impossible than everything else you've said."
    "Not believing will not make the
prophecies go away." He shook his head. "Kei believes, and he knows
more than he'll tell you or I. If you will not play your part and listen, then
you leave me little choice."
    Fear skittered up her spine at the
finality of his tone. "What do you mean," she whispered.
    He spread his hands. "If you will
not use him, then I will."
    "Do not threaten me," she
said, her words clipped and furious.
    He chuckled in amusement. "You are
not strong enough to fight me."
    "Not yet."
    His head tilted slightly, giving her a
brief acknowledging nod. However, the twist of his lips indicated his amusement
at the thought. "Best keep your manners about you, child." His
knuckles briefly brushed down her cheek. "It is not in your or your
friends’ best interest to anger me. We both know how that turns out. Don't we?"
    Words lodged in her throat as he turned
and disappeared into the shadows with unnatural speed.
    "Rot." She briskly rubbed her
hands over her face. Damon's words had clearly been a threat. Exactly what he
threatened she didn't know, other than it involved Kei. Once again, she'd said
something wrong.
    Frustration and anger made her growl out
loud. Spinning on her heel, she took off into the trees. She couldn't do
anything right. It seemed like she never could.
     
    ∞ ∞ ∞
     
    She ran, her thoughts at least on Kei
instead of her lost prince. Had she inadvertently put him in danger? It was so
hard to tell with Damon. She never knew what he wanted, or what he pulled from
her thoughts when they spoke. Something she thought inconsequential could mean
more to him.
    Anger continued to simmer within her as
the sun moved across the sky. Kei didn't return. Her run remained quiet except
for the occasional thought from Garen or Bo on their location.
    A shadow flickered in the trees to the
left.
    Garen?
    Yes?
    Are you near?
    No?
    I thought I saw something.
    The settlement is close. It is likely
another Were.
    Relief settled over her. The long day
and her run had begun to tire her. Her legs ached, and the stomach muscles she'd
healed only a few days ago screamed for rest. Raging emotions hadn't helped
either. Being confused was exhausting. Soon they'd arrive and have a bed to
sleep in, and hopefully a good meal as well.
    I'll wait for you.
    Slowing to a stop, she closed her eyes
for a moment, trying to settle her breathing. Sweat caused her clothes to stick
to her in spots, and strands of hair clung to her damp face. Pulling the
leather tie from her hair, she stuck it between her teeth and attempted to
finger-comb her hair into some semblance of order. Though she likely looked a
mess, and probably didn't smell that great either, she wanted to not look a
total disaster when she arrived.
    Though the Were had seen her worse.
Their alpha Rhee-En had brought her mauled body to them for healing. Despite
their best efforts, she'd almost died. Only Prince's knowledge and Fey magic
eventually saved