A Soul for Vengeance Read Online Free Page B

A Soul for Vengeance
Book: A Soul for Vengeance Read Online Free
Author: Crista McHugh
Tags: Fantasy
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Soulbearer.”
    Somehow, she doubted that. But he offered the only solution to her current situation, and if he could help get her mother’s necklace back, she’d be willing to take the risk. “Then we’ll leave in the morning.”
    “Who says we have to wait until morning? The Empress and the entire Mage’s Council are occupied at the moment. What better time to leave than now?”
    Cinder whimpered as though he knew the contents of their private conversation. He came between her and the door, leaning against her and pushing her back from the escape route.
    “Isn’t it dangerous to go down the mountain at night?”
    Loku laughed. “That’s want they want you to believe. Besides, I’ve been up and down this mountain so many times over the centuries, I could navigate it while you slept.”
    “Sorry, but I don’t trust you that much.” The last glowing embers of the sun slid behind the mountains. Scaling the steep path in the dark would be dangerous—one false step could lead to a hundred foot drop—but Loku had a point about this being the perfect time to escape. She ruffled Cinder’s fur to calm him. “Let me change and pack up a few things.”
    It only took her a few minutes to switch her dress for a tunic and leggings that were more suitable for travel. She stuffed the dress into a sack and grabbed a few apples from the bowl in the center of the room. There wasn’t much else left to take. A fire had destroyed most of her belongings several months ago, but at least it made for lighter travel.
    When her gaze fell on Dev’s bed, however, her heart hiccupped. She’d been a fool to ever think she could change his mind… or win his heart. He was a knight, sworn to uphold a vow he made a century before he met her and unwilling to let anything come between him and his duty. And as much pain as his choice had caused her, it also made her admire him for his unwavering devotion to his promise.
    At least, until tonight. After learning that he wanted to be released of his vow to protect her, she no longer held him in such high esteem. He was a coward who chose to run away from his feelings rather than embrace them.
    You have no room to talk, she reminded herself. You’re running away, too. But I can’t afford to be hurt by him anymore. It’s time I took charge of my own life.
    She draped a warm cloak around her shoulders and hurried down the stairs, constantly checking around corners to make sure the path was clear before darting forward. Her hands trembled, and her magic simmered under the surface of her skin, ready to be called upon if needed. Cinder stayed close beside her, no longer hindering her escape but making it very clear he was coming with her.
    By the time she reached the stables and saddled up her horse, confidence had replaced any fear that may have choked her up. With each step, she grew more resolute. This was the best path for her to take now. She’d find her mother’s necklace and then find a way back home to help Kell. If there was any truth to the rumors that Thallus had invaded Ranello, he’d need her help. Months had passed since she’d last spoken to Kell through the mirror, and every attempt since then had ended in silence. She prayed it was because he was angry with her and not because of something more dire.
    Her steps slowed as she came to the main gate of the Conclave. Magic hummed along her skin, growing stronger the closer she got. She paused a couple of feet away, the humming morphing into dozens of tiny pinpricks. Any closer, and she feared what pain awaited her. “How are we going to get past the spell?”
    “By tricking it.” Loku’s magic wrapped around her like a blanket, soothing the prickling fire. “The spell was meant to keep you from passing through the gate. It wasn’t armed against me.”
    Arden knew what was required of her. She’d have to surrender to him if she wanted to sneak past the spell. “You promise to release me once we’re free?”
    “ Upon my

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