Her voice cut like ice. “Did Master send you? One of his hidden dogs?”
The word hung sharp and foreign in the air.
Zaki Lee’s chest heaved beneath her weight, confusion flashing in his eyes. Master? Dogs? What madness was she talking about?
“I don’t know who you think I am,” he said hoarsely, forcing calm into his tone. “I don’t serve anyone. I’m hunted. I came here to survive—and met you. That’s all.”
Easther’s blade pressed deeper, drawing a thin line of blood. Her gaze never wavered. Cold. Measuring. Searching for the lie.
“You’ve seen what you shouldn’t,” she murmured, each word precise and final. “Secrets don’t leave this forest alive.”
His breath caught. The slightest twitch of her hand would spill his life out onto the stone.
Zaki Lee grit his teeth. “Then kill me now. Or hea
