Artemian stares at me, and then Bren whips past him to catch me by the shoulders, the silver piece he held falling to dangle from a chain wrapped thrice around his wrist. “Rae! Sweet child of a—”
“I’m being hunted,” I interrupt, jerking my chin toward the street behind me. My breath still comes in pained gasps. “Those men.”
His hands tighten on my shoulders, as if he dare not let me go. He cuts a quick glance at his companions. “Artemian? A distraction. Lirika, stay with us.”
His companions are already in front of us, blocking the approaching men’s view.
“Quickly now,” Bren says, sliding his arm around me and hustling me alongside him. I do my best to keep up with him.
We take the corner just as one of the men calls out. Artemian responds, sounding irritated.
“He’ll slow them down, t
