38
The Cave of Salt
Amlinn’s blood and breath froze within her.
Sayb’s gaze did not waver. Her eyes glowed in the dim light. “You vowed to help us. It is time for you to do so.”
“I can’t . . .” Amlinn choked out. “The Fence . . .”
“You must,” Sayb growled, and her hand went to her dagger.
Suddenly, the ice in Amlinn’s blood boiled away into hot anger. She heard herself screaming at the Mother Queen, vomiting furious words. “You killed my parents! I’ve spent my whole life listening to your kind howling outside the Fence, afraid you’ll get in and kill Grandfather, or me, or my playmates! Only the Fence kept you out, and now you want me to give you its secrets?” Her throat closed on the last word. Sobs racked her. She put her head down, closed her eyes, and thought, bitterly, And now sh
