167

VAELIA

Zarek's arms stiffened slightly around me as the woman smirked, tilting her head just enough for the dim candlelight to glint off my hairpin.

"Oh? So you're the one we've been waiting for?" she mused, crossing her arms.

Her voice was smooth, confident, but something about it made my stomach twist.

"I'm Frayva," she continued. "The one who's been keeping your mate alive."

What?

How is that e