Chapter 61

Neivayka walked forward slowly, not sure it was due to her reluctance or if it was pure insolence. Lorimer didn't rush her. In fact, he seemed to have the patience of a saint as he waited.

He held out his hand to her as soon as she stopped in front of him, but she refused to touch him. He raised an eyebrow at Pete, who was standing stiffly on Neivayka's shoulder, no doubt giving Lorimer the stink eye.

"Odd idea of companionship there, my queen," Lorimer commented dryly.

"I am not your queen. And I have found Pete to be an excellent companion over the last months. Loyal, brave, and protective," Neivayka replied, eyeing Lorimer. "And I did not have to steal his soul to get such traits from him."

Lorimer gave a harsh chuckle before capturing her hand against her will. And jerked her forward, forcing her to stumble against him.

"What a sharp tongue you have, my queen. I look forward to the day it gets curbed," he threatened her.