"And you tell him" Elin said, voice calm enough to be terrifying.
"To break the contract."
She didn't stay much after she said it.
Elin straightened, released Raizen's hand like it had only ever been a tool, and turned away with the sphere already steady in her hand. The fog engulfed her silhouette as she moved away.
Raizen stood there with the knife in his palm, feeling its light weight and the absurdity of the instruction weighing on his shoulders.
Spy.
You will not be seen.
Wait for the red threads.
Then tell the dying ruler of Ukai to break a contract Raizen didn't even fully understand.
Elin reached the dragon and vaulted up with a smoothness that made it look easy. The beast shifted under her, light shining a bit brighter beneath scales, but it didn't move or rise yet. It just waited patiently for Elin's next command.
Elin glanced back over her shoulder.
