2_-_court_of_mist_and_fury_a_-_sarah_j._maas

“Hybern.”
“Army?”
“Coming soon.”
“How large?”
“Endless. We have allies in every territory, all waiting.”
Rhys cocked his head as if contemplating what to ask next. But he straightened, and
Azriel slammed into the snow, sending it flying like water from a puddle. He’d flown in so
silently, I hadn’t even heard the beat of his wings. Cassian must have stayed at the house
to defend my sisters.
There was no kindness on Azriel’s face as the snow settled—the immovable mask of
the High Lord’s shadowsinger.
The Attor began trembling, and I almost felt bad for it as Azriel stalked for him. Almost
—but didn’t. Not when these woods were so close to the chateau. To my sisters.
Rhys came to my side as Azriel reached the Attor. “The next time you try to take her,”
Rhys said to the Attor, “I kill first; ask questions later.”
Azriel caught his eye. Rhys nodded. The Siphons atop his scarred hands flickered like
rippling blue fire as he reached for the Attor. Before the Attor could scream, it and the
spymaster vanished.
I didn’t want to think about where they’d go, what Azriel would do. I hadn’t even
known Azriel possessed the ability to winnow, or whatever power he’d channeled through
his Siphons. He’d let Rhys winnow us both in the other day—unless the power was too
draining to be used so lightly.
“Will he kill him?” I said, my puffs of breath uneven.
“No.” I shivered at the raw power glazing his taut body. “We’ll use him to send a
message to Hybern that if they want to hunt the members of my court, they’ll have to do
better than that.”
I started—at the claim he’d made of me, and at the words. “You knew—you knew he
was hunting me?”
“I was curious who wanted to snatch you the first moment you were alone.”
I didn’t know where to start. So Tamlin was right—about my safety. To some degree. It
didn’t excuse anything. “So you never planned to stay with me while I trained. You used
me as bait—”
“Yes, and I’d do it again. You were safe the entire time.”
“You should have told me! ”
“Maybe next time.”
“There will be no next time! ” I slammed a hand into his chest, and he staggered back a