Page 17 of A Thief to Die For

He saw my face.

A prayer falls from my lips as I rip down my high ponytail, drawing my dark hair forward to hide as much as I can. Then I still. Stare off at the wall. Pretend I am the wall.

Several sets of boots stride by me. My skin itches as it feels like someone is staring at me.

‘Greetings. I hear you had an eventful night,’ Atlas says, congenially. ‘You released my guardsmen?’

‘It was the least we could do.’

My pulse thrums faster as I hear his voice. Recognise it. Still, I need to see with my own eyes. I wait for the three men to stand in front of the dais before cautiously letting my gaze find them – and … my stomach seizes. Damnation, it’s him. The urge to flee is like a fever now. And if I weren’t certain Atlas would call me back, I’d be long gone.

As per procedure, they’ve all been stripped of their weapons, protective vests and jackets before entering. They’re wearing matching dark trousers with large pockets and snug T-shirts; soldiers of some kind, they have to be. I study the frame of the man I fought. Although a delicate chain hangs around his neck, his shoulders – his entire build, really – speaks to his strength. A body honed from strict training, which I experienced when we fought. He knew what he was doing, and very few people could stay on a panicked horse the way he did, me included. All while expertly wielding his bow.

Whatever – whoever – he is, he’s dangerous.

Where did you come from? It can’t be from either of the two small settlements to the east before the Rockies. Grimwater is armed, but not like these men, and we already have a trade deal with them – their bricks and iron for our coal. And Ashbreak’s falling apart – useless leaders, worse security. They also barely have proper clothing, never mind matching uniforms.

The only other option is Lower Beaver Trading Post, a day’s ride south of here. But like everyone else, they’re already our customer. The largest. And with all the violence they deal with running their goods between their three forts across the Republic, they’d never hand over their weapons for a meeting.

So they’re strangers, which begs the question – what do these men really want?

Most outsiders come seeking shelter and safety, taking a position in the mine or something better if they have the skills. For every trader and caravan with business intentions, countless more are thieves. A snake in the grass, pretending they don’t know we’re the largest and wealthiest settlement in hundreds of miles – self-sufficient with our own barns and agriculture, and an endless source of coal. Is that what they are? Predators here to scope us out to loot?

Can we risk finding out?

I know I can’t.

I study him closer. He has short hair the colour of soaking wheat, and his face is the kind of handsome that no doubt makes opportunities fall at his feet. Except it won’t help him here.

The next man appears to be a couple of years younger than I am. He’s shorter, less built. But in a few years, I’m sure he’ll be just as formidable.

I’m truly glad I didn’t have to fight the last man. Not only is he taller than everyone by a hand or two, I didn’t know muscles could get that big. For some reason, he looks disgruntled, which further sets me on edge.

‘I’m Ryland, and this is Samuel and Levi,’ Ryland says.

Atlas gives a dismissive wave. ‘I don’t need names. Just tell me where you’re from.’

Ryland hesitates, glancing around – until his gaze lands on me.

I suck in a sharp breath, unprepared.

His head tilts. A question forms in his eyes. And then something too close to recognition crosses his face.

My jaw clenches as I implore him with a look to stay silent.

‘I’m waiting,’ Atlas spouts.

‘Doesn’t matter where we come from,’ Samuel says. ‘We’re here to discuss a trade for coal.’

Ryland frowns, struggling to tear his questioning gaze from me. ‘What he means …’

‘Get out,’ snaps Atlas. He points. ‘I want him – the big one – out of here. Now.’

Coatl, who remained standing at Atlas’s side, grips the hilt of his sword and takes a threatening step forward.

‘What the hellfire do you mean, get out?’ Samuel barks. ‘We just got here.’

Atlas raises his chin. ‘I don’t like your attitude. You’re lucky I’m only kicking you out. I could have you killed for speaking to me that way.’