Page 89 of Crude Games

“Let’s go before it gets too hot,” Grave called out, and finished wrapping his shoulder-length hair into a bun on top of his head. “We’re already late.”

Ryder stepped forward and gazed down at me with what might’ve been mistaken for adoration. He placed a light kiss on my lips, igniting the smallest spark deep in my core. But it wasn’t big enough to ease my discontent.

Zalzre flattened to the ground, and Grave beckoned to me. With caution, I stepped forward to the beast and ignored the king’s outstretched hand. He too had forced me into the agreement,and I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of accepting his assistance.

Even with the wyvern against the ground, the amount of work it would take to climb up was daunting. The moment I felt hands around my waist, I whirled on the man.

“I don’t need your help,” I bit out, as I pushed both hands against his chest. He didn’t falter. He was a man of thick, stony muscle. Only after I shot him a hard stare did he take a step back and cross his arms.

Turning, I attempted to climb up on the beast’s neck on my own; each time failing more gloriously than before.

“Push yourself up onto your stomach and then swing your leg over,” Grave offered, “like riding a horse without a saddle.”

“I don’t,” I grunted as I pushed up with my arms. “Want. Your. Help.” A moment later, I slid back down.

“Okay.” Grave smirked. “But do you think we may make it out of here by the end of the day?”

Ryder sighed and approached the beast, being sure to glare at the king as he did. “Here.” Ryder interlaced his fingers and gave me a boost. It was just enough to get in position to swing my leg over and straddle the creature.

Amalee gestured Fisher to her wyvern, causing a small dispute about who would sit behind who. After a full minute of arguing, Fisher took his seat on the beast, and Amalee settled in behind him. The guard grimaced as the thin woman wrapped her arms around him right before they shot up into the sky

“See you in a month,” Grave offered before saddling in behind me. “It was a pleasure as always.”

My stomach pitted as the man settled at my back. He wrapped a thick arm around my waist and spread a wide hand across my abdomen; my breath quickened as panic set in. For so long I’d been chasing after goals, and each was nearly in my grasp. I’d won the prince, would have access to the King ofRivale upon my return, and likely even get the name of the executioner from Ryder; yet nothing was right.

I’d begun as the hunter and, with the flick of the prince’s wrist, I'd turned into the prey.