CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Emilia huddled at the corner of her cell, trying to formulate a workable escape plan. She winced when she looked around her windowless cell. Even if she managed to make it out of her cell, how was she going to get off the island?
Banet had left her alone after she refused to respond to his taunts. As he departed, Banet had mockingly told her that he would send a guard down to keep her company.
Emilia’s head jerked up when she heard approaching footsteps. She scrambled up to see a tall, brawny man with dark hair step in front of her cell.
Was this the guard that was supposed to keep an eye on her? Or was it Banet? The crafty warlock could change his appearance with a snap of his fingers.
“Who are you?” Emilia asked warily. “Are you...Banet?”
The man smirked. “Banet can change his appearance, but he can’t change into a dragon. Banet may be a powerful warlock, but he needs me more than I need him. So, no. I am not Banet.”
Emilia shook her head. This man struck her as a braggart and a liar, someone who indulged in self-aggrandizement at every opportunity.
“So who are you?” Emilia said carefully.
“Don’t you recognize me? We tangled in the park. Let me introduce myself. My name is Hawke.”
Emilia froze. “You...you’re the one who attacked me and shot me in the neck!”
Hawke shrugged and said, “I had to fly you all the way to this island. It’s easier to carry an unconscious load than a kicking, screaming load.”
Emilia swallowed. He did say that he could change into a dragon. She was facing a dangerous, deadly dragon.
Hawke smiled when he detected her fear of him. “In my line of work, being able to fly is a decided plus. I’m a professional bounty hunter.”
“I’m not a criminal or a fugitive,” Emilia snapped. “I’m no bounty.”
“But you are.” Hawke chuckled. “Banet offered me a very handsome reward for your capture. That makes you a very attractive bounty.” He came nearer and drawled, “Very attractive indeed.”
Emilia backed away. “Get away from me.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Hawke said, fishing out a key from his pocket. “I’m here to escort you to Banet’s special chamber at the top of the castle. He seems impatient to get his hands on your horn.”
“No...” Emilia looked around frantically as Hawke unlocked the cell door. “I won’t go with you. I won’t shift. I won’t shift into a unicorn...”
Hawke flung the door open and sighed. “It’s not up to you, darling. Banet is a warlock and he can put you under a spell. You will shift, whether you want to or not. Do you see this crazy storm around the island? Banet conjured up this storm,” Hawke said, throwing his hands up dramatically. “He stopped the storm temporarily to allow me to fly you to the island. He’s kind of paranoid, if you ask me.”
Hawke grabbed Emilia by the arm and dragged her out of the cell. “Come on now,” he cooed. “I don’t want to rough you up, so it’s better if you cooperate.”
“Let me go!” she screeched, trying to twist out of his grip and kick him.
Hawke grabbed both of Emilia’s wrists in his fist and jerked her towards him. “Maybe it’d be better for everybody if I knock you out,” he growled. “Consider it a mercy blow.”
“No! Take that!” she screamed, lurching forward to headbutt him. She refused to go down without a fight. This was the coward who had attacked her and tranquilized her. He had no conscience, no morals, no courage whatsoever.
Dragon or not, he was no better than Gisele. All he wanted was the money. “Go to hell!” Emilia snarled.
When he clamped his hand over her mouth, Emilia bit his hand viciously, sinking her teeth deep into his flesh and drawing blood.
Hawke cursed and backhanded her, flinging her to the ground. “I said I wouldn’t mess up your pretty face,” he spat, looming over her. But I guess I’ve changed my mind.”