Free Cursed by Christina Bauer

discussion.
    Jakob plunked down by the fire. “Is this the same one that Laurel dressed up?”
    My eyes narrowed. Dressed up? I’m not a doll, thank you very much.
    â€œQuiet, Jakob,” said Laurel.
    â€œSo, it is the same one. How many Necromancers do you need to talk to before you believe me? They’re all useless.”
    I was rapidly starting to dislike Jakob. “I’m not an ‘it’.”
    He ignored me, which made my blood heat up even faster. “Well, Rowan?” asked Jakob.
    â€œElea is an independent Necromancer who cast a transport spell from the Eastern steppe.”
    The other four exchanged looks of disbelief.
    â€œImpossible,” said Laurel.
    â€œYou’re the only mage powerful enough to do that,” added Orion.
    â€œAnd she’s a woman,” said Flint.
    â€œYou think women mages are weaker?” I asked. Everyone nodded except for Rowan. I shook my head. I’d read that Casters didn’t have many women mages, but I had no idea it was like this.
    Jakob turned to Rowan. “So, what do you want with this one?”
    â€œ This one is right beside to you,” I said. “And I’ll discuss my plans with Rowan, and Rowan alone.”
    Jakob narrowed his bloodshot eyes. “I’m Rowan’s right-hand man.”
    I glared right back at him. “Clearly, the team needs improving.”
    â€œAnd that will be you, eh?” Jakob looked me over from head to toe. Twice. His mouth wound into a wicked smile. Right. One of the grain merchants I traded with loved this tactic. Leer at the girl and get her flustered. That wouldn’t work on me.
    â€œYou’re quite pretty, you know that?” asked Jakob. The Caster ladies groaned and rolled their eyes. “In fact, you’re the first pretty mage we’ve met who isn’t the Tsar’s pawn. You’re what, twenty or so seasons old?”
    Rowan’s voice lowered. “Leave her be.”
    â€œMaybe she don’t want to be alone.” Jakob leaned in closer. “You got yourself a man?”
    I stared at the flames and kept my features level. I wouldn’t acknowledge such a question. It broke about ten different Necromancer customs even to ask it.
    â€œI can see the answer for myself, you know.” Jakob pointed to my ring finger. “You do have a man. And since he’s not here, I’m thinking he left you high and dry.” Jakob frowned. “What a shame.”
    I shot him a cold look. “Why don’t you sober up?” My words were meant to be tough, but my voice wavered with pain. Damn . Never show a bully your weak spot. I might as well have offered a raw side of beef to a wolf.
    Jakob grinned. “Why don’t you answer my question about that man of yours?”
    â€œI have nothing to say to you.” My voice was calm that time, but the damage was already done.
    â€œKnew it!” Jakob pointed directly at my nose. “You’re holding back on us.” He rose to loom over me. “I heard how you were snooping around before. Asking questions about Genesis Rex.”
    Snooping? I merely noticed they had helms and asked Rowan an honest question. Still, I wasn’t going to play this game, either. He was baiting me to fight about what I’d said before, not what he was doing now. “I won’t justify myself to you.”
    â€œYou’re really in league with the Tsar, aren’t you? Say it!”
    I rose so we stood toe to toe. All Petra’s warnings about emotion vanished. I raised my right fist to show off my betrothal ring. “The man who gave me this is dead. Viktor cursed both him and me. Now, he suffers in flame and unless I kill Viktor, then I’ll die, too. Does that satisfy your curiosity?” I turned to Rowan. “Him or me. One of us leaves.”
    â€œWhat?” Jakob spread out his arms. “What did I do?”
    â€œWhat you always do,” mumbled