“You would be able to withstand close to any torment I afflicted upon you. She, however,” he sneered, shaking me back and forth for emphasis, “wouldn’t be able to.”

My heart leapt to my throat, and I found myself struggling to get away from his death grip.

“From the moment Lin brought you to me, I knew she was weakening. Emotions. Pah! I always told her they were useless things.”

Nausea swam around in my stomach; I clawed at the hand that was causing the incessant tugging on my hair – it was giving me a headache.

“I knew Lin would drop a hint. She is blinded by her ill judgment.”

Again, there was a long pause – I was jostled around, as if he were impatient.

“You play dirty.”

Cricket sounded murderous – it was enough to induce fear in me, and I fervently thanked the Heavens that he was my friend.

“The world plays dirty,” the man holding me answered.

My head was jerked backwards, making me squawk in protest.

I found my voice box, and kicked it into action.

“Must you be so predictable?!”