The Dawn Chorus (The Bone Season, #3.5)

by Samantha Shannon

He said it as if it were the simplest thing in the world. They had been willing to trade their freedom and power for my life. ‘Thank you,’ I said. ‘For not giving up on me.’ ‘Never.’

‘And if he can’t find the medicine?’ ‘Then I bid you farewell, Paige, and thank you for our agreeable acquaintance.’

‘Warden, please don’t dissuade me from the solitary mote of joy I have left in my tragedy of a life. I’m being hunted by a tyrant, my entire family is missing or dead, and I’m fresh out of the torture chamber. Please, just let me enjoy my coffee.’ ‘Second cupboard on the left.’

‘I am with you out of loyalty and fondness, not a sense of obligation. You said I was your friend, and no matter what we are or have been to each other, you are also mine.’ He held my gaze. ‘I am here for as long as you want me with you, Paige Mahoney.’

When Warden came back, he was carrying a mug of coffee and a bottle of illegal wine. ‘Your vice,’ he said, ‘and mine.’