"Of course the arrow is poisoned," Aria snarled, half-laughing, half-shouting as she scrambled out of the wrecked carriage. "Why would anything ever be simple in this godforsaken place?!"
Leander was already on his feet, one hand clamped over the shaft still jutting from his shoulder. Dark veins were beginning to spider outward from the wound. His face had gone pale, but his golden eyes remained sharp.
"Horse," he said through gritted teeth. "The one I cut loose. Now."
Aria spun, spotted the panicked animal still tangled in part of the broken traces, and lunged for it. Her swollen wrist screamed in protest as she fumbled with the leather. She had never been a confident rider even in the best conditions. Right now she felt like a complete amateur.
"Come on, you stubborn bastard—move—"
She finally dragged the horse free. Leander somehow swung up behind her with a hiss of pain, his good arm locking hard around her waist.
"I can't—" Aria began.
