A strangely fascinating tradition. Was that what Aiden had on his back? A story to cover the scar they shared? I glanced at him, but he busied himself by tucking his shirt into his pants.
“Is it... safe for you here?” I asked Maz.
His huge shoulders hunched. “As long as I keep my hair cut and my skin covered, no one much notices.” He pulled on a long-sleeved shirt, then ran a hand through his blond hair. “You should see me with my grown hair and braids, like a true Dag warrior,” he said wistfully.
Why not go home then?I almost asked, but decided against it, seeing the scowl on Aiden’s face.
“What will your next tattoo depict?” I asked instead.
Maz’s grin came back in full force. “My lost axe. A tragic sacrifice for a heroic rescue.”
I winced, the explosion of metal ringing in my memory. Renwell never told me sunstone knives could dothat.
“I want one too!” Ruru piped up. “But can I have a bolt of lightning or something?”
Maz smirked and ruffled Ruru’s hair. “You’d have to come with me to Dagriel to find a stitcher first.”
I glanced over to see Aiden watching me. Did he think I would run for the nearest guard and tell him all about Maz?
Lifting my chin, I announced, “I think I’d like a key.”
Aiden quirked an eyebrow. “In memory of your thievery? Interesting.”
“Or in memory of a moment of pity,” I retorted.
His face darkened. “A regrettable moment, surely.”
For him or for me? Gods damn it, what was I doing? I was supposed to be earning his favor, wheedling my way into his life and his secrets. Not antagonizing him.
“I don’t regret it,” I said softly, rubbing my sore wrists. His must feel the same. I swallowed my anger and pride like a poison. “You were right. My plan to escape would’ve failed. I owe the three of you my life.”
Aiden looked away as if my gratitude made him uncomfortable, but Maz beamed. “You saved us valuable time with your little stolen key, lovely.”
I bared my teeth in a smile. “Ah, yes, my thievery. If it weren’t for my sleight of hand, Aiden might not have protected me from the jailer. Which I also thank you for,” I added, glancing at Aiden.
His eyes met mine, hard and glittering. “I didn’t know you had the key until I saw you shove it in your mouthafterI pulled you behind me.”
Lies, I wanted to scoff back. The poison bubbled in the back of my throat. No one put themselves in harm’s way without wanting something back. He’d wanted to release the other prisoners. He’d saved Ruru from further maiming. He’d helped rescue me.
But there was always a further goal beyond a noble deed. Even if it was to simply assuage a guilty conscience.
Silence leaked through the room like water from the storm while Aiden and I glared at each other. Why was he making it so gods-damn hard to be friendly?
Finally, Maz cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should rest a bit, eh? Ruru, you’d best change your clothes.”
“I gave them to Kiera.”
“I told him he didn’t have to,” I said quickly.
Maz waved me off. “No matter. Can you dress yourself?”
Aiden’s face went stony while mine flamed. “Yes,” I snapped.
Maz chuckled. “Pity. How about everyone turns around, yes? Pick a wall to stare at and mind your own business.”
I waited until the three of them faced away before I turned my back to them. Wriggling out of my wet clothes was a bit easier than my boots, but I was panting and sweating again by the time I was done.
“How’s it coming, Kiera?” Maz called out.
