My gaze dipped down to those bowed lips, the dark stubble that I remembered scraping deliciously over my skin. “It’s not enough.”
His body tightened over mine. “No, it’s not.”
A chorus of whistles and applause jerked my attention away. Maz and Ruru grinned from their seats as if we’d put on a spectacular show.
Nikella’s expression was closely guarded. “Better. Again.”
Maz and Ruru went hunting with Maz’s whistler and simple metal darts, while Aiden and I fought over and over.
Aiden quickly picked up on my little tricks, so I had to keep getting creative. It was actually a bit... fun. And invigorating, despite my body feeling like one big bruise.
Nikella only let us stop when I sneaked in my first “killing” blow. By then, Maz and Ruru had already eaten their roasted quail and were now dozing next to the fire.
“No need to wake Maz,” Nikella said, settling herself on a rock in the shadows with her naked spear. “I’ll take first watch.”
Aiden gave her a heavy look, his lips pressed tightly together. Perhaps I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed Nikella’s surliness.
But he said nothing and went to check on the horses, chewing on leftover quail meat.
I used my sleeve to wipe the sweat from my brow, then sat on the ground next to Nikella.
She said nothing, merely continued to stare into the dark woods.
“Are you worried about Jek and the others?” I asked quietly.
I’d told her what Jek had told me—about his feelings on Arduen’s Night seven years ago. Her eyes had flared, and she’d ridden alone the rest of the day. She’d been more withdrawn than ever on this journey.
“They can take care of themselves,” she said.
I clasped my arms around my drawn-up knees. “Is it Korvin then? Is that why you’re pushing me harder than Ruru?”
“You asked for my help. Do you not want it anymore?”
I blew out a frustrated breath. Stubborn woman. “Of course I do. I’m just... I’m just worried about you, Nikella.”
She finally looked down at me, surprise loosening the frown etched between her brows. She studied me for a moment in that way of hers. Then her shoulders relaxed under her long hood.
“The letter you sent to Henry,” she said slowly. “It made me think of preparations I should make if Korvin accomplishes what he’s wanted all these years and kills me.”
“That won’t happen,” I declared.
She gave me a look that clearly told me she didn’t need my reassurance. “It might. And it made me realize I need to prepare you as much as possible for what is coming.”
“Why me?”
“Because my brothers are after you, too,” she said, her eyes pained. “Not to kill you, but to make you a monster like them. I can’t let that happen.”
Did she think I would become Renwell’s little soldier again, like Aiden had suggested on the mountain?
I clenched my jaw. “They won’t. I feel nothing but vengeance for them.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. Revenge only takes. It never gives.” She glanced to where Aiden was bedding down for the night near Maz and Ruru. “What has revenge ever given Aiden? Or you?”
Loss. Betrayal. Pain.
“Should they get away with every crime they commit?” I demanded.
Nikella shook her head. “They should be held accountable for every atrocity. Justice is for the good of everyone. Revengeis only for yourself.” She stroked her fingers along the gleaming silver of her spear. “Renwell killed our father.”
