They settle near my feet alongside the others.
Revna watches with quiet amusement. “Cute. Your little shadow family is growing.”
I glance down. Bob’s already organizing them into formation. Linda’s hovering protectively. Mouse looks smug.
“I didn’t—”
“You did,” Revna says. “Whether you meant to or not.”
The village hums around me. Kids still watch from corners.
I’m not invisible here.
I’m not a weapon.
I’m not a mistake.
Mouse headbutts my ankle gently.
Like he’s saying,It’s time.
Chapter 12
Darian
I’ve been staying close.
Not too close. Just… near enough.
Helpful when asked. Silent when not. Careful not to intrude.
It’s a careful dance I’ve been performing, and I’m exhausted.
Malrik notices.
Fuck.
We’re walking through the village when he stops and turns to face me.
“You’ve been circling her like you’re afraid to get too close,” he says. “We need to talk about that.”
I tense immediately. “I’m not—”
“You are.” His tone is matter-of-fact. “And it’s not helping either of you.”
I don’t have a response to that.
He gestures for me to follow. We walk slowly through the square.
“I need to know nobody followed you when you came here,” Malrik says without preamble.
My shoulders stiffen. “Nobody followed me.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.”
He studies me for a long moment. “Good. Because I had you watched from the moment you left that arena.”
