“Does it matter?” I countered, arms steady.
“Your friend is, right?” He dabbed his arm against his slick forehead.
I didn’t respond. Incriminating her or me wouldn’t bode well among a group so callous.
He sighed, grimacing as he pivoted to fully face me. “Yes, it does matter. If you want my help, that’s something I need to know.”
Something about his demeanor, his calm energy, the smoothness when he spoke made me question his intentions.Listening to the others, witnessing their actions, I’d accurately assessed their threat level. The man before me, though, he was different. I, for one, would definitely not be as calm if someone had just shot me with an arrow and threatened my life.
I knew enough to keep my guard up, hence why my arrow remained pointed. Yet, when he asked me about my magic, I didn’t sense any ill intention, regardless of the answer. A lump formed in my throat as I found myself aware of that vacant spot on my shoulder. Braxius was a good judge of character, and I missed hearing his little voice in my mind. If he were here, he’d warn me if he sensed something off.
But he wasn’t, and I had to hope he’d started the journey back home. So here I stood, face-to-face with a stranger, relying on nothing but my own judgments and observations. “Tell me why you need to know,” I said, this time with intentional softness.
“Leverage,” he said.
“Well, at least you’re honest.” I huffed an unamused laugh. Unusual to have an enemy so forthright and honest.
“Not against you, against them.” He pointed his chin toward the road.
“Whatever trick you’re trying to play, I’m not falling for it. Take me to the outpost, you’ll lead.” I wouldn’t allow him to manipulate or distract me, and I certainly wouldn’t take my eyes off him.
For a moment, he stared at me as if in contemplation. His hands balled at his sides, muscles flexing along his exposed forearms from the movement. My skin heated when his gaze peered over my shoulder, most likely counting the remaining arrows in my quiver. He’d know I couldn’t take all his companions out.
“I promise I’ll let you live if you don’t fuck me over. I just want to save my friend.” Did he notice the slight tremble in my voiceat my raw honesty? My desperation? His gaze returned to me, and my chest felt leaden as I waited for his response.
Far from safe, I still nearly sobbed when he dipped his chin in agreement. So much of how this would play out was still unknown, but I only had to worry about the next step. Now, that was to have him lead me to where this group would gather.
Returning a nod of my own, a silent contract formed between us. I didn’t have reason to believe him, nor him me, but in these desolate woods, a temporary pact between strangers held the weight of life or death.
Exactly who’s was still unclear. His, mine, Alba’s, or his crew.
Stepping aside, I wordlessly instructed him to move. He found great difficulty in those first strides, battling the uneven brush that surrounded us. Eventually we emerged onto the road, no sign of anyone else. Judging by his speed, or lack thereof, I knew the distance between Alba and I would only grow.
Would I make it to her in time? I had no idea how grave her injury was, or if any of those with her had the ability to treat it. Doubtful that even if they could, they would bother. They’d done this to her, to make her submissive to their will.
Three arrows remained. The sharp, pointed tips called for their blood. That would leave two of them alive, and even with this man injured, he might have magic up his sleeve. If he had wind like Rav, he could easily overpower me with that alone, send my arrows scattering into the trees where I couldn’t access them. Alba wouldn’t survive any sort of confrontation like that.
The man limped in front of me as we continued along the road. I kept my aim on him. If he attempted to stand against me, to draw upon any magic, I wouldn’t hesitate to let this arrow fly.
Part of my soul felt like it was falling into shadows at the things I was thinking on this trip. The things I was doing. Who I was becoming.
He veered to the left at the fork, following his companions. I assessed his tall frame, his lean but muscular build. Was he a soldier? What kind of training did this group in the north have? Would have been helpful if Taja had given meanyinformation.
Before today, I would have sided with the northern settlement. An enemy of Taja would normally be considered a friend of mine. But the vile actions of these people proved them evil, and now I was tossed into a pit between two venomous snakes. My mind gave birth to more questions as we silently and slowly headed north.
“Your group,” I said, “what is their purpose?”
The man before me winced with every step, but he did not complain or beg. “Power,” he stated coldly.
His blunt confessions kept catching me off guard. Where was his sense of self-preservation? Of allegiance? Ravinder and Radhak trained our fighters to never reveal information about our camp or our people. Was this a tactic? To confuse me? I had to admit it was working. Damn, that’s clever.
“Why do you want power?” If he wanted to spill the beans, I’d drain every last piece of information I could.
“I don’t want power,” he replied with the same amount of cold indifference as before.
My mind clouded with irritation. Tossing conflicting statements at me to avoid giving real answers was also a smart move. “You know, I know exactly where to aim this arrow to leave you paralyzed,” I said with menacing lightheartedness. A show of control, demonstrating no fear.
“Good to know,” he said blandly, keeping a steady pace despite his near crippling injury.
