"They have a confession," Jason warned.
"From who? The people who attacked us?" Eva snapped. "Because they would never lie to the people who were going to end their miserable existences."
"They knew things about you," Darius said, his expression reserved. "About all of us that they shouldn't have. It can only point to a traitor among our ranks."
Eva looked at him. "And because I'm not one of you, it has to be me."
Tiredness dragged at her. It always came down to the same thing. It didn't matter how hard she fought, she doubted she'd ever conquer this obstacle. Truthfully, she didn't even know if she wanted to anymore.
"I would have thought you'd address that weakness by now," she told Darius in a harsh voice. "This wouldn't be the first time one of your own turned on you."
He observed her, his expression grave.
There was a shout of surprise as a dark shape dropped into the midst of those holding Sebastian.
Sharp claws flashed out, cutting the net and scattering the Kyren’s captors. Sebastian screamed, his wings flaring now that they were free.
"Furthermore, I couldn’t have stolen the Kyren from you, simply because he was not yours to begin with," she hissed, emotion making her reckless. "He’s free to do as he wills, whether that means abandoning the battle halfway through, or carrying a herd mistress back to you so she can warn you of the danger to one of your own."
Ajari straightened, moving into the light of the campfire as he lifted his clawed hand to his lips to lick the blood off it.
The men who had held Sebastian captive were alive, but hadn’t escaped unscathed. Claw marks were visible on various parts of their bodies.
"Well said, little caller," Ajari said, his dark eyes coming to rest on Eva. Approval shown in them.
"Believe me or not, I really don't care at this point," Eva told Darius. "But at least send people to check where I left Caden. He, at least, doesn't deserve to be abandoned."
Hanna stepped up beside Darius, her face tense as she glanced over the rest of them. She was silent as they waited for Darius's response.
Eva knew that despite Ajari's timely arrival, they stood little chance of surviving if Darius decided to end them.
Eva struggled to think of a way to defuse the situation. Thinking of the unfairness of it was unproductive. The world was a cold place. You made your own way through your own power.
Losing time to self-pity was a waste and wouldn't help anyone—including herself.
An arm dropped onto her head as Ajari propped his chin on it. Eva strained to remain straight and tall.
"It's the way of the world, little caller. We are always leery of those who are different from us. Accept it. Use it to your advantage," he advised.
Eva sighed. He was only telling her what she already knew.
She met Darius's waiting gaze. "Are you going to help me or not?"
If he wasn't, she'd have to figure out another way to save Caden. Maybe Ajari would help her.
Though relying on the fickle mythological wasn't her first choice.
"We will go," Darius said finally. "You'd best pray he's there and still breathing. You won't like what we do to you if he's not."
Eva jerked her chin down. It was a fair deal. She'd take it.
"What should we do about the Kyren?" Laurell asked.
Darius studied Sebastian with a thoughtful expression. "Much as it pains me to admit it, she's right. We don't own him. He is free to come and go as he pleases."
A few of the Trateri looked at Sebastian with disappointment.
Sebastian's neck reared back in satisfaction as he moved toward Eva. Darius gestured and the Anateri at her back moved to intercept him.
