"Maybe he had to be, considering her past," Fiona suggested.
"What past?" Eva asked narrowing her eyes.
"Don't get all prickly. Anyone with eyes can see you have scars. Deserved ones, from what you’ve told us, but it means someone interested in your affections will have to be a very patient hunter," Fiona said.
"Those gifts—that dagger especially—could be considered a courting dance," Hanna explained. "He's wooing you—in his own roundabout manner. He's spent a lifetime protecting someone who, when all is said and done, can really protect himself. There won't be any way he can keep himself from coming here given your vulnerabilities."
"I'm not helpless," Eva said sharply.
Hanna's face softened as she inclined her chin in a small nod. "No, you're not. You have many skills that are commendable, but you're also not a warrior versed in killing. That will prick at a man of Caden's background."
A head popped out of one of the doors to the side. Ghost had a leg of chicken he was bringing up to his mouth as he stared at them. "Are we really expected to sleep in these stone coffins?"
Fiona scowled. "Where did you get that?"
Ghost shrugged. "Around."
"He took it from the kitchen," Roscoe called from inside.
Fiona gaped. "You're eating food from this cursed place?"
"Food is food. I'm not letting it go to waste. That'd be ridiculous," Ghost said in a pragmatic voice.
"If you turn into something weird because of that chicken leg, just know I'll be happy to do my duty and put you down," Roscoe remarked cheerfully.
"Thanks, Roscoe. You're all heart."
Jason appeared, his eyes widening as he caught sight of the food in Ghost's hands. "You're eating food from this cursed place?"
Ghost shrugged. "It's no worse than some of what I've eaten in the past.”
"Warriors really are different than the rest of us," Jason observed.
Ghost pointed the chicken leg at him. "And don't you forget it."
Jason focused on Eva. "Sebastian hasn't come back yet. Also, this is yours."
He reached down, scooped up the fox and then deposited him into Eva's arms.
She blinked down at the innocent-looking face. He must have wandered off. She'd lost track of him shortly after her discussion with Ajari.
"I found him scrounging through my bags looking for food," Jason said.
"Sorry about that," Eva said with an internal wince. Just what she needed, to upset Jason more.
He shrugged. "Unless you told it to come find me, I'm not worried about it. It's cute. Kind of reminds me of the wichahoos we had in our homeland."
The fox tilted his head back to give Jason a look of disdain.
Jason jerked his thumb toward the outside. "Anyway, there’s something outside I thought you might want to see."
Eva hesitated. She should really help the rest get settled.
Fiona waved her away. "I have to corral this lot, but you’re free to go. I’ll catch up when I can."
Eva followed as Jason chattered at her. "Darius wants all of us to stick together. Most of us are either in this building or that one." He pointed to the one right next to theirs.
"Is that why you pulled me aside?" Eva asked.
